$7999 & up—Nordic winter rail & fjord tour, save up to $5196

Winter is when Norway feels most elemental. Fjords empty. Snow sharpens the scenery. Light hangs low on the horizon. With this 19-night tour, you don’t have to choose between the Arctic north and Norway’s defining fjords. Unlike most winter itineraries, this journey continues south to include one of Norway’s most celebrated rail-and-fjord routes. You begin in Finland aboard the overnight Santa Claus Express, crossing into Lapland while you sleep. Days unfold in snowbound landscapes shaped by long nights and Arctic life. Husky sledding and Sami culture add depth. Then comes a night in a glass-roofed aurora cabin beneath Saariselka’s star-filled skies. As you cross into Norway, the scenery grows wilder. From the North Cape to the jagged peaks and fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. Rather than winding down, the journey builds to a memorable finale. From Oslo, you ride the iconic Flam Railway and cruise the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord into Bergen. Ending in the fjords brings contrast and a true sense of arrival. Small-group travel and all internal transport handled make this an unusually smooth way to experience Norway in winter. 

Starting from $7999 per person, Travelzoo members receive an exclusive discount of up to $5196 off Inspiring Vacations’ regular rates.

What's included

• 16 nights in 3- and 4-star accommodation
• 1 night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
• 1 night in a glass-roofed Aurora cabin under Saariselkä’s starry skies
• Breakfast daily and 6 dinners
• One-way flight from Evenes to Oslo
• Small group tour from Helsinki to Oslo with no more than 24 people
• Independent travel from Oslo to Bergen on the iconic Norway in a Nutshell rail journey
• All coach, boat, and rail transportation
• Sightseeing, including entry fees, as per the itinerary

When

The featured $7999 fare is valid for travel on 11 and 18 October 2026.

There are 10 other dates from November 2026 to March 2027 that save up to $5196 per person. These start from an additional $400 per person only.

Book by 18 February 2026.

To find out more, see our partner's website. 

Holiday snapshot

Helsinki - Santa Claus Express - Kemi - Rovaniemi - Sodankylä - Saariselkä - Inari - Karasjok - North Cape - Honningsvåg - Alta - Lyngen Alps - Tromsø - Sortland - Lofoten Islands - Svolvær - Evenes - Oslo - Myrdal - Flåm - Gudvangen - Voss - Bergen

Itinerary highlights

Begin in Helsinki, exploring the city’s coastal elegance and visiting Temppeliaukio Church, carved directly into solid rock beneath a copper dome.

Board the Santa Claus Express for an unforgettable overnight rail journey from Helsinki to Kemi, drifting north through snow-draped forests and Arctic silence.

Arrive in Kemi to experience SnowExperience365, with opportunities for an icebreaker cruise (Dec–Mar departures), Arctic ice floating, and carving through frozen seas on a once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure.

Continue to Rovaniemi, crossing the Arctic Circle to visit Santa’s Village, where winter magic and festive spirit linger year-round.

Travel deeper into Lapland, spending an unforgettable night in a glass-roofed aurora cabin near Saariselkä, gazing at star-filled skies in search of the Northern Lights.

Enjoy a husky sled safari through Lapland’s wilderness (weather permitting), gliding across snowfields beneath vast northern skies.

Reach Inari to visit the SIIDA Museum, discovering Sámi culture, Arctic history and traditions shaped by life above the Arctic Circle.

Cross into Norway via Karasjok, the cultural heart of the Sámi people, before continuing north to the dramatic Arctic coast.

Stand at the North Cape, Europe’s most northerly point, raising a glass of sparkling wine while gazing across the Arctic Ocean’s endless horizon.

Arrive in Alta, home to UNESCO-listed Alta Rock Art, where ancient carvings reveal stories etched into stone thousands of years ago.

Journey through the spectacular Lyngen Alps, surrounded by jagged peaks, glacial valleys and fjords that define northern Norway’s raw beauty.

Discover Tromsø, the lively “Gateway to the Arctic,” blending polar history, vibrant cafés and excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities.

Travel to Sortland and onward into the Lofoten Islands, where fishing villages and dramatic mountains rise straight from icy waters.

Visit Svolvær and nearby Henningsvær, iconic Lofoten communities perched on rocky islets beneath soaring alpine backdrops.

Take a one-way internal flight from Evenes to Oslo, transitioning from Arctic wilderness to Norway’s cultural capital.

Explore Oslo on a guided city tour, discovering waterfront districts, historic landmarks and modern Scandinavian design.

After breakfast, begin independent travel on the iconic Norway in a Nutshell route, Norway’s most famous and eco-friendly journey, seamlessly connecting rail, fjord cruise and coach travel.

Ride the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal, watching the scenery transform from city landscapes to high-altitude mountain plateaus.

Transfer to the world-famous Flåm Railway, descending steeply through waterfalls, valleys and postcard-perfect alpine scenery to the fjord village of Flåm.

Enjoy free time in Flåm, with options to visit the Flåm Railway Museum or sample local craft beer at the Ægir Microbrewery.

Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen, gliding between towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and mirror-still waters.

Travel by scenic coach to Voss, passing rural farms and roaring waterfalls, before continuing by train toward the west coast.

Arrive in Bergen by early afternoon, then enjoy time at leisure to explore Bryggen’s historic wharf, ride the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views, and sample fresh seafood at the bustling fish market.

Continue through Voss, framed by mountain passes and rushing rivers, before arriving in Bergen.

Conclude in Bergen, wandering Bryggen’s colourful wharf, historic streets and harbour framed by seven surrounding mountains.