utne hotel

NORTH CAPE

Color Line to Oslo. A bus from Oslo harbour to Oslo Airport. We fly Norwegian airways to Bodø. After 3 days stay in Bodø we take the ferry to Lofoten Islands. The name Lofoten is often connected with the richest cod-fishing in the world. We are staying in Svolvær for 2 days and see wild mountains and fjords, idyllic islands and fishing villages, white sandy beaches and flowering fields, stormy seas and the midnight sun.

Next stop is Tromsø and we are taken there by the Coastal Steamer which takes us through Raftsundet to Vesterålen to the north, and the famous Trollfjorden, a narrow fjord where precipices descend into the sea. Tromsø has been given many names, reflecting its great versatility and popularity. "The gateway to the Arctic", The Paris of Scandinavia. The people of Tromsø know how to go out on town and let their hair down, and their town has plenty to offer in the way of nightlife.











Accommodation

Restaurants

Shopping

Car Rental

Airlines

Coaches

Trains



TOUR SUGESTION



Tour I

Tour II

Tour III

Tour IV

Tour V

Tour VI

Tour VII



COLOR LINE HARBOURS



Oslo

Sandefjord

Larvik

Kristiansand






DAY 1

OSLO

A bus from Oslo harbour to Oslo Airport. We fly Norwegian airways to Bodø. Bodø is the second largest town in Northern Norway, the town is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Børvasstindene mountains to the south, and Landegode island and the Lofoten Islands to the north.

Accommodation: Rica Hotel Bodø, Comfort Hotel Grand, Radisson SAS Hotel Bodø

Attractions: The Norwegian Aviation Museum, The Nyholmen Bastion, Børvasstindene, The Sea Eagle

Adventures: Downhill skiing, ski-jumping, horse-riding and carting, trotting, shooting, orienteering, motor racing, gliding, fishing, open-air swimming and river parks at Bodømarka. Popular seaside destinations on warm, sunny days are Geitvaagen, Ausvika and Mjelle, all of which lie north of Bodø. Sandvika beach on the island of Sandhornøya is especially lovely. Bodø and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for the serious or amateur fisherman, whether you prefer angling in rivers or lakes. Saltstraumen is a paradise for ocean fishing. The specialty is coley, and the worlds biggest coley hauled in by rod (22.7 kg) was caught in Saltstraumen. The riding centre by lake Soløyvannet, Bodø Hestesenter and Fritidsgård offers different kinds of riding activities, Indoor Go-Cart racing, Royal Bowling, Dart, Training centres: Friskhuset, City Nord entrance C. Play Golf on a 6-hole practice course, while the midnight sun illuminates your beautiful surroundings at Saltstraumen.



DAY 2

BODØ

Bodø is known as the town of the sea eagle, and nowhere in the world is there a larger stock of this majestic bird. Daily these huge birds are observed soaring high above the town or perthed on rocks on the islands near Bodø. Membership is available only to those who have actually been in Bodø and have seen the sea eagle in its natural environment.

Accommodation: Rica Hotel Bodø, Comfort Hotel Grand, Radisson SAS Hotel Bodø

Attractions: Saltstraumen Experience, The Norwegian Aviation Museum, The Nyholmen Bastion, The Sea Eagle

Adventures: Downhill skiing, ski-jumping, horse-riding and carting, trotting, shooting, orienteering, motor racing, gliding, fishing, open-air swimming and river parks at Bodømarka. Popular seaside destinations on warm, sunny days are Geitvaagen, Ausvika and Mjelle, all of which lie north of Bodø. Sandvika beach on the island of Sandhornøya is especially lovely. Bodø and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for the serious or amateur fisherman, whether you prefer angling in rivers or lakes. Saltstraumen is a paradise for ocean fishing. The specialty is coley, and the worlds biggest coley hauled in by rod (22.7 kg) was caught in Saltstraumen. The riding centre by lake Soløyvannet, Bodø Hestesenter and Fritidsgård offers different kinds of riding activities, Indoor Go-Cart racing, Royal Bowling, Dart, Training centres: Friskhuset, City Nord entrance C. Play Golf on a 6-hole practice course, while the midnight sun illuminates your beautiful surroundings at Saltstraumen.



