Glacier motorcycles speed across the snowfields * Trollfjord cruise
Norway & Iceland 13-Day In-Depth Tour: Highlights and Practical Guide
I. Core Highlights
1. Deep Dive into Arctic Scenery
- Aurora Chasing: The itinerary takes place in Tromsø and other areas known for their aurora borealis activity. A professional guide leads you to a light-pollution-free observation point, providing a **2-hour aurora viewing experience** (winter exclusive, subject to solar storm index). Special Note: Observation time is reserved each night, and we'll teach you how to capture stunning aurora photos with your phone/camera.
- Blue Ice Cave Exploration: A winter-only activity, equipped with professional guides and safety gear (crampons, helmet, etc.), delve into Iceland's natural blue ice caves for a **glacier hike + blue light wonderland photography**, experiencing firsthand the textures and colors formed by glaciers over millennia.
- Fjords and Volcanic Landscapes:
- Trollfjord Cruise: Cruise through steep rock walls, listen to legends, and perhaps even encounter sea eagles soaring overhead.
- Iceland's Golden Circle: Explore Thingvellir National Park (where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet), Geysir (eruptions reaching up to 70 meters high), and Gullfoss (a spectacular rainbow waterfall).
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Visit Kirkjufell (Church Mountain), a filming location for *Game of Thrones*, and experience the awe-inspiring post-apocalyptic landscape.
2. Comprehensive Featured Activities
- *Snow and Ice Entertainment*:
- *Husky Sledding*: Drive a sled across the snowfield, interact with adorable dogs, and experience a traditional Nordic mode of transportation.
- *Glacier Motorcycles*: Ride across Vatnajökull Glacier and feel the thrill of speed and the collision of ice and snow (with professional instructor guidance).
- *Ice and Fire Experience*: Enjoy a traditional sauna in Svorverr, followed by a plunge into the icy sea (optional), challenging the extreme temperature difference.
Friendly Reminder: The sauna is a public sauna according to local tradition, with separate changing rooms for men and women. Please bring your own swimwear. The icy water jumping activity may not be suitable for most people. You can choose to experience the indoor sauna only, depending on your preference.
- *Cultural Exploration*:
*Viking Museum*: Recreating Viking life scenes, try on Viking costumes, and listen to legendary stories.
*Arctic Church*: A landmark building in Tromsø, its triangular glass spire resembles a frozen aurora borealis. Concerts are frequently held inside.
*Snaefellsnes Peninsula Black and Red Churches*: The black, white, and red churches, against the backdrop of tundra and snow-capped mountains, create classic photographic scenes.
- *Natural Wonders*:
*Diamond Ice Beach*: On the black sand beach beside the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, floating blue ice floes shimmer like diamonds.
*Whale Watching*: A whale watching trip from Reykjavik to spot humpback whales and dolphins, with professional guides explaining the marine ecology.
*Aircraft Wreck Exploration*: Visit the wreckage of the DC-3 aircraft that crashed in 1973 and experience its post-apocalyptic aesthetics (shuttle bus included; self-driving is not recommended in winter).
*3. High-End Accommodation and Services*
- *Silica Hotel Blue Lagoon*: Designated stay, enjoy a premium Blue Lagoon spa package (including face masks and drinks). The hotel features a volcanic rock and glass dome design, offering stunning views of the starry sky and aurora borealis.
- *Selected Accommodations*: Stay in a fjord-view hotel in Norway, and experience a volcanic spa hotel + boutique guesthouse in Iceland, all at 3-4 star standard.
- *Small Group, Exquisite Service*: Small group of 4-8 people, Chinese-speaking driver/guide with over 10 years of ice and snow driving experience. Business vehicle throughout the trip, complimentary kettle and Nordic snack pack provided.
II. Itinerary Overview
D1-D5 Norway Segment*:
- D1: Arrive in Tromsø → Check into hotel, free time
- D2: Husky sledding → Arctic Church → Cable car (popular on Xiaohongshu) + Fjellheisen viewpoint overlooking the Aurora Borealis city at night
- D3: Narvik → Henningsville → Sauna experience + Aurora chasing
- D4: Lofoten Islands (Reine, Hamnej, A town, Nusfjord)
- D5: Svorver → Viking Museum → Trollfjord cruise → Evonnes
D6-D12 Iceland Segment*:
- D6: Arrive in Reykjavik → Blue Lagoon relaxation → Check into Blue Lagoon hotel
- D7: Golden Circle day trip (Thingvellir + Geyser + Gullfoss) → Crater Lake
- D8: Route 1 → Plane wreck → Glacier motorbike → Vik Red Roof Church
- Day 9: Blue Ice Cave Adventure → Diamond Ice Beach → Glacier Lagoon
- Day 10: Whale Watching Trip → Free Time in Reykjavik
- Day 11: Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Black Church, Kirkjufell, Sea Caves) → Reykjavik
- Day 12: Reykjavik City Exploration → Airport Transfer
- Day 13: Return Trip*: Return to home country via transit country, end of trip.
*III. Practical Travel Tips*
*1. Essential Items List*
- *Equipment*:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, wool socks, non-slip hiking boots (spare shoes recommended).
- Warm clothing (down jacket, fleece jacket, thermal underwear), hat (windproof + warm), gloves (touchscreen type preferred).
- Swimsuit (essential for hot springs and saunas), sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), sunscreen (strong ultraviolet radiation in the polar regions). - *Electronics*:
- European standard adapter, power bank (not exceeding 20000mAh), camera + spare battery (battery drains quickly in low temperatures).
- International roaming SIM card or local SIM card (Icelandic SIM card with data included is recommended).
- *Documents*:
- Passport, visa, itinerary, hotel booking confirmation, insurance policy (insurance covering polar activities is recommended).
- Commonly used items (motion sickness medication, cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, painkillers).
- A small amount of Euros/Krone cash (some small shops only accept cash).
*2. Safety and Health Tips*
- *Polar Safety*:
- Avoid going out in blizzards and follow your guide's advice; always wear designated safety equipment when participating in outdoor activities.
- When observing the aurora, stay away from light sources; using a tripod is recommended; be careful where you step.
- *Activity Notes*:
- Safety agreements must be signed in advance for activities such as glacier hiking and motorcycling; those with heart disease or high blood pressure should exercise caution.
- Whale watching may cause seasickness; please take seasickness medication beforehand and wear warm clothing.
- *Health Preparations*:
- It is recommended to get a flu shot beforehand; if bringing prescription medication, please provide an English description.
- Although the water quality in Scandinavia is drinkable, those with sensitive stomachs are advised to drink bottled water.
*Friendly Reminder*: This itinerary combines natural landscapes and cultural experiences; some activities are subject to seasonal and weather conditions. Please be flexible. We hope you create unforgettable polar memories during your 13-day trip to Norway and Iceland!