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The main town is Svolvær, the oldest part being situated on the island of Svinøya which is linked to the mainland by a bridge. Since 1828 the main industry of the islands has been commercial fish buying during the winter and has formed the basis for the town’s existence.
As the town grew and developed, a large number of ’rorbu’ cabins were built on Svinøya. These ’rorbu’ were shacks used by the fishermen who came from far and wide to take part in the Lofoten fishery. They have now been restored to a high standard and the old timber retained as far as possible in order to maintain the authenticity of the buildings. Each rorbu is equipped with 2 to 6 beds, a well-equipped kitchen and a modern bathroom. The old fisherman’s shop, Krambua, has been converted into a small shop, museum and reception area and the original quayside warehouse into a fully licensed restaurant, Børsen Spiseri, with fish as its speciality. The trading atmosphere of old has been maintained and the tar-coated timber work in the walls and floors continues to provide a flavour of the busy days of old. There is also a quayside terrace where guests can enjoy a meal or drink in the Lofoten sunset. Fish buying and processing still constitutes the life nerve of the community.
Day 1 - Arrive Bodø
Fly from London Heathrow Airport (alternative departures possible) to the little Arctic port of Bodø (change of flight required in Oslo).
1 night BODØ - Clarion Collection Hotel Grand *** (BB)
Please note, all Clarion Collection hotels include a free evening supper to their guests.
Day 2 - Hurtigruten day sailing to the Lofoten Islands
Depart late afternoon by Hurtigruten (coastal ship) for the Lofoten Islands. The mystical approach to the islands creates the impression of entering another world. After a short call at Stamsund the vessel continues below the Lofoten Wall to Svolvær. Met on arrival and transferred to Svinøya Rorbuer for check-in.
For the next few days you will enjoy the famed jagged peaks of the Lofotens, and explore it at your own pace with the flexibility of your hire car.
4 nights SVOLVÆR - Svinøya Rorbuer *** (SC)
Day 6 - Leisurely drive to Harstad on the Vesterålen Islands
A lovely leisurely drive crossing from the Lofoten Islands to their northern neighbour the Vesterålen Islands. Drop the hire car off at the Avis Office in Harstad.
1 night HARSTAD - Clarion Collection Hotel Arcticus **** (BB)
Day 7 - Journey by express boat to Tromsø
Journey by express boat amongst the islands and skerries to Tromsø - the great Arctic capital.
2 nights TROMSØ - Clarion Collection Hotel With *** (BB)
Please note, all Clarion Collection hotels include a free evening supper to their guests.
Day 8 - Getting to know Tromsø
Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway and there is lots to do! You wont be short on taking photographs because the city has plenty of attractive and cultural attractions including the largest number of wooden houses in Northern Norway. And during the summer Tromsø benefits from the Midnight Sun which means longer days of enjoyment for you!
Day 9 - Departure
Airport bus to Tromsø Langsnes Airport for return flight to the UK via Oslo.
Route Overview
Departure Day: Daily from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates: 1 May - 30 September 2013
Duration: 7 nights
NB. Alternative departure airports are available subject to schedules and supplements. Please telephone 01274 875199 for further details and prices.
Centrally situated in Bodø, the hotel is minutes from the Lanego lighthouse, the Bodin Church, the Norwegian Aviation Museum and the Bodø Cathedral.The hotel has a restaurant and offers complimentary tea and coffee and evening buffet to guests staying on a bed and breakfast basis. Guest rooms are good sized and fully equipped with daily newspaper, ironing board, hair dryer and have shower and WC, satellite TV, telephone, and free Wireless. All floors are accessible via lift.
30 original and newly built rorbu cabins of a high standard. Each cabin has from one to three double bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchenette in conjunction with the living room, and a modern bathroom with shower and toilet. All have cable-TV. All cabins are winter insulated. Considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the authenticity of the rorbu cabins. Time-honoured craftsmanship and timber have been preserved in order to provide a feeling of what a rorbu cabin was like in the days when the fishermen harvested the seas of Lofoten on boats with only oars and sails.
Svinøya Rorbuer also includes one of the most distinctive restaurants in the Lofoten Islands. The “Børsen Spiseri” is housed in a venerable quayside warehouse dating back to 1828. Most of the building’s historical attributes have been preserved, providing an atmosphere with an aroma of tar and rope! Both meat and fish dishes are served here, made from Lofoten’s unique and fresh, local ingredients. In the same building you find the former “krambua” or old general store, which is a tiny museum in its own right. Old wares and equipment from bygone times still hang from the ceiling there, taking you 100 years back in time.
Clarion Collection Hotel Arcticus is the perfect choice for those seeking pleasure, comfort and culture. Conveniently located close to the Trondenes Historical Centre, a museum that covers the history of Trondenes and the surrounding areas with the main focus on medieval times, and just a few minutes from Harstad University College and Trondenes Church, the northernmost medieval stone church of Norway. Teamed with their connection to Harstad Concert Hall which has a superb location on the quayside you'll find that you're never short of things to do. All rooms are fully furnished and tea, coffee and fruit are available 24 hours a day for all guests. Ensure you take advantage of the complimentary organic breakfast, which creates an ideal start for a day of exploration!
A lovely, traditional hotel situated right on the pier in Tromsø harbour and within all of Tromsø's main sights. The harbour lights up beautifully in the evening and provides a beautiful plateau for chance sightings of the northen lights! The hotel has a restaurant, cocktail lounge and offers afternoon tea. There is a sauna for guests' use and rooms are non-smoking and accessible through via a lift.
NB. All Clarion Collection Hotels include a FREE evening supper for their hotel guests along with FREE waffles and tea/coffee in the afternoon.
During your stay on the Lofoten Islands we have included car hire giving you the opportunity to explore the islands in your time, visiting those areas which are of most interest to you. A Lofoten Guide is included with your travel documents along with a detailed motoring map of the islands.
There are a number of activity companies on the islands who offer a selection of excursions including nature safaris by boat, kayaking, guided hiking and cycling. Information regarding all these companies and their contact details will be included with your travel documents.
To book call 01274 875 199 or Contact us by email
