July 17-24, 2027
Norway Arctic Circle Ride – Tromsø to Lofoten
Bike from Tromsø to Lofoten through the Land of the Midnight Sun — a fully awesome, 8-day, 350+ km journey along Norway’s dramatic Arctic coastline, from fjords and mountain passes to sandy beaches and fishing villages, timed to the endless daylight. Hotel-based.
July 17-24, 2027
Tromsø to Svolvær (Lofoten), Hotels
Fundraise or Pay $4,600
Event Details
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change; your Ride Guide will include full details.
Day 1 — Saturday, July 17: Arrival in Tromsø
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Saga
Today you arrive in Tromsø, the capital of Northern Norway, located at almost 70 degrees north. The Midnight Sun is visible in Tromsø from May 19 to July 27 — so arrival day still falls within the season, with the sun barely dipping below the horizon. Tonight, we’ll gather at the hotel to greet one another!
Day 2 — July 18: Tromsø to Sommarøy
Distance: 62 km | Accommodation: Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
This morning we’ll set off along the waterfront around the south tip of Tromsøya Island, crossing the longest bridge in Northern Norway (1.2 km, ~45 m high) onto Kvaløya Island. Easy fjordside riding leads to a steeper climb up to the Kattfjordeidet pass, with views of peaks reaching 1,040 m, before a downhill run into Sommarøy, a fishing and tourism community. An evening hike to Hillesøytoppen is recommended for views of the ocean and Senja Island.
Day 3 — July 19: Sommarøy to Mefjordvær (Senja)
Distance: 41 km (8 km cycling + ferry + 33 km cycling) | Accommodation: Mefjord Brygge
We start by biking to the ferry quay at Brensholmen (8 km), then take the ferry to Botnhamn, then continue by bike to Mefjordvær (33 km). Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, greets riders with hilly terrain and a low-elevation mountain pass, followed by easy fjordside riding with striking views of steep mountains plunging into the ocean. The route follows the Norwegian Scenic Route Senja on narrow, twisting fjordside roads.
Day 4 — July 20: Mefjordvær to Hamn i Senja
Distance: 46 km | Accommodation: Hamn i Senja
From Senjahopen, we continue to the Geitskard Tunnel, then descend to the beach at Ersfjorden and along the fjord to the Tungeneset rest area for a view of Oksen (“the Devil’s Teeth”). A hearty climb to the Skaland Tunnel follows — with a rest partway up for fjord and peak views — before easy riding into Hamn i Senja.
Day 5 — July 21: Hamn i Senja to Bø (Andøya)
Distance: 58 km (11/17 km cycling + ferry + 47 km cycling) | Accommodation: Marmelkroken, Bø
Today we ride from Hamn to the ferry quay at Gryllefjord (11 or 17 km, depending on whether you choose the mountain pass or the Ballesvikskar Tunnel), then ferry to Andenes (1 hr 40 min). From Andenes, an easy, scenic 47 km ride along Andøya’s outer coast passes the 2.5 km sandy beach at Bleik, alternating between mountain foothills and open marshland, with rest stops along the Norwegian Scenic Route Andøy.
Day 6 — July 22: Bø (Andøya) to Sortland
Distance: 63 km | Accommodation: Thon Partner Hotel Sortland
Today we ride past Risøyhamn and across the steep bridge over Risøysundet. Riders wanting a longer day can add a loop around the southern tip of Andøya (~35 km, partly gravel, little traffic). From Risøyhamn to Sortland the riding is easy, with the only climbs crossing three bridges!
Day 7 — July 23: Sortland to Svolvær (Lofoten)
Distance: 28km, 56km, or 116 km (via the North Sea Cycle Route) | Accommodation: Thon Hotel Lofoten
The full route to Svolvær follows the North Sea Cycle Route: bike Sortland – Stokmarknes – Melbu (53 km), ferry to Fiskebøl, then bike Fiskebøl – Svolvær (63.5 km), along the ocean side of Hadseløya and Austvågøy.
Shorter alternatives:
Bike from Sortland to Stokmarknes (56 or 28 km). Then take the Norwegian Coastal Express (Small cruise ship) to Svolvær. On this trip, the ship enters the famous and narrow Trollfjorden, where it almost brushes the sides of the thousand-meter-tall mountains!
