Hike the Lofoten and Vesteralen 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. Classic accommodation: Thon Partner Hotel Sortland (or similar)

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 to the coastal village of Nyksund, through rocky, rugged areas right by the sea, along mountains and the beach, providing a nice variety of gentle and challenging terrain. In the afternoon, we explore 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)

Bid farewell to the Vesterålen archipelago and head to the Lofoten Islands, a drive of 2hr 15min. After a short stop in Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten, we arrive in the fishing village of Henningsvær, where you can visit galleries, small boutiques and cafes. In the afternoon, we transfer (1hr 20min) to the beginning of our hike up Stornappstinden, a 2,430ft (740m) peak rising above the waters of Nappstraumen. We take a well-used trail to the top, starting near the village of Napp. The route wraps around the western edge of the peak towards a river, which we cross (along with a few small boggy sections), before it increases in steepness. After nearly 1,970ft (600m) of ascent, we arrive at the summit plateau, taking a mostly gentle slope to the fairly rocky summit, where we enjoy views east across the Nappstraumen and over the northwestern side of Vestvågøy. After this wonderful hike, we transfer (30 minutes) 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)

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, and we walk via Ryten peak to the village of Fredvangen. 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. After, we transfer (one hour) back to Stamsund. Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

Today we hike the tallest peak on the central Lofoten island of Vestvågøya, Himmeltindan, which rises steeply, almost directly from the sea. Our route starts on a grassy cart road, before switching to a path that leads to the summit. The challenging trip takes around five hours, including a lunch break, but the views from 3,050ft (930m) above sea level are impressive with views over Flakstadoya island and Ramberg bay. 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)

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 we may climb a short, steep ascent to a different summit for views over the Fredvang bridges. 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. After, we transfer (50 minutes) back to the hotel. Classic accommodation: Live Lofoten, Stamsund (or similar)

We leave Stamsund today, heading to Bodø. After 1hr 20min, we stop in Reine to hike the 1,475ft (450m) high peak of Reinebringen. This popular route involves taking nearly 2,000 steps to the top – a steep and sometimes challenging hike. However, there are plenty of nice stops along the way where you can rest before continuing to the summit. This is the most famous hike in the Lofoten Islands – when you reach the top and enjoy the views over mountainous peaks and blue waters, you’ll understand why. We then transfer to Moskenes, where we take a 3hr 30min ferry over the Vestfjord to Bodø 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: Thon Hotel Nordlys (or similar)

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.