DAY 3

KJERRINGØY

The island of Kjerringøy is about 40 km north of Bodø where narrow fjords encircle a mountainous peninsula. Author Knut Hamsun visited Kjerringøy in 1879 and found inspiration and encouragement for his writing.

The sea eagle circles over the trading post and the spectacular natural scenery. Soothing white beaches and smooth rocks invite you to slow down and take it easy. Steep untouched mountainsides offer a challenge to the active visitor with a liking for rambling and rock climbing. Fjords, rivers and lakes full of fish are ideal for boating and canoeing.

Accommodation: Rica Hotel Bodø, Comfort Hotel Grand, Radisson SAS Hotel Bodø

Attractions: Kjerringøy Old Trading Post, The Sea Eagle

Adventures: Downhill skiing, ski-jumping, horse-riding and carting, trotting, shooting, orienteering, motor racing, gliding, fishing, open-air swimming and river parks at Bodømarka. Popular seaside destinations on warm, sunny days are Geitvaagen, Ausvika and Mjelle, all of which lie north of Bodø. Sandvika beach on the island of Sandhornøya is especially lovely. Bodø and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for the serious or amateur fisherman, whether you prefer angling in rivers or lakes. Saltstraumen is a paradise for ocean fishing. The specialty is coley, and the worlds biggest coley hauled in by rod (22.7 kg) was caught in Saltstraumen. The riding centre by lake Soløyvannet, Bodø Hestesenter and Fritidsgård offers different kinds of riding activities, Indoor Go-Cart racing, Royal Bowling, Dart, Training centres: Friskhuset, City Nord entrance C. Play Golf on a 6-hole practice course, while the midnight sun illuminates your beautiful surroundings at Saltstraumen.



DAY 4

Boat trip from Bodø to LOFOTEN.

The Midnight Sun is your companion all day and all night.

Accommodation: Reinevåg Rorbuer

Attractions: Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean. You can fish for salmon, sea trout and Arctic trout, Lofoten Golfclub is a 9 holes seaside course, Owing to the bright North Norwegian nights the course is open 24 hours a day from the end of May until the beginning of August. The Midnight Sun is your companion all day and all night.

Adventures: Gravdal one of the largest villages on Vestvågøy. Lofoten Hospital and the Nordland School of Fisheries. Buksnes Church, built in dragon style in 1905, might be worth a visit. Leknes Marvellous white beaches; fine spots from which to watch the Midnight Sun, and a popular outing place for both local residents and tourists. Unstad a mountain lookout. Tracks and facilities for hiking. A tunnel leading to the village was opened in autumn 1995. Borg the biggest Viking Age chieftain´s homestead in Scandinavia has been excavated at Borg and a full-scale replica of the chieftain´s house has been reconstructed. Here, you can see the archaeologists´ impression of how the living quarters and banqueting hall will have looked during the Viking Age. In what was the barn, you can now see a comprehensive exhibition of Viking Age finds from Borg and the rest of the island of Vestvågøy. You will also meet real-life people who will show you what life might have been like during the Viking Age. And if you have time, you can go down and take a look at "Lofotr", the Viking ship, and the authentic boathouse replica. Eggum a snug community, attractively situated at the foot of tall cliffs. Beautiful pebble beach; lookout for viewers of the Midnight Sun. "Borga", built in stone during WW II, was one of the first German radar stations in northern Europe. Good starting point for hikes. Stamsund one of the largest fishing villages in West Lofoten; founded by J.M Johansen at the beginning of this century. War memorial museum. Artist´s studio and "Galleri 2" are situated approx. 150 metres from the Coastal Steamer docks. Holsøyene one of the largest known North Norwegian burial sights from pagan times, believed to date back to the early Iron Age, i.e. somewhere between 200/300 and 600 BC.



DAY 5

SVOLVÆR

Became transit harbour in 1918. Svolvær offers the atmosphere of a harbour, a small town and art simultaneously. This is a bustling trading and communications centre with ferry, sea and air connections. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures. Storvaagan a historical area with roots all the way back to the year 900. In the Middle Ages the area was the most densely populated area in North Norway due to the Lofot Fisheries. From there, all fish was transported out of the regions for further export to the continent. There are archaeological excavations during the summer which are available to the public.

