Adventures above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Sierra Club Outings Trip | International
Highlights
- Hike fascinating landscapes of mountains & coastlines
- Stay in ancient fisherman cottages in modern comfort
- Enjoy local cuisines under the midnight sun
Includes
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All meals, lodging, and on-trip transportation
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Expert English-speaking hiking guide
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All admissions and entrance fees
Overview
The Trip
On this adventure trip through Lofoten, we will head for some of the greatest hiking destinations in this world-famous group of islands. We will travel across a large part of the islands, from the westernmost village of Å, to Svolvær near the center, and stay in traditional fishermen's housing in small, charming fishing villages.
The trip starts in Bodø and ends in Svolvær. In the days in between we will hike many mountains in Lofoten, such as Kollfjellet, Helvetestind, Himmeltinden, and Festvågtind. From Bodø we will take a ferry to cross the large fjord Vestfjorden, which separates the islands from the mainland. During the days in Lofoten we will have time to get to know the locals and their way of living and taste some wonderful local cuisine
The Trip
On this adventure trip through Lofoten, we will head for some of the greatest hiking destinations in this world-famous group of islands. We will travel across a large part of the islands, from the westernmost village of Å, to Svolvær near the center, and stay in traditional fishermen's housing in small, charming fishing villages.
The trip starts in Bodø and ends in Svolvær. In the days in between we will hike many mountains in Lofoten, such as Kollfjellet, Helvetestind, Himmeltinden, and Festvågtind. From Bodø we will take a ferry to cross the large fjord Vestfjorden, which separates the islands from the mainland. During the days in Lofoten we will have time to get to know the locals and their way of living and taste some wonderful local cuisine. We will also have an opportunity to kayak in the fjords. Since this is one of the most western parts of Norway, beyond which there is only ocean, we will probably experience a wide range of weather conditions. After each day we will relax in our local hotels or rorbuers (modernized fisherman huts), and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Our accommodations will be mostly in rorbuer (plural of rorbu, which means a fisherman’s cottage). In Bodø and Henningsvær, we may stay in hotels. Meals will generally be from local farms and fishing villages.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bodø
The trip starts in Bodø, a quaint town on a peninsula in the Norwegian Sea. We will have a firsthand experience of the midnight sun. Bodø is in the northern part of Norway, above the Arctic Circle and fairly close to Lofoten. We will meet in our hotel in Bodø at 1 p.m., after lunch. We will have a chance to enjoy some beautiful views of Bodø and the surrounding ocean. After having a brief orientation and introductions, and meeting our local guide, we will go for a hike along the pier and then to nearby hills in Keiservarden and Ramnflåget where there is a tourist hut. We will be back at the hotel at about 6 p.m. and enjoy a welcoming dinner. Overnight in hotel in Bodø hotel
Day 1: Arrive in Bodø
The trip starts in Bodø, a quaint town on a peninsula in the Norwegian Sea. We will have a firsthand experience of the midnight sun. Bodø is in the northern part of Norway, above the Arctic Circle and fairly close to Lofoten. We will meet in our hotel in Bodø at 1 p.m., after lunch. We will have a chance to enjoy some beautiful views of Bodø and the surrounding ocean. After having a brief orientation and introductions, and meeting our local guide, we will go for a hike along the pier and then to nearby hills in Keiservarden and Ramnflåget where there is a tourist hut. We will be back at the hotel at about 6 p.m. and enjoy a welcoming dinner. Overnight in hotel in Bodø hotel.
Day 2: Ferry to Lofoten and the first hike
We will take a 6:00 ferry to the island of Moskenes, at the far western tip of the Lofoten Islands. We will carry a packed breakfast that we enjoy on the ferry ride which may take four hours or more, depending on conditions. At the landing there will be a coach that will take us for a short drive, about 10 to 15 minutes, to Å, the westernmost fishing village in Lofoten. The surroundings are spectacular, and the village is home to a fishing museum. We will go for a walk in the small town for about 30 minutes and then visit the museum. Lofoten is famous for stockfish (arctic cod) and all around the islands you will see and smell the authentic drying racks.
