Kayak, Hike and Wild Camp the Lofoten Islands
An unforgettable island-hopping journey through the wilderness seascapes of Norway's stunning Arctic archipelago
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking kayaking guidesAll accommodation
1 night in a cabin, 3 nights wild camping, 1 night at a campsite and 1 night in a lodgeMeals
All of your breakfasts, lunches and dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your camping and kayaking gearSmall 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?
Kayak past majestic mountains and iconic fishing villages on a unique route through the turquoise waters of Lofoten
Eyes peeled for dolphins, puffins and if you're very lucky, the islands' most enigmatic resident - the orca
Reach remote and uninhabited islands for wild campouts, bonfires and old fisherman's tales beneath the midnight sun
Key Information
Day 1
First glimpses of Lofoten
Peer out over the archipelago as you touch down at Leknes Airport where your host is waiting to transfer you to your beach house. Settle in and take a gentle stroll along the beach before sitting down for a welcome bonfire and dinner with your guide and fellow adventurers to chat through the week ahead.
Day 2
The paddling begins
Kayaking
Prepare your dry bags as the kayaking gets underway today. You'll put-in at Lofoten Basecamp and get your first taste paddling the calm and turquoise waters on your way to Nusfjord, a UNESCO protected fishing village. Stop here for lunch and a stretch of the legs before paddling on further along the wild coastline to reach your first wild camp spot on a remote sandy beach near Ballstad. Set up your tents and enjoy a well-deserved dinner beneath the midnight sun (early summer) or a Lofoten sunset (late summer).
Day 3
Bag a Lofoten peak and wild camp on a tiny island
Kayaking
Hiking
Fuel up with breakfast at the wild camp spot before tackling a short but steep hike to the peak of Nonstinden (459m), looking down over the fjord and the fishing village of Ballstad. Hike back down and hop in the kayak towards Mortsund where you'll set up a dreamy camp spot on small island. Have a go at catching your own dinner with a spot of fishing or go foraging for blueberries to add to dessert later and you tuck into dinner round the campfire.
Day 4
Mortsund to Rolvsfjord
Kayaking
A full day on the water today as you paddle away from your island idyll, heading south. The views of the huge rocky mountains of Valberg form an epic backdrop for today's route and provide plenty of proof that the best way to see the Lofoten Islands is from the water. Weave through the myriad of tiny islands, stopping at Stamsund village and eventually reaching Rolvsfjord where you'll settle into a campground with a warm shower and cold beers before dinner - some well earned creature comforts after your off-grid wild camping the past 2 nights!
Day 5
Hike and kayak around Rolvsfjord
Kayaking
Hiking
Grab a shower - you won't have another one for a couple of days - before resting your arms and stretching your legs with a spectacular hike around the coast and up to nearby peaks for towering views of Rolvsfjord. Returning to the kayaks you'll set off back on the water, navigating around Rolvsfjord to reach a nearby island where you'll tuck into dinner around the campfire and set up wild camp for the night.
Day 6
Rolvsfjord to Gimsoya
Kayaking
Rise early today to catch the sunrise - unless you're here in June with 24hr daylight. The views of the huge rocky mountains of Valberg form an epic backdrop for today's route - the longest paddle of the trip - and provide plenty of proof that the best way to see the Lofoten Islands is from the water. Weave through the myriad of tiny islands, eventually reaching Gimsoya where you'll settle into a lodge to enjoy your last night in Lofoten in a proper bed. Your host will prepare a delicious farewell dinner to toast the end of the trip in style tonight.
Day 7
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
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
During the expedition, the emphasis will be on lightweight meals prepared by the trip leader with some help from the group. The welcome and farewell dinner will be some local specialities such as Lofoten lamb and fresh fish. For the rest of the dinners expect soups, pasta with vegetables, sausages and freeze-dried meals. 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.
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?
Lofoten Basecamp cabins
Your first night in Lofoten is spent at Lofoten Basecamp, a collection of cabins stunningly nestled on the edge of the coast in Leknes. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathroom.