Accommodation: Rica Hotel Svolvær

Attractions: Svolværgeita, "the Svolvær Goat", is the town´s most characteristic feature, and it represents a challenge to climbers. The peak was reached for the first time in 1910.

Adventures: Henningsær, "The Venice of Lofoten" and one of Lofoten´s largest fishing villages, with approximately 540 inhabitants. Henningsvær is one of the most distinctive and idyllic fishing villages in Lofoten with the 942 metres high Vågakallen towering in the background. There is a pure white, inviting beach in Rørvik, close to Henningsvær. Henningsvær was connected to the mainland by the bridge which was built in 1983. The community has a special and dense atmosphere dominated by the fisheries. Kabelvåg, This community was the most important and oldest fishing village in the last century, and opened its first guest house in the late 18th century. Kabelvåg forms a part of the municipality´s cultural history reserve with an interesting architectural structure.



DAY 6

COASTAL EXPRESS

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other from Svolvær. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before.

Accommodation: Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten)

Attractions: A ticket for the Coastal Express is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you. Wild mountains and fjords, idyllic islands and fishing villages, white sandy beaches and flowering fields, stormy seas and the midnight sun - you experience all of these rich contrasts in the island kingdom of Lofoten and Vesteraalen.

Adventures: We are Sailing through the spectacular, narrow Raftsundet strait and the magnificent Trollfjord, a narrow fjord where precipices descend into the sea.



DAY 7

COASTAL EXPRESS

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage offers a unique combination of peace of mind, comfort, and service on board, coupled with constantly renewed impressions of the scenery through which you sail and the harbours you visit.

Accommodation: Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten)

Adventures: Though there is a lot of farming, fishing and fish processing remain the major industries in Vesteraalen.

Attractions: The voyage will take you to Tromsø, Skjervøy, Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund and Honningsvåg.



DAY 8

HONNINGSVÅG

"The city at the North Cape" is Honningsvåg. At the turn-of-the-century when a new fishing fleet was established with larger and motorised boats, many of the old harbours became obsolete. As a result, in 1895, the municipal council decided to move the municipal administration from Kjelvik to Honningsvåg, partly because the harbour was better suited. This proved to be a wise decision. Honningsvåg is today Norway's next largest cruise boat harbour, with almost one hundred calls every year.

Accommodation: Rica Hotel Nordkapp

Adventures: The local coastal steamer Hurtigruta and other ships call daily. Honningsvåg has also played a role as the last stop before the Arctic Ocean for traffic eastward. On the mainland, 22 km from the ferry quay you will find Repvåg. Repvåg is a peaceful, small fishing village with approx. 40 inhabitants. Nordvågen, 6 km from Honningsvåg, is with its 500 inhabitants the largest fishing village on the island. From here, you can follow an easy, well-marked trail to the abandoned fishing village of Kjelvik. 8 km in the direction of the North Cape, you arrive at Skipsfjorden, with the island's largest hotel and camping site, as well as a Sami cultural centre. The area is well suited for recreational activities with possibilities for mountain trips, boat rental, fishing and deep sea rafting. Kamøyvær is located 12 km from Honningsvåg, along the road to the North Cape, at the end of Kamøyfjorden. It was not until the turn-of-the-century that people settled here, and today about 150 people live in the fishing village. Kamøyvær was the focus for a modest "migration" about 90 years ago. Three different cultures met and three different languages could be heard on the quays of Kamøyvær. In beautiful surroundings 34 km north-west of Honningsvåg, you will find the fishing village of Gjesvær, with approx. 220 inhabitants. It was not until 1976 that a road connected the village with the rest of the island. Up until then, you had to take local boats to get to and from the site. Already in the Viking Age, Gjesvær was known as a trading post and fish station and was presumably the first site at Magerøy which had a permanent settlement. Skarsvåg with its approximately 170 inhabitants is not just the northernmost town on Magerøya, but also "The world's northernmost fishing village"! From here, it is 14 km to the North Cape.

Attractions: The plateau on the North Cape cliff, 307 metres above the sea, is Europe's northernmost corner, at 71°10'21" latitude and 25°47'40" longitude. The impressive and dramatic cliff has long been a navigational marker for seamen. The somewhat modest peninsula "Knivskjellodden", which reaches one and a half kilometres further north (71°11'08") is surpassed, not just in height, but also when it comes to popularity.



