Fairy Tales Come True in Norway: 3 Dreamy Norway Tours
Visit Norway in Anna and Elsa’s Footsteps or Live Your Christmas Fantasy
If being the star in the epic documentary of your life requires movie-worthy scenery, try cinematic Norway.
Did you know it’s already the ten-year anniversary of the Disney movie Frozen, which was created based in Norway? Or that the many scenic moments in movies like Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back or Dune are filmed in Norway?
This summer when Isabella, Kristian, and Matt Presnal were filming the From The Ground Up documentary short film, they filmed in several locations in Norway. Gabriella also attended a youth art collective conference in Oslo this autumn, and I’m the only one in the family who has not been to Norway this year.
From The Ground Up / Coptersafety / Kristian Presnal
If you want to daydream with me, or when you are ready to “let it go” and live your own epic adventure in Norway, check out these three family-friendly adventures. In Norwegian, ‘eventyr’ means both ‘adventure’ and ‘fairy tale’ so it’s fitting that fairy tales come true in Norway.
My three picks:
50 Degrees North: Independent Christmas Tour in Lapland
Up Norway: Frozen-inspired Adventure in Northern Norway
Adventures by Disney: Norwegian Wonders During Summer
Read all the details below. Which one would you choose?
50 Degrees North: Independent Christmas Tour in Lapland
Duration: 6 days
Season: December 23 – December 28, 2023
Best Suited For families and couples, limited availability.
Price: starts at $4595 / €4210 per person Organized by:50 Degrees North
Visit Tromsø in Norway and new boutique Cahkal hotel in Finland. This independent Christmas tour is 400 kilometres above Arctic Circle in Kilpisjärvi. Relaxed luxury combined with wilderness.
Christmas is truly magical in the North, and it can be challenging to make reservations for Christmas 2023 anymore. This trip has limited availability for the Christmas 2023 season, but contact 50 Degrees North to see availability or options.
Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø and transfer to Kilpisjärvi
Arrive Tromsø and transfer to Kilpisjärvi. The place is located just over 2.5 hours from Tromsø and is the very northwesternmost point of Finland, near the Arctic Ocean. Arrive at your boutique Hotel Cahkal, where you will spend the next 3 nights.
Hotel Cahkal
Day 2: Snowmobile Experience and Christmas Program with Santa Visit
Experience the surrounding nature and views and learn to drive a snowmobile while sightseeing the snowy mountains and lakes. The tour will introduce you to the sights around Kilpisjärvi village and take you to a tundra lake surrounded by the mighty Saana and Jehkas mountains. The tour will make a stop at the Three country cairn, at the border of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This visit is in the top 3 on many visitors’ bucket lists.
In the evening, celebrate Christmas with a traditional 3-course dinner.
Hotel Cahkal / Kilpisjärvi
Day 3 Wilderness and sauna experience
Experience Käsivarsi- a wilderness area with experienced local guides. Start the journey from the hotel with a snowmobile-pulled sleigh and head into the deep wilderness area. After reaching the destination, conquer one of the majestic mountains by snowshoes. During the experience enjoy a tasty hot lunch.
After spending the day outside it’s the perfect time to enjoy the Sauna Experience, and relax in the steam. The large window of the steam room lets you admire the astonishing Saana mountain. Cool off on the terrace and enjoy the view while listening to the calming sound of the Cahkal River.
Hotel Cahkal / Kilpisjärvi
Day 4 Travel to Tromsø – the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone
Travel back to Tromsø, 2.5 hours north across the Norwegian border. Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and one of the best and most cosmopolitan places to observe Northern Lights. Tromsø is located in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone, and following the planet’s rotation, Tromsø moves into the aurora zone from 6pm to midnight.
Day 5 Guided city walk in Tromsø with polar museum and Northern Lights Cruise
Join a guided historical and cultural city walk through Tromsø city and visit the Polar Museum.
In the evening, set off on an adventure into the total darkness of the Arctic fjords and Polar nights. Depart Tromsø and set sail for the direction where the clearest weather conditions for the night have been predicted. This can be north towards the areas of Kvaløyvågen, or south to Ramfjorden, or west along the southern part of Kvaløya island.
The captain and crew will work together and keep their eyes out for clear skies or a gap in the cloud layer. While you wait for the northern lights to appear, you can stay warm and comfortable in our heated lounges. Grab a beverage and a snack from the cafe.
Day 6 Departure this morning in Tromsø
Adventure ends. Transfer to the airport.
Up Norway: Frozen-inspired Adventure in Northern Norway
Duration: 7 days
Season: December – March
Best Suited For Families, couples, and groups of friends wanting to experience the culture that inspired Disney’s Frozen films
Price: starts at $3391 / €3107 per person Organized by:Up Norway
A 7-day epic Frozen-inspired adventure, filled with reindeer, snowmen, and Northern Lights dancing in the polar sky by Up Norway.
Day 1: ‘Eventyr’: Norwegian fairy tales and adventures start at Alta
Arrive in Alta, where your base for the next three nights will be a cozy cabin at Bjørnfjell Lodge, situated above a fairytale Norwegian valley. The landscapes that inspired Frozen’s fjords and mountains surround you. In the evening, join a campfire excursion with local hosts, creating the perfect setting for the Northern Lights to illuminate the sky.
