Trip Overview
Length:
8 days / 7 days kayaking
Difficulty:
3 / 5
Price:
€ 3950
Location:
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Dates:
2022 - June 30-July 7
What makes this trip special
- Enjoy the luxury of staying in a Bed and Breakfast each night
- Kayak in the Arctic Circle
- Experience 24 hours of daylight
- Visit a Viking museum, replica long house and enjoy a Viking meal
- Paddle beneath the Lofoten Walls, a series of peaks that look to be an impenetrable wall of granite
The Tour
Join us on a cultural and historical journey through the stunning Lofoten Islands.
Our journey will start in Kabelvag, and we will make our way south west through the Lofoten Islands. Kayaking from one charming village to the next we will enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in quaint cabins.
Paddling through the Lofoten fiords is an incredible experience. Sheer granite walls surge straight out of the ocean providing spectacular scenery and fantastic paddling. When not paddling there will lots of opportunities to go for short walks into the hills and to explore the sights, sounds and tastes of each town.
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The Place
Situated 150 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Island archipelago is renowned for its stunning scenery and rich culture steeped in history. The Lofoten Wall, a dramatic collection of mountain peaks, surge straight out of the ocean providing spectacular paddling. Being above the Arctic Circle means nearly 24 hours of daylight with sunsets that last for hours, a fitting end to each superb paddling day.
The Culture
The Lofoten’s are rich in culture and history. The area’s rich fishing heritage began in the 12th century when King Oystein ordered a series of fishing shacks to be built in order to shelter traveling fisherman during the yearly cod migration. Each village we visit is one of these historical cod fishing communities.
The area is also an important Viking Heritage area. We will visit one of the most extensive Viking Museum’s along the way, the Lofotr Viking Museum. The museum houses and explains thousands of artifacts that were found in a farmers field. We will partake in a traditional Viking meal in a reconstructed 83 meter Viking house.
The Weather
The warm marine currents of the gulf stream ensures the climate in the Lofotens is considerably milder than in other parts of the world at the same latitude. However, summers are still relatively cool with July and August average day temperatures ranging between 10C- 18C. Winds are generally light, but occasional weather disturbances can bring windier conditions.
Ocean Conditions
This trip takes place along the south-eastern shores of the Lofoten Islands which are protected from the dominant northerly swells. Generally we will experience calm sea states, but there is always a chance of swell and wind waves depending on the weather We will cross numerous fjords where winds can pick up causing white-capped seas. Your guide will assess the conditions of each crossing prior to committing to any crossing.
The Sea Kayaking
Kayaking the Lofoten Islands is to be immersed in a vast and wild landscape. Kayakers are dwarfed as they paddle below eight-hundred metre granite cliffs that rise straight out of the ocean. All summer long, patches of snow in the alpine environment are in contrast to the lush green grasses and shrubs. Many opportunities for rock gardening around the rocky shoreline exist. Paddling into the many fiords are breathtaking as mirror glass water gives way to granite cliffs. Many pelagic birds and sea eagles can be seen along this tour, giving birders a chance to identify arctic species.
What's Included
- Accommodation on nights of Day 1 to Day 7
- Meals starting breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 8
- All kayak equipment
- Dedicated kayak guide
- Transportation and fee for Viking museum
- Guided walks and tours
- Transport from Reine to Svolvaer at trip conclusion
What's Not Included
- Any flights
- Accommodation on night of Day 8
- Meals on Day 1
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
Trip Itinerary
Our itinerary will be determined by the weather and sea conditions.
Day 1
Kabelvag: Arrive in Svolvaer, transfer to Kabelvag. Move into Rorbuer, meeting at 7pm.
Kabelvag is a perfect town to commence our trip. Historically, it was the most important village in the Lofoten’s during the Viking era. King Oystein founded the village and ruled until 1123. Kebelvag has something for everyone, from a fishing museum, to a gallery dedicated to Norweigan artists, and finally an aquarium.
Lofotferie Rorbuer. Restaurant dinner-not included.
Day 2
Henningsvaer: Paddle along the sheer granite walls of Austvågøya island ‘s south shore and into the islets of the charming town of Henningsvaer. With the afternoon free, this picturesque town is perfect for a lazy stroll. The Lofotens Hus is the area’s best known gallery and showcases more than hundred art pieces by Norwegian artists.
Henningsvaer Rorbuer. Breakfast, lunch and Dinner.
Day 3
Stamsund: We’ll Island hop across the Gimsoystraumen fiord to Vestvågøy Island. Today’s paddle has a little bit of everything. From open water crossings, to meandering through hundreds of islands. We will lunch on a beautiful white sand beach before continuing our paddle to the town of Stamsund for the night.
Live Lofoten Rorbuer. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4
Ballstad: Today we paddle bellow massive granite walls that rise straight out of the ocean. Islands and islets run parallel to these towering peaks and make for some interesting and fun paddling. In the afternoon we’ll pull into Ballstad and check into the lovely cottages of the Solsidem Brygge Hotel. We will take a 30 min drive to the North side of the Islands in order to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. This exhibit is housed with a reconstructed 83 meter Viking House and contains not only fantastic displays of Viking artifacts but has the all the atmosphere and smells of an old Viking home.
Solsiden Brygge Rorbuer. Breakfast, lunch, Dinner.
