Day 1: Oslo - Bodø - Lofoten - 30km

Our Guides will meet you at the Gardemoen airport (Oslo) with your tickets for a 10:20am flight to Bodø north of the Arctic Circle.  The flight time is 1.5hr and takes you to the land of the Midnight Sun. Leaving Bodø at 3pm we will catch the Coastal Steamer to Lofoten. We will now have time to test out the bikes with a 30km late afternoon/evening cycle to Borg where we will stay near the famous Viking resort. Don't worry - the light won't be a problem - remember the midnight sun!

All international guests will need to make sure they arrive to Oslo a day earlier. For those who would like help organising an extra nights’ accommodation at the airport we are available to assist.

Sleep: Bodø
Meals: Dinner with beer & wine

Day 2: Å-Lødingen (The Insomnia Race - 235km)

The world’s most illuminating cycling event starts in Å - the most westerly outpost of Lofoten and Norway, and follows the world famous ‘Tinderekka’ mountain range all the way to Lofoten’s most easterly point Lødingen. We will spend the majority of the day resting since the event starts between 23:00 and 01:00 in the evening. We will cycle along the sea a few metres from where cod fish is hung out to dry and the route is protected and watched over by the mountain ‘Stetind’, rising 1395 meters above the fjord. This will be a night spent exercising our body and mind with support available throughout the entire event. We will complete this mythical 235km cycling challenge as a group and enjoy the camaraderie as we pass through this amazing part of the world. Depending on the group we can be as competitive or as relaxed and leisurely as we like - the choice is ours. The main idea being we ride as a group and keep the formation to reach the finish line together.

  
    Click here for full stage profile



Sleep: Cycling during the Insomnia Race
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (before the Insomnia Race)

Day 3: Lødingen- Fauske - Rest Day

After completing the 'Insomnia Race' on Saturday morning we will relax and be transported to the small town of Fauske. After a good rest we will enjoy a typical Norwegian dinner in the evening. If anyone would like a massage we will be able to book this in advance. All that is left is for a good night sleep before approaching the Arctic Circle.

Sleep: Fauske
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner with beer & wine

Day 4: Fauske – Towards the Arctic Circle - 75/90 km

The start of this route is relatively easy and ideal to get the engine started after the long ride we had on Day 2. We will be cycling along the seaside for about 55km to Saltdal before the climb towards the Arctic Circle begins. Here we will relax and enjoy the stay for the night at Storjord hotel. The hotel closed its doors in 1940, and has been uninhabited since 1970. But in 2009 Storjord Hotel was restored and reopened and it is now one of the most genuinely old-fashioned wooden hotels in Norway. The dinner will be based on traditional Norwegian recipes and locally sourced produce, such as, reindeer, vegetables and cheese.

   Click here for full stage profile



For those participants who decide to tackle the 15 kilometre climb up the dramatic Junkerdalsura canyon they will be blessed with a fantastic view of the region.

Sleep: Storjord
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner with beer & wine

Day 5: The Arctic Circle – Mo i Rana - 115 km

We will start climbing towards the top of Saltfjellet where we cross the Arctic Circle. Here we will stop for a rest and visit the Arctic Circle Centre. Then heading south we arrive to Mo i Rana. The altitude will only be 692m but at this height we will be above the tree line where the view is spectacular. The last 60km are mostly downhill and easy to cycle to our destination of the old Industrial town of Mo i Rana .



   Click here for full stage profile



Mo i Rana is known as "the Arctic Circle city" because the Arctic Circle traverses the district in an east-west direction.

Sleep: Mo i Rana
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Mo i rana – Tonnes - 105 km

As we start cycling along the coast we find ourselves circling the Svartisen glacier. This part of the tour provides scenery which you will never forget. The route is part of Kystriksveien - a coastal route and beautiful scenic road which is believed by many to be the world’s most beautiful tourist route. This is a wonderful part of the world to explore by bicycle. Along the route you will encounter many famous landmarks, such as Svartisen glacier and Saltraumen (world`s strongest whirlpools). At Tonnes we will stay overnight in cottages next to the sea which offer the most stunning views. 



   Click here for full stage profile



Sleep: Tonnes
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Tonnes - Ørnes - 85 km

The cycling will be quite easy with plenty of time to take in the coast line and fjords. Today we will pass the Arctic Circle again. The route passes some tunnels which are modern and well lighted. Before our arrival at Ørnes we follow a fjord while looking towards the Svartisen glacier which at just 20m above sea level is the lowest glacier on the European continent. After some time to rest and relax we will eat some more delicious local food. 



   Click here for full stage profile



Sleep: Ørnes
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner with beer & wine

Day 8: Ørnes - Bodø - 120 km

The initial 40km will be easy cycling along the coast with beautiful scenery; the ocean on one side and steep mountains on the other side that plunge straight into the ocean. We will stop at some coastal points for photos before we need to prepare for some final hours of cycling in the mountains. After conquering the mountains we descend to the famous 'Maelstrom Saltstraumen' .Saltraumen is the worlds strongest maelstrom (whirlpools) and a fishing paradise. When the tide is at its highest you will be amazed by this powerful force of nature. Every six hours, 400 million cubic meters of water, with a speed of up to 20 knots is pushed through this narrow strait. Huge whirlpools are formed which can be up to 15 meters in diameter and five meters deep. All that remains now is a short and gentle ride to our finishing town of Bodø.



  Click here for full stage profile

Sleep: Bodø
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Bodø - Oslo