50 Degrees North
Experience the Nordic region in a way few ever do with 50 Degrees North's escorted small group tours. Designed for those who value authenticity, comfort, and connection, each journey reveals the essence of Scandinavia and the Arctic - from Norway’s majestic fjords to Iceland’s volcanic wonders, Finland’s winter magic, and the charm of the Scandinavian capitals.
Experience the Nordic region in a way few ever do with 50 Degrees North's escorted small group tours. Designed for those who value authenticity, comfort, and connection, each journey reveals the essence of Scandinavia and the Arctic - from Norway’s majestic fjords to Iceland’s volcanic wonders, Finland’s winter magic, and the charm of the Scandinavian capitals.
Trip Styles:
Small Group Tours Coastal Cruises Family Tours Festive
Destinations:
Featured Small Group Tours
8 Days Bodø to Tromsø
Operator: 50 Degrees North
From 8,595pp
Save 87pp
The 50 Degrees North Experience
Choose to travel with 50 Degrees North on your next adventure!
The Nordic Specialists 50 Degrees North is a Scandinavian-based tour operator founded on a deep connection to the Nordic region. Their escorted small group tours are crafted by locals who live and breathe the destinations they share, ensuring each itinerary blends cultural depth, striking scenery, and effortless travel.
Proudly B Corp certified, 50 Degrees North upholds the highest standards of sustainability, working with eco-conscious hotels and local communities to protect fragile Arctic ecosystems while supporting the people who call the North home.
50 Degrees North is a Scandinavian-based tour operator founded on a deep connection to the Nordic region. Their escorted small group tours are crafted by locals who live and breathe the destinations they share, ensuring each itinerary blends cultural depth, striking scenery, and effortless travel.
Proudly B Corp certified, 50 Degrees North upholds the highest standards of sustainability, working with eco-conscious hotels and local communities to protect fragile Arctic ecosystems while supporting the people who call the North home.
Journeys Above the 50th Parallel 50 Degree's guided tours are designed for small groups — typically 12 to 18 guests — to deliver an intimate, seamless travel experience in both winter and summer. Chase the Northern Lights from glass-roofed cabins, cruise Norway’s fjords under the midnight sun, or explore Iceland’s dramatic coastlines, all while enjoying carefully chosen accommodations and enriching activities that reflect Nordic life.
Every tour includes expert local guidance, authentic dining, and exclusive experiences — from husky sledding and reindeer safaris to stays in storybook lodges and remote wilderness retreats. Whether exploring vibrant cities or untouched landscapes, each moment is designed to feel genuine and unforgettable.
50 Degree's guided tours are designed for small groups — typically 12 to 18 guests — to deliver an intimate, seamless travel experience in both winter and summer. Chase the Northern Lights from glass-roofed cabins, cruise Norway’s fjords under the midnight sun, or explore Iceland’s dramatic coastlines, all while enjoying carefully chosen accommodations and enriching activities that reflect Nordic life.
Every tour includes expert local guidance, authentic dining, and exclusive experiences — from husky sledding and reindeer safaris to stays in storybook lodges and remote wilderness retreats. Whether exploring vibrant cities or untouched landscapes, each moment is designed to feel genuine and unforgettable.
Sustainably Crafted, Authentically Nordic Each small group journey stands apart for their local expertise, sustainability, and authentic Nordic immersion. With honest, on-the-ground insights, a focus on responsible travel, and exclusive access to remarkable experiences, they offer an effortless way to explore the North in comfort and style.
- Intimate Group Sizes: Maximum 18 guests for meaningful connections.
- Local Scandinavian Guides: Deep insight into Nordic culture, nature, and traditions.
- Sustainable Travel Ethos: Low-impact adventures that support local communities.
- Authentic Encounters: Experiences that go beyond sightseeing, from farm visits to family-run lodges.
- Year-Round Journeys: From the Northern Lights in winter to the midnight sun of summer.
Each small group journey stands apart for their local expertise, sustainability, and authentic Nordic immersion. With honest, on-the-ground insights, a focus on responsible travel, and exclusive access to remarkable experiences, they offer an effortless way to explore the North in comfort and style.
- Intimate Group Sizes: Maximum 18 guests for meaningful connections.
- Local Scandinavian Guides: Deep insight into Nordic culture, nature, and traditions.
- Sustainable Travel Ethos: Low-impact adventures that support local communities.
- Authentic Encounters: Experiences that go beyond sightseeing, from farm visits to family-run lodges.
- Year-Round Journeys: From the Northern Lights in winter to the midnight sun of summer.
FAQs
How many will I be travelling with on a small group tour?
The vast majority of our small group and escorted tours are limited to 16 or 18 people. Some Iceland tours take 20, and some of our premium tours carry only 10-12.
What sort of fitness do I need to join an escorted small group tour?
