The Lofoten Islands Sea Kayak Expedition

ITINERARY

Day 1: Bodø
You will meet your Coastal Odyssey guide in the lobby of the Rica Hotel Bodø, after introductions and a short orientation we embark on a short walk through the centre of town to the ferry terminal.

Once on board your guide will hold an in-depth presentation of your coming week in the Lofoten Islands. The presentation will include the following: route description plotted on a Lofoten map, a complete day by day break down of the trip with tide calculations and morning departure times, description of the accommodation and a meal outline, as well as a brief description of the cultural visits and points of interest. The presentation concludes with each client receiving his/her own Lofoten map.

Upon arrival in Moskenes our Coastal Odyssey logistics guide will be waiting to transport you to Å where you will be served deli-sandwiches before taking a guided tour of the Lofoten Fishing Village museum. This in-depth presentation on the history and life of the Lofoten sets the stage for a glorious week exploring these Islands. After our stop in Å we transport to Reine, our base for the first two nights in the Lofoten.

DAY 2: Reine
After getting into our padding gear we launch from the town pier. The towering peaks of Reinefjord beckon us as we venture out of the harbour and into the fjord. Today’s paddle in Reinefjord will include a comprehensive introduction to paddling a sea kayak.

Kayaking amongst the jagged peaks of Reinefjord we paddle into Bunesfjord, one of the three arms of Reinefjord. Here we’ll hike up to a view of the North Atlantic and try to picture life as it had once been in one of the earliest settlements in the Lofoten Islands. Our lunch spot is located on the rise between the vertical rock walls of the Moskenes Titons.

After returning to Reine; dining and a relaxing evening, prepare us for tomorrow; as our Lofoten journey begins in earnest. 

DAY 3: Paddling to Nusfjord
Leaving Reine we paddle along the steep rocky walls of the Moskenes Titons to the Sund Sound; a narrow river like channel separating Moskenes Island from Flakstad Island. We time our arrival at the mouth of the sound with the slack in the current. In Sund we tour the Blacksmith’s museum and witness his artistry as he creates birds of steel.

We refuel on lunch before returning to our kayaks for the last leg into Nusfjord.

We paddle past the southern tip of Kunna Island and then cross the mouth of Skjelfjord for a close-up encounter with the majestic rock faces of Flakstad Island. Making our way to the hidden mouth of Nusfjord, we can try our luck at fishing as we approach the fjord. The entrance to this “tucked away” fjord opens up and we paddle into the natural harbour of Nusfjord. The village is protected under the UNESCO world heritage act and has been beautifully restored to its former glory. Relaxing on the wharf, sipping a cold beer and listening to the sounds of the bird rock, we recount the days’ journey.

DAY 4: Paddling to Stamsund
The Napp sound is one of Lofoten’s most revered water ways with a tidal current that flows at 5 knots. It separates Flakstad Island from Vestvåg Island (Lofoten’s largest island). Departing Nusfjord early is essential as our best chance to make this open crossing is on the first tidal slack of the day. With 24 hours of sunlight we are able to depart Nusfjord at any hour enabling us to cross when the conditions are favourable.

We paddle for 2 hours before landing on Vestvåg Island. Having successfully crossed the Napp sound we arrive in Ballstad to refuel our bodies on hot coffee and a light snack. Leaving Ballstad after our short break we cross over the mouth of Buksnesfjord. This crossing will take us about 30 min. to paddle. Once over we will explore the many small islands that lead us to Stamsund.

After completing today’s challenging paddle we arrive in Stamsund for a late lunch and relaxing afternoon. There will be time to explore this quaint little village or take a short nap.

Tonight we dine on the Warf, where the sights and sounds of this bustling harbour entertain us through a hearty meal. We turn-in early anticipating of tomorrows’ short paddle and afternoon hike. 

DAY 5: Paddling to Rolvsfjord
We paddle out of Stamsunds’ harbour at low tide so we can ride the rising tide into Rolvsfjord. Todays’ paddle is just a short cruise amongst islands and shallows; we look for sea eagles perched on the island tops and explore the sea life in the shallows. The tidal current pushes us deeper and deeper into Rolvsfjord. As we pass through the last narrows we see our destination.

Upon landing at Brustranda we take a long break for lunch before we prepare ourselves for the 3 hour walk over the mountains to Borg. We hike over the lush green slopes to the Viking Chieftain’s house and relive life in the 9th century on a guided tour of this reconstructed Viking residence.

Our mini van waits to transport you back to Rolvsfjord for a sauna and tasty supper.

DAY 6: Paddling to Henningsvær
Our departure today depends on the tide. We want to catch a ride on the out flowing current from Rolvsfjord and then cross Gimsøy sound on the afternoon slack. The Gimsøy sound separates Vestvåg Island from Austvåg Island. Austvåg Island means Eastern Bay Island and is the last island of the Lofoten chain.

We begin the day cruising through the islands of Valberg where we will discover a beautiful white sand beach, the perfect lunch stop. Our lunch break is timed with the approaching slack in Gimsøy sound. This is our last major crossing of our journey through Lofoten Islands. The route across will depend on the weather and sea state. Henningsvær seems to grow out of the sea as we approach. Sculpted rock peaks provide the perfect backdrop for this island village as we paddle down main-street Henningsvær we marvel at the splendour of this majestic town.

The hamlet of Henningsvær is a true fishing village that hosts the Lofoten Island’s climbing community. Every summer rock climbers from all over the world descend on Henningsvær to climb the granite walls of the Lofoten Mountains.

We spend the evening exploring this charming village and take in the vibrant night life of the Klatre Kafé - Rock Climbers Cafe. 

DAY 7: Paddling to Svolvær
Breakfast comes early after our evening out. We say goodbye to Henningsvær as we put our kayaks in the water for the last time. Our final stage takes us past Vågakallen, a famous landmark where rookie Lofoten fishermen had to pay their respects to the Lofoten by removing their hats when passing by for the first time.

We paddle past the granite walls of the Lofoten. Cruising in amongst clusters of islands, the statue of the Fisherman’s wife beckons us as we approach Svolvær. Lunch and showers at the Svolvær Sjøhus mark the end of our journey. The remaining time before the southbound Hurtigruta to Bodø departs is spent on your own; the busy fishing village of Svolvær offers much to explore.

As we sail past the Lofoten Islands for the last time we share memories and laughs from our time together under the midnight sun in the Lofoten Islands.

Arriving in Bodø we check in to the Rica Hotel Bodø for a short night of well deserved rest.


Note on Itinerary:
Itineraries are intended as guidelines only and are subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other general logistical conditions at the time of the trip. Coastal Odyssey endeavours to produce trips of consistently high quality and safety without compromise.

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