Kayaking and Hiking in the Lofoten Islands

Degree of difficulty

• Considered a moderately difficult adventure, participants should be in good physical condition, with experience of walking for at least six hours per day, for several consecutive days. 
• Hikes can take in ascent of up to 800m each day, on rock and potentially slippery terrain. 
• Kayaking areas are selected for their sheltered nature and calm waters at the start of the trip to aid with acclimatisation to the waters.
• Previous experience kayaking would be beneficial, but not essential.

Norwegian Menus

• Full board is provided throughout the trip, with the exception of time in Bodø.
• 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, freshly caught fish will be available, providing participants the opportunity to sample fish caught that day whilst kayaking.

Accommodation in Lofoten

• The majority of the trip is spent camping, 3 man tents are provided per two participants. A large communal tent is set up for taking meals. 
• Accommodation in Bodø will be taken at a comfortable hotel
• A sleeping bag will be required for the stay in the traditional Rorbu. A comfortable, traditional cabin used by fishermen in the winter. 

Equipment provided

• Sleeping tent per 2 people
• Sleeping mat
• Equipped mess tent including tables, chairs, cooking facilities
• Waterproof bags
• Tandem sea kayak with directional rudder (per 2 people)
• Gore-tex dry suit and boots
• Kayaking jacket
• Life jacket with two pockets
• Fishing equipment

Clothing to bring

• Warm breathable base layer
• Thermal layer
• Wind and waterproof protective outer layers
• Your walking boots (high-rise, sturdy soles)
• Waterproof windproof jacket (with a hood) and trousers, breathable, with sealed seams
• Warm gloves and a hat
• Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
• Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
• Warm thick socks
• Comfortable shoes for the evenings
• Sunhat and sun cream and sunglasses (UV 400)

Highlights

• Sleeping bag and liner
• Towel, toiletries and any personal medication
• Water bottle or flask
• Head torch with spare batteries
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Walking poles
• Tupperware and cutlery for picnics
• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Blister plasters
• Tissues, toilet paper and a lighter
• Plastic bags to hold 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 Bodø

• Fly to Bodø airport.
• From UK airports, fly to Oslo airport (Gardermoen), then fly to Bodø airport.
• A private minibus will collect you from Bodø airport and take you to your accommodation.

Kayaking and Hiking Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival to Bodø

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

• Day 2 | Ferry to Lofoten Islands

  Take an early morning ferry to the Lofoten Archipelago. Take to the water in kayaks, for a familiarisation and skills session with the boats. Paddle across the fjord to set camp in Yttersand.

• Day 3 | Hike to Ryten

  Take a morning hike through the moorland, ascending to the ridges which overlook Selfjord. Reach the 453m high summit of Ryten, offering supreme views over the surrounding area. Go fishing on the fjord aboard kayaks in the afternoon, in the hope of a catch to supplement the evening meal.

• Day 4 | Kayak to Fredvang and Flakstad

  Paddle to the village of Fredvang, stopping for lunch on the picturesque Ramberg beach. Upon arrival at Flakstad, set up camp before enjoying a coastal hike.

• Day 5 | Kayak to Skjelfjord

  Paddle toward the village of Sund, venturing into a landscape more rocky and dramatic than the previous days. Pass numerous fishing villages en route to Skjelfjord, where camp will be set up for the following two nights. 

• Day 6 | Kayak and hike to Volandstinden

  Morning kayak adventure to explore Skjelfjorden, reaching the start point of the hike. A gorgeous hike to the summit of Volandstinden, a visually arresting peak, which dominates the skyline around the town of Ramberg. Return to the kayaks to paddle back to camp. 

• Day 7 | Kayak to Nusfjord

  Paddle through the turquoise waters of Flakstadpollen to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nusfjord. Time to explore the village before setting up camp. 

• Day 8 | Kayak to Selfjord

  Pack up camp for the final time, before paddling to Selfjord. Take the road to the village of Å, to overnight in a traditional rorbu.

• Day 9 | Hike to Munkan

  An exhilarating hike to the summit of Munkan, one of the iconic peaks of the region at 798m, Experience breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. 

• Day 10 | Ferry transfer to Bodø

  Early morning ferry to Bodø to begin the journey home. 

Included

• Airport transfers on arrival day
• Accommodation: camping, rorbu and hotel
• Full-board except dinner on days 1 and 9
• Luggage transfers
• Kayaking equipment including drysuit
• Camping gear (excluding sleeping bag)
• Services of an expert guide
• Local transport

Not Included

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

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