Embark on an Unforgettable Arctic Adventure: Whales & Cod Fishing in Northern Norway
Join us for an extraordinary journey into the captivating world of whales and the rich traditions of cod fishing amidst the stunning late winter landscapes of Norway. This week long experience takes you through the breathtaking scenery of the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands, a region renowned for its natural beauty and abundant marine life.
Your adventure begins in Oulu or Rovaniemi (Transfer supplement: €50 per person) and continues to the dramatic Norwegian coastline. The first evening is spent in comfort, preparing for the voyage ahead. The next day, we travel by ferry from Bodø to the magical Lofoten archipelago. In the charming coastal town of Svolvær, you’ll explore the local marine culture and enjoy the town’s unique atmosphere before heading further north to Sortland.
In Sortland, where we stay for three nights in a premium 4-star hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to experience some of the highlights of the trip:
- A thrilling whale safari with hopes of close encounters with these majestic creatures
- A guided visit to a whale museum, offering fascinating insights into these giants of the sea
- A tour of an authentic longline fishing village, where we explore both the history and modern practices of cod fishing, including traditional cod drying methods
Throughout the journey, a knowledgeable local expert will share captivating stories and in-depth knowledge of the region’s marine life and fishing heritage. A dedicated tour leader will accompany the group to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.
Accommodation is in high-quality 4-star hotels (double occupancy), with half-board included.
Discover the wonders of Northern Norway, from awe-inspiring wildlife to cultural heritage deeply rooted in the sea. This is more than a holiday; it’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Lisätietoja: tarja@saagatravel.fi
Late Winter Adventure to Vesterålen and the Lofoten Islands
The World of Whales & Lofoten’s Arctic Spring – March 21–27, 2026
Price: €1,695 per person
Day 1: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Oulu – Fauske | Overnight in Fauske (Dinner included)
- 07:15 – Departure from Rovaniemi bus station (Transfer supplement: €50 per person)
- 07:30 – Departure from Shell Oulunsalo
- 08:00 – Pick-up at Oulu Bus Station
- 09:20 – Pick-up at Kemi Bus Station
- 09:35–10:10 – Coffee break at Tornio ABC (self-paid) and pick up additional travelers
The journey continues across the Swedish border toward Fauske, Norway.
Accommodation: Scandic Hotel Fauske
We’ll enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.
Coffee and breaks will be taken during the drive.
Day 2: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Fauske – Svolvær | 3 nights in Svolvær (Breakfast, Dinner)
- 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
- Scenic ferry crossing from Bodø to Moskenes, arriving in the Lofoten Islands
- Drive across the islands to Svolvær
- Accommodation: Thon Hotel Svolvær, twin rooms
- Group dinner at the hotel
Day 3: Monday, March 23, 2026
Svolvær – Sortland (Breakfast, Dinner)
- 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
- 11:00–13:00 – Guided tour of Lofoten Aquarium, exploring the region’s marine life
- Free time in Svolvær for lunch (self-paid) and to explore the town
- Afternoon drive to Vesterålen, where a local guide will welcome us
- Accommodation: Scandic Hotel Sortland, 3 nights, twin rooms
- Optional short walking tour
- Group dinner at the hotel
Day 4: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Sortland – Andenes – Sortland | Whale Safari Day (Breakfast, Lunch)
- From 07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
- 08:45 – Departure for a full day dedicated to whales
- 11:00–16:00 – Whale safari and visit to the Whale Museum
- A comprehensive guided experience on whales and marine mammals
- Weather permitting, we hope to spot whales up close from our boat
- Late group lunch during the day
- Return to Sortland in the evening
Note: Whale safari is weather-dependent.
