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A Nordic Christmas Adventure from Oslo to Arctic Lapland

This festive winter journey through Norway blends elegant city culture with unforgettable Arctic wilderness experiences. Beginning in Oslo, guests immerse themselves in the city’s Christmas atmosphere through guided walking tours, historic museums and a scenic dinner cruise on the Oslofjord. The journey continues north to Tromsø, where dramatic Arctic landscapes set the stage for a private Northern Lights experience and a fjord wildlife cruise.

The adventure reaches its peak in Alta at the renowned Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge. Here, guests enjoy snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice sculpting and a deeply authentic Sami reindeer experience beneath the aurora. A highlight of the journey is a magical overnight stay in an ice igloo, paired with fine dining and festive Christmas celebrations.

Designed for families and winter lovers alike, this immersive Nordic escape combines comfort, culture and once in a lifetime Arctic experiences.

This itinerary blends culture, nature and Arctic adventure. In Oslo, guests enjoy festive walking tours, historic museums and a memorable dinner cruise. Tromsø offers a private Northern Lights chase and a scenic fjord cruise rich in wildlife and Arctic history.

In Alta, experiences become more immersive with snowmobiling across frozen landscapes, dog sledding along the Alta River and hands on ice sculpting. A Sami reindeer experience provides cultural insight beneath the Northern Lights, while a guided Igloo Hotel visit and overnight stay deliver a truly unforgettable Arctic finale.

This is a family itinerary, curated for two adults and two children.

Location Norway, Northern Lights
Duration 8 Nights
Price per person from (excl. flights)
£9,610*

Overview

What’s included:

  • Private airport and regional transfers as specified
  • Luxury accommodation in Oslo, Tromsø and Alta
  • Daily breakfast and selected lunches and dinners
  • Oslo dinner cruise on the Oslofjord
  • Private Christmas themed walking tour in Oslo
  • Guided city and museum experiences
  • Private Northern Lights tour in Tromsø
  • Fjord wildlife and history cruise
  • Snowmobiling and dog sledding experience
  • Ice sculpting workshop
  • Sami reindeer and cultural experience
  • Guided Igloo Hotel tour and overnight igloo stay

Your Trip, Your Way

This itinerary is just a starting point—a flavour of what’s possible. Whether you want to tweak the pace, upgrade your hotel, or deepen the culinary immersion, we’ll design your perfect trip from scratch.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Oslo Arrival and Fjordside Dining

Arrive into Oslo Airport where a private transfer will take you into the city to the elegant Sommerro House. After check in, you have time to settle into your spacious interconnected Junior Suites and unwind after your journey. The hotel’s refined interiors provide a calm introduction to Norway’s capital, especially atmospheric in the winter season.

As evening approaches, enjoy a gentle walk to the harbour where your first experience awaits. Board an electric dining vessel for a three course Oslofjord dinner cruise. As the boat glides quietly across the water, take in views of illuminated landmarks such as the Opera House and Akershus Fortress. Dinner highlights Nordic flavours made with locally sourced ingredients, enjoyed against the backdrop of the fjord and surrounding islands.

The cruise offers a relaxed and memorable introduction to Oslo, combining fine dining with scenic winter views. After returning to shore, make your way back to the hotel through softly lit streets, ending your first day in Norway in comfort.

Day 2

Oslo Christmas Traditions and Festive City Life

After breakfast, you set out on a private walking tour exploring Oslo’s Christmas traditions. Led by a local guide, you wander through the city centre as festive lights, decorations and shop windows bring the season to life. Along the way, you learn about uniquely Norwegian customs and celebrations, gaining insight into how Christmas is traditionally enjoyed across the country.

You pass key landmarks including the Royal Palace while sampling seasonal flavours that reflect local holiday traditions. The pace is relaxed, allowing you to fully absorb the atmosphere and enjoy the charm of Oslo in winter.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to explore the city’s Christmas markets, browse boutiques or return to Sommerro House to relax and enjoy the spa facilities. This free time allows you to tailor the day to your own interests.

Dinner is at leisure, offering the freedom to dine locally or seek recommendations from the concierge.

Day 3

Oslo Culture and Nordic Nature

Today combines cultural discovery with time in nature. After breakfast, you enjoy a mix of tailored experiences. Part of your group explores Oslo on a guided city tour including a visit to the Norsk Folkemuseum, where historic buildings and traditional homes offer insight into Norwegian life through the centuries. Highlights include the impressive stave church and rural architecture from across the country.

At the same time, you head beyond the city for a lakeside walk and campfire hiking experience. Just outside Oslo, you explore peaceful winter landscapes of forests and frozen lakes. Your guide shares stories of Norway’s outdoor traditions before gathering around a campfire to enjoy warm drinks and classic hiking snacks.

The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. You may visit museums, stroll through Vigeland Park or enjoy shopping in the city centre. Dinner is at leisure, rounding off your final night in Oslo.

