Norway

Expedition Dates: 

July 17 - 29, 2027

Cost: 

$4495 + Airfare

Ages:

Worldwide youth ages 15-19

Trip Pace:

Moderate

Physical Activity:

Moderate

Highlights:

Norway by train, Fjords, Mountains, Lofoten Islands, Fishing cabins, Midnight sun, Kayaking, Surfing, Whitewater rafting, Arctic fishing, Nordic sauna, Hiking, Henningsvær, Local culture

Vaccine Requirements:

None

Visa Requirement:

None

International Airport:



About This Trip

Cross Norway by train through towering mountains and breathtaking fjords. Sleep in traditional red fishing cabins. Catch your own dinner in Arctic waters. Kayak beneath the midnight sun. Surf above the Arctic Circle. This is Norway.

Your adventure begins in Oslo, where you'll get your first taste of Norway's outdoor culture before boarding one of the world's most scenic railways. Travel through towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, glacier-carved valleys, and breathtaking fjords as you make your way across the heart of Norway.

Continue to Voss, Norway's adventure capital, where you'll conquer an unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure before exploring the colorful waterfront city of Bergen. Then journey north toward the Arctic Circle, watching the landscape transform into rugged mountains, quiet fishing villages, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Welcome to the Lofoten Islands, where jagged peaks rise straight from the sea and colorful fishing villages seem untouched by time. Settle into traditional red fishing cabins and experience life above the Arctic Circle, where during the height of summer the sun barely slips below the horizon, filling the evenings with endless golden light.

Head out on a fishing boat with local fishermen, pull in your own catch from Arctic waters, learn the centuries-old tradition of Norway's famous stockfish, and gather around the table for a sea-to-table dinner prepared from the day's catch. Paddle beneath the midnight sun, warm up in a traditional Nordic sauna before plunging into the icy Arctic Ocean, and surf at one of the world's northernmost beaches.

Explore the unforgettable fishing village of Henningsvær, home to one of the world's most spectacular soccer fields, where you'll play a friendly match with local teens surrounded by mountains and sea. Hike above turquoise beaches and dramatic peaks overlooking the Norwegian Sea, wander charming harbors lined with colorful boats, and discover why Lofoten is considered one of the world's greatest outdoor destinations.

Along the way, you'll step outside your comfort zone, experience a culture shaped by the sea, the mountains, and the Arctic seasons, and discover just how big—and connected—our world really is.

Your journey concludes in Northern Norway, surrounded by dramatic peaks, quiet fishing villages, and the unforgettable beauty of the Arctic coastline.

You'll come home with incredible stories, lifelong friendships, and memories of crossing Norway by train, sleeping in traditional fishing cabins, catching your own dinner in Arctic waters, kayaking beneath the midnight sun, surfing above the Arctic Circle, plunging into the icy Norwegian Sea after a Nordic sauna, playing soccer with local teens in one of the world's most spectacular settings, and standing high above the Norwegian Sea. Those are the moments that stay with you long after the trip is over.
YOUR TRIP LEADER

Justin Bowen

Even though Justin dreamed of being a sheep herder in New Zealand when he grew up, he is a photographer by trade and has led hundreds of youth across the globe with National Geographic for nearly 10 years and 12 years with youth who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Illuminate Youth Trips. He has worked with the industry greats including Canon, National Geographic, Spin Magazine, and has photographed many stars including Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Michael Jordan, and Paul McCartney.

He is oddly obsessed with everything penguin, won’t eat vegetables to save his life, has an affinity for swimming in arctic waters next to his favorite natural wonder that are icebergs. He is a wizard at creating once in a lifetime itineraries and often works his best magic with the help of a few hundred Instagram searches at 2am. Justin’s the guy who woke up one morning and realized that he had visited all seven continents in the span of eight months without consciously trying. Justin’s passion for the world, the youth, and life in general is contagious and captivating.

Justin is the co-founder of a non-profit organization, ROAM Humanitarian, giving adults and families meaningful humanitarian experiences around the world.

Justin met his wife Lindsay when he was 14 years old and after over 20 years of marriage still has any adventure with her and their four incredible children at the top of his bucket list. Justin’s world goes round from Heber Valley, Utah which is remarkably beautiful enough to get this wanderer to plant roots and call Utah home.