Day 5: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Sortland – Myre – Sortland | Cod Fishing Reality (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- From 07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart for the fishing village of Myre
- Guided day exploring the world of cod fishing
- Visit the authentic longline fishing village of Stø
- See fishing boats arrive, unloading their catch
- Observe traditional fish drying racks in use
- Lunch with local fishermen
- Return to Sortland in the evening for a group dinner
Day 6: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Sortland – Kiruna | Overnight in Kiruna (Breakfast, Dinner)
- From 07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
- Begin the return journey
- Lunch and walking break in Narvik (self-paid), with time to explore the town
- Drive through Abisko National Park en route to Kiruna, Sweden
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kiruna
- Group dinner at the hotel
Day 7: Friday, March 27, 2026
Kiruna – Oulu/Rovaniemi (Breakfast, Lunch)
- From 07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart through the scenic Swedish mountain landscapes back to Oulu/Rovaniemi
- Lunch and stretch breaks along the way
What’s Included
- Guided whale safari and Whale Museum visit
- Visit to an authentic longline cod fishing village
- Day tour into the realities of cod fishing and traditional drying methods
- Visit to the Lofoten Aquarium
- 6 nights in quality 4-star hotels, double occupancy
- Half-board (breakfast and one main meal daily)
- Professional tour leader throughout the trip
Discover the North
Join us to experience the unique nature of the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, the vibrant local culture, and the treasures of the Arctic sea. This journey offers unforgettable moments in one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions of Northern Norway.
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if necessary.
Late Winter Experience Tour to Vesterålen and the Lofoten Islands
The World of Whales and Arctic Spring in Lofoten March 21–27, 2026
Price: €1,695 per person
Trip Information
Payment: €1,695, due 2 weeks after confirmation
Total Price: €1,695 per person (shared double room)
Registration Deadline: February 21, 2026
Availability Inquiries: tarja@saagatravel.fi
Special Diets: Must be notified at least 30 days before departure
Passport / EU ID Card: Required for travel, please check visa requirements.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, including cancellation coverage
Itinerary: Subject to change
Included in the Price
- Travel by Saaga Travel’s air-conditioned tourist coach along the route Oulu – Fauske – Svolvær – Sortland – Andenes – Sortland – Myre – Sortland – Riksgränsen – Oulu
- Ferry crossing from Bodø to Moskenes
- Accommodation in shared double rooms at listed 4-star hotels:
- 1 night in Fauske
- 1 night in Svolvær
- 3 nights in Sortland
- 1 night in Riksgränsen
(Total 6 nights)
- If registering alone, a single supplement applies (+€395 per person)
- We assign room shares (by gender) in order of registration and will do our best to find a roommate
- Half-board: includes breakfast and one main meal (lunch or dinner) per day.
- Exception: one day includes both lunch and dinner
- Excursions as described in the itinerary, including the services of a local guide in Vesterålen for two days, in addition to the tour leader
- Tour leader present throughout the entire trip
Total tour price: €1,695 per person
Optional Extras
- Single room supplement: +€395 per person
- Front row bus seat reservation: €50 per seat pair – book via tarja@saagatravel.fi
- Second row bus seat reservation: €40 per seat pair – book via tarja@saagatravel.fi
Terms and Cancellations
Organizer: Saaga Travel Oy
The trip is organized under general travel package terms and Saaga Travel’s special terms. Please read the full terms on our website before booking.
This trip is a package tour as defined by EU Directive (EU) 2015/2302. Therefore, you are entitled to all applicable rights under EU law. Saaga Travel is fully responsible for the proper execution of the entire travel package. We have also provided the legally required protection for refunds and, where applicable, repatriation in case of insolvency.
Reservation: Complete your booking by paying via Saaga Travel’s Online Shop.
The trip will proceed if the minimum number of participants is met.
Booking deadline: February 21, 2026
If the minimum number of participants is not met by this date, the trip will be canceled, and all payments refunded in full.
Please note:
We reserve the right to change schedules and prices in accordance with Section 8.1 of the general travel terms (e.g., due to fuel cost or currency changes). The current package travel terms will apply.
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your trip at any time before departure. The following cancellation fees apply per person:
- 50% of total price, if cancelled 45 days or more before departure
- 100% of total price, if cancelled less than 44 days before departure
Photos: @VisitVestålen, @lauripietikäinen, @pixabay.com
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