Elife Travel - Europe Tours - Norway Tours - Norwegian Fjords Tours - Norway (Northern) Tours - Hiking & Trekking Tours - Hike the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands

Hike the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands

Name: Hike the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 5500 USD
Availability: InStock

-8%

Country:

Norway

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

301425

Operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels
Length:

8 days
Group size:

16 pax
Age:

16 to 80
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

24.08-31.08.25 scheduled
07.09-14.09.25 scheduled

Itinerary

Under the midnight sun of summer, the Lofoten Islands dazzle with rugged mountains, glassy waters and quaint fishing villages. Join us to hike their most beautiful trails with an expert local guide, summiting peaks for a sea eagle’s view over the landscape. To make this trip extra special, we begin in the equally spectacular Vesterålen archipelago before crossing over to the Lofoten Islands, where we sleep in rorbuer, converted fishermen’s cabins, right by the water.

Tour program

Day 1

Start Evenes (dinner)

Say hallo to Norway, catching a group transfer (2hr 10min) from Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes, to Sortland, the commercial hub of the Vesterålen region, where we settle into our hotel. The excitement builds during our welcome meeting, in which we get to know each other a little and discuss important information about the days ahead. Details on where the welcome meeting is held should be at the hotel reception. If you can’t find it, the reception team are happy to point you in the right direction. If you’d prefer a little time to relax into the adventure, speak to your sales representative about booking pre-tour accommodation. Classic accommodation: Thon Partner Hotel Sortland (or similar)

Day 2

Hike the Dronningruta (breakfast,lunch,dinner)

Transfer (one hour) to the traditional fishing village of Stø after breakfast, where we embark on our first hike of the adventure: the Dronningruta (The Queen’s Route). The marked trail runs to the coastal village of Nyksund, through rocky, rugged areas right by the sea, along mountains and the beach, providing a nice variety of gentle and challenging terrain. In the afternoon, we explore Nyksund. It was once the largest fishing village in the Vesterålen archipelago; however, with the small harbour unable to support the larger fishing vessels that developed in the 20th century, it was left a ghost town by the 1970s. In the 1980s, however, a group of German enthusiasts revived the village, turning it into the creative hub that it is today. After our exploration, we transfer (one hour) back to our hotel. Classic accommodation: Thon Partner Hotel Sortland (or similar)

Day 3

To the Lofoten Islands; Stornappstinden hike (breakfast,lunch)

Bid farewell to the Vesterålen archipelago and head to the Lofoten Islands, a drive of 2hr 15min. After a short stop in Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten, we arrive in the fishing village of Henningsvær, where you can visit galleries, small boutiques and cafes. In the afternoon, we transfer (1hr 20min) to the beginning of our hike up Stornappstinden, a 2,430ft (740m) peak rising above the waters of Nappstraumen. We take a well-used trail to the top, starting near the village of Napp. The route wraps around the western edge of the peak towards a river, which we cross (along with a few small boggy sections), before it increases in steepness. After nearly 1,970ft (600m) of ascent, we arrive at the summit plateau, taking a mostly gentle slope to the fairly rocky summit, where we enjoy views east across the Nappstraumen and over the northwestern side of Vestvågøy. After this wonderful hike, we transfer (30 minutes) to our next destination: the fishing village of Stamsund. Here, we settle into our rorbuer, converted fishermen’s cabins that sit in a huddle by the water. Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

Day 4

Ryten and Kvalvika hike (breakfast,lunch)

The beauty of the Lofoten Islands is on full show today, as we hike through the Kvalvika area of Lofotodden National Park, known for its towering mountains, jade seas and sandy beaches. It begins with a transfer (1hr 20min) to Selfjorden, where the hike starts, and we walk via Ryten peak to the village of Fredvangen. After, we visit the Glashut at Vikten, where a family of artisan glassblowers has been creating works of art inspired by the harsh and rugged nature of Vikten since the mid-1970s. There’s also a Ceramics Tower, where there’s a coffee shop and pottery to admire. Once you’re done, explore the natural beauty of the area, walk along the beach or tour the village. After, we transfer (one hour) back to Stamsund. Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

