Destination
Duration
Price
Trip Type
Difficulty
Lofoten Islands Kayak BnB Experience
Join us on a cultural, historical and adventure-filled journey through the stunning Lofoten Islands—one of the absolute best kayaking destinations in Norway. This remote Arctic archipelago is renowned for its dramatic granite peaks, turquoise fjords, sheltered coves, and colourful fishing villages, making it a dream location for an unforgettable kayak expedition.
Our Expedition Engineering adventure begins in the historic town of Kabelvåg and traces a route southwest through the heart of the Lofoten archipelago. We’ll kayak Lofoten from one charming village to the next, staying in traditional rorbu (fishermen’s cabins) for seven nights and immersing ourselves in the region’s seafaring heritage.
Expect spectacular paddling as we navigate through narrow fjords flanked by sheer granite cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. Glide over crystal-clear waters, past white sand beaches, and under towering mountain spires. Along the way, there will be ample time for short hikes through rugged coastal trails, alpine meadows, and panoramic ridgelines—where you may spot moose, sea eagles, or Arctic foxes.
This expedition kayaking journey offers a unique and intimate way to experience the best of kayaking in Norway, blending immersive nature, cultural discovery, and the wild beauty of the Lofoten landscape under the glow of the Midnight Sun.
I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.
Highlights
- Paddle alongside rugged 1,000m granite cliffs rising straight from the ocean
- White sand beaches offer an incredible serenity to the rugged landscape
- Experience the midnight sun
- immerse yourself in viking culture
- Quaint stilt villages offer insight into the historical fishing culture
Itinerary
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.
Vandrerhjem SommerHotel Lofoten-Kabelvag. Restaurant dinner-not included.
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. B-L-D
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. B-L-D
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.
Solsiden Brygge Rorbuer. B-L-D
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. B-L-D
Hamnoy: We will explore Skjellfjorden fiord and stop into the town of Sund. 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. B-L-D
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. B-L-D
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.
B-L. Accommodation and Dinner not included.
Accommodations
We will stay in a variety of accommodation during this trip.Accommodation for each day is described below.
Day 1
Kabelvag – Vandrerhjem Sommerhotel Lofoten
This hotel/hostel is situated near the old town centre of Kabelvag. During the school year this is a private outdoor highschool and during the summer is converted into a hostel type accommodation. Delicious breakfast, laundry, a drying room and beautiful views, this is the perfect place to start our trip. With Harbour views, a glass shop nearby and a short walk to the only pub in town. 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.
Dates & Rates
Prices from
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
Not Included
- Any flights
- Accommodation on night of Day 8
- Meals on Day 1
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
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 10-18C. 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.
Activities
The Sea Kayaking
Kayaking the Lofoten Islands is to be immersed in a vast and wild landscape. Kayakers are dwarfed as they paddle below 800 metre granite cliffs that rise straight out of the ocean. All summer long, patches of snow in the alpine are in stark contrast to the lush green vegetation below. Many opportunities for rock gardening (kayak surfing) around the rocky shoreline exist. The fjords are breathtaking as mirror glass water gives way to granite cliffs. Many seabirds such as sea eagles and puffin colonies can be seen along this tour, giving birders a chance to identify arctic species.
Travel to Norway
Norway is open for travel for fully-vaccinated international visitors. You do not need to quarantine. You have to take a covid test on arrival or within 24 hours after arrival at entry points without test stations. Tests are usually free, and test stations are available at most important points of entry. Due to the lingering uncertainty of the pandemic and possible future disruptions to international travel, Expedition Engineering has created one of the best Worry Free booking policies in the adventure travel industry.
Trip Map
Pictures & Videos
FAQs
7:30 am breakfast
9:00 on water paddling and exploring the area
12:00 lunch break
13:00 afternoon paddle
16:00 arrive at our Rorbuer for the night
We will endeavour to take a morning and afternoon stretch break each day to keep our hamstrings loose and happy!
Webinars
Angela takes us on a journey through the Lofoten Islands and tells us what to expect on this kayaking trip. Learn why the Lofotens have been named one of the…
