Lofoten Islands Inn Based Tour
Svolvær, Norway
5.0 (4 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Premier Hiking
- Stunning Views
- Nordic Fishing Villages
- Pristine Mountains, Valleys & Lakes
- Scenic Boat Rides
- Summit Lofoten's Most Famous Peaks
- Exquisite Regional Cuisine
- Diverse & exotic wildlife
Description
Our Lofoten Islands Inn-based Tour explores the best the “Land of the Midnight Sun” has to offer! Being above the Arctic Circle allows us to enjoy full days of sunlight while we explore the majestic landscapes of Norway’s most scenic destination. These stunning, mountainous islands, draped across the Norwegian Sea, are part of a unique cultural region of Norway known for its ancient Viking history, 1000-year-old fishing communities, and spectacular scenery. Lofoten is a collection of small islands full of charm, personality, unique wildlife, jaw dropping views, and unforgettable hikes.
For this 8-Day itinerary we handpicked some of the area’s most outstanding treks and stay in our four favorite unique accommodations. Come explore Norway’s best hiking destination with us!
Important Note: This trip has relatively short hiking distances each day, but some significant elevation changes in a short distance. Local trail conditions are often very steep, rocky and/or muddy.
FROM $1460 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The single supplement on this trip provides for single rooms every night of the trip. There is a limit to the number of single supplements we can accommodate.
If you’re travelling on your own and would prefer double occupancy, please let us know and we will do our best to pair you with a roommate. If we’re unable to, then the single supplement fee will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Hiking Distances:
Up to 6 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Extremely Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking steeply uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Potentially hiking in cold, windy and rainy conditions
SOLITUDE LEVEL 1
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Norway hiking tour a solitude 1. You can expect to be around other hikers much of the time.
We require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 65-60 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Drive Time: 15 minutes
- Accommodations: Lodge in Kabelvåg
This Norway Trek begins in the small town of Svolvær, Norway, where you meet the group and your guides in the city center at the tourist office (Torget 18, 8300 Svolvær, Norway) near the Thon Hotel Lofoten. After some introductions, our group will be transferred to our first night’s accommodations that feature remodeled fish cabins and sit right alongside the sea. Your guide will conduct an orientation meeting once we are settled in and then you will have some time to relax before the group’s first dinner together. Tonight’s accommodation offers a spa and sauna for those interested after their travels.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 1.9 miles (3 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1740 feet (530 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1740 feet (530 m)
- Drive Time: 1 hour
- Accommodations: Lodge in Kabelvåg
Today we will enjoy an energizing breakfast to prepare us for the day. Afterward we will drive 30 minutes to the trailhead for our first hike. Today’s hike is on Lofoten’s most famous mountain, Festvågtind. This short, yet steep and challenging hike takes us up to dramatic, sweeping views of the surrounding islands and expansive Norwegian Sea. Weather depending, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit before heading back down to our vehicle. From here we’ll head to the charming fishing village of Henningsvær to walk and experience its quaint streets and shops. A local Norwegian dinner and relaxing evening cap off this amazing day.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 4.4 miles (7 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2297 feet (700 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2297 feet (700 m)
- Drive Time: 1 hour
- Accommodations: Lodge in Kabelvåg
Today we’ll pack up and head 40 minutes up the road to our hike on the mountain Kleppstadheia. Our hike starts at sea level and climbs up to fabulous views of the surrounding landscapes. Where the sea meets the mountains, we’ll enjoy a lunch prepared by your guide before heading back down. Once back at our vehicle we’ll have a short transfer to our new accommodations for the next few nights. Dinner tonight is just a short walk away at a very traditional Norwegian restaurant – one of our favorites!
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 2.2 miles (3.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1148 feet (350 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1148 feet (350 m)
- Accommodations: Lodge in Ballstad
Today we will enjoy a leisurely start and delicious family breakfast together before heading out for the day’s hike. After our 55-minute transfer to our trailhead in Slydalen, we’ll begin our summit hike to Blatinden (Blue Mountain). Here, we’ll capture fantastic views of the fjord to the south and the sea to the north. We’ll conclude with a 30-minute transfer to our accommodation in Ballstad and savor a delicious Norwegian meal to celebrate the day.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles (8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3051 feet (930 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3051 feet (930 m)
- Drive Time: 1.5 hours
- Accommodations: Lodge in Ballstad
Our day starts with breakfast and checking out of our accommodations. We’ll then shuttle to the trailhead of one of Lofoten’s highest peaks, Himmeltinden. This hike is our most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding. Our goal will be to sit on the Southern summit overlooking a vast expanse of mountains, lakes, and of course the Norwegian Sea. Don’t forget your camera or phone today, because the photography is out of this world! After our descent we’ll head toward tonight’s lodging, Solsiden Brygge. Our day ends with much-deserved showers, dinner, and a soak in our lodge’s wonderful hot tub!
