Kayak, Hike and Wild Camp the Lofoten Islands
An unforgettable island-hopping journey through the wilderness seascapes of Norway's stunning Arctic archipelago
Duration
6 nights
Annual Leave
1 week off work
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Season
Jun-Aug
Location
Norway
Meeting Point
Leknes Airport
Classic Accommodation
Cabin · Wild camping · Campsite · Lodge
Customer Reviews
5.0
Difficulty
Moderate
…
…
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
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.
Included
Guides
Expert, English speaking kayaking guides
Accommodation
1 night in a cabin, 3 nights wild camping, 1 night at a campsite and 1 night in a lodge
Meals
All of your breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Transfers
Airport transfers and everything in between
Equipment
All your camping and kayaking gear
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Visas where required
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).
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
- 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
Water purification tablets/treatment system
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
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!
The trip was brilliant. My expectations were high, but the trip was better! If you are debating whether to do it, I would say 100% yes. The scenery was breathtaking. The kayaking was challenging but hugely rewarding. The guide was superb. Go on, do it.
Amazing tour, getting to see Lofoten from the sea and explore the local area while wild camping. Really enjoyable, felt like a once in a lifetime experience.
A fabulous experience to see the Lofoten Islands from a completely different perspective! Lucas, Carlos and Christina were all brilliant and so knowledgeable. The accommodation was beautiful, the kit provided in great condition and the wild camping really was wild! The hikes gave us a great opportunity to see some hidden gems, and we've definitely caught the bug to come back for more of these wonderful islands!
A great kayaking and wild camping expedition in the arctic circle. Norway’s Lofoten islands are a super place to enjoy kayaking and wild camping. Lucas ghe guide was great
Fantastic trip, beautiful location, all equipment available as needed. Guide was skillful and relaxed. We had an amazing experience.
This was a very enjoyable trip, well organised by the local hosts, providing a great experience of the Lofoten Islands. I was particularly looking forward to the scenery and was not disappointed. Alex was an excellent guide, along with logistics from Carlos. We were kept well-informed and well-supplied throughout, and they both went out of their way to ensure the team were happy. I was lucky to be part of a great group on this trip - something which always makes a big difference when travelling on small-group adventures. The supplied kit was of high quality, and meant we could concentrate on enjoying ourselves without worrying about whether it was up to the job. The paddling was a good challenge, and I felt that this made the overall experience more enjoyable. We were always going to be at the mercy of the weather in this part of the world and unfortunately we were only able to paddle on three of the five days. Our hosts had already accounted for this though and made alternative arrangements to keep us occupied and happy. It also provides a good excuse to come back to this spectacular place, looking for the elusive sunsets!
I had an amazing time kayaking with a wonderful group thanks to our incredible guide Alex, that always made sure we had everything we needed. The fjords were outstanding, and despite some days of bad weather thanks to our guide's great planning and adaptability they made sure we could make the most of our 3 first days kayaking and kept us warm and dry and well fed. Thanks for an amazing experience I'm sure not to forget!
Highly recommended. Feel alive and experience nature in all its guises. Superbly organised and guided, but with plenty of flexibility.
Despite some tough conditions, our guide Alex made this a great trip with as much kayaking as possible around the beautiful, untouched nature of Lofoten. We will be back!
Fab trip! The scenery was stunning and was a proper break from life.
A great paddling trip in the land where the sun never sets. Morten was a very knowledgable leader. We were a group of experienced kayakers and he assessed our strengths early on, and ensured we stayed in conditions we could handle. Learnt something each day, and saw a variety of fantastic scenery. Didn't see any dolphins, puffins or orca, which I think was because it was the wrong part of the Lofoten to see them.
Amazing trip Alex our guide was simply the best made my summer.
An amazing week in Lofoten in the expert care of our guide Alex and hosts Krisztina & Carlos! This was quite an adventure to the more remote parts of the islands with a decent physical challenge but at the same time benefitting from thoughtfully organised provisions to keep us well fed and (reasonably) dry & warm.
This is a must-do trip, the scenery is incredible and the hosts (Carlos, Krisztina and Alex) were fantastic. Weather is unpredictable but was fully catered for. Though it was a result tougher to do (hello blisters) Can’t wait to come back next year!
An amazing trip with our brilliant guide Alex! The scenery is absolutely stunning! The route was able to be adapted for the weather conditions we experienced. 10/10 would do again!
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 72kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and your host will help with advice on how much to tip your guides should you wish to do so.
Tap water in the Lofoten Islands is safe to drink. Your host will provide fresh water to fill up your bottles at various points during the hike, with some sections benefiting from small rivers to refill from.
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.
Yes, you can store your main luggage at your host's base in Eggum at the start of the trip. Any type of luggage is fine - either a hard suitcase, duffel or backpack.
At the start of the trip your host will give you dry bags (20 litre) to pack what you need for the first two nights (three days) of camping (Days 2 & 3). It's recommended to use no more than two dry bags as you'll also need space to pack your tent, sleeping bag, food and water. Your main luggage will remain at the host's base in Eggum until Day 4 when you'll be reunited with it in the afternoon (your host will transport it by road). You can then repack with fresh clothes and food for the next few days. Your host will transport your main luggage again on Day 5 whilst you are hiking.
For current advice about travelling in Norway, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES
Monday • 10th June 2024
to Sunday • 16th June 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 17th June 2024
to Sunday • 23rd June 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 24th June 2024
to Sunday • 30th June 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 1st July 2024
to Sunday • 7th July 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 8th July 2024
to Sunday • 14th July 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 15th July 2024
to Sunday • 21st July 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 22nd July 2024
to Sunday • 28th July 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 29th July 2024
to Sunday • 4th August 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 5th August 2024
to Sunday • 11th August 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 12th August 2024
to Sunday • 18th August 2024
Fully Booked
Monday • 9th June 2025
to Sunday • 15th June 2025
Monday • 16th June 2025
to Sunday • 22nd June 2025
Monday • 23rd June 2025
to Sunday • 29th June 2025
Monday • 30th June 2025
to Sunday • 6th July 2025
Monday • 7th July 2025
to Sunday • 13th July 2025
Monday • 14th July 2025
to Sunday • 20th July 2025
Monday • 21st July 2025
to Sunday • 27th July 2025
Monday • 28th July 2025
to Sunday • 3rd August 2025
Monday • 4th August 2025
to Sunday • 10th August 2025
Monday • 11th August 2025
to Sunday • 17th August 2025
