The Arctic Race of Norway

  • Location

    Lofoten Islands, Norway, above the Arctic Circle

  • Duration

    9 days | 8 nights

  • Length

    60 - 100km daily

  • Climb

    800 - 2,000m daily

13 Aug 2019 - 21 Aug 2019

2020 race route announced January 2020.... The Arctic Tour of Norway is an extraordinary event. It passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, in the far north of Norway above the Arctic Circle - and in 2019 the route explores the stunning Lofoten Islands! Our tour will follow the route for all 4 stages of the race itself, and we then ride north to finish in the beautiful city of Tromsø. Grand Tours Project is the "Official Tour Operator" of the Arctic Race of Norway.

"In 2017 we rode the race route to test out the event, and decided that we simply had to offer this as a Grand Tours Project tour. It is one of the best cycling experiences we have had, and one we will never forget." Keith Tuffley, Founder - Grand Tours Project.

The Arctic Race of Norway is the world's northernmost road-bike race for the world's cycling elite. The event is run as professionally and efficiently as any we have seen, including the greatest cycling races such as the Tour de France. The route changes each year, and in 2019 it will be centred on the Lofoten Islands, famous for its dramatic mountains, beautiful fjords, and coastal skerries.

We will be riding a portion of the race route each day (60-100km daily). Once we cross the finish line, we'll watch the pros fight for victory from the roadside with the fans and from the VIP zone. On the final two riding days, we ride north to finish in the beautiful arctic city of Tromsø.

The local cuisine is delicious, the days are long (given that we’re above the Arctic Circle in summer), and the locals are friendly and passionate about the event.

There may also be the opportunity to take part in the Arctic Race of Norway Challenge and compare your segments with the pros. Approximately 120 km in distance, the race covers segments of the course that the pro circuit will be riding on later in the afternoon.


Total price: From €4,190

  • 7 days of riding above the Arctic Circle, in one of the most scenic regions of Europe - the Lofoten Islands
  • Ride the best 60-100kms of the route of the Arctic Race of Norway, just a few hours ahead of the pros, and enjoy riding across the finish line
  • Watch the pros fight for the winner's blue jersey, from the comfort of the official VIP viewing zone
  • 8 nights of accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, with local Norwegian character
  • Expert planning and support from our team (guides, mechanics, drivers)
  • Maximum group size: 14 cyclists
  • Bike rental (carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra or equivalent) available
  • Day 1 - 13 August

    Velkommen!

    Svolvær

    After we meet you at Svolvær Airport, a two hour drive will take us to our hotel in Å (pronounced “aw”). Located at the southern tip of the Lofoten archipelago, this picturesque village is defined by its shoreline of red rorbuer (fishing huts) and cod-drying racks. In the afternoon you will have time to explore this little village which is very much frozen in time and visit the Lofoten Stockfish Museum if you wish. We will reconvene for dinner and discuss the plans for the week as we sample some of the local cod - it’s hard to imagine that up until WWII more than 700,000 cod would be hung out to dry here every season!

  • Day 2 - 14 August

    Å - Leknes

    64km / 640m of climbing

    With only one day to go until the Arctic Race of Norway begins, we will take this opportunity to warm our legs up ahead of stage 1 - which runs from Å to Leknes. Our adventure starts with the most breathtaking scenery as we cycle along the coastline and pass over a few bridges that can most simply be described as stepping stones from island to island. Upon arriving in Leknes we will enjoy a delicious meal before heading to Henningsvær, where we will be staying for the evening.

  • Day 3 - 15 August

    Henningsvær - Svolvær

    74km / 990m of climbing

    By now you will be becoming familiar with the spectacular landscape of the Lofoten archipelago and you’ll understand why these mountains that cascade into the turquoise waters are world famous and renowned as an adventure seeker's paradise. After a scrumptious breakfast, we’ll be on our bikes and travelling along the first part of stage 2 towards Svolvær. On our way we will be sure to stop by Dan Graham's untitled reflective work, a beautiful reflective mirror and an outstanding photo opportunity. Upon arriving in Svolvær and checking into our hotel, where we will be staying for the next two nights, you’ll have the chance to explore this bustling little town and get a few autographs from the riders as they will also be staying in Svolvær for the night!

  • Day 4 - 16 August

    Svolvær Loop

    64km / 640m of climbing

    We will be up early as we tackle the second part of stage 2 … this time on the same day as the pros. With the riders just hours behind us, you’ll experience what it’s like to ride on the same race route. Unlike the Grand Tours your will experience serene silence and pass copious numbers of Norwegian flags! But as we arrive back in Svolvær and cross the finish line you will become acutely aware that the pros are not far behind us. Svolvær will have transformed and come alive with supporters waiting to cheer on the riders!

  • Day 5 - 17 August

    Melbu Loop & Storheia summit

    48km / 590m of climbing

    It’s stage 3 and the official mountain stage of the Arctic Race of Norway. In the morning we’ll take a beautiful ferry ride from Fiskebøl to Melbu, and upon arrival we will ride a loop of the island before we tackle the final climb up Storheia Summit … 3.5km with an average gradient of 11.8% . Once at the top we’ll savour a beer with the locals as we await the exciting mountain finish, and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. After the race we will transfer to our hotel in Harstaad where we will be sleeping for the night.

  • Day 6 - 18 August

    Sandstrand - Narvik

    91km / 2,150m of climbing

    It’s the final stage of the Arctic Race of Norway, and after yesterday's mountain stage the pros will be fighting for the blue jersey! However, looking at the altitude gain on today's ride it seems that today is more like a mountain stage ... with 2,150m of climbing we will be riding up and down all morning. We will start by climbing Balteskaret Summit before descending quickly to the foot of Skiddebergvatnet Summit. Arriving into Narvik we will have the opportunity to watch the Hero’s of Tomorrow race (Junior Race) before watching the race finish and medal presentation.

  • Day 7 - 19 August

    Senja island loop

    95km / 2,150m of climbing

    “Senja Island is the most beautiful island in Norway” - well that’s what the locals say and we tend to agree! After an evening of celebration in Narvik, we will drive north to arrive in Senja … trust us, the transfer is worth it! We will ride around the northern part of Norway's second largest island and enjoy nearly empty roads. Starting from the village of Finnsnes we will ride along almost flat and spectacular coastline, and then 3 short climbs in the final 30km before arriving in Finnsæter. We will then transfer to Bardufoss where we will be staying for our penultimate night.

  • Day 8 - 20 August

    Bardufoss - Tromsø

    80km / 450m of climbing or 131km / 1,010m of climbing

    Our last ride will take us on a spectacular journey to our final destination, Tromsø, northern Norway’s most vibrant city which is located 400km north of the Arctic Circle at 69˚N! We will cycle along fjords and pass numerous craggy peaks before arriving at the arched bridge which is a defining feature of Tromsø. We will celebrate our final evening in Tromsø at one of our favourite restaurants and cheers to our wonderful cycling adventure in the Arctic Circle. Ps. keep your eyes peeled for elk on your ride today!

  • Day 9 - 21 August

    Farvel !

    Tromsø

    All good things come to an end. Take the morning to explore this vibrant northern city - it has beautiful shops and cafes, and is the perfect place to purchase a souvenir ! In the early afternoon we will shuttle you back to Tromsø Airport. Exploring the Arctic Circle by road-bike …. A true Grand Tours Project.