Icehotel® & Orca Safari

Combine two amazing experiences in one fantastic short break made even more special for festive departures. A stay at the world’s most unusual hotel crafted entirely from ice and snow is complemented by a visit to the picture-postcard Norwegian coastline and the Lofoten islands. Here, in the company of an expert naturalist guide, get up close and personal with the mighty orca.

The aim of this tour is to bring together two iconic experiences in one short break. And with nature dictating the timing we’ve also added some very special additions to the Christmas and New Year departures to make this a fabulous festive getaway. Take part in the festive celebrations amidst the stunning setting of the ICEHOTEL with fine dining and celebrations included.

With flights direct to Kiruna in Sweden, travel to and from Norway is by coach. Two nights will be spent at the ICEHOTEL, which by now should need no introduction, as well as two nights in Henningsvaer in Norway.
Narvik is a mainland port opposite Lofoten, a stunning archipelago just off the northern Norwegian coast. As you would expect, the islands are blessed with a diverse and dramatic coastline: narrow straits; tall, glacier-carved peaks; quiet coves; windswept beaches; tiny islets and picturesque harbours.

The autumn migratory habit of the North Atlantic herring has, for the last 20 years, brought them in their millions to these Norwegian waters to over winter, generally around the Tysfjord area where our previous trips have been based. Not surprisingly the orca followed! However, over the last couple of years, the behaviour of these shoals has changed and they now travel further along the coast to Lofoten.

Here, board a boat and head out into Vestfjorden on the first orca safari. The skipper can manoeuvre along side the orca quickly and expertly, always adhering to strict guidelines which ensure the creatures are observed without interference. To see their enormous and quite striking mono-chromed bodies, up close in their natural environment, possibly even breaching, is impressive to say the least!

For those who like their facts, the orca or killer whale, is a species of toothed whale and is actually the largest of the dolphins. Males are considered full-grown at the age of twenty, have a dorsal fin of up to 2m in length and weigh up to 10 tonnes! Sightings around Lofoten have an 80% success rate although it should be noted that they can never be guaranteed.

After the safari, come ashore at Henningsvaer, Lofoten’s largest and most characteristic fishing village, located at the foot of Mount Vagakallen. Consisting of a group of isles and islets spread out at random in the blue waters of the Vestfjord, with quaint architecture and such an exceptionally scenic setting, it’s not surprising it has become quite a draw for artists and other creative people. Around town you’ll find art galleries, handicraft and ceramics workshops, a candle foundry and a glassblower’s cabin as well as an excellent Viking ‘living history’ museum. Stay 2 nights in a harbour side hotel, details of which can be found on our website.

The following day, take another boat safari then transfer to the ICEHOTEL.