Day 4

Tromsø Arrival and Northern Lights Experience

After breakfast, you transfer privately to Oslo Airport for your flight north to Tromsø (Flights not included) On arrival, a private transfer takes you to The Dock 69°39, a stylish waterfront hotel overlooking the harbour. After check in, you have time to relax and enjoy views of the surrounding Arctic landscape.

As darkness falls, you head out on a private Northern Lights tour by car. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you travel into the surrounding countryside to areas with the best viewing conditions. Warm drinks and snacks keep you comfortable as you wait for the aurora to appear. When the Northern Lights begin to dance across the sky, the experience feels truly magical.

The flexibility of a private tour allows you to take your time, capturing photographs and enjoying the moment without rush. After returning to Tromsø, you settle in for the night, filled with excitement from your first Arctic evening.

Day 5

Fjords Wildlife and Arctic City Life

You begin the day with breakfast before heading to the harbour for a fjord, wildlife and history cruise. Sailing through nearby fjords and islands, you experience the quiet beauty of Arctic waters. The vessel offers warm indoor lounges as well as outdoor decks, allowing you to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

Along the route, you may spot seabirds, seals and eagles while learning about the region’s maritime history. The peaceful pace of the cruise makes it ideal for photography and taking in the surrounding landscapes. Warm refreshments served onboard add to the experience.

Returning to Tromsø, the afternoon is free to explore the city. You can wander through festive streets, browse shops or visit Christmas markets that bring warmth and colour to the polar night. Tromsø’s compact centre makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

Dinner is at leisure, allowing you to choose where and how you wish to dine.

Day 6

Scenic Transfer to Alta and Christmas Eve

After breakfast, you depart Tromsø on a scenic private transfer to Alta. The journey takes you through dramatic Arctic landscapes of fjords, mountains and snow covered valleys. Snacks and drinks are provided, making the drive comfortable and relaxed.

On arrival at Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge, you check into a spacious King Suite overlooking the Alta River. The lodge’s warm interiors and natural materials create a welcoming contrast to the surrounding winter wilderness.

Christmas Eve is celebrated with a traditional three course dinner in the atmospheric Lavvu Restaurant. Seasonal dishes made with local ingredients reflect Arctic culinary traditions, creating a festive and memorable evening. After dinner, you may step outside to enjoy the stillness of the Arctic night and watch for the Northern Lights.

Day 7

Arctic Adventures and Sami Culture

Following breakfast, you begin the day with an Arctic light snowmobile experience. After a safety briefing, you ride across frozen terrain, passing through forests and open landscapes. The soft winter light creates striking scenery as you explore the wilderness.

After returning, you enjoy a relaxed two course lunch at the Lavvu Restaurant before taking part in an ice sculpting experience. Guided by a local ice artisan, you learn carving techniques and create your own sculpture, finishing with a drink at the ice bar.

In the evening, a three course dinner is served at Maku Restaurant before you head out for a Sami reindeer experience. You travel by reindeer sled through the winter darkness, learning about Sami traditions and culture. The experience ends inside a traditional Lavvu tent, warmed by a fire, with drinks and snacks as you look to the sky for the Northern Lights.

Day 8

Dog Sledding and Igloo Hotel Night

After breakfast, you set off on a dog sledding adventure along the Alta River. Led by experienced mushers, you glide through snowy landscapes while learning about Norway’s strong dog sledding heritage. The enthusiasm of the huskies and the silence of the surroundings make this a memorable Arctic experience.

Following lunch, you enjoy a guided tour of the Igloo Hotel, rebuilt each winter entirely from snow and ice. Inside, you admire intricate ice sculptures, the ice chapel and gallery spaces. The visit concludes with a drink served in an ice glass at the ice bar.

In the evening, you enjoy a five course fine dining experience at Maku Restaurant. You then spend the night in a magical Igloo Family Room, sleeping on insulated beds covered with reindeer hides. A warm King Suite remains available as backup if needed.

Day 9

Departure from Alta

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Alta Airport for departure. You leave Norway with lasting memories of festive cities, Arctic wilderness and unforgettable winter experiences.

Where You Could Stay

Sommero House Hotel | A Winter Escape Through Norway’s Arctic Wonders | Luxury Holidays in Norway | Travel with off The Map
Sommerro House
Cosy spaces, lavish suites, decadent rooms with rich art deco details
Scandi Dock Hotel Tromso | A Winter Escape Through Norway’s Arctic Wonders | Luxury Holidays in Norway | Travel with off The Map
The Dock 69°39 by Scandic
A unique hotel in the heart of Tromsø, premium comfort and rich history
Arctic Wilderness Lodge - Travel with Off The Map
Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge
Unforgettable Arctic adventures, immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Alta Experience | Northern Norway Luxury Holiday | Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel | Travel with Off the Map
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
The World's Northernmost Igloo Hotel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience

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