Day 8 — Saturday, July 24: Departure
Today we conclude our adventure, and you can plan your departure from Svolvær — or extend the adventure to explore Lofoten or Vesterålen. Onward travel options include the southbound Hurtigruten (dep. 20:30), northbound Hurtigruten (dep. 22:00), bus to Evenes Airport, or a direct flight from Svolvær. More information will be available in your Ride Guide.
FAQs and More Info
What is included? Not included?
Included:
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 7 breakfasts, 6 pack lunches, 4 dinners
- Daily luggage transfer between hotels
- All-in-one travel app and GPX files
- Amazing camaraderie and life-changing cycling, of course!
- Ocean swims (swimportunities)
- The joy and satisfaction that your are helping support vital non-profit work
Not Included:
- Transport to/from Tromsø or Lofoten
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks
- Ferries (approx. NOK 500 per person)
- Pre- and Post-trip accommodations
- We have limited single supplements (NOK 11,000 for 7 nights)
- Travel/supplemental medical insurance (required for international trips)
What level is this ride? Can I do it?
This tour is rated Intermediate to advanced. It suits riders comfortable with guided multi-day touring, variable coastal wind and weather, daily distances up to ~65 km (with one optional longer day of 116 km), occasional steep climbs, and several lit tunnels. Because there is no vehicle support between hotels, riders must be able to complete each day’s full distance under their own power.
Is there vehicle support along the route?
No. This is a guided ride, but not a vehicle-supported one: each day, participants set out on the route together with their Climate Ride guides while luggage is transferred to the next hotel. Because there is no vehicle support along the route, all participants must be able to complete the full daily distance — there are no shorter or shuttle options. E-bike rental is available for riders who want extra support while still completing the full route. This is not a beginner ride.
Arriving & Departing (Important Information)
Arriving
On July 17, please arrive at our hotel in Tromsø (see Ride Guide).
Departing
On July 24, the trip ends in the morning in Svolvær. You can extend the adventure to explore Lofoten or Vesterålen. Onward travel options include the southbound Hurtigruten (dep. 20:30), northbound Hurtigruten (dep. 22:00), bus to Evenes Airport, or a direct flight from Svolvær. More information will be available in your Ride Guide.
What kind of bike do I need?
A touring or trekking bike is recommended. Rental bikes (including e-bikes) are available and returned in Svolvær at the end of the tour.
- Touring/trekking bike rental (incl. return transport to Tromsø): NOK 5,050
- E-bike rental: NOK 6,550 + NOK 3,000 refundable deposit per bike (paid on delivery); charger included, no spare battery
- Handlebar bag: NOK 350
- Included in bike rental: helmet, pannier, bike lock, toolset with patch kit, adjustment keys, replacement tube, pump, helmet-mounted lights, and reflective vest
What’s the weather like in Norway in the summer?
Arctic Norway’s summer weather is famously changeable — riders can see sun, wind, fog, and rain in the same day, sometimes within the same hour. July is the mildest and driest month on this route, but “mild” here means layers, not shorts-and-a-T-shirt.
Daytime highs typically run 55–61°F (13–16°C), with overnight lows around 47–49°F (8–9°C). July is the driest month of the year along this coast, but rain still falls on roughly half the days — usually short, passing showers rather than all-day soakers. Coastal and island stretches (Senja, Andøya) are exposed to sea wind, which can shift direction and intensity throughout the day and affect your pace more than the hills do. You’ll also be riding under the midnight sun, so it stays light around the clock — UV exposure is real even on overcast days.
How should I pack for it? (Our Ride Guide contains a detailed packing list)
- Layer, don’t bulk up: a moisture-wicking base layer, a light insulating mid-layer (fleece or light down), and a waterproof, windproof outer shell.
- A waterproof cycling jacket and pants, packed where you can reach them quickly — showers can roll in fast.
- Full-finger gloves and a buff or neck gaiter for wind and cool mornings.
- A warm hat or headband for evenings, even in July.
- Wool or synthetic socks, not cotton — feet get cold fastest when wet.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses; UV can be strong despite cool temps and cloud cover.
- You’ll have a pannier liner to keep spare layers dry no matter what the sky does.
Bottom line: pack for four seasons in one day, and you’ll be fine no matter what Arctic Norway throws at you.
We do recommend packing efficiently, as you will need to bring your luggage on two ferries and then it will be picked up on the other side.
What are the travel documents/passports required for traveling to Norway?