Wild camping
You'll spend 3 nights wild camping on tiny remote islands and beaches - without doubt, the best way to soak up the wild nature of the Lofoten Islands. Your guide will select the best locations depending on conditions, and you can expect to pitch up on wild grassland, beaches or sand dunes. You'll stay in twin-share tents with sleeping mats, and everyone mucks in alongside the guide to help set up and take down camp.
Beach campsite
You'll spend one-night camping at a campground at Brustranda Sjocamping, a campground surrounded by sea on one side and mountains on the other. There are toilets and shower facilities here. You'll stay in twin-share tents unless you have requested a private room & tent upgrade.
Beach house
Your last night of the adventure are spent at a private guesthouse on the beach a short drive from the town of Leknes. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Double rooms are available if requested.
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 Moderate
You do not need any previous kayaking experience, full guidance will be provided at the beginning of the trip and while on the water. A general level of fitness will be useful, building a little arm strength before can help with sea kayaking. You will be in a tandem kayak by default. The hikes are fairly strenuous with some elevation gain to tackle, but the terrain is easy going and manageable by anyone with basic hiking experience and some fitness levels.
What will I need to carry?
You'll only need to carry a small daypack when hiking. Your kayak will be loaded with enough personal clothing and items (in dry bags), as well as your share of the food and camping gear to last for three days at a time (there's a chance to repack for the next few days on Day 4). The remainder of your luggage can be stored at your host's base in Eggum.
The Lofoten Islands is the kind of place where you need to prepare for all-weathers. In the summer you'll find 25-degree scorchers to chilly overnight campouts, blazing sunshine to windswept downpours. The months with the lowest rainfall are April, May and June, followed closely by July and August. Average temperatures in June and September see lows of 6°C / 43°F and highs of 12°C / 54°F. For July and August can expect lows of 7°C / 45°F and highs of 16°C / 61°F. The average water temperature in summer is 11°C / 52°F.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Leknes Airport
Between 13:00 - 18:45 on Day 1
Ends
Leknes Airport
Between 08:00 - 11:30 on Day 7
Transfers
Arrival transfers from Leknes Airport to the beach house are included between the hours of 13:00 and 18:45 on Day 1 only. Check-in time is from 13:00 and a welcome dinner is usually held at 19:00. Similarly, departure transfers are included between the hours of 08:00 and 11:30 on Day 7 only (check-out time from the accommodation is 11:00). 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 significantly 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 2 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 low as 6hr 20mins including both transits. If you overnight in Oslo or Bergen rather than connect through 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?
Tandem sea kayaks
Life jacket
Paddle
Dry bags
Twin-share expedition tent
What's available to hire?
- Sleeping bag + liner
- Sleeping mat
- Drysuits are available to hire locally if the weather dictates
What do I need to bring?
Please also see the FAQs for more information about luggage and packing.
BAGS
Main luggage (to be left along with items that you don't take on the expedition)
Dry bags for your sleeping bags and clothes (10-20 litres) - Your host does include dry bags but please bring your own if you are able to.
CLOTHES
- Thermal underwear, two sets
- Wool or fleece thermal mid-layer
- Hiking trousers (we recommend no cotton as they take longer to dry if wet)
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof and breathable trousers and jacket
- Down or synthetic jacket
- T-shirts
- Wool or fleece hat
- Warm gloves or mittens
- 2 to 3 pairs of thick wool/synthetic socks
- Light hiking shoes
- Neoprene (or similar) water shoes (for kayaking)
- Swimwear (very important so you don't miss out on the unforgettable experience to swim in Lofoten!)
- Sunhat
- Sandals for the camp
SLEEPING
Season 3 sleeping bag, with a comfort level of 5°C / 41°F
Lightweight and packable sleeping mat, such as a Thermarest
Sleeping bag liner
Small travel pillow
OTHER
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel Insurance documents
Earplugs
Insect repellant
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Headtorch or torch
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Biodegradable wet-wipes
Energy bars and snacks
Sleeping bag and mat hire
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping bag and mat hire
…
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade (for all nights)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade (for all nights)
… Per Person
Optional Private Room Upgrade (for cabin and lodge nights only)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (for cabin and lodge nights only)
… Per Person
Optional Private Tent Upgrade (for nights in tents only)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Tent Upgrade (for nights in tents only)
… Per Person
Optional Private Tent Upgrade + Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Mat Hire
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Tent Upgrade + Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Mat Hire
… Per Person
Above expectations !
