Today’s Polar Tours AS is the result of a merger between three well-established transport companies: Polar Tours Busser in Mo i Rana, Holmstrøm Busstransport in Valnesfjord, and Bodø Sightseeing
The company is based in Bodø and manages all operations extending throughout Nordland and further into Northern Norway.
Our core area and market
Our primary markets are Salten and Helgeland, but we also offer tailor-made experiences throughout Nordland, Northern Norway, and adjacent areas in northern Sweden and Finland. This makes us a local operator with a broad network of partners, ensuring our customers always receive customized journeys and service packages.
What we offer
Polar Tours combines adventure and sightseeing travel with cruise and port services, as well as reliable bus transportation. From day trips and northern lights safaris to guided excursions for cruise ships docking in the Port of Bodø, we deliver professional solutions for both private clients and businesses.
Our modern fleet of buses is used for everything from charter services and local transfers to school transport and large-scale events.
Our background
Holmstrøm Busselskap (Valnesfjord) was founded in 1957 by Hjalmar Holmstrøm, originally as a school bus service in Saltdal and the Fauske region.
Over time, the company expanded into charter and contract services, operating up to 35 buses over the years. In 2007, Holmstrøm Busselskap was acquired by the current owner of Polar Tours.
Polar Tours Busser (Mo i Rana) was founded in 1977
Ole Kristian Pedersen and Willy Nygård wanted to offer travel-loving Helgelanders the opportunity to go on both domestic and international tours.
Bodø Sightseeing was established in 2002 by Arvid Bakke, originally as a sightseeing train for Hurtigruten guests in Bodø city center.
As the demand for year-round excursions grew, the train was replaced by a bus, and the guiding service evolved from live guiding to a multilingual audio guide. Today, we operate with two buses offering simultaneous guidance in six languages.