Day 5
NussFjord: Leaving Ballstad we will paddle up the Nappstraumen Fiord and cross over to Flakstadoya Island. After lunch we’ll take a short hike that grants us incredible views of the West coast of the Lofotens and allows access to the gold sand beach. We’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Nussfjord in the afternoon. This village is located in a tight cove surrounded by towering peaks. The buildings here were built in the 19th century and have been attractively restored. They capture the character and the culture of the Lofotens and provide an excellent place to stay.
Nussfjord Cottages. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6
Hamnoy: We will explore Skjellfjorden fiord and stop into the town of Sund. After lunch we’ll visit the Sund fishing museum which captures the fishing history of the area. The picturesque town of Hamnoy is our destination for the evening and after pulling our kayaks ashore we’ll check into the Sakrisoy Rorbuer.
Sakrisoy Rorbuer. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7
Hamnoy: We will paddle up the spectacular Reinefjord and into the Bunesfjord. After pulling our kayaks ashore we’ll go for a short hike over to Bunes Beach. This beach is one of the most spectacular in the Lofoten group, it’s golden sands are flanked on either side by huge granite walls. For those willing, it provides the perfect place for an Arctic dip. Hopefully we will spot a rare Sea Eagle and watch the antics of puffins.
Sakrisoy Rorbuer. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8
Svolvaer: We will have the opportunity for a morning stroll or paddle through Reine, before we transfer by car back to Svolvaer. It’s suggested that you stay an additional evening in Svolvaer.
Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation and Dinner not included.
Accommodation
We will stay in a variety of accommodation during this trip.
Accommodation for each day is described below.
Day 1
Kabelvag – Lofotferie Rorbuer
These cabins are situated in the old town centre of Kabelvag. With Harbour views, a glass shop nearby and a short walk to the only pub in town, these cabins are perfect for our first night in the Lofoten’s. Rooms are based on twin share.
Day 2
Henningsvaer – Rorbuer
Situated on the eastern side of Henningsvaer, these Rorbu offer amazing views of the granite cliffs and islands surrounding the town. A 1.5 km walk into the heart of town offers art galleries, cafe’s, pubs, and museums. This is a stunning little town where we will have most of the afternoon to explore and enjoy the quaint atmosphere.
Day 3
Stamsund
The Live Lofoten Rorbuers will be our home for night number three. These Rorbeurs were newly renovated in June of 2018 and are a lovely juxtaposition of old and new. These rorbuers are located on the western edge of town right in the heart of fishing life.
Day 4
Ballstad – Solsidem Brygge
The Solsidem Brygge hotel will be our home for the night. This Brygge hotel overlooks the outer harbour of Ballstad, where boats come and go throughout the day. We will stay in cottages with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, and dining area. Ballstad is small community with a delicious bakery and town centre a 10 min walk from our accommodation.
Day 5
Nusfjord
This small village nestled amongst towering cliffs was once a tiny fishing village. In recent times it has been converted into a guesthouse community. All of the old fishing Rorbu’s have been converted into guesthouses. The community has a small shop, two restaurants, a meeting hall, and guesthouses.
We will be staying at one of these converted Rorbu’s with a kitchen and twin share bedrooms.
Day 6
Reine – Sakrisoy Rorbuer
Our final accommodation for the last two nights of our trip will be on a small island, connected by bridges to other islands, in the town of Reine. Reine is located at the southern end of the Lofoten’s and is a town situated on an Island at the entrance to a series of Fjords. It is one of the most magical places in the Lofoten’s.
We will be staying at Sakrisoy Rorbuer, a lovely accommodation on this small Island. These Rorbuer have been restored so as to create a comfortable accommodation while at the same time holding on to their historical charm. Each cabin has 1-3 twin share rooms, a kitchenette and dining room. This is a beautiful spot to spend two days exploring the area by sea kayak.
Photo Gallery
Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
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Trip Reviews
Gail Rosmund – Australia
The weather was near perfect, the group of people who paddled all got on really well together and Angela was one of the most competent and personable guides I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. The luxury of the huts, plus the opportunity to explore many of the villages on foot was worth it.
Can’t speak highly enough of Angela- she is a gem! Thanks for organising such an iconic trip
Howard Pender – Australia
Lofoten’s – wilderness by day, comfort by night. During the day we were alone on the sea – the foreground – always breathtaking – like someone flooded the Tyrol, the background – distant glaciers. But every night we paddled into a pretty little fishing village and slept in a comfortably refurbished ‘rorbuer’ (fisherman’s cabin).
Angela and Peter Sharp – Australia
The Lofoten Island trip was brilliant – it must be one of the world’s best locations for kayaking. Our guide was fantastic – nothing was a problem for her and we all had complete confidence in her. Thanks for helping us make this trip happen; we highly recommend it.
Application Form
Once you’ve filled out our online application form we will contact you within 24 hours. Our follow up email will include the detailed trip notes.
We’ll also send you a medical form. This helps us make any necessary preparations, it does not exclude you from the trip. To secure the booking we require a 500 Euro deposit for each person. If you’d prefer to contact us directly we can be reached at info@expeditionengineering.com or at +12502662515
We’d be happy to discuss different trip options and help you find the perfect expedition holiday.
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