2025 Nordic Trip: Sápmi & Norwegian Coastal Voyage

About this trip

Aug 23 - Sep 2, 2025

Join the National Nordic Museum on an adventure to Sápmi, the cultural region in the Nordic north traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, and a 6-day voyage along the Norwegian Coast with the MS Havila Castor. We end our tour in Bergen (NOR) where you’ll have the option to extend your tour with a two (2) day trip on the Sognefjord, (Norway’s largest and deepest fjord) that includes the famous Flåm Railway.

Guiding the tour will be the Museum’s newly appointed Executive Director/CEO, Lāth Carlson; Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Terje Leiren; and our Tour Guide, Andrew Hutter.

Double occupancy price - $8,625.00
Single occupancy price - $11,320.00

1. Itinerary
   
   

   Day 1 | August 23 | Stockholm
   
   We meet in the early evening at our centrally located hotel for a short walk to our festive welcome dinner by the Stockholm City Hall at the Stadshuskällaran.
   
   Day 2 | August 24 | Stockholm
   
   This morning we’ll visit the Sámi collections at the Nordiska and Skansen Museums. The afternoon is free to explore Stockholm.
   
   Day 3 | August 25 | Stockholm to Inari
   
   This morning fly to Ivalo, Finland, well north of the Arctic Circle. We then make a short drive to the Sámi village of Inari where we’ll stay two nights at the Wilderness Hotel.
   
   Day 4 | August 26 | Inari
   
   Today we’ll focus on Sámi culture with a visit to the Sámi Museum Siida, a reindeer farm and a traditional Sámi meal for lunch.
   
   Day 5 | August 27 | Inari to Havila Ship
   
   This morning we drive to Kirkenes in Norway to board our ship for the next six (6) days, the MS Havila Castor. After lunch on the ship we’ll start our voyage which will take us over the top of Norway (above 71°latitude) and then south to Bergen.
   
   Days 6-9 | August 28-31 | Norwegian Coastal Voyage
   
   Our 1,250 nautical mile coastal voyage sails along the Norwegian coast, mostly in sheltered waters between the Norwegian coast, islands and skerries. The astounding scenery can be enjoyed in panoramic lounges and your sea view cabins. The ship will make calls at thirty-four (34) different ports both day and night. Some will be short stops to stretch your legs and quickly explore small villages, while others will be of a longer duration such as in Trondheim, Kristiansund, Svolvær in Lofoten and Hammerfest.
   
   All meals are included on the ship and most days there will be optional excursions offered by the Havila.
   
   Day 10 | September 1 | Bergen
   
   We arrive in Bergen, in the late afternoon and transfer to our hotel. After checking in, we’ll walk along Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf and Bergen’s signature sight, to the Fløyen funicular where we’ll ascend 1,000ft for our scenic farewell dinner.
   
   Day 11 | September 2 | Bergen
   
   Tour ends after breakfast.

1. Optional Fjord & Flåm Railway Post Tour
   
   

   Single occupancy price - $2,353

   Day 1 |  September 2 | Bergen to Balestrand

   This morning we take the train from Bergen to Myrdal and board the Flåm Railway, which is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. In less than one hour, we’ll descend 2,800 ft with a photo stop at a waterfall. You’ll have free time in the fjord village of Flåm before we get on the express boat that will first sail on the Aurlandsfjord and then into the Sognefjord, the largest in Norway, to the Hotel Kviknes, our fjord hotel in Balestrand. The Kviknes hotel has been a mecca for Fjord seeking travelers since 1877.

   Day 2 | September 3 | Balestrand to Bergen

   Your morning is free to enjoy the fjord scenery. We’ll check out at noon and make the short walk to Ciderhuset to learn about cider making in this region and have lunch. After lunch we’ll stop at the St. Olaf Church, built in the National Romantic style for British tourists staying in Balestrand. We’ll embark on the Express Boat in the late afternoon and continue on to Bergen.

   Day 3 | September 4 | Bergen

   Tour ends after breakfast.

   What's Included

   • All group transportation and entrances in the itinerary
   • One night hotel in Balestrand and Bergen
   • One (1) Norwegian style buffet dinner at the Kviknes Hotel plus one (1) lunch with cider pairing in Balestrand
   • Train from Bergen to Myrdal and the Flåm Railway
   • Express boat on the Aurlandsfjord and Sogneford
   • All gratuities
   • Tour Director during the trip

   What's Not Included

   X Airfare from Bergen

   X Transportation to airport

   X Travel insurance

   Accommodations

   1. Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel rooms with partial fjord views
   2. Bergen: Clarion Havnekontoret

1. What's Included
   
   

   • Transport & entrances: all group transportation and entrances in the itinerary
   • Hotels: centrally located hotels with breakfast daily
   • Meals: ten (10) dinners including a welcome dinner in Stockholm and a farewell dinner atop Mt. Fløyen, plus eight (8) lunches
   • Flight: flight from Stockholm to Ivalo
   • Cruise: six (6) day Norwegian Coastal Voyage with MS Havila Castor, Seaview Superior cabins
   • Lectures: three (3) curated lectures
   • Gratuities: all gratuities
   • Tour Director: dedicated Tour Director during the trip

1. What's Not Included
   
   

   X International airfare: airfare to Stockholm and from Bergen

   X Airport transfers: transportation from and to airport

   X Travel insurance

1. Accommodations
   
   

   1. Stockholm: Sheraton Hotel
   2. Inari: Wilderness Hotel Inari
   3. Norwegian Coastal Voyage: MS Havila Castor, Seaview Superior cabins
   4. Bergen: Clarion Havnekontoret, Superior rooms