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TROMSØ - LOFOTEN /
LOFOTEN – TROMSØ

NEW: HOP-ON/HOP-OFF BUS
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Travel through the Arctic by bus this summer!

A safe, reliable, and relaxed way to explore the Arctic!

Northern Norway is an incredible place to spend the summer with amazing places to see with majestic mountains, pristine white sand beaches and magnificent fjords. A summer to remember!

Get ready to discover life above the Arctic Circle!

On the Tromsø – Lofoten (Kabelvåg) – Tromsø route, you can travel in a large area, spreading out between Tromsø and Lofoten, by bus and ferry. The buses are operated by the Arctic Route and the ferries are public (the ferry ticket is included on your ticket).

Our daily-operated bus route brings you between North and South: from Tromsø, via Senja, Andøya, Vesterålen, all the way to the Gateway of the Lofoten: Svolvær and Kabelvåg, in both directions, every day.

The route also connects many of the entry and exit points in the Arctic Route summer area, such as Tromsø airport and the Hurtigruten stops in Svolvær and Tromsø.

WHAT TO DO ALONG THIS ROUTE
TIMETABLES FOR THIS ROUTE

Travel Passes

Book it here

Season

15th June – 14th August

Fitness level

Suitable for all 

Longest distance

13 hours

Stops

19

Hop-on / Hop-off

Storytelling app
Voice of Norway
In Google Play & App store

Price

NOK 23 – 1271

The Arctic Route map summer

Northern Norway is an incredible place to spend the summer with amazing places to see with majestic mountains, pristine white sand beaches and magnificent fjords. A summer to remember!

Get ready to discover life above the Arctic Circle!

On the Tromsø – Lofoten (Kabelvåg) – Tromsø route, you can travel in a large area, spreading out between Tromsø and Lofoten, by bus and ferry. The buses are operated by the Arctic Route and the ferries are public (the ferry ticket is included on your ticket). Our daily-operated bus routes bring you between North and South: from Tromsø, via Sommarøy, Senja, Andøya, Vesterålen, all the way to the Gateway of the Lofoten: Svolvær and Kabelvåg, in both directions, every day. The route also connects many of the entry and exit points in the Arctic Route summer area, such as Tromsø airport and the Hurtigruten stops in Svolvær and Tromsø.

WHAT TO DO ALONG THIS ROUTE
TIMETABLES FOR THIS ROUTE
a small town in summer in lofoten

Svolvær

red bus crossing over large body of water

Stokmarknes

3 kayaks in the water

Skaland

misty mountains with lake

SENJA

people hiking in Senja

Senja

moutains in Lofoten under sun

Lofotakvariet

Hamn I Senja drone shot, green mountains and blue waters

Hamn

misty lofoten fjord

Gryllefjord

Turquoise sea with green mountains

Ersfjord

Ersfjord misty mountains

Ersfjord

RIB boat with people watching orcas

Andenes

whale tail close up in the ocean with sunset in the background

Andenes

a bus on a bridge

Stokmarknes

tromsø in the summer with snowy mountains and midnight sun

TROMSØ

tromsø in the summer with green mountains and midnight sun

TROMSØ

Book your Arctic life-changing experience

How to book with the Arctic Route

Buy a single ticket/stretch

  • Choose your travel day
  • Choose your destination
  • Off you go

Buy a travel pass

SUMMER 2023: Go on a whale watching tour in Andenes

Go on a whale watching by Rigid Inflatable Boat in Andenes, and observe fin whales, sperm whales, and orcas. Daily departures by bus, from Tromsø and Svolvær, between the 15th of June and the 14th of August.

Departure from Svolvær
Departure from Tromsø

If you are coming from Tromsø, you will need an overnight to join a Whale Watching tour at Andenes. We offer you two options:

Unique features

Daily operated bus routes

Hop-on &
hop-off

Connecting with
airports and
ferries

Fixed prices,
according to the
distance you travel

Photo stops
along the way

Add exciting
activities at many
of the stops

Add
accommodations
to your journey

Sightseeing visits included

people walking under a fish drying structure in lofoten

Starting points and travel options

Check our route map to see all pick-up and drop-off points where you can start and leave the bus.

This route connects you to Senja, Andenes, Stokmarknes and Svolvær among others.

You will get to experience the beauty of the Arctic summer wherever you decide to visit!

