Highlights
- Go glamping on the small island of Skrova
- Hike dramatic mountains for incredible sea views
- Kayak to isolated islands & white sand beaches.
- Sail up the towering Trollsfjord & spot sea eagles
- Explore the remote & beautiful island of Værøy
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bodø | Skrova |
| Day 2 | Fishing & Kayaking on Skrova | Skrova |
| Day 3 | Hiking, Sea Eagles & Steep Fjords | Gimsøysand |
| Day 4 | Hiking & Historical Fishing Villages | Gimsøysand |
| Day 5 | Explore the Wild West Coast | Reine |
| Day 6 | Our Favorite Island | Værøy |
| Day 7 | Explore Værøy | Værøy |
| Day 8 | Depart Norway |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bodø
Welcome to Bodø, one of the largest towns in northern Norway and the gateway to the Lofoten Islands. Bodø is easy to reach with international and local flights (SAS and Norwegian Airlines) or a train from Oslo/Trondheim. The airport is a 15-minute walk or a three-minute taxi drive from the meeting point downtown near the ferry dock, where you'll meet up in the afternoon to start your island adventure. You'll catch the express boat and sail through magical scenery along the rugged Stigen coastline and across Vestfjorden to reach Skrova, one of the smallest and calmest of the Lofoten Islands. After a light meal in the local harborside restaurant, head to your "glamping" accommodations. The comfortable large tents are set on a remote and silent beach and well-equipped with real beds and carpets. Let the sound of the waves send you to sleep on your first night in Lofoten.
Day 2: Fishing & Kayaking on Skrova
After breakfast today, you'll head out for a kayak tour with lunch on one of the small islands that dot the seascape around Skrova. The afternoon is devoted to a fishing excursion (weather permitting)—and you can even bring your catch back to the chef to prepare alongside a hearty dinner at the local restaurant. End this awe-inspiring day with a soak in a beachfront hot tub and an evening spent around the campfire— hopefully under clear skies and a midnight sun.
Day 3: Hiking, Sea Eagles & Steep Fjords
This morning you'll lace up your walking boots for your first real hike of the trip. From the tents, your group will trek up the 846 foot (258 m) Høgskrova, an easy hike that rewards climbers with impressive views of the surrounding mountains and archipelago. From here, you have the option to descend to a quiet beach for a refreshing (and cold!) dip in the sea. After lunch in Skrova, journey by boat into the dramatic backdrop of Trollfjorden (The Trolls Fjord)—one of the narrowest and steepest fjords in Norway. Keep an eye out for sea eagles—the area is renowned for its populations of the largest species of eagle in Europe, with wingspans that can reach 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.5 meters). Stop at Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten, which sits in a magnificent location surrounded by mountains and sea, then continue to a cozy lodge for which serves as your base for the next two nights.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Hiking & Historical Fishing Villages
Today you'll wake up to spectacular views from your coastal lodge. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before striking out for Henningsvær, one of the most traditional villages in all Lofoten. The historic fishing town is spread across a small group of islands situated between the impressive Mount Vågakallen and the soaring Lofoten Wall. Henningsvær was one of the most prominent fishing ports in Lofoten during the 19th century, and its population has remained stable since its heydey, with over 500 residents.
The islands were not connected to the rest of Lofoten by bridges until 1981, which helped to preserve its historic wooden architecture. The combination of a unique setting, vibrant environment, and well-preserved buildings makes a visit to Henningsvær truly memorable. You'll have the opportunity to explore the village before lunch, with the afternoon spent hiking. Depending on the weather, there's an option to hike up a local viewpoint or drive to a small mountain called Hoven. Hoven is Norwegian for hoof, inspired by the peak's cloven shape, which stands alone on the horizon. Scale its heights on a midnight sun trek, before returning to the lodge for the night.
Day 5: Explore the Wild West Coast
As you drive further south today, the coastline becomes more rugged and wild. Take the opportunity to stop at a few of the beaches along the way—in good weather, the Unstad beach is a lovely hangout where surfers from all over the world flock to catch the arctic waves. Enjoy a steaming cup of coffee to warm up on the beach or in the local café before continuing to the picturesque seaside town of Reine. From here, you'll take the ferry up Kjerkfjord and walk across to Bunesstranda, a secluded beach. A three-hour hike takes you around Kjerkfjord, framed by high, jagged mountains and magnificent scenery. As evening sets in, return to Reine by boat, where you'll enjoy dinner in a traditional fisherman's hut, which also serves as your charming accommodation for the night.
Day 6: Our Favorite Island
This morning you'll set sail for the most remote and beautiful of Lofoten's islands. After a 1.5-hour ferry ride, the green mountains and white sands of Værøy appear on the horizon. Disembark and explore the quiet, pristine beaches and dramatic mountains of this hiker's paradise. Your goal for today is the 1,437 foot (438 m) Håen–known locally as the "NATO Mountain." Located in the center of the island and easy to reach, the peak offers spectacular views across the fairytale landscapes and turquoise seas. Afterward, head to Nordland, a small village with 150 inhabitants and a view directly towards the midnight sun. Fishing is the most important source of income at Værøy, and the islands offer simplicity and a sense of peace away from the tourist path. Spend the night in the character-filled Prestegården (Priest House) in Nordland—a well-maintained guesthouse with a cozy atmosphere and delicious meals.
Day 7: Explore Værøy
Today is devoted to exploring Værøy further, and the weather will help to decide your adventure for the day. One option is a trek up Nordlandsnupen, the highest mountain on the island. From the summit, sweeping views stretch as far as the entire Lofoten Wall. Another excursion is to the peak of Måhornet, which includes a coastal trek that passes through beautiful flowered meadows and an ancient, abandoned village. Depending on weather and group ability, you can expect to hike anything from 2.5 to 12 miles (4 to 20 km).
Return to Nordland for dinner and toast your last sunset over these magical islands.
Day 8: Depart Norway
After breakfast, you'll head for Værøy's heliport and get a bird's eye view of the fjord and islands as you fly across Vestfjorden to Bodø on the mainland. Savor the stunning views on the 25-minute journey before saying your final goodbyes to the scenic paradise of Lofoten.
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