Norway | The Islands of Lofoten
Unlock the treasures of Norway's mountains and fjords.
Trip Highlights:
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Stay in robuers, nineteenth century fishing cottages that have been updated with modern conveniences.
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Sip wine in Norway's most picturesque fishing villages: Sørvågen, Reine, and Nusfjord.
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Access secluded beaches and hiking paths by sea kayak and ferry.
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Enjoy breathtaking views of Lofoten's mountains, fjords, and the Norwegian Sea.
Escape from the crowds as you as you explore the Lofoten archipelago, a rugged island chain lying 122 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Bathed by the light of the midnight sun, and rising out of the Norwegian Sea like a fortress wall, the 4,000-foot granite peaks of Lofoten will mesmerize you with their craggy summits, lovely jade meadows, and unforgettable views of Norway’s sparkling fjords.
Beginning in Henningsvær, Lofoten, our eight-day hiking tour of Norway connects tiny villages on the islands of Moskenesøya, Flakstadøya and Austvågøya. Hike across remote mountain tops, visit secluded beaches and walk through tiny hamlets with colorful wooden fishing cottages perched at the water’s edge.
Whether it’s hiking across the summits of Kollfjellet, Merraflestinden and Munken, or whale watching from the harbor in Reine, one of the most beautiful seaside villages in the world, you’ll witness the most revered landscapes in all of Norway.
Trip Itinerary
Travel independently to Oslo and fly to Svolvær. There will be one late afternoon RW shuttle offered from Svolvær to the hotel. Other arrivals will independently transfer to the hotel. Meet the group and your guide(s) at 7:00 pm for cocktails, orientation, and dinner.
Depending on weather, your guides pick a suitable first warm-up hike for the group near Henningsvær. Enjoy a refreshment at the climber’s cafe after the hike before returning to the hotel.
Distance: 5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 1600 ft.
Shuttle to the trailhead near Saupstad and hike to Unstad, a stunning village famous for its waffles and Arctic surfing. Enjoy views of Lofoten’s dramatic landscapes. Transfer to Nusfjord, one of most picturesque and best-preserved fishing villages in Lofoten. Spend the next two nights in refurbished nineteenth century seaside rorbuer cottages.
Distance: up to 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000 ft.
Following an old fisherman’s trail, we hike directly from Nusfjord to the village of Nesland. The trail meanders along the shoreline, allowing for stunning views of mainland Norway. Return via the same route and enjoy another night in Nusfjord.
Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 2500 ft.
Transfer by van to Sakrisøy and then by boat into Kjerkfjorden to hike to Horseidvika, another stunning beach on the north shore of the archipelago. Depending on weather conditions, we may continue on to a mountain saddle with expansive views across the fjords. Return to Sakrisøy, where we stay in authentic rorbuer cottages for the next three nights.
Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 2500 ft.
After a short transfer to Sorvågen, we hike over three peaks to reach our lunch spot at Munkebu. Enjoy 360-degree views of Lofoten and its many fjords and peaks, before returning to Sorvågen to settle back into our cozy, waterfront rorbuers.
Distance: up to 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 3000 ft.
Hike from sea level to Hellsegga at 1,950 feet. Hellsegga is the highest peak on the southwest end of Lofoten, and it gives us the chance to view the southern-most islands of the Norwegian archipelago, Værøy and Røstlandet.
Distance: 3.2 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2200 ft.
Transfer to Leknes for flights to Bodø/Oslo. There will be a one-time RW shuttle for those catching lunchtime or early afternoon connections (45-minute drive).