Day 5

Himmeltindan hike; Lofotr Viking Museum (breakfast,lunch)

Today we hike the tallest peak on the central Lofoten island of Vestvågøya, Himmeltindan, which rises steeply, almost directly from the sea. Our route starts on a grassy cart road, before switching to a path that leads to the summit. The challenging trip takes around five hours, including a lunch break, but the views from 3,050ft (930m) above sea level are impressive with views over Flakstadoya island and Ramberg bay. We then transfer (25 minutes) to the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, where a farmer accidentally discovered the grand longhouse of a Viking chieftain in 1981. Here, we learn all about Viking history through fun, interactive exhibits and fascinating archaeological discoveries. We then return (30 minutes) to Stamsund. Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

Day 6

Volandstinden hike; visit Nusfjord (breakfast,lunch)

Hike to the summit of Volandstinden today, taking a 55-minute transfer to Skjelfjord, where the trail begins. Looking up at the top of Volandstinden, this peak seems unreachable by foot; however, the route is fairly easy-going with a couple of big steps and some rocky sections towards the top of the mountain. The northern summit is marked with a cairn, or we may climb a short, steep ascent to a different summit for views over the Fredvang bridges. After completing the route, we drive (25 minutes) to Nusfjord, one of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in Norway. It comprises a handful of rorbuer and work buildings that house residents and tourists. Many old buildings, such as the smithy, smokehouse, boathouses and cod liver oil factory, are well preserved, providing an intriguing insight into the history of Lofoten. After, we transfer (50 minutes) back to the hotel. Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

Day 7

Reinebringen hike; ferry to Bodø, transfer to hotel (breakfast,lunch,dinner)

We leave Stamsund today, heading to Bodø. After 1hr 20min, we stop in Reine to hike the 1,475ft (450m) high peak of Reinebringen. This popular route involves taking nearly 2,000 steps to the top – a steep and sometimes challenging hike. However, there are plenty of nice stops along the way where you can rest before continuing to the summit. This is the most famous hike in the Lofoten Islands – when you reach the top and enjoy the views over mountainous peaks and blue waters, you’ll understand why. We then transfer to Moskenes, where we take a 3hr 30min ferry over the Vestfjord to Bodø and transfer (five minutes) to our hotel. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner, a great chance to relax as friends and discuss the adventures we’ve had together. Classic accommodation: Thon Hotel Nordlys (or similar)

Day 8

Transfer to Bodø airport

It’s the end of the adventure and time to say ha det bra (goodbye) to Norway as we begin our return journeys home. Of course, if you’d like to explore Oslo, you can speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Tour Details

accommodation

The accommodation on this hiking adventure showcases the accommodation styles of modern and traditional Norway. Below are the hotels we typically use. Sortland, Vesterålen: Thon Partner Hotel Sortland (nights 1-2) Begin at the contemporary Thon Partner Hotel Sortland, which is well located for our walking. The Sult Grillhouse serves food cooked on a Josper grill, plus there’s a bar dedicated to Danish-Norwegian author Lars Saabye Christensen, who lived in Sortland. Stamsund, Lofoten Islands: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (nights 3-6) Experience traditional Lofoten living with four nights in rorbuer, traditional fishermen’s cabins. Our accommodations are huddled close to the water, plus the property has a restaurant-pub right by the sea, which serves fish dried by the in-house team using traditional Lofoten methods. Each rorbu has two rooms and one shared bathroom, plus a kitchen and living room. Bodø: Thon Hotel Nordlys (night 7) Finish at this contemporary hotel next to the marina. It has a bar and restaurant, plus an excellent location for our onward flights, just a five-minute drive from the airport.

flights

Flights are not included

guide

Local guide

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

All breakfasts, six lunches and three dinners

optional

Other activities and services are not included

others

Six days of hiking

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

transport

Our transfers are in a private minibus. We also take a ferry to Bodø.

Good to know

Currency

NOK

Norwegian Krone

Norway

Customer reviews

Operator

4.4

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.