After having a look around the village, we take a short drive to Reine (15 minutes) and hike to Kollfjellet. The hike covers about 4 km, with an elevation gain and loss of about 300 metres (980 feet). It will take about 2 hours in total and introduce us to some amazing views of the fjords. We will enjoy a packed lunch at a break during the hike, maybe at the top if the weather allows. After the hike, we will drive about 10 minutes to our accommodation in Reine, where we will have dinner. Overnight in a rorbu in Reine.
Day 3: Boat trip, hike to Helvetestind and Bunes Beach
After breakfast, we will go to the ferry docks in Reine and ride to Vindstad, on the shore of Kjerkfjord. From here we will begin our hike to Helvetestinden. Most people only ever see Helvetestinden as a massive granite slab that rises directly from Bunes Beach. While this is an enjoyable view, making the hike to the summit of Helvetestinden provides an even more spectacular view down to Bunes Beach with its vast expanse of white sands and turquoise water far below. We will spend around 4 hours on this hike; it is about 7 km up and down, and 690 meters (2,260 feet) elevation gain and loss. We will have lunch on the ridge of Helvetesind if the weather allows.
With its vast expanses of white sand and imposing mountains, Bunes is one of Lofoten’s most scenic and isolated beaches. It can be reached only by ferry and we will head there after the hike to Helvetestind.
After the beach, we will return to Vinstad in time to take the afternoon ferry to Reine. Overnight in the same Reine rorbu.
Day 4: To Kvalvika Beach
From Reine, we will drive about 45 minutes to Fredvang for a hike to Kvalvika Beach. If the weather allows we will also hike up to the mountain called Ryten. This area is considered one of the most beautiful in Lofoten.
From the parking area we will take the trail heading up the hill. The beginning of the trail is moderately boggy as it heads through the mountain birch and up the hill. After 10-15 minutes you will be mostly clear of the trees and head toward the center of the pass. Elevation gain is gentle here as the path takes us between the two mountains.
We will hike about an hour and a half, reaching the top of the pass (4 km, 540 meters, 1,800 feet) and begin the descent to the beach. Here the trail gets steep and rocky in places, and quite slippery if wet. We will continue down toward the beach, which can be seen from afar on a clear day; otherwise we will proceed toward the sound of waves if in clouds. We will soon arrive at the flat, grassy dunes at the back of the beach.
We will enjoy a packed lunch during the hike, marvel at the great views, and return to the parking lot in the early afternoon.
Overnight in the same rorbu in Reine.
Day 5: Hike to Mannen
We will drive to the beach area of Haukland (about 30 minutes) where we begin our hike for the day.
We will hike to the mountain called Mannen at 400 meters (1,300 feet). From the peak we will have a spectacular view off the open ocean and the surrounding mountains. This hike will take about 2 hours.
Depending on weather conditions, we may continue toward Himmeltindan for a partial hike. This mountain towers at 964 meters (3,150 feet) and is the highest on in the central Lofoten island of Vestvågøya. Steeply rising almost directly from the sea, Himmeltindan is of an impressive scale not always visible on Lofoten. The mountain itself actually consists of several separate summits. The highest summit is off limits for travel as it has been taken over by the military for a radar installation.
This leaves the 931 meters (3,050 feet) of the south summit as the highest point that hikers are allowed to. An unmarked, but well-worn trail takes you to the summit. There is also the possibility of some tricky navigation among the rocks. The total hike takes around five hours; in good weather the views out to sea and across the far side of Lofoten are fantastic. We will hike as much as possible, stopping at a suitable spot for lunch.
After the hike, we will drive to Ballstad, another beautiful, authentic fishing village, about an hour away along a winding mountain road skirting the northern coast of the island. Overnight in a rorbu in Ballstad.
Day 6: Kayaking and rest day
Today we will rest our legs. After breakfast at a slow morning pace, we will have the option to do a 3-hour kayaking trip. The cost is not included in the trip price. After lunch, we will do a leisurely walk, for an hour or two, in the area around Ballstad. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the hot tub and sauna in our accommodation. Overnight at the same rorbu in Ballstad.