*Is this the route for you? This route was designed for travelers who wish 100% freedom to explore and plan as it goes, without limitations, restrictions, or schedules. With the travel passes, you can hop on/off on this route (as well as on the route Narvik – Lofoten – Narvik, using the same travel pass) as many times as you wish.

To change from North – South (route Tromsø – Lofoten (Kabelvåg), to West – East (route Lofoten (Å) – Narvik), an overnight in Svolvær is needed.

See more of our adventures below

DISCOVER

A route
designed to
enjoy traveling

A route designed to enjoy traveling

Entry and exit points on the route:

• Tromsø airport (via the Airport Express)

• Hurtigruten Coastal Routes in Svolvær, Tromsø and Stokmaknes


Unique ferry crossings on this route:

• Brensholmen – Botnhamn (40 min)

• Gryllefjord – Andenes (1h40 min)

• Melbu – Fiskebøl (35 min)

Travel-oriented/focus

We picked our stops based on locations that travelers want to visit, spend the night, and want to eternalize with photos and life-lasting memories.

Made by locals,
for everyone

The route, with hop-off/hop-on stops, shorter photo stops, and longer visiting stops carefully handpicked by local travel passionists.

Add experiences and accommodations

Experiences and overnight stays will soon be possible to be added to this trip via our booking platform at some of the locations along the route.

Timetable and price list

DOWNLOAD

Packages along this route

All activities are accessible via the Arctic Route - no rental car is
needed. We offer, you choose.

All activities are accessible via the Arctic Route - no rental car is needed. We offer, you choose.

NOK 1500 / pp

  • 07:30
  • 13 hours
  • Svolvær

Round trip by Arctic Route bus and Hurtigruten ship into Trollfjord from Lofoten

Visit the hometown of Hurtigruten, the brand-new museum, and explore the village of Stormarknes on foot. On your way back to Svolvær, you will join the famous Hurtigruten ship, while visiting Norway’s most iconic northern fjord: Trollfjord.
Book now

NOK 1090 / pp

  • 09:00 - 14:00
  • 3,5 hours
  • Svolvær

Silent Trollfjord Cruise

Experience Lofoten’s unique Trollfjord in complete silence aboard our modern hybrid-electric boat. A modern twist on a classic Lofoten adventure.
Book now

NOK 1090 / pp

  • 18:30
  • 4:15 hours
  • Svolvær

Henningsvær Cultural Tasting Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise from Svolvær. Highlights include tasting the Arctic cuisine, admiring Lofoten’s highest mountains and strolling around the famous Lofoten fishing village of Henningsvær.
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NOK 1095 / pp

  • 19:00
  • 2 hours
  • Svolvær

Evening Kayak from Svolvær

Lofoten’s nature has unique and spectacular contrasts, and kayaking is a great way to experience these, in the wonderful evening colours.
Book now

NOK 1095 / pp

  • 10:00
  • 2 hours
  • Svolvær

Sea Eagle Safari to Trollfjorden

A trip made for nature enthusiasts! You get the chance to see sea eagles and experience some of the most scenic landscapes in Lofoten.
Book now

NOK 995 / pp

  • 10:30
  • 2 hours
  • Svolvær

Sea kayaking in Svolvær

The perfect way to experience Lofoten: by kayak! Paddle away around the village of Svolvær on the turquoise sea during summer.
Book now

NOK 1500 / pp

  • 21:00
  • 3 hours
  • Senja (Skaland)

Midnight Sun – Evening Kayak Tour on Senja

Always been dreaming of kayaking in crystal blue waters, between big mountains, fjords and islands in the golden hours of the evening sun? Visit Senja in Norway, and witness this magical time of the day.
Book now

NOK 890 / pp

  • 14:30
  • 1 hour
  • Tromsø

1-hour Photo & History Cruise around Tromsø

Join a Tromsø fjord photography and history cruise: enjoy a peaceful cruise in Arctic waters combined with the fascinating history of the unique boat Hermes II. This short yet exciting sightseeing tour offers a great way to discover Tromsø from the sea.
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NOK 195 / pp

  • 10:00-17:00
  • 2 hours
  • Stokmarknes

Hurtigruten Museum Entrance Ticket

The brand-new museum tells the story about “Hurtigruta”, the famous coastal express, since the beginning the 1880’s, around 130 years ago. Visitors get an insight into the importance of the coastal express in Norwegian coastal- and transport history. Walk through the ship and have lunch in the original ‘kantina’.
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NOK 1950 / pp

