Hike the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands

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 at the start hotel or in Oslo.

Classic accommodation: Thon Partner Hotel Sortland (or similar)

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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 from Stø on the northern tip of Langøya island to the coastal village of Nyksund, starting right by the sea and going immediately up through rocky, rugged areas.

Continue along mountains ridges with views to the beach, providing a nice variety of gentle and challenging terrain. Expect some steep sections from the start and some scrambling at times. The views over mountain lakes and dark rock formations are your reward.

In the afternoon, we explore the quiet village of 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)

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Bid farewell to the Vesterålen archipelago and head to the Lofoten Islands. Here, we enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to the beginning of our hike up Glomtinden. It is a moderately challenging route with a steep start, typical of the Lofoten, with rocky terrain and a few stretches that require some scrambling to reach the summit.

We walk the final part down the ridge with a gentle decline to reach our pickup point. It’s an excellent trail for a shorter but scenic exploration of this side of the archipelago, offering views of Rørvikvatnet lake and the Norwegian Sea.

After this wonderful hike, we have a 20-minute drive to Henningsvær, a fishing village with a vibrant community life where you can visit galleries, small boutiques and cafes. We then transfer (one hour) 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)

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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. We walk up to Ryten peak, starting with a wooden trail to go over some boggy sections and then along a well-trodden but steeper path. The summit provides breathtaking views of Kvalvika Beach and the surrounding mountains. We then walk down towards the beach using some newly built sherpa steps, and have our lunch stop along the way. We finish our hike with a last short push over a rocky mountain saddle towards Fredvangen on the other side.

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.

Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

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Change backdrop today and hike along and above the coast, from Eggum Natural Reserve to Unstad, the heart of the Norwegian cold-water surfing scene, known for its world-class waves and dramatic mountain-backed scenery.

Our route starts on a grassy cart road, before switching to a path that leads higher against the mountain flank with a bit of scrambling and some exposed sections of the path. The hike takes around four hours, including a lunch break, and the views of the coastal landscape from above sea level over the North Sea are impressive. We finish at a coffee shop with the “world’s best cinnamon buns”.

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)

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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 the more adventurous can climb a short, steep ascent to a different summit next to it for views over the Fredvang bridges. We are rewarded with a fantastic panorama across the two fjords of Selfjorden and Skjefjorden and over the Norwegian Sea.

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. We have time for a drink before we transfer (50 minutes) back to the hotel.

Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

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Leave Stamsund early, heading to Bodø. After 1hr 20min, we stop in Reine to hike the 1,475ft (430m) high peak of Reinebringen. This popular route involves taking nearly 2,000 steps to the top – a steep and sometimes challenging hike. However, we have plenty of stops along the way where you can rest before continuing to the summit. This is one of the most famous hikes in the Lofoten Islands – when you reach the top and enjoy the views over mountainous peaks and blue waters, you’ll understand why.

Back down, we take our lunch break in Reine village, where you can find a coffee shop, a pub and a supermarket.

We then transfer to Moskenes, where we take a 3hr 30min ferry over the Vestfjord to Bodø (snacks and drinks available on board) 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: Scandic Havet (or similar)

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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.