spectacular adventures above the arctic circle
Hiking Norway’s Lofoten Islands and Beyond
Overview
In the far north of Norway, we’ll explore from the steep peaks and tiny villages of the Lofoten Islands to dreamy Senja Island and onward to the cultural hub of Tromsø, the mountain-ringed Arctic capital. The breathtaking Lofoten archipelago includes the jagged spine of the 100-mile-long Lofotenveggen (“Lofoten Wall”) and lies above the Arctic Circle but offers a mild climate thanks to the waters of the Gulf Stream. We’ll head out on terrific hikes, paddle our sea kayaks in the crystalline waters of Bergsfjorden, and even visit a reindeer farm of the Sámi! Our overnights include
rorbuer (historic fishermen’s cabins) and an enchanting waterfront inn on Senja Island.
Arrive: Bodø, Norway
Depart: Tromsø, Norway
Highlights
- Hike scenic trails and savor the long summer light above the Arctic Circle
- Paddle sea kayaks in magnificent Bergsfjorden, visit a Sámi reindeer farm
- Enjoy delightful cuisine, from incredible seafood to local lamb to reindeer soup, sip on local schnapps
- Stay in charming hotels and historic inns, including fishermen's stilt-cottages
- Explore Tromsø, northern Norway's Arctic capital
Itinerary
We meet in the lovely town of Bodø, just above the Arctic Circle, and ferry across deep glacial waters to the Lofoten Islands. From the remote village of Vindstad, we’ll hike to the outer coast at Bunes, a magnificent white-sand beach backed by towering granite walls, and see authentic Viking artifacts, including an original Viking house, at the Lofotr Museum.
Crossing some of Norway’s most inspiring landscapes, we’ll visit a reindeer farm of the Sámi, the indigenous people of northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Arriving on otherworldly Senja Island, we’re in a world of turquoise waters and pearly white beaches of crushed seashells. We’ll paddle sea kayaks through majestic Bergsfjorden and hike above this beautiful fjord to Sukkertoppen (“Sugar Top”) for 360-degree views. Overnights are in the waterfront Hamn i Senja Hotel, with its unique hot tub made out of a wooden fishing boat.
After a very scenic hike to the iconic peak of Segla, we head to Tromsø, the vibrant “Arctic capital” of northern Norway. Here we’ll hike trails on the mountain above town for incredible views, then descend via cable car to visit the Polar Museum, with its fascinating lore of legendary Norwegian explorers. Depart on Day 9.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 6 miles a day, being on your feet for up to 6 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree. You will also need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group as there are no alternative hiking options available.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
Average Hiking Day
- 4 miles
- 3 hours
- 1,300 feet gain/loss
- Day 5: 5 miles, 4 hours, and 2,000 feet gain/loss
Our hikes will traverse coastal, beach, and mountainous terrain. Trails in Norway tend to be fairly narrow and they can be both steep and exposed, so you will need to be in good shape, have solid footing for rough sections on the trails, and have a head for heights, as some trails are along narrow cliff paths. Nothing in Lofoten is flat, and though the hikes are not long in terms of mileage, the terrain can be challenging. Hiking times can vary considerably due to weather, group interests, and other factors.
These breathtaking islands lie above the Arctic Circle but enjoy a mild climate thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures should be in the mid 50s°F-60s°F. The weather can provide spectacular clear days but can also be very wet and change quickly. Trip members need to remain flexible and be prepared for a variety of conditions. Hiking and kayaking may need to be changed or substituted in case of inclement weather.
Some of our accommodations are in charming “rorbuer,” traditional fishermen's cottages that have been converted to small hotels. They are bright and clean, giving you a wonderful sense of Norway's heritage and culture, yet keep in mind that they are more spare in decor than what you may have experienced elsewhere in Europe. You'll likely have shared living rooms, and in some cases, shared bathrooms.
Lunches will be at local restaurants or packed and enjoyed on the trail. Dinners will most often be at the hotels. We will sample the local cuisine—from fiskesuppe (fish soup) to vafler (Norwegian-style waffles), chased with schnapps!
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). Please note that driving times can vary considerably due to weather conditions.
Client Testimonials
"Loved the hiking, the solitude, the quiet."
Alexander S.
Chatham, NJ
"The history, culture, and beauty of Norway's northern islands were amazing. This trip hit it out of the park with great hikes, followed by wonderful food and wine. It was a fabulous time!"
Ann T.
Chesterfield, MO
"I really enjoyed the variety of daily exercise and lots of other interesting activities."
Darrah H.
San Rafael, CA
"This trip had a great balance of active outdoor fun and cultural activities. The sea kayaking among the islands near Senja was really special. And the rorbuer (former fisherman’s cabins) were just lovely!"
Inge K.
Concord, MA
"A well organized and thoughtful trip, with an excellent balance of hiking, boating, and cultural/historical aspects."
Jim Y.
Avon, CO
"This was a truly wonderful trip in a wonderful country, with great landscapes, and our activities helped us learn and experience many dimensions. The hiking was spectacularly good."
Joan G.
Portola Valley, CA
"A very well designed, activity-filled trip with a good balance of hiking and other activities."
John L.
Highland Park, IL
"Our guides were super, hotels and food couldn't be better, hikes were very well chosen both in degree of difficulty and views from the top, cultural events were interesting. And WT ordered up perfect weather—not quite sure how you did that."
Mark & Cappy N.
Lebanon, NH
"I loved the trip and leader. A beautiful place in northern Norway that one could not see without guidance. Wilderness really adds value here."
Sally S.
Chatham, NJ
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.