NEW TRIP
spectacular adventures above the arctic circle
Hiking Norway’s Lofoten Islands
Overview
In the far-flung north of Norway, the Lofoten Islands are a legendary archipelago where white-sand beaches arc around crystalline bays and jagged mountaintops pierce the sky. The breathtaking natural setting includes the rocky spine of the 100-mile-long Lofotenveggen (“Lofoten Wall”). While the steep peaks, endless fjords, and tiny fishing villages of the Lofotens lie above the Arctic Circle, they offer a mild climate thanks to the waters of the Gulf Stream. As we explore from the historic villages of Reine, Nusfjord, and Henningsvær, we’ll head out on a range of coast and mountain hikes, meet local artists and fishermen, savor the glow of the midnight sun, and appreciate the laid-back Lofoten lifestyle. Most of our overnights are in charming rorbuer, restored fishermen’s cottages set right on the water’s edge.
Arrive: Bodø, Lofoten Islands
Depart: Svolvær, Lofoten Islands
Highlights
- Hike stunning mountain and coastal trails, savor the long summer light above the Arctic Circle
- Meet local fishermen, storytellers, and artists, enjoy options for sea kayaking
- Savor delightful cuisine, from incredible seafood and local lamb dishes, sip on the local schnapps
- Stay in charming hotels, including historic fishermen’s cottages in coastal villages
Itinerary
We meet in the city of Bodø and our introduction to the Lofoten comes at Reine, a multi-island village of historic, red-painted fishing cabins along the coast. We’ll hike to pristine Bunes Beach and up to Reinebringen for some of the most spectacular views in the entire archipelago and begin to discover Lofoten’s amazing seafood.
Hiking on Mt. Ryten brings views out to the turquoise waves of the Norwegian Sea and the white sands of Kvalvika Beach. We’ll meet a glassblower in Vikten, then enjoy three nights in Nusfjord’s historic harbor in “rorbuer” accommodations (converted fishing cabins). Nusfjord has excellent museums, art galleries,and spa facilities. Between hikes, we learn from locals about how the history of the Lofotens is closely tied to the sea.
We visit the village of Unstad, whose beaches are beloved by surfers and kayakers, hike to Norddalsvatnet Lake for sea views (and an optional cold-water plunge), then visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. From the iconic village of Henningsvær, with its connecting islands and art galleries, our last hike is on the splendid Glomtinden trail, where we soak up fantastic views of the prominent crags of Vågakallen rising sheer from the sea. After a spectacular ride by private boat through Trollfjorden, a narrow, mile-long fjord, we depart on Day 9 via Svolvær.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 6 miles in a day, being on your feet for up to 6 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree. While the total hiking distances of our days may not be long, the trails can be steep and exposed for extended sections. You will also need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group as there are no alternative hiking options available.
Average Hiking Day
- 4 miles
- 3 hours
- 1,300 feet gain/loss
Our hikes will traverse coastal, beach, and mountainous terrain. Trails in Norway tend to be fairly narrow and they can be both steep and exposed, so you will need to be in good shape, have solid footing for rough sections on the trails, and have a head for heights, as some trails are along narrow cliff paths. Nothing in Lofoten is flat, and Although the hikes are not long in terms of mileage, the terrain can be challenging. Hiking times can vary considerably due to weather, group interests, and other factors.
We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in.
These islands lie above the Arctic Circle but enjoy a mild climate thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures should be in the mid 50s°F-60s°F. The weather can provide spectacular clear days but can also be very wet and change quickly. Trip members need to remain flexible and be prepared for a variety of conditions. Hiking and kayaking may need to be changed or substituted in case of inclement weather.
Some of our accommodations are in charming “rorbuer,” traditional fishermen’s cottages that have been converted to small hotels. They are cozy and clean, giving you a wonderful sense of Norway’s heritage and culture, yet keep in mind that they are more spare in decor than what you may have experienced elsewhere in Europe. You'll likely have shared living rooms, and in some cases, shared bathrooms. Some may only offer twin rooms, reminiscent of the historical setup for fishermen.
Lunches will be at local restaurants or packed and enjoyed on the trail. Dinners will most often be at the hotels. We will sample the local cuisine from fiskesuppe (fish soup) to vafler (Norwegian-style waffles), chased with schnapps!
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). Please note that driving times can vary considerably due to weather conditions.
Client Testimonials
"Loved the hiking, the solitude, the quiet."
Alexander S.
Chatham, NJ
"The history, culture, and beauty of Norway's northern islands were amazing. This trip hit it out of the park with great hikes, followed by wonderful food and wine. It was a fabulous time!"
Ann T.
Chesterfield, MO
"I really enjoyed the variety of daily exercise and lots of other interesting activities."
Darrah H.
San Rafael, CA
"This trip had a great balance of active outdoor fun and cultural activities. The sea kayaking among the islands near Senja was really special. And the rorbuer (former fisherman’s cabins) were just lovely!"
Inge K.
Concord, MA
"A well organized and thoughtful trip, with an excellent balance of hiking, boating, and cultural/historical aspects."
Jim Y.
Avon, CO
"This was a truly wonderful trip in a wonderful country, with great landscapes, and our activities helped us learn and experience many dimensions. The hiking was spectacularly good."
Joan G.
Portola Valley, CA
"A very well designed, activity-filled trip with a good balance of hiking and other activities."
John L.
Highland Park, IL
"We really enjoyed this trip! Hikes were beautiful and and the trails were well kept. Accommodations were outstanding in perfect settings. We loved the fishermen cabins."
Karen L.
Sterling, VA
"Our guides were super, hotels and food couldn't be better, hikes were very well chosen both in degree of difficulty and views from the top, cultural events were interesting. And WT ordered up perfect weather—not quite sure how you did that."
Mark & Cappy N.
Lebanon, NH
"I loved the trip and leader. A beautiful place in northern Norway that one could not see without guidance. Wilderness really adds value here."
Sally S.
Chatham, NJ
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.