Day 7: Coastal walk from Unstad to Eggum
After breakfast, we will travel east from Ballstad and drive to Unstad (45 minutes). After a stroll on the beach, the duration of which will depend on the weather, we will start the coastal walk between Unstad and Eggum (2 hours one way, about 9 km, or 5.6 miles). This is one of the most popular walks in Lofoten. Unstad is a famous surfing beach, and in Eggum we will see sculptures in Artscape Nordland -- an art project involving works spread out in open nature in Northern Norway.
From there we will go on another drive (a little over an hour) to the popular destination of Henningsvær (1 hr, 5 min drive) where we will have the afternoon to explore this village.
Henningsvær is a small island group situated between the impressive Mount Vågakallen and the “Lofoten Wall” and is otherwise surrounded by the sea. Henningsvær was a natural hub of activity during the Lofoten Winter Fishery, a gathering of fishermen from all over the world in the spring. In the 1800s, the island community prospered and Henningsvær became a prominent fishing village in Lofoten. Unlike many other fishing villages, that became industrialized or died out, the population of Henningsvær has remained stable in recent years, and there are still over 500 residents.
The islands were not connected to the rest of Lofoten by bridges until 1981. This probably helped save the community from the contemporary architecture (with its preference for concrete blocks) that left its mark on just about all other Norwegian towns and villages in the 60s and 70s. Such a combination of an active, vibrant environment and well-preserved architecture makes Henningsvær something quite unique. Overnight in Henningsvær hotel.
Day 8: Hike to Festvågtind
Many people consider Henningsvær to be Lofoten's prettiest fishing village, and we will spend some time in the beautiful harbor before starting our trek to to Festvågtinden, elevation about 540 meters (1,750 feet). This hike will take about 4 to 5 hours.
There is a beautiful lake and viewpoint halfway, which is favored by the locals. Depending on weather and other conditions we may stop here, or go all the way to the top. The trail to the top gets a little challenging; it winds along the mountainside and may get muddy and steep at some points. At the top of the ridge we will be able to look across to the sea on the other side. The final part, to the summit, will take a short time. At the summit, we will have fantastic views of Henningsvær, as the village spreads out across the small, rocky islands. If the weather is clear, we will be able to see Stamsund on our right, and across the Vestfjord, to the Norwegian mainland.
In the afternoon we will drive to Svolvær, which is about 35 minutes from Henningsvær. There we will overnight in a rorbu.
Day 9: Skrova
This day starts with a 45-minute ferry ride to Skrova, the sunniest island in Lofoten with long fishing traditions. From the quay it is an approximately 2-hour hike to the highest mountain Høgskrova, with elevation gain of about 250 meters (800 feet). From there we will get a magnificent view on the surrounding fjord, mountains, and islands. We will enjoy our packed lunch when we get down from the mountain, around noontime. After lunch, we will take the same ferry back to Svolvær. We will have some free time before our farewell dinner. Overnight in the same rorbu in Svolvær.
Day 10: Trip ends in Svolvær
Our trip will end in Svolvær after breakfast. From Svolvær there are several options available -- ferry or flight to Bodø, flight to Oslo, bus to Evenes airport, Hurtigruten to the north and Tromsø, just to name a few. Your trip leader will be happy to discuss them with you.
Logistics
Getting There
There are frequent flights from Oslo to Bodø during the day. If you arrive in Oslo in the morning and wish to come straight to Bodø it will not be a problem. Or you can break journey in Oslo and come to Bodø later.
For the return, the most direct way back would be to take a flight, or ferry, from Svovær to Bodø, and then to Oslo and back home. Or, take a bus to Evenes airport, about a 2-hour ride, and fly to Oslo.
Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader
Getting There
There are frequent flights from Oslo to Bodø during the day. If you arrive in Oslo in the morning and wish to come straight to Bodø it will not be a problem. Or you can break journey in Oslo and come to Bodø later.
For the return, the most direct way back would be to take a flight, or ferry, from Svovær to Bodø, and then to Oslo and back home. Or, take a bus to Evenes airport, about a 2-hour ride, and fly to Oslo.
Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
We will stay in comfortable three- to four-star hotels, or in rorbuer (fisherman huts), which have been modernized for comfort and good meals, including breakfast. An old rorbu would normally be on stilts, close to the water. Today, it is more likely to be on terra firma.
The rooms will be based on double occupancy with private bathrooms. Solo participants will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. Some single rooms may be available for a single supplement. Contact your trip leader for further information.
There has been a new-found pride in Norwegian food and traditions. A culinary revolution has quietly taken place in Norway in the last few years. Besides preparing meals that are tasty and wholesome, restaurants and ordinary kitchens have increased their use of local and organically grown ingredients. We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary needs, such as vegetarian dishes.
Trip Difficulty
This trip is designed for those with a sense of adventure and a desire to visit areas of immense natural beauty and unique landscapes. Participants should be in good condition and capable of hiking on mixed terrain with significant elevation gain. Self-sufficient teenagers and active seniors are welcome. Short and long hike options will be available at some places.
In good weather, all our hikes would be considered moderate. However, in inclement weather, the same hikes will be challenging. Each participant must be in a physically and mentally fit condition to undertake them, with proper clothing and hiking boots. The leader will provide you with a clothing and equipment list.
Equipment and Clothing
For U.S. citizens, a valid passport (no visa) is necessary, but no shots or immunizations are required. Waterproof, breathable rain gear is necessary, along with synthetic or wool pants and shirt. Only day packs will be needed for hikes, as personal gear will be transported by van or bus. Good hiking boots with ankle support are required for all hikes. You will receive a more detailed equipment list from the trip leader well before the trip departs.
References
Books:
- March, Linda, Norway Customs and Culture. Culture Smart Series.
- Abrahamsen, Samuel, Say it in Norwegian. Dover Publications.
- Undset, Sigrid, Kristin Lavransdatter. Penguin. Very long historical novel about a woman’s life in fourteenth-century Norway.
- Hamsun, Knut, Growth of the Soil. Vintage, 1972. Nobel Prize winning novel about a 19th-century homestead in rural Norway.
- Nansen, Fridtjof, Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North. The voyage of the Fram, the sailing ship we can see in Oslo.
- Huntford, Roland, Nansen. The biography of Fridtjof Nansen, mentor to Amundsen, Scott, and Shackleton.
- Brown, Nancy Marie, The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman.
- Kitabi, Kapanya, The Magic Islands of Lofoten.
Video:
- Harl, Kenneth, Vikings, TheGreatCourses.com. A set of 36 30-minute lectures about Viking history from 800-1000 CE.
Websites:
- Stop, You’re Killing Me, website listing mystery novels set in Norway: http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/LocationCats/Europe/Norway.html
- Things to do in Oslo for staying on: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/ and http://www.visitnorway.com/us/where-to-go-us/east/oslo/
- Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature: http://naturvernforbundet.no/?lang=en_GB
Conservation
Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.
Conservation and sustainability are a predominant part of the Norwegian ethos as it wrestles with the effects of interaction of technology with nature. While the country has modernized quite rapidly, it values its geography of earth-shattering glaciers, fjords of epic proportions and countless coastal islands scarcely touched by civilization.
Despite being an oil-producing country leading to enormous riches, Norway has maintained a deep affinity to sustainability, and conservation of its natural wonders. We will experience firsthand its reliance in locally sourced foods, the protection it provides to its public lands, and the control it exercises on designations of such lands.
Norway has established 47 national parks in order to conserve the diversity of Norwegian nature. Each national park is an area offering protection to special natural environments, flora, and fauna.
Evacuation and Travel Insurance
The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.
Staff
Important Notes
- Carbon Offsets
- Carpooling
- Electronic Billing and Forms
- Electronic Devices
- Equipment
- Essential Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply for a Trip
- Leader Gratuities
- Medical Issues
- Non-discrimination Statement
- Participant Agreement
- Seller of Travel Disclosure
- Single Supplements
- Terms and Conditions
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Feedback
- Trip Price
- Wilderness Manners