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, likely with a connection through Bodø. A late afternoon Ryder-Walker shuttle will be available from Svolvær to the hotel in Henningsvær; otherwise, independent transfers will be required. Meet the group and your guide(s) at 7:00 PM for cocktails, orientation, and dinner.
Based on the day’s weather conditions, your guides will choose a suitable warm-up hike near Henningsvær. After the hike, enjoy a refreshment at the climber’s café 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 beautiful village renowned for its waffles and Arctic surfing. Take in the dramatic landscapes of Lofoten along the way. Afterward, transfer to Nusfjord, one of Lofoten’s most picturesque and best-preserved fishing villages. Spend the next three nights in refurbished 19th-century seaside rorbuer cottages.
Distance: up to 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000 ft.
An iconic day awaits as we ascend Ryten peak, offering dramatic views of Moskenesøya. We’ll then descend to the turquoise waters of Kvalvika Beach, where towering cliffs rise straight from the sea. Up for a swim? Afterward, return to Nusfjord and our cozy, waterfront rorbuer cottages.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 3000 ft.
Transfer by van to Reine, then enjoy a scenic boat ride into Kjerkfjorden, where we’ll hike to Horseidvika, a stunning beach on the north shore of the archipelago. If conditions allow, we may extend the hike to a mountain saddle with panoramic views across the fjords. Return via the same route and settle in for another relaxing night in Nusfjord.
Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 2500 ft.
After a short transfer to Sørvågen, we’ll hike over three peaks to reach our lunch spot at Munkebu, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Lofoten’s fjords and peaks. Afterward, we return to Sørvågen before a short drive to Reine, where we’ll settle into one of Norway’s classic hotels.
Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 3000 ft.
Hike from sea level to Hellsegga, standing at 1,950 feet. As the highest peak on the southwest end of Lofoten, Hellsegga offers stunning views of the southernmost islands in the Norwegian archipelago, including Værøy and Røstlandet. Return to Reine for our final night.
Distance: 4 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. (One hour drive).