Hike, Kayak and Chase the Aurora in Lofoten
A winter odyssey through Norway's relentlessly stunning archipelago in the Arctic Ocean
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking guidesBeach House & Wild camping
4 nights in a cosy beach house, 1 night wild campingMeals
All of your breakfasts, lunches and dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your camping and kayaking gear, plus snowshoes for the hikesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Embark on some unreal kayaking – in calm, icy waters at sunrise and in the dark of night on the ultimate aurora hunt
Wrap up for the sleepout of a lifetime, camping by a crackling fire on Kvavlika, one of Lofoten's most iconic beaches
Clip on snowshoes and crunch your way to epic viewpoints at Justadtinden and Ryten, warming up with saunas and cinnamon rolls
Key Information
Day 1
First glimpses of Lofoten
Northern Lights Watching
Touch down in the heart of the snow-covered Arctic and meet your host at the airport. Settle in for your first glimpses of the Lofoten Islands in winter as you're transferred to your base for the trip – a beach house in the fishing village of Eggum. Tuck into a welcome dinner with your fellow adventurers and chat through the week ahead with your guide. If the aurora is coming out to play tonight, you'll waste no time, heading out this evening to watch it from the beach.
Day 2
Hikes, saunas and midnight aurora kayaking
Hiking
Kayaking
Northern Lights Watching
Clip on a pair of snowshoes to hike to the summit of Justadtinden, one of Lofoten's most revered lookout points. The hike is long but relatively steady going as you gradually tackle the elevation to the summit at 738m, and the reward is 360-degree vistas over Vestvågøy Island. Head on to the famous surfer's beach of Unstad for a traditional Nordic sauna, hot tub and a taste of the best cinnamon rolls in the whole of Lofoten. After dinner, if the conditions are good, you'll gear up and paddle out on kayaks for a magical experience watching the aurora dance above you while floating out in the Arctic Ocean.
Day 3
Out on the water
Kayaking
Enjoy a lie-in after your late-night aurora kayaking antics, then tuck into breakfast at the beach house before getting back out on the water to take in the views whilst kayaking in daylight this time. You'll be paddling around the natural reserve of Eggum, weaving between small islands in the shallow and calm waters. The area is a wildlife haven, so keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, eagles, otters and even moose. After a packed lunch on dry land, you'll hit the water again on a fishing boat, cruising deeper into the archipelago and attempting to catch some cod for tonight's dinner back at the beach house.
Day 4
Sunrise kayaking and an Arctic sleep-out
Kayaking
Hiking
Northern Lights Watching
No lie-in today as you set alarms for a dawn rise – it'll be worth it as you head out to experience the Arctic sunrise from the water. You'll set off from Valberg on the opposite side of Vestvågøy Island, paddling away from this pocket of civilisation to take in the silence and solitude – the scenery here is truly spectacular. After a few hours exploring this stretch of coastline, you'll hit dry land, grab lunch back in Eggum and enjoy some well-earned downtime. Late afternoon, you'll hop back in the van for a road trip south to Moskenesøya Island. Head out on an evening hike to reach Kvalvika Beach – a remote bay only accessible by foot. Settle in for a truly memorable night as you camp out on a beach in the Arctic winter, sharing stories around the campfire while the northern lights dance overhead.
*Please note that the campout is dependent on weather conditions. It may change to a different night of the trip depending on the forecast, or may be cancelled if the conditions are not favourable for a campout during the trip.
Day 5
Famous Lofoten sights without the summer crowds
Hiking
Waking up after the most unique sleep of your life, your host will warm you up with a hot breakfast and tea on the beach while camp is packed down. Clip the snowshoes back on and hike up to Ryten, one of Lofoten's most iconic viewpoints, looking back down on Kvavlika Beach where you just spent the night. Later, you'll road trip back to Eggum via Reine, a village of iconic fishing huts, before returning to the warmth of the beach house for dinner and a night back in your bed after your wild camping adventure.
Day 6
Last glimpses of Lofoten
Time to leave Lofoten with a sackful of happy memories as your host transfers you to Leknes Airport in time for your flight home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts will consist of muesli, porridge, crispbread, some cheese and ham, tea and coffee. For packed lunches, you'll make sandwiches from various ingredients. Snack items include biscuits, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, fruits and energy bars. Evening meals will be some local specialities, such as Lofoten lamb and fresh fish – including some Arctic cod, which you'll hopefully have caught on the fishing boat on Day 3. You'll also be treated to Lofoten's best cinnamon rolls at a sauna and surf shack in Unstad.
Vegetarians and pescatarians can be catered for however, owing to the remoteness of the places visited and the limited facilities, your host is unable to cater for vegan, gluten free / coeliac, or lactose free diets. Similarly, if you have an allergy please contact us before booking so that we can check if your host can cater for it. Please note any dietary requirements or allergies on your passenger information form.
What is the accommodation like?
Beach house in Eggum
Your base for the trip is a private guesthouse on the beach in the quaint fishing village of Eggum, on the north coast of Vestvågøy Island. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Double rooms are available if requested.