Had an amazing week in the Lofoten on this tour. We were blessed with spectacular weather though we did get some proper Norwegian Rain on the last day..! We enjoyed fantastic kayak, hiking, camping and were unbelievably lucky to see two Orca up ahead of our boats on our crossing between Ballstadt and Mortsund! Another highlight was a stunning evening hiking with the midnight sun and enjoying a bbq en route. Jules, our guide, was incredibly knowledgable on everything surrounding from the geology, geography, history, wildlife and was very hard working in all aspects and made things run as smoothly as possible. It’s a challenging trip but so rewarding, and having never kayaked before I will be doing more in the future!
Wonderful!
One of the best trips in my life. Excellent and funny group, a very caring guide, I felt safe even when the sea was choppy and the wind was blowing. Lofoten are a place similar to my idea of heaven.
Incredible adventure!
A really incredible experience. Really well organized. Stunning scenery. Fantastic people. We had such an amazing week!
Trip of a lifetime
This trip was the best holiday i have been on. Not only was the trip incredibly well planned, taking you to beautiful remote places, but they are prepared for all the weather changes, which are often sudden in Loften. Carlos and Jules were commited to making sure we had the best possible experience and it didnt disappoint. The days were physical but not impossible, for those worried about the fitness level required, just come ready to stuck in!
A really huge shout out to our guide for the week, Jules, one of the nicest guides ive ever had, he was super knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and history, he was funny, energetic and very engaging, plus he carried a silly amount of food up a mountain so we could enjoy a BBQ with the midnight sun, which was a surreal experience. If you get him as a guide you are incredibly lucky, we loved every moment of it!
Fantastic trip from beginning to end
The tour was amazing. Despite bad weather on the first day we were still able to make use of the time, and managed to kayak to our first stop. All the camping areas were great, lovely and peaceful with areas to socialise etc. The sea sate meant that for the most part the kayaking was fairly easy, although when the wind picked up it got more challenging. Joules our guide couldn't do enough for us, he was always making sure we were coping okay and ensuring we had lots to eat - there was no way you could get hungry on this trip. All our group were great fun, which really made the trip.
We'll definitely be back to Lofoten
Amazing experience
Absolutely stunning kayaking and hiking. Expertly guided by Santi who steered us through diverse weather and honed our wild camping skills . Great group dynamic , lots of laughter. I was the oldest at 62 and loved every minute.
Amazing Adventure
Beautiful scenery, great paddling and challenging hikes. The trip was very well organised and we felt in safe hands at all times despite some challenging conditions at times - I think we experienced every single season in a week. I was lucky enough to be in a fantastic group and our guide Santi was friendly, knowledgeable and more importantly very patient! Great fun.
Adventure of a lifetime!
The most amazing trip in the most stunning landscape with views that are breathtaking. The kayaking and hikes provided enough of a physical challenge to give you a real sense of achievement each day. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The company was very accommodating to cater for food allergies. Couldn’t have dreamed of a better adventure holiday!!
Dream come true!
What an amazing trip! The guide Santi was informative and friendly and couldn't do more for us if he tried! The trip was a once in a lifetime experience I'll never forget. From the food to the wild camping to the midnight sun walk, it was unforgettable. What an amazing week.
Amazing adventure.
Local hosts Kristina and Carlos could not be more helpful (or nicer people) and our guide Mariano was an expert, hard working and all round wonderful guy. I highly recommend this trip.
I went on a multi -day kayaking trip through the Lofoten islands and am trying to find the words to describe how amazing it has been. The sights are stunning, the perspective from the water is incredible... We saw many sea-eagles, a curious seal, oyster catchers, minks, etc. We made stops by cute and quaint fishing villages and wild-camped at the most beautiful spots, including an enchanting abandoned island. The guide went above and beyond to give us the best possible experience, motivating us and taking limitations in the group into account, which enabled us to have the best possible experience. Would give more than 5 stars if I could!
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To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
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