Bjørnfjell / Up Norway
Day 2: Settle into Winter Wonderland at Bjørnfjell
Discover the true essence of a Norwegian winter holiday with a day of skiing at Bjørnfjell. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, the alpine scenery and family-friendly slopes cater to all. After your snowy adventures, warm up in the outdoor jacuzzi or sauna, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature.
Bjørnfjell / Up Norway
Day 3: Ice sculpting and visiting reindeer
Visit the world-renowned Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, where you’ll sculpt your own ice art and try your hand at crafting an icy Olaf.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel / Up Norway
Next up, learn how Norway’s indigenous people have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, and have a reindeer sled ride through the local wilderness. Stop at the Sami’s lavvu (teepee like tent) where you sit by the fire and hear stories about the Sami culture before heading back for lunch.
Up NorwayUp Norway
Day 4: From Alta to Karasjok
Embark on a scenic journey across the vast Finnmark plains to Karasjok, the capital of the Samis. Settle into a design cabin at a husky lodge built on sustainable principles, immersing yourself in outdoor activities and relaxation.
Engholm Design Cabins / Up Norway
Day 5: Dog Sledding in the Winter Forest
Experience the thrill of a dog sledding adventure through the frosty winter forest. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, and, for the daring, take a dip in the icy river after a day of exploration.
Engholm Design Cabins / Up Norway
Day 6: Polar Nights & Northern Lights
Take part in life at the husky farm or explore the local town with your Sami guides. In the evening, embark on a snowshoe excursion with an expert Northern Lights hunter, and hope that the sky is clear and you will see aurora borealis, the northern lights.
Up Norway
Day 7: bid farewell to Norway and transfer to the airport or continue your trip independently.
Adventures by Disney: Norwegian Wonders During Summer
Duration: 8 days
Season: June – September
Best Suited For Families, couples, and groups of friends wanting to experience the culture that inspired Disney’s Frozen films. There is also an adults-exclusive option.
Price: starts at $6599 / €6045 per person Organized by: Adventures by Disney
Experience the magic of Norway with Adventures by Disney on a journey through the stunning landscapes that inspired Frozen without freezing. This trip is for summertime only.
Day 1: A Charming Welcome to Bergen
Arrive in Bergen, where you will stay at the heart of the historic Bryggen area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is full of Old-World charm. Stay at the Hotel Norge by Scandic.
Adventures by DisneyDay 2: Voss and Flåm – Rafting and Riverside Bliss
Experience river rafting in Voss and enjoy a post-rafting lunch at the Voss Rafting Center’s grass-roofed cabin. Check-in at the Fretheim Hotel, explore this historic hotel with views of the dramatic fjords, and on the event savor a private barbecue dinner.
Fretheim HotelDay 3: Flåm – Fjord Safari and Cultural Delights
Embark on a fjord safari and ride a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) into the nooks and crannies of the fjord. Discover villages along the way where you can experience Norwegian culture and enjoy the tales of local storytellers. Visit the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site called Nærøyfjord. Your local expert will also point out an ancient Viking burial site.
Day 4: Geiranger – Stave Church and Scenic Drive
Visit the Borgund Stave Church in Lærdal, built around 1180 A.D. Considered one of Norway’s iconic structures, a stave church is a medieval wooden church built around 4 central upright logs with vertical planks for its walls. With beautifully carved portals and 4 carved dragon heads on the roof peaks, it’s a sight to behold. The Borgund Stave Church may look familiar—it along with other stave churches provided architectural inspiration to the filmmakers of the classic Disney film Frozen. En route to Geiranger, delight in a delectable Norwegian lunch at a local restaurant surrounded by the Sognefjord and glaciers. Enjoy gorgeous landscapes dotted with pastoral farmland as you travel to Geiranger, the location of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Adventures by Disney
Check-In at the Hotel Union, a historic, family-run hotel on the hill above Geiranger that offers breathtaking views of the Geirangerfjord and superb amenities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Turkish baths, gardens and more.
Hotel Union
Day 5: Geiranger – Farm Visit and Waterfall Hike
Explore Westerås Farm and with a local farmer as your guide, walk from Westerås Farm to enjoy stunning views of the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, continue your hike —this time on a hike from the farm up to the glorious Storseterfossen Waterfall for a magnificent view of this natural wonder.
Adventures by DisneyDay 6: Loen and Geiranger – Waterfall Views and Lake Adventures
Travel to Hellesylt on a ferry. The Geirangerfjord area—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a popular destination and home to the majestic Seven Sisters Waterfall which overlooks Geirangerfjord. Once you arrive, you will get to take in the many amazing views of the stunning landscape of this area, including the Kjenndalsbreen Glacier. In the afternoon you can alternate between the rainbow trout fishing and row boating activities on Lake Loen.
Adventures by DisneyDay 7: Oslo – Folk Dancing in Oslo
Travel by motor coach from Geiranger to Otta and board the train that will take you to the vibrant and sophisticated Norwegian capital of Oslo. Enjoy lunch on your own aboard the train while traveling through the scenic Norwegian countryside. Enjoy farewell dinner and folk dancing at Grand Hotel Oslo on the last evening of your trip.
Day 8: Oslo – Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast before a seamless transfer to Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, bidding farewell to Norway.
