Northern Norway in Mar/Apr 2012

Hi all, I'm thinking of making a trip to Northern Norway in late Mar/early Apr 2012.

Here's the draft itinerary:

Arrive Oslo
2 nights in Oslo
Fly to Tromso
3 nights in Tromso
Bus to Narvik, then to Svolvaer (Lofoten Islands)
3 nights in Svolvaer
Boat to Bodo
3 nights in Bodo
Fly to Oslo
2 nights in Oslo
Depart Oslo

I'm hoping to catch the Northern Lights. I'm on a budget trip, am hoping to look for cheap hostels (though I know it's quite rare in Tromso and Lofoten) or maybe CouchSurf if I am able to look for hosts. Will not be driving.

Anyone will be there that period? Or would like to join? Any comments on the itinerary? Would appreciate it a lot. Thank you all!

Cheers

March/April is a good time to experience winter in northern N as it is not as harsh and dark as January and February, but do keep in mind that March often brings alot of snow in this region.

I think the hotel chain Thon has a budget hotel in Tromsø. http://www.thon.no

3 nights in Bodø sounds a bit much to me, I'd rather spend more time in Tromsø, Oslo or add Trondheim to your Itinerary.

Hey Eskil, thank you very much. I have modified my itinerary (rather significantly), perhaps you would like to comment on that too?

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2143119&messageID=19313064#19313064