FLY-RAIL
NORWAY’ S FJORDS TO ARCTIC CIRCLE BY NORDLAND RAILWAY HOLIDAY
6 nights / 7 days From £ 1,590 per person
Trondheim
TRONDHEIM • BODØ IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
This luxury two-centre Norway touring holiday offers the cultural attractions of the ancient capital of Norway, Trondheim, located on its own fjord. Then discover the adventurous exploits available with a stay in the Arctic Circle in Bodø, having travelled along Norway’ s longest railway, the scenic Nordland railway.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY ONE Arrive in Trondheim This holiday starts with a flight from London to Trondheim via a connection in Oslo. Check into your hotel in Trondheim for the next three nights.
DAYS TWO AND THREE In Trondheim Trondheim lies on the southern shore of the Trondheimfjord and has played a significant role in Norwegian history. As the country’ s first capital city, it was the site where Norwegian kings were crowned for over 700 years, specifically in the Nidaros Cathedral. We highly recommend taking a visit to this beautiful building, the construction of which began in 1070 and remains the world’ s northernmost mediaeval cathedral. South of this is the striking Archbishop’ s Palace Museum, which offers an insight into the 1000- year history of the cathedral and its diocese. Another picturesque area of the city is Bakklandet, a small neighbourhood of painted wooden warehouses home to galleries, cafes and restaurants.
DAY FOUR Trondheim to Bodø by train After three nights indulging in Trondheim’ s cultural attractions it is time to embark on a magical journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. The 729 km Nordland Railway line is Norway’ s longest and presents a huge variety in culture, climate and landscape. The journey starts by skirting around the Trondheim Fjord, reaching the small town of Steinkjer two hours later at the head of the longest arm of the fjord. From here you head into the hills. Leaving the steel works town of Mo I Rana the train skirts the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, passing close by the Swedish border. Shortly after this you cross the Arctic Circle, before heading back towards the coast to reach the shores of Skjerstad Fjord. You continue along this spectacular natural beauty until you reach the station of Bodø, the final stop of the Norwegian railway system and your base for the next three nights.
DAYS FIVE AND SIX In Bodø The city of Bodø is an excellent base from which to explore some of Norway’ s best scenery and natural attractions. One of its most well-known features is the Saltstraumen maelstrom, a small strait home to the world’ s strongest tidal current. Here you can witness whirlpools bigger than 10 metres with the water moving as fast as 40 km / h. Slightly further out of the city is the Kjerringøy, a small, rural community featuring beautiful alpine landscapes ranging from mountains to white sandy beaches. For those looking for more adventurous activities, Bodø offers kayaking, RIB tours and even snorkelling in the surrounding fjords, and fishing is a popular local activity. There are also numerous hiking routes including Keiservarden, which leads up to Keiservarden hill overlooking Bodø, and Mount Ronvikfjellet, one of the top viewing spots for the Midnight Sun in the country. Within Bodø itself the beautiful harbour offers views from its pier dating back to 1904 and the Norwegian Aviation Museum offers an insight into the civil and military aviation history of Norway.
DAY SEVEN Bodø to London by air After three nights in Bodø you return to the UK by plane via Oslo.
102 To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk