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, local, 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…
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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.
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.
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.
An Experience not to be forgotten
Normally, you forget an experience as soon as the next one is in the diary - bit not this time! I continue to find myself reliving the trip through my photos and memories. I even chuckle at some of the memories!
Firstly and most importantly, our guide Joules made the experience a real adventure and the most fun possible. Nothing he did was too much and he really is an asset to the company. His attention to detail and constant drive to give the very best was second to none.
The Team who supported him were also amazing - ranging from secret drops of fresh fruit and veg to the additional marshmallows which were so popular.
The kit and equipment was in great order and made the adventure more comfortable than I had expected.
Overall, the trip was so much fun that we have now booked again and plan further trips in the future.
Thank you so much for a memorable and extremely enjoyable adventure!
Great Adventure
A fantastic adventure with a great group of people in a beautiful location. The fantastic guide made the trip so special.
What a week!
This was such a unique and amazing experience that went beyond my expectations of the week!
Everyday was different and brought new challenges. From the distance we kayaked each day to the swell of the sea, or changes in weather patterns.
We got to see such beautiful scenery and wildlife from a unique perspective and wild camping each night in a new spot was amazing!
The organisation from Northern Explorer was fantastic - to the airport collections, cabin provision at the beginning, end and middle of the trip and the food provision. Our guide Jules was fantastic and everyday went above and beyond - teaching us about the history of the islands and the natural wonders. He even made us a blueberry pie halfway through the trip!
If you want to embrace everything the Lofoten Islands have to offer this is the trip for you.
Best Experience Ever!
My week in the Lofoten Islands was amazing. The views were stunning, and every day felt like a new adventure. Kayaking through the fjords and hiking the trails made me feel really close to nature. The weather was typical for Norway—unpredictable, but it added to the fun. The guide and the people I met were great, making the experience even better. Lofoten was everything I hoped for and more.
It is about the journey, not the destination
"Before booking, keep in mind that this is not a trip for those seeking comfort or hotel services. This is a different kind of holiday and experience, more sustainable, more mindful of the landscapes and nature, all from a unique perspective: the sea.
You will taste the freedom of choosing where to spend the night, whether on a deserted island or a beach with white sand. You will visit fishing villages where Viking legends still echo, before paddling into the calm waters of the Lofoten Islands, accompanied by seagulls and sea eagles.
If that’s not enough, there is a guide, passionate and experienced (Jules, whom I thank), who brings a lot of energy, safety and knowledge to the whole group.
It’s an experience that challenges you. It’s an holiday worth taking.
Unforgettable Adventure in the Lofoten: Kayaking and Hiking in Nature's Embrace
I recently returned from an incredible week of kayaking and hiking through the Lofoten Islands, and I can confidently say it was one of the most unique and immersive experiences I've ever had. Exploring the Lofoten from the water gave me a perspective that few travelers get to enjoy—one of sheer, untouched natural beauty.
Every day was filled with breathtaking landscapes, each more stunning than the last, from towering fjords to serene beaches. The variety of scenery kept me constantly in awe. One of the highlights was the close encounters with wildlife—watching majestic eagles soar above and in front of us made the experience all the more magical.
A special shoutout goes to our guide, Jules, whose infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm added an extra layer of joy to the trip. Jules was always there, day and night, making sure everything was perfect—from sharing expert wildlife tips to helping us with kayak preparations, tent setups, and even whipping up delicious meals. His dedication and warmth made him the best guide I've ever had, and I genuinely hope to cross paths with him on future adventures.
The organization of the trip was impeccable, with the team thoughtfully adjusting our plans according to the weather conditions to ensure we made the most of every moment. This attention to detail truly made the adventure seamless and unforgettable.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this journey so special. If you're looking for an extraordinary way to experience the Lofoten, this is it!
My partner and I just
My partner and I just returned from a fantastic trip to Lofoten which completely surpassed our (high!) expectations.
Every aspect of it was flawless and allowed us to sit back and relax (while paddling our arms off :))
First, the scenery: WOW! Stunning mountains, charming villages and crystal-clear waters, all without coming across crowds thanks to the team’s excellent itinerary.
A big thank you to Krisztina and Jules for both this + erring on the side of caution and taking me to see a doctor when a pre-existing infection worsened.
Continuing on the team, the trip definitely wouldn’t have been the same without our top-notch guide, Jules: his energy levels and mood were unmatched, he was super knowledgeable (we loved the info on wildlife and foraging!) and he took such great care of us, from the sports to the camping and food. The whole crew was incredibly appreciative of Jules’s friendliness, guidance and support, which really made the trip.
Last but not least, a few words to our fellow adventurers - you really were “much better” and we loved your company!
All of the above made for an unforgettable, 5-star trip, which I would absolutely recommend others book as well.
Remarkable
Stunning trip with or amazing guide Santi, who’s patience, knowledge and above all humour really made the trip special. The Northern Explorer team made every possible effort to give an enjoyable trip, that went well beyond what you would expect of hosts. Including organising celebrations for special occasions. I really can’t put into words how much fun I had on this trip, both being there with an amazing group of individuals and all the work behind the scenes from the team made the trip a blast. The scenery was astonishing, and the wildlife we saw and ate was amazing. Fresh fish caught that day by members of the group roasted on fires in the evening was a fantastic experience. Campfires in the evening and marshmallows aswell. If your hesitating about booking just go for it was 100% worth every penny. Thank you so much to the Northern Explorer team!!