DAY 9

COASTAL EXPRESS

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other from Svolvær. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before.

Accommodation: Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten)

Attractions: A ticket for the Coastal Express is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you. Wild mountains and fjords, idyllic islands and fishing villages, white sandy beaches and flowering fields, stormy seas and the midnight sun - you experience all of these rich contrasts in the island kingdom of Lofoten and Vesteraalen.

Adventures: We are Sailing through the spectacular, narrow Raftsundet strait and the magnificent Trollfjord, a narrow fjord where precipices descend into the sea.



DAY 10

COASTAL EXPRESS

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage offers a unique combination of peace of mind, comfort, and service on board, coupled with constantly renewed impressions of the scenery through which you sail and the harbours you visit.

Accommodation: Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten)

Adventures: Though there is a lot of farming, fishing and fish processing remain the major industries in Vesteraalen.

Attractions: The voyage will take you to Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy and Tromsø.



DAY 11

THE PARIS OF SCANDINAVIA

The people of Tromsø know how to go out on town and let their hair down, and their town has plenty to offer in the way of nightlife. Inevitabely, the young population gives Tromsø a hallmark as a lively town with a rich cultural life and nightlife. The numerous cafes, bars, discos and restaurants give room to some 21.000 hungry and thirsty guests. Pretty good, considering the total number of people living in what is often refered to as Paris of the North. Nevertheless, most waterholes and restaurants are popular with the citizens and the many visitors. Tromsø has a rich, active and varied cultural scene. Theatre thrives despite lacking funds and apt venues to perform.

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Bryggen, Rica Ishavshotel, Radisson SAS Hotel

Adventures: After Tromsø´s hibernation, the light returns - toward the end of May, the midnight sun once again appears over the horizon. The winter is the best season to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The Northern lights are poetry, they are nature´s light show, and they are quantum leaps in the oxygen atom. They are elementary particle physics, superstition, mythology and fairy tales. The northern lights have filled people with wonder and inspired artists; they have frightened people to think that the end is at hand. More exact explanations of the phenomenon could not be given until modern particle physics were developed, and knowledge about details in the earths magnetosphere has been based on measurements from satellites.

Attractions:The Arctic Cathedral is a name often given to the church. Perhaps because it has become a major tourist attraction in Tromsø? The large, angular formation and the light colour can easily be associated with an iceberg. The frontal part of the building is 35 metres high. Along it's length there are concrete columns that reach all the way to the ground. The church is in an ideal setting, centrally located in Tromsdalen and on a slight hill, close to the Tromsø Bridge. It's location makes it visible from the island itself and from the housing areas on the mainland. Whether travellers come by boat or by car, the church is easily seen and found.



DAY 12

TROMSØ

The major industries in Tromsø are fisheries and tourism. In addition Tromsø is home to the northernmost university and college in the world with some 7.500 students. Tromsø is actually on an island, Tromsøya. The Tromsø sound divides the town from the mainland, where the famous Arctic cathedral stands with its unique architecture. On the mainland, a 4-minute trip by cable car takes you up Storsteinen mountain, 420 metres above sea level. At the top there is a magnificent viewpoint and a restaurant. You can choose between sitting inside our out, depending on the weather. You get a fantastic view of the whole town, and as you are brought back down to earth on the cable car at the end of the day, you can look forward to a long Tromsø night.

Accommodation: Clarion Hotel Bryggen, Rica Ishavshotel, Radisson SAS Hotel

Adventures: After Tromsø´s hibernation, the light returns - toward the end of May, the midnight sun once again appears over the horizon. The winter is the best season to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The Northern lights are poetry, they are nature´s light show, and they are quantum leaps in the oxygen atom. They are elementary particle physics, superstition, mythology and fairy tales. The northern lights have filled people with wonder and inspired artists; they have frightened people to think that the end is at hand. More exact explanations of the phenomenon could not be given until modern particle physics were developed, and knowledge about details in the earths magnetosphere has been based on measurements from satellites.

