Summits of the Lofoten Islands

Degree of difficulty

• Rated as a moderately difficult adventure, which can be enjoyed by anyone with a good level of fitness and experience of walking for up to six hours a day for consecutive days. 
• Expect to hike for five to six hours each day, with elevation ranging between 500 and 800 metres per day
• Experience of hiking in mountainous regions would be beneficial, as paths can lead over rocky and potentially slippery ground. 

Norwegian delicacies

• Full board is provided throughout the trip, with the exception of time in Bodø.
• A hearty breakfast is provided with plenty of tea and coffee
• Picnic lunches are prepared using local produce where possible, and include sandwiches, salads, fruits, cakes and dried fruit. 
• Evening meals are prepared as a group and make use of regional specialities, such as grilled or smoked salmon, fresh shrimp and cod. 

Norwegian accommodation

• Whilst in Bodø, accommodation is provided in guesthouses or hostels. Rooms shared between 2 and 8 guests, with shared bathroom facilities.
• In Lofoten, accommodation is in Søjhus or Rorbu accommodation, comfortable traditional houses used by fishermen in the winter months. Shared rooms with varying levels of comfort, whilst all providing heating, hot showers, toilets, a common dining room and equipped kitchen. 
• Sleeping bag or sleeping bag liners should be brought for these nights.

Clothing to bring

• Walking boots (high-rise, sturdy soles)
• Waterproof windproof jacket (with a hood) breathable, sealed seams
• Warm gloves and a hat
• Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
• Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
• Warm thick socks
• Sunhat and sun cream
• Sunglasses (UV 400)
• Pyjamas

Equipment to bring

• Sleeping bag - a lighter sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner is recommended for nights in rorbus
• Towel and toiletries
• Any personal medication
• A water bottle/flask
• Head torch and spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer)
• Your swimming stuff (for the pool or sauna options)
• A small rucksack as a day-bag
• Your camera (with a suitable protective case)
• Binoculars
• Comfortable pair of shoes for the evenings
• Waterproof trousers
• Walking poles
• Tupperware and cutlery for picnics
• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Blister plasters
• Tissues, toilet paper and a lighter
• Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Bodø Airport
Olav V gate
Bodø
8004
Norway

Getting to Norway

• Fly to Bodø airport, accessible from UK airports, with a connection in Oslo. 
• Transfer to accommodation from the airport will be taken by private minibus.

Lofoten Islands Itinerary

• Day 1 | arrival in Bodø

  Fly to Bodø, minibus transfer to hotel. Time to explore the town of Bodø.

• Day 2 | Ferry transfer to Lofoten Islands

  Early morning ferry to the village of Å in the Lofoten Islands. Commence the first hike along a large lake close to the sea, surrounded by mountainous peaks and waterfalls. 

• Day 3 | Climb Munkan

  Hike to the summit of Munkan at 798m, superb views over island landscapes and surrounding mountains.

• Day 4 | CLimb Reinebringen

  Short morning transfer to Reine, with time to explore this picturesque village. Hike to the summit of Reinebringen, with the option to take a longer, more scenic route down from the summit. Optional boat trip at an extra cost around the coastline in the evening.

• Day 5 | Kvalvika Beach

  Climb above Kvalvika beach for sublime views of the coastline. Accommodation in a rustic wooden refuge, not normally permitted for use by tourists. A very authentic Norwegian experience.

• Day 6 | Plateau of Ytresand and Mulstøa

  Pass through moorland and white sand beached to explore the isolated hamlet of Mulstøa. A former fishing village in an area rich in bird life, with the chance to watch sea eagles soar overhead. 

• Day 7 | Neisheia summit

  Easier day of hiking, taking well-trodden paths to a viewpoint overlooking the Vestfjord coast. Optional sea fishing trip at extra cost in the afternoon with experienced Norwegian fishermen.

• Day 8 | Ferry to Bodø

  Early morning ferry to Bodø to continue the journey home. 

Included

• Airport transfers on arrival day
• Return boat trip Bodø – Moskenes
• All in-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
• Accommodation in Rorbu and hotel 
• Full-board except in Bodø days 1 and 7
• Luggage transfers
• Full supervision by an expert professional guide

Not Included

• Flights
• Drinks, snacks, tips and personal expenses
• Meals in Bodø (allow 290-390 NOK per meal)
• Entrance fees for sites and museums (allow 50 NOK)
• Travel Insurance
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Personal hiking gear

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

We were incredibly fortunate with the weather and our guide, Thomas. Lofoten is stunning but having superb weather and the best possible guide made the trip outstanding. The hikes were as good as one can get and well judged in intensity from day to day. Thomas cooked delicious French cuisine and took us to do little extra activities that helped make the trip. | William