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles (8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1739 feet (550 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1739 feet (550) m)
- Drive Time: 1 hour
- Accommodations: Lodge in Moskenes
On today’s hike we explore an isolated beach and the summit of Ryten. The view from the top of this mountain looking back over Kvalvika Beach and beyond is widely considered one of Lofoten’s best-we agree! After lunch either on the summit or at the beach, we’ll head back to our vehicle and drive 30 minutes to Reine, where we’ll check into ocean front cabins with spectacular views and swimming opportunities. Dinner is just a short walk away at a local restaurant.
Day 7
- Hiking Mileage: 4.3 miles (6.8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1641 feet (500 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1641 feet (500 m)
- Drive Time: 20 minutes
- Boat Ride: 2 hours
- Accommodations: Lodge in Moskenes
Our last full day in the Lofoten Islands, today we continue our exploration first by boat and then by foot. After breakfast we’ll take a 1-hour boat ride through the islands to the beginning of our hike. Today’s trek takes us along the coast and then over a small pass to a breathtaking beach. After enjoying the beach for a bit, and a picnic lunch, we’ll return and catch our boat shuttle back to Reine.
Our afternoon includes a short 10-minute drive and a second hike to Reinebringen, the most famous hike in the Lofoten Islands. The view from this short hike is known as the most iconic in the area. When you think of Lofoten you think of this image – don’t forget your camera! This is a perfect ending to the hiking portion of our spectacular journey. After snapping a few shots,we’ll head back to our cabins to relax before our final, celebratory dinner together.
Day 8
- Driving Time: 2.5 hours
Our final morning we will sleep in and then enjoy a group breakfast before packing up and heading to Svolvær. Our shuttle will be able to drop off guests at either the Svolvær ferry terminal or airport. Any departures should be planned after 3:00pm. Our arrival to Svolvær is planned for 1:00-1:30 pm. This ends our Lofoten Islands hiking adventure!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending with airport or ferry drop-off on Day 8
- Lodging for the duration of the tour
- All meals from dinner Day 1 through lunch on Day 8
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from Svolvær, Norway
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required)
- Trekking poles and hiking pack
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations) should have ankle support as terrain can be uneven
- Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry/spa or sauna)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles
- Guide gratuities are at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10% of the total trip cost. You may tip in either USD or local currency.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
Dinners are superb, and mostly fish and seafood in Lofoten. Norway’s cuisine features various seafood and rustic elements of their Scandinavian heritage. The meals are often on a set menu, so guests should come expecting to be served a particular special each day. In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your convenience.
Breakfast: Muesli, warm oatmeal, nuts, jam, bread, cheese, meats, fish. Some veggies and fruit may also be provided. There are sometimes options for eggs. Coffee and tea.
Lunch: Norwegians eat Matpakke, a cold lunch made from breakfast supplies. Typically, guests make sandwiches with cheese, meat, peppers and cucumber. We will have a few days where guests experience traditional Norwegian Matpakke and a few days where guides will make custom lunches for the group. Wraps, picnic style, spreads, warm soup in thermoses, local specialties (reindeer sausage, dried fish, mackerel, Norwegian chocolate, etc.).
Norway takes a simple approach to breakfasts and lunches. As visitors to Norway, it’s important for us to understand the food we are eating is traditional Norwegian fare.
Dinner: Dinners will be 3 course warm and local meals. Guests can expect a lot of fish in Lofoten (famous for fish) and seafood such as shrimp, oysters, clams, etc. Sometimes guests will see whale on the menu, which can upset some people. We do not order this on a set menu unless guests request it. Most restaurants require groups to have a set menu without choice or limited choices.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher (except strict kosher) and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Important note: It’s critical that you include your dietary needs in your registration – it’s too late once you’ve arrived!
Lodging: What to Expect
We have hand-selected lodges that are perfectly located, locally owned, and uniquely Norwegian. With rich history, ocean views and saunas, you will be sure to enjoy these accommodations.
There are some unique elements to these accommodations that are important for guests to understand:
- The lodges are often split into separate cottages. Guests of the same group may be split into different cottages. Sometimes, you may share a cottage with people from outside of our group.
- Some hotels do not offer ensuite rooms, so bathrooms are shared with those staying in the same cottage. Bathrooms may be shared with mixed genders.
- The rooms are smaller than you may be accustomed to at hotels in the US. However, each cottage has communal living space to spend the evening in.
Please see the Accommodations section for more information.