  • 08:45
  • 11:50 hours
  • Tromsø

To the majestic fjords and mountains of magical Senja, from Tromsø

Join this self-guided day trip, starting from Tromsø city and going along the National Scenic Route to the mesmerizing island of Senja. Photostops and ferries included in this unique day trip from Tromsø.
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NOK 2950 / pp

  • 08:45
  • 25,50 hours
  • Senja

Visit magical Senja island, including 1 overnight, from Tromsø

Senja island, a wonderful bus and ferry trip away from Tromsø, Norway. Visit this hidden gem and stay one night at the authentic fishing resort of Hamn i Senja, located on the National Scenic Route. A unique Arctic pearl! Easy-to-book adventure from Tromsø.
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NOK 3490 / pp

  • 08:45
  • 36 hours
  • Tromsø

Whale-Watching from Tromsø without accommodation – summer

Join us on a Whale-Watching Safari, with bus transport from Tromsø, along one of Norway’s most beautiful coast roads, to the town of Andenes.
Book now

NOK 3490 / pp

  • 07:30
  • 14 hours
  • Svolvær

Whale-Watching from Svolvær

Join us on an Arctic Whale Watching Safari, in Andenes, with bus transport from Svolvær, and watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales, above the Arctic Circle, in Norway.
Book now

NOK 4950 / pp

  • 08:45
  • 36 hours
  • Tromsø

Whale-Watching from Tromsø including accommodation

Join us on a Whale-Watching Safari, with bus transport from Tromsø and overnight in the town of Andenes. A wonderful gateway to the home of these sea mammals, along Norway’s most beautiful coastal roads.
Book now

Highlights on this route

tromsø in summer from above

Tromsø
The lively Arctic capital

As Tromsø is located above the Arctic Circle, this popular destination is magical during the summer, with its never setting sun from mid-May to late July.

Explore the city during a guided city walk and visit the northernmost brewery, Mack. 

Go out on a fjord safari, cycle in the city, go out for a hike, or jump on the smallest city train, and feel the lively city vibe in the evening in one of the many high-standard restaurants, and cozy bars.

Senja
The magical island of Senja

Senja, the 5th biggest island of Norway, is called ‘Little Norway’ as you will meet steep ridges and deep fjords in the west, and large forest areas in the south, located in the national park of Ånderdalen. A miniature of Norway’s landscape.

Hike up the summit of Segla, the iconic mountain of Senja, leaving from the local village of Mefjord. Join a kayak tour in the archipelago of Skaland and Hamn.

To reach the island, you embark on a ferry, crossing the arctic water. A unique experience in itself!

fjords and mountains in summer Lofoten
lofoten archipelago

Andenes
All-year-round whale home

Join an adventurous boat trip, bringing you to a variety of whale species, that are about around in the deep-sea canyon just outside Andenes town. Within 15 to 50 minutes, you will reach these fantastic animals. An unforgettable experience.

The lighthouse of Andenes, the tallest one in the whole of Norway, is the home beacon for many of our beloved sea mammals and local sea lovers.

Marmelkroken
Nature’s architecture at its best

Marmelkroken guesthouse, located along the National Tourist Route on Vesterålen, is unique in its kind.

The owner, Lisbeth lives in full harmony with nature, and gives you access to authentic nature walks, breathing- cabins and nature-based cuisine, such as a birch soda, harvested from the birch trees in her forest.

treehouse in norway
view from the top of the mountain

Vesterålen
Hiker’s paradise with whales

Vesterålen, a scenic archipelago, with adventures at sea and on land. The tip of Vesterålen is the year-through home for sperm whales and orcas. Head out for a day into the close by ocean.

With hikes suitable from family routes to advanced tours, Vesterålen has you covered for panoramic views on a big variety of hiking trails.

Don’t forget to visit the new Hurtigruten Museum in the hometown of the iconic Hurtigruten ships (Stokmarknes), for stories about the past and the future of this unique part of Northern Norway.

Svolvær
The gateway to Lofoten

Svolvær is the biggest town on the Lofoten islands and offers a wide variety of accommodations and experiences.

Join a fast Rigid Inflatable Boat or a silent modern hybrid catamaran towards one of Norway’s most known and beautiful fjords: Trollfjord.

If you are a foodie, try local food and join the Henningsvær Cultural Tasting Cruise.

You could also go sailing and paddling if you are up for a softer adventure.

Svolvær in Lofoten surrounded by mountains