You will need a valid U.S. or E.U.passport (valid for at least 3 months or you can be denied entry). If you are a passport holder from another country please check your country’s regulations.
Accommodations & Single Supplements
This is an all-hotel, double occupancy trip. We have limited single room supplement for NOK 11,000 for the entire trip, (please inquire before you register). If you sign up as a solo traveler, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate of the same gender. If we cannot find a roommate, then you will be charged the full single supplement fee of NOK 11,000 if rooms are available. If not, we will refund your registration fee.
We are staying a variety of hotels and guesthouses in small towns. We’ll do our best to accommodate your rooming configurations on this very unique tour!
Is my U.S. medical insurance valid while traveling outside the U.S.? Should I get travel insurance?
Travel/supplemental medical insurance on international Climate Ride trips is required. Many domestic health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of the United States, and before leaving for the event, travelers should speak with their healthcare providers to determine if they will be covered. Several private insurance companies offer short-term travel/medical insurance. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, or other comparable companies.
Remember, travel insurance can only cover expenses you have paid for (flights, additional hotels, etc). It cannot cover your fundraising. Be sure to read the fine print on the travel insurance that you buy.
Can I use my U.S. debit or credit card?
Yes, credit cards and debit cards are accepted in towns and tourist areas. But don’t expect to use your credit card everywhere. When we are in smaller villages you may want local currency to purchase incidentals.
Where do my proceeds go?
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising directly fuels the programs that drive our mission forward: underwriting Green Fondo events, funding scholarships that put young sustainability leaders in the saddle, and powering our Justice & Access Grants. Riding under the midnight sun is only half the adventure — the other half is helping build Climate Ride into an advocacy powerhouse for active environmental philanthropy and lasting sustainable solutions. Grantee selection is not available on this trip. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 | 3/25/2027 |
| $2,300 | 4/26/2027 |
| $4,600 | 5/26/2027 |
Transfer Deadline: There are no transfers for this event. Donations are non-refundable.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
Full Event Story
Your Arctic Circle Adventure Awaits!
Join our exciting cycling tour along the stunning coastline between Tromsø and Lofoten. Breathe in the crisp sea air as you embark on this refreshing journey of mountains, islands, beaches, and quaint fishing villages.
This thrilling 350 km journey from Tromsø to Svolvær in Lofoten is the ultimate adventure for cycling enthusiasts, offering a stunning mix of dramatic coastlines, pristine sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages.
Starting in the lively city of Tromsø, you’ll ride through breathtaking fjord landscapes before reaching the picturesque island of Sommarøy, where the open ocean meets the horizon. After a short ferry ride, the tour continues on Senja, Norway’s second-largest island. Here, the road along the west coast offers a spectacular route through rugged terrain, winding in and out of fjords, with steep climbs and thrilling descents.
From Senja, a ferry carries riders to Andøya, where new adventures await: vast marshlands, dramatic peaks, and serene beaches. On the second-to-last day, riders reach Stokmarknes, with the choice to continue cycling toward Svolvær or take the scenic Hurtigruten coastal ferry — both options rich with scenery. The journey concludes in Svolvær, the ‘capital’ of Lofoten.
Parts of this route follow the renowned Norwegian Scenic Routes Senja and Andøya, and the tour is part of the signposted National Cycle Route 1 (the Coastal Route) and EuroVelo 1 (Atlantic Coast Route).
Ride Highlights
- Land of the Midnight Sun: ride under 24-hour daylight, June through August.
- Norwegian Scenic Routes: Senja and Andøya, two of Norway’s most celebrated coastal drives.
- Island hopping by ferry: Kvaløya, Senja, Andøya, and Hadseløya/Austvågøy, connected by short scenic crossings.
- Dramatic coastal terrain: fjords, mountain passes, sandy beaches (including the 2.5 km beach at Bleik), and fishing villages.
- Guided riding: Climate Ride guides lead the group out on the full route each day.
Is This Ride For You?
This tour is rated moderate to challenging. Each day, riders set out on the full route together with their Climate Ride guides. Because there is no vehicle support between hotels, all participants must be able to complete the full daily distance under their own power — there are no shorter or shuttle options. Riders should be comfortable with multi-day cycling, variable coastal winds, and daily distances of 40–65+ km and several lit road tunnels on Senja. E-bike rental is available for riders who want extra support while still completing the full route. This is not a beginner ride.
Photo Gallery
