Amid exciting developments in Europe’s growing sleeper train sector, witness an epic new 15-night trip offered by Up Norway that will see the company’s Arctic Circle Express Train Journey extended for 2024 to take in Northern Lights capital, Lofoten, and the historic port of Narvik.
Cities, landscapes, waterways
Departing Norway’s capital, Oslo, the northern odyssey carries passengers on into Bergen, Alesund, Viking capital Trondheim, and Bodø, set to be European Capital of Culture 2024, before culminating at the two new stops.
Along the way passengers will get to know Norway’s cities as well as its breathtaking landscapes and UNESCO-recognised wharfs and waterways on foot, by fjord and by kayak, or even by arctic surfing, as well as by train of course, in what Up Norway’s release calls “an immersive adventure through Norway’s captivating Northern landscapes.”
Mealtimes, comfort and culture
Up Travel offers local cuisine from sea and farm at mealtimes, in addition to encounters with the people and cultures behind it. Accommodation includes boutique guest houses and a traditional fisherman’s cabin. 2024 departures will also get the opportunity to stay in Narvikfjellet Mountains’ Basecamp Narvik.
For additional reassurance, before departure, passengers receive access to a digital guide filled with advice, information, and a 24-hour chat function to get hold of the Up Norway team, founded by Norway specialist and advocate Torunn Tronsvang.
Tronsvang’s background in hospitality management and passion for Norway gave her the ambition to “pick up all the fragmented amazing experiences that are all over the country and put them together to create a concept and sell it to international travelers [sic].”
When?
Up Norway’s existing 11-night trip operates May to September and the new extension can be bolted on to bookings for next year. The Ofotbanen Arctic Train extension will journey into the Arctic Circle “presenting breathtaking vistas of mountainous peaks and brilliant waterfalls”, according to Elite Traveller.
How much?
Described by Leisure + Travel as a sustainable upscale tour company, Up Norway is B Corp certified, recognised for its high social, environmental and transparency score. B Corp companies are often described as “businesses that do more than make a profit”.
Sure enough the packages do not come cheap but they are surprisingly comparable with other catered experiential rail journeys. For the complete journey with the new extension tickets are currently 6,135 euros ($6,587) per person based on couples, while you’ll pay out 4,320 euros ($4,639) per person for the original 11-night break.