Attractions: The major cinematic event i Tromsø is the annual Tromsø International Film Festival that goes on in the end of January. North Norway´s largest and oldest museum offers stimulating exhibitions on the natural and cultural history of the region. Comprehensive exhibition on the traditional culture of the Sami people, and an exquisite collection of ecclesiastical art and a full-scale viking longhouse. Many exhibits suitable for children. Museums

The town´s buildings are just as varied and contrasting as the inhabitants. More recent architecture sits side by side with old-fashioned wooden buildings in the Empire style. Close by the town centre are the Polar Museum, the Military Museum and the University Museum with exhibitions of Lapp culture, archaeology, geology and zoology. A bit further out of town is the Northern Lights Planetarium, providing a fascinating insight into the heavens. The Norwegian Polar Institute has been moved to Tromsø, and with its arrival, the new "Polaria" has been opened - an adventure centre focusing on the unique characteristics of the Arctic region. The centre has one of Europe´s largest aquariums, interactive exhibitions and films from Polar regions.



DAY 13

A bus from the Hotel to Tromsø Airport. We fly Norwegian airways back to Oslo Airport. From the airport to the hotel in Oslo.



DAY 14

OSLO

The capitol of Norway. Oslo is surrounded by forest and fjord. An important part of the city´s political tradition is to preserve the fjord and the area surrounding the city for leisure and outdoor pursuits. Oslomarka is used by thousands of skiers and hikers all the year round thanks to restrictions in the urbanization of the city. Some of the major sports events in Oslo will be the Grete Waitz Race, the Holmenkollen Relay, Oslo Marathon and the Holmenkollen Ski Festival. Oslo is a ski-eldorado with over 2,000 km (1250 miles) of prepared ski tracks for cross-country skiing and many ski lifts for alpine skiing. The tracks are also used throughout the rest of the year: Bærumsmarka, Nordmarka and Østmarka are all places where many people meet every weekend.

Oslo is one of the oldest Scandinavian capitals, Oslo has never been on the mainstream European tourist circuit. Many have the impression that it´s lean on historic and cultural sights. In fact, it offers enough sights and activities to fill at least 7 busy days. It´s also the starting point for many easy excursions along the Oslofjord or to nearby towns and villages. In the ´90s Oslo has grown surprisingly from what even the Scandinavians considered a backwater to one of the glittering cities of Europe. Restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, shopping complexes, and other places have opened.

Accommodation: Holmenkollen Park Hotel Rica, Grand Hotel, Continental Hotel, Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel Oslo, Clarion Hotel Royal Christiania, Rica Oslo Hotel, Rainbow Hotel Opera, Comfort Hotel Gabelshus, Rica Hotel Bygdøy Allé, Norlandia Karl Johan Hotel, Rainbow Bristol Hotel, Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel Oslo

Adventures: Oslo is made for walking - in fact, you can walk from the Central Station all the way to the Royal Palace in a straight line. Except for excursions to the museum-loaded Bygdøy peninsula and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, most attractions can be covered on foot. Oslo is not neatly divided into separate neighborhoods or districts. It consists mainly of central Oslo, with the Central Station to the east of the city center and the Royal Palace to the west. Karl Johans Gate, the principal street, connects these two points.

There are almost 50 museums and galleries in central Oslo, enough to fill many a rainy day. The most interesting include Akershus Castle, the Historical Museum, and the National Gallery.

Tryvann Skisenter is the citys alpine facility, and Wyllerløypa is the alpine facility located in from Sørkedalen. In the summer, hiking, fishing, cycling and canoeing are popular activities. Tryvann Skisenter have 7 slopes and 6 lifts: everything from children´s and beginner´s slopes to a snowboarding area and challenging expert slopes that meet international competitive standards. An extensive system of snowmaking machines and an altitude of 500 metres above sea level give us enough snow to operate from the beginning of December to April.

Attractions: The Akershus Fortress, Norway´s Resistance Museum, the Prison Museum, the Armed Forces Museum, Holmenkollen, Ski Museum, Aker Brygge, Oslo Cathedral, the City Hall, the Royal Palace, the University, the Nobel Institute, the Historical Museum, the National Gallery, the National Theatre, the Astrup Fearnly Museum, the Children´s Art Museum, the Ibsen Museum, the Parliamant Building, the Munch Museum, the Vigeland Sculpture Park / Museum, the Botanic Garden, the Zoological Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, the Polar Fram Museum, the Kon-Tiki / Ra Museum, Henie Onstad Art Center.



DAY 15

Bus from the hotel and onboard Color Line.