Gear We Provide
We provide the following:
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Please note that hiking day packs and trekking poles are not included on this trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
On this trip you will need to fly or take the ferry into Svolvær, Norway, landing no later than 2:00pm on Day 1 of your trip. You will rendezvous with your guide and group at 3:00pm in Svolvær in front of the Tourist Information Office (Torget 18, 8300 Svolvær, Norway) in the city center near the Thon Hotel Lofoten. Svolvær is aneasy city to navigate.
Our pre-trip communications team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel To/From Svolvær
On this trip you will need to fly (from Oslo-Bodø & Bodø-Svolvær) or take the ferry (from Bodø) into Svolvær, Norway, landing no later than 2:00pm on Day 1 of your trip. You will rendezvous with your guide and group at 3:00pm in Svolvær in front of the Tourist Information Office (Torget 18, 8300 Svolvær, Norway) in the city center near the Thon Hotel Lofoten on the harbour. Svolvær is an easy city to navigate. A Taxi from the airport to the city center is an ~10-minute drive and easy to organize at the airport. If arriving by ferry, the terminal is a 3–4-minute walk to the city center or a short taxi ride.
If possible, we recommend arriving in Norway a day early, as it will help your recovery from jetlag and provide a buffer for possible flight delays or cancellations.
Flights to and from Svolvær Airport are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Oslo, Norway from many U.S. and European international airports. From Oslo, you can easily fly into Svolvær through Bodø. SAS, Norwegian or Widero are the local airline companies to fly with domestically within Norway to get to and from Svolvær. From Bodø you can also take a Ferry to Svolvær through Reis Nordand.
Flights on the final day of the trip can depart any time after 3:00pm. On the last day we will travel as a group in a 2.5-hour shuttle from our final hotel to Svolvær arriving between 1-1:30pm. Individuals can be dropped off at the airport, ferry terminal, or any local Svolvær hotel if extending your trip.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Trip Insurance Requirements
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is required on this trip as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD). We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover inside of 30 days (prior to your trip departure date) that you are unable to travel, no refund is available. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.
Weather in Lofoten
Lofoten is a stunning place that receives quite a bit of rain. Weather can change very quickly, with rain or wind moving over the ocean and hitting the coastline. Some days we have sunny skies and excellent weather, but the hiking is consistently wet and muddy. Guests need to be prepared for sunshine, rain and wind.
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| July | 58° F | 50° F | 10 days |
| August | 57° F | 50° F | 11 days |
| September | 52° F | 43° F | 20 days |
Accommodations
NYVÅGAR RORBUHOTELL
2-3 NIGHTS
This lodge is beautifully situated right on the ocean. It features remodeled historic fishing huts now outfitted as comfortable 2 private bedroom suites with a shared bathroom, hot showers, kitchenettes, living room and wireless internet. The accommodations sit right on the water with a ocean view!
SOLSIDEN BRYGGE
1 NIGHT
This lodge is located in “Lofoten’s sunniest village” and is right on the ocean. Emphasizing quality, service and ambience, this accommodation’s modern rooms are cozy and inviting. This lodge also has 2 bedroom cottages or apartments with shared bathrooms.
ELIASSEN RORBUER
2 NIGHTS
With renovated fishermen’s cabins, this lodge is legendary in the tourist industry in Lofoten. It is situated on the tiny island of Hamnøy in wild and beautiful Western Lofoten. Their is a mixture of 1-2 private bedroom cottages or apartments.
Important Note: It is very common in Norway’s accommodations that multiple rooms in private cottages or apartments will share 1 bathroom. These small fishing communities have limited accommodation options.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Amy H
Incredibly Impressed
Magda and Erik were fantastic guides. I was so nervous to do a group trip and this trip allayed all of my fears. Having two guides was a treat since not all members of our group wanted to do the same hikes and having voice and choice was key to the sucess of this trip. I was also incredibly impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the staff. I fell on the first day and Erk took great care of me, sent the rest of the group into town to not cut into their time, while he patched me up. He was thorough in his evaluation and Erik and Magda followed up regularly by checking in on me. It was so fun to see them gradullly show more of their personalities as the trip progressed. For such a remote area, having guides with local knowledge and language made the trip so much more special. Would travel with Wildlands again and would go anywhere with Magda and Erik leading the way.
Shawn M
Fabulous
A great way to see Lofoten. Stunning scenery, great food, unique accommodations, challenging hikes where after you could jump in Norwegian Sea then take a sauna. Our guides were phenomenal. Lots of smiles on this trip. I recommend it.
Amy C
Exceeded Expecations
This trip completely exceeded my expectations! The hiking was tough but the views were beyond incredible and straight out of a postcard. I loved every place we stayed and the food was amazing (especially the breakfast spreads). Once in a lifetime trip for sure! You'll fall in love with Norway.
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