Electric fly-drives: Adventures in Arctic Europe

Arrive at Tromso Airport, collect your rental car and drive in to Tromso. Check in at the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Whether you are hunting for northern lights or enjoying the special light cast by the midnight sun this capital of the Arctic will not disappoint. Tromso is a small but lively city situated 350km above the Arctic circle and it has a historical city centre with wooden houses, interesting museums, a beautiful Arctic cathedral, funicular to the top of the hill where you will have the most amazing view of the city (ticket included) and of course the fjords. 

After breakfast, set off from your hotel and begin your journey to the Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre (200km, 3h). Visit the world’s northernmost animal park and home to Norway’s large predators such as bears, wolves, and lynx as well as deer, moose, reindeer and musk ox. Stretching over 114 acres of wild nature in the Salangsdalen valley, the park puts great emphasis on animal welfare, with all animals afforded large roaming areas to simulate as natural an environment as possible. (ticket included) After the visit continue to Bjervik (36km, 33min) and enjpy a lunch whilst the car charges. Drive further to Andenes (256km, 4h 40min) for an overnight. (B,D)

This morning join a whale watching safari (included). In the summer it is mostly Sperm whales that you spot, but Orcas and Pilot whales are also inclined to make an appearance. There are a great many Sperm whales  just northwest of Andenes. Therefore, Andenes is the only place in Northern Europe where there is a high degree of certainty (between 95-99 percent) to see whales on relatively short trips. (B,D)

Today, head off and explore the stunning Lofoten archipelago. Drive towards Svolvaer (210km, 3h), with lots of photo stops en route to take in the magnificent nature.  Whilst in Svolvaer charge your car and explore the beautifully scenic port town of Svolvaer on foot. Svolvaer is the biggest town on the archipelago and capital of the Lofoten Islands. The cod fishing industry is of ultimate importance and the characteristic red fisherman cabins and impressive cod drying racks can easily been seen. The Lofoten War Museum and the North Norwegian Art Centre are both excellent and worth a visit. (B,D)

Today, continue with your exploration of the Lofoten islands. There's staggering beauty at every turn. Crystal clear water, remarkable sandy beaches, incredible peaks of granite that look as if they were drawn by children, hiking trails galore, sea kayaking and fishing. In the late afternoon drive to Bostad (55km, 50 mins). Lofoten has a strong connection to the Viking Age, and at Lofotr Viking Museum you can experience the Viking Age as it really was. At Borg, archaeologists have discovered the largest Viking longhouse ever found from this era. The building is 83 metres long and has been reconstructed as a living museum. (B)

Today, head over to Sweden - stop en route at Narvik, and visit the excellent War Museum. It is a fascinating mix of incredible human experiences, and historical facts presented in an informative way. Carry on over the border towards Abisko (285km, 4 h). Located 195 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, Abisko National Park has a varied landscape that changes throughout the seasons. The park is a part of the majestic forested valley surrounded on three sides by the Abisko Alps and the vast lake Torneträsk to the north. You can stop and stretch your legs along the famous King's Trail (Kungsleden) or simply continue to Kiruna (94km, 1h 15min). (B,D)

The city of Kiruna is known for its gigantic mine, which dominates the town. So much so that they are actually moving the whole town to a new location, whilst they deepen the mine. By 2035, the current city centre including all the historic buildings will taken down and painstakingly rebuilt in the new location some three kilometres to the east. Today start with famous Kiruna mine tour (included but subject to availability). The mine in Kiruna is the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine. It is a fascinating operation where the ore is mined far below the surface using remotely operated machines and driverless trains. After the mine visit drive to Jukkasjarvi (19km, 22 min) and visit the Icehotel on a guided tour (included). The world famous ice hotel is open year-round for a visit or an overnight (please contact us if you would like to stay here tonight). Time to hit the road towards Finland. On the way to Hetta (236km, 3h) stop in  the service station Rajabaari Neste to charge your car and enjoy a Swedish fika. 

Before returning to Norway, perhaps visit the huskies at Hetta Husky Farm, before driving to the Finnish village of Kilpisjärvi (173km, 2h 15min) and visit The Three Nations’ Border point on a man-made island in the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Marking the border of Finland, Norway and Sweden this boundary is about 11km west from the village of Kilpisjärvi. You get there by boat and a 3km walk in the summer or by snowmobile in the winter. 

Return to collect your car from the charging station and continue your road trip back to Tromso (161km, 2h 18min)

Drive to Tromso airport (5km, 15min), drop off the car and fly back to the UK> (B)