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on our small group tours. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy group travel. Please consider carefully how much luggage you bring as you will be responsible for carrying all the luggage. There is limited portage service in Scandinavia and your tour escorts cannot help you, beyond reason.
You will need to be able to walk up to 2-4 hours daily at a group pace on uneven surfaces without using any walking aid. You will also be expected to get on and off various modes of transport, including small boats as well as walk up stairs.
You will need to be able to walk up to 2-4 hours daily at a group pace on uneven surfaces without using any walking aid. You will also be expected to get on and off various modes of transport, including small boats as well as walk up stairs.
Is small group tour the best way to explore Scandinavia?
Often the best way to experience a destination is to be travelling with an knowlegable tour leader. Certainly when it comes to off-road driving across Iceland or reaching the best spots in Norway, it is not straightforward to do this as an independent traveller. All our small group tour departures include unique activities that can only be experienced with a local guide. The Nordic region lends itself well for a coastal or river voyage. We offer a selection of new and classic small group tours on board new environmentally friendly ships.
What is a single/solo traveller supplement?
This is the additional cost you need to add to the tour price if you are planning on travelling alone. This covers the cost of the single room which in Scandinavia, might very likely be a normal double room that you have to yourself.
Is tipping expected?
Generally, tipping is not mandatory in Scandinavia. You may also consider tipping your tour escort for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline EUR5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Often in restaurants and cafes, if you are paying by card, you will be asked to manually add the amount which might make you feel pressured to add a tip. Don't feel like this is an obligation - locals sometimes do add a tip (5% - 10%) if the service was exceptional.
Often in restaurants and cafes, if you are paying by card, you will be asked to manually add the amount which might make you feel pressured to add a tip. Don't feel like this is an obligation - locals sometimes do add a tip (5% - 10%) if the service was exceptional.
What about accommodation? What can we expect?
Every 50 Degrees North journey features handpicked accommodation that reflects the beauty and spirit of the region. From boutique hotels in the heart of Scandinavia’s cities to glass-roofed igloos beneath the Northern Lights, each stay is chosen for its comfort, character, and connection to place — ensuring your experience of the Nordic north is as memorable as the landscapes themselves.
Are there any differences in accommation to what one would expect at home?
Hotel rooms in Scandinavia often only have twin beds - often pushed together to make a double. Rooms are generally always smaller than you expect. Scandinavian accommodation rarely provide tea and coffee facilities in their rooms either. If you are lucky, a kettle will be supplied but nothing else. Please ask at reception for some provisions when you arrive or just carry a small selection from home.
A word of advice about tea and coffee
In Scandinavia you will find that a regular coffee is a filtered coffee that has been standing in it’s pot for a while and is very bitter, but the Scandinavians drink it in masses. Also note that Scandinavia doesn’t really have a tea culture so if you ask for an English breakfast tea you will probably end up with lukewarm water in a coffee cup and a tea bag on the side. Most hotels do not have a kettle in the room since it’s just not the norm but you can always ask for one from the reception. We also recommend bringing some tea bags with you to be on the safe side if you are a tea drinker.
Who are these tours best suited for?
These escorted small group tours are ideal for adults, couples, and small groups of friends who value comfort, culture, and meaningful travel. Most guests are aged between 40 and 70, though active younger adults are welcome. Festive tours during Christmas are family-friendly, with a minimum age of around four years.
Are meals included on tour?
Yes. Breakfasts are included daily, along with selected lunches and dinners that showcase Nordic cuisine. Many tours also feature memorable dining experiences such as traditional meals in local homes, lodges, or family-run restaurants.
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring? How much luggage are you bringing?
Just note that many of our capital cities have cobblestones which means it can be difficult to pull your suitcases. Likewise, big bulky suitcases are difficult for our transfers and our mini coaches. When booking your tour and transfers, we will only be expecting you to have one suitcase and one carry on.
Will my mobile work in the Nordic Region?
If you want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to turn off international roaming if you are not aware of the costs. We use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger video calls as a way of keeping in touch as we travel ourselves. Free Wifi is available in most hotels and transportation in the Nordic Region.
What currencies are needed during my Scandinavian tour?
The monetary unit in Denmark (DKK), Sweden (SEK), Iceland (ISK) and Norway (NOK) is the Krone, although each of these hold a different value. These are different currencies, and surplus Krone can be frequently used in border towns as you pass through. Danish Krone (DKK) is the currency in Greenland. In Finland, Euros are used.
If you are visiting the Arctic with 50 Degrees North, you are most likely to be using US Dollars or an account prepared as you arrive on board. This varies with each ship and details will be in the trip notes.
If you are visiting the Arctic with 50 Degrees North, you are most likely to be using US Dollars or an account prepared as you arrive on board. This varies with each ship and details will be in the trip notes.
Terms & Conditions
All the boring small print. We recommend you read them, as no one likes surprises!
- Please read 50 Degrees North Terms & Conditions
- Please also read Global Journeys' Terms & Conditions if you haven't already.
