Cycle through stunning scenery

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday along the Arctic Coast

Navigate the scenic arctic roads on this 8 day self-guided cycling trip in Northern Norway, travelling along the coastal route from Tromso to Svolvaer on the Lofoten Islands, a paradise for those seeking a real bicycle adventure. Breathe in the crisp sea air as you head off into an exciting and beautiful landscape, discovering dramatic coastlines, mountain peaks, picturesque fjords, sandy beaches and traditional fishing villages.

Starting from the city of Tromso, the 350 km route takes you south through arctic highlights including the idyllic island of Sommaroy, Senja - Norway’s second-largest island with it’s rugged coastline, the island Andoya with steep mountains and sandy beaches, before finally arriving on the stunning Lofoten Islands and it’s capital Svolvaer.

With accommodation booked and luggage transferred between every location, bike rental and equipment, packed lunches and evening meals, digital maps and of course amazing landscapes all included, this is a fantastic road trip for the keen cyclist and a great opportunity to experience arctic Norway at its best.

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Vesteralen scenery - photo credit Kjetil Paulsen visitvesteralen

Cycling in Gryllefjord - photo credit Baard Loeken nordnorge

Ersfjord Beach, Senja - photo credit Hans-Arne Paulsen nordnorge

Midnight sun on Senja - photo credit Reiner Schaufler nordnorge

Senja road - photo credit Frank Andreassen nordnorge

Cycling on Senja - photo credit Reiner Schaufler nordnorge

Cycle through beautiful scenery - photo credit Ernst Furuhatt nordnorge

Take a break and enjoy the view - photo credit Terje Rakke nordnorge

Hamn I Senja - photo credit Reiner Schaufler nordnorge

Mefjordvaer village - photo credit Reiner Schaufler nordnorge

MOuntain views - photo credit Thorsten Brenner

Cycling on Andoya Island - photo credit Oyvind Wold visitvesteralen

Self-guided cycling holiday - photo credit Terje Rakke nordnorge

Lofoten sheep - photo credit Ernst Furuhatt nordnorge

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1: Saturday

Arrive in Tromso and spend time exploring this delightful arctic city. There are several restaurants and cafes to enjoy the local cuisine before the adventure begins. Accommodation is based in a central hotel. Additional nights in Tromso before the tour starts can be arranged.

Day 2: Sunday

Collect the rental bikes and start the cycling trip by following the coast around the southern tip of Tromsoya Island, crossing the longest bridge in Norway Norway (1.2 km long and up to 45m high), continuing on Kvaloya Island with some great views of the majestic peaks. Then head along the fjord to Sommaroy, where you'll stay overnight at the Sommaroy Arctic Hotel. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may wish to hike to Hillesoytoppen, enjoying magnificent views of the ocean and Senja Island.

Today’s ride is approximately 62 km / 39 miles.

Day 3: Monday

Cycle to the ferry quay, approximately 7 km away and take the ferry to Botnhamn in Senja. After arriving in the north of the island, you’ll have some hilly terrain as you cross a mountain pass before some easier biking south along the fjord to Mefjordvaer, with breath-taking scenery of steep mountains plunging into the ocean. You’ll continue following the Norwegian Scenic route of Senja west bound, with narrow twisting roads snaking their way across the island to your destination, and accommodation for the night at Mefjord Brygge.

Today’s ride is approximately 41 km / 25 miles. Please note, passengers and bicycles are free of charge on this ferry route.

Day 4: Tuesday

Leaving the village of Mefjordvaer, head back towards the National Scenic route and then west cycling through the Geitskards tunnel and heading to the beach at Ersfjorden, where you can stop and dip your toes in the arctic sea, or continue along the coast to the rest area at Tungeneset, with stunning views of mountain Oksen, also known as the Devil’s Teeth. The last challenge today is a steep climb up to Skaland Tunnel, where half-way up is a 44-metre platform so you can take a rest and enjoy a panoramic view of the fjord and surrounding mountain peaks. After the tunnel, the route becomes easier all the way to your stop at Hamn I Senja for an overnight stay.

Today’s ride is approximately 46 km / 29 miles.

Day 5: Wednesday

Today you start the journey cycling to the ferry quay at Gryllefjord. There are two routes, either through the Ballesvikskar tunnel (11 km) or take a detour across the mountain pass (17 km). Grom Gryllefjord quay, take the ferry to the island Andoya, the journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes and passengers with bicycles travel free of charge. From Andenes, you’ll cycle on the Norwegian Scenic route Andoy, mostly an easy and pleasant route following the coast for 48 km with steep mountainsides, open marshes and the 2.5 km long beach at Bleik. There are some nice rest areas to enjoy the views and have your picnic lunch. The final stop is at Marmelkroken in Bo for dinner and overnight stay.

Today’s ride is approximately 59 km / 37 miles.

Day 6: Thursday

From Bo you head south towards the charming village Risoyhamn, continuing across the steep bridge over the Risoy Channel and south along the coastal road passing through small villages before arriving at Sortland. The terrain is on flat and easier roads, but you may start to experience more traffic in this area, as you head south. Tonight’s stay is at the Sortland Hotel.

Today’s ride is approximately 63 km / 39 miles.

Day 7: Friday

Today is your last day in the saddle, with a potentially longer ride to the ‘capital’ of the Lofoten Islands, Svolvaer. As you cycle along the main Lofoten road E10, you must expect some traffic on this popular summer route which is approximately 76 km long. There is also the option of a detour which avoids some of the traffic, but adds 46 km extra to the journey. Alternatively, there is a shorter cycling option, travelling to Stockmarknes (28 km), which then includes a short voyage on the Hurtigruten coastal route to Svolvaer, which departs in the afternoon and experiences the famous Trollfjorden. This optional voyage is at an additional charge. Once in Svolvaer, there is a good selection of restaurants to choose from to enjoy a well-deserved meal (not included).

Day 8: Saturday

You may choose to depart Svolvaer today - you can either fly direct to Oslo, join the Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage heading south towards Bergen, or northbound again, enjoying the coastal sights, this time allowing the ship to do the work! Perhaps take the ferry across to Bodo on the mainland and continue exploring Norway, or decide to spend more time on the Lofoten Islands and stay in Svolvaer for a few extra days. Please speak to our Sales team to discuss the options in more detail.

Please note, this itinerary has fixed departures on Saturday in June, July and August. Please inquire for the exact dates and availability.

BUDGET

From £2,299 per person (excluding flights), based on two people sharing a room and includes 7 nights accommodation with breakfast, 6 packed lunches, 5 evening meals, luggage transfer, bike rental and digital maps.

This roughly converts to: 2,644 EUR | 3,012 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

DATES

This trip has fixed departure dates

Between 08 June 2024 and 24 August 2024

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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