Wild camping
You'll spend one night wild camping on the beach at Kvalvika – a stunning isolated bay, accessible only by foot on the northern side of Moskenesoy Island. You'll stay in twin-share tents with insulated sleeping mats and 5-season sleeping bags able to maintain comfort temperatures down to -15°C / 5°F, plus extra hand and foot warmers supplied by your host. There'll be a bonfire and hot drinks to keep you warm before bedding down. Everyone will muck in alongside the guide to help set up and take down camp.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Challenging
You do not need any previous kayaking experience, full guidance will be provided at the beginning of the trip and while on the water. Cold water kayaking can seem daunting, but your host will be constantly monitoring the conditions so that you'll be paddling in calm waters. You'll also be wearing a dry suit provided by your host during each kayaking outing. You will be in a tandem kayak by default.
The hikes are fairly strenuous with a decent chunk of elevation gain to tackle while crunching through the snow to reach the summits at Justadtinden and Ryten. While anyone with average fitness levels can manage the activities on this trip, the cold can add an extra layer of difficulty to this trip – so bring a head for adventure and love of being out in cold, wild places at a magical time of year (and with far fewer people than in summer).
What will I need to carry?
During the activities, you'll only need to carry a personal day rucksack with your essential items. Your daypack will also double-up as an overnight bag for the night camping on the beach at Kvavlika. Your main luggage will be left at the beach house in Eggum.
In February, average daytime temperatures in the Lofoten Islands will range from -3°C to 1°C (26°F to 34°F) whilst night times can range from 2°C to -10°C. You can expect snowfall and a landscape covered in snow during this time and the days are still relatively short, with around 6 to 8 hours of daylight. March marks the transition from winter to early spring in the islands. The temperatures gradually start to rise from -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 36°F). Daylight hours increase, with around 10 to 12 hours of daylight by the end of March. The sea temperature during these months is around 2-3°C (36°F-38°F).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Leknes Airport
Between 11:00 - 18:00 on Day 1
Ends
Leknes Airport
Between 07:00 - 12:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Arrival transfers from Leknes Airport to the beach house in Eggum are included between the hours of 11:00 and 18:00 on Day 1 only. Similarly, departure transfers are included between the hours of 07:00 and 12:00 on Day 6 only. You'll just need to let your host know your flight arrival and departure times.
If you plan to extend your stay, it's advisable to stay in Leknes so that you can join the group transfers as your host is unable to provide private transfers on alternative days.
If you are looking to save some money, flights into Evenes (EVE) are lower in price than Leknes. If you fly into Evenes you can take a 4hr bus journey to reach Leknes. Head to the Nordland website for the timetable; there are two buses per day that depart from Evenes Airport – at 11:05 and 17:05. You can catch the bus all the way from Evenes Airport and get off at the stop Bøstad skole (Vestvågøy). Your host will pick you up from there. A one-way ticket will cost you 450NOK (£36/€40/$44).
Travel options
Leknes Airport is accessible by various flights from the UK, Europe and North America via Oslo or Bergen. Some routes may also touch down in Bodø (in between Oslo or Bergen) on their way to Leknes. It looks long-winded on paper, but the transits are short and the scenery is stunning as you reach the far north of Norway. Travel time from London to Leknes can be as short as 6hr 20mins, including both transits. If you overnight in Oslo or Bergen rather than connect on the same day, you can take the direct flight in the morning to Leknes, avoiding the short touchdown in Bodø.
Flights to Evenes (EVE) involve just one stop in Oslo en route from various major hubs in the UK, Europe and North America.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
FOR THE KAYAKING
- Tandem sea kayaks
- Dry suit
- Gloves
- Life jacket
- Paddle
- Dry bags
FOR THE WINTER CAMPOUT
- Twin-share expedition tent
- Inflatable sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag (able to withstand temperatures down to -15°C/5°F)
- Hand and foot warmers (to go inside your shoes and gloves for extra warmth)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Main luggage (any type of bag is okay but ideally not too large)
Daypack (25-30 litres, big enough to carry water, lunch and spare layers)
CLOTHES
Thermal baselayers – two sets (ideally wool)
Wool or fleece thermal mid-layer
Waterproof winter hiking trousers or ski salopettes for snowshoeing (breathable)
Waterproof winter hiking boots, ideally Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry
Waterproof jacket (such as Gore-Tex, to wear over your down jacket)
Down or synthetic jacket
T-shirts (ideally wool)
Neck scarf/snood or balaclava
Wool or fleece hat
Warm gloves or mittens (waterproof such as ski gloves), plus some warm gloves for around town in the evenings
Thick wool or synthetic socks – 4 to 5 pairs
Light shoes to wear at the beach house
Sandals/flip-flops for hot tub and sauna
Swimwear for the sauna and hot tub
Comfortable warm clothes for evenings at the beach house
Pyjamas
OTHER
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Quick-dry towel
Tripod (recommended to stabilise your phone/camera for capturing the aurora)
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Earplugs
Personal first-aid kit
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
Alcohol hand-gel
Biodegradable wet-wipes
Energy bars and snacks
No optional extras are available for this trip.
Amazing trip. Fantastic guides, magical
Amazing trip. Fantastic guides, magical landscapes, lovely accommodation and lucky to be a fantastic bunch of people.
Our Purpose
To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
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