Join climbing and sailing among Norway’s national treasures!
Up here in the north, the granite mountains shoot straight out of the sea, which offers perfect conditions for combining a climbing trip with a sailing trip. We take you on Climb & Sail in the incredible areas of Lofoten and Steigen. Have you always dreamed of climbing Stetind? Here is your chance! As that’s our main goal of the trip!
Northern Norway is home to some world class rock climbing. With mountains rising straight up from the sea, it sets the scene for a great combination of climbing and sailing. We sail from island to mountain, to experience, see and learn. We’ll play in the wind, in the water and in the high mountains! Join us from Lofoten to Steigen, climbing and sailing among Norway’s national treasures.
With climbing shoes in our sail bags
We anchor at the approach to some of Norway’s most spectacular rock climbing routes! Sailing is by far the best way to travel along the coast; fun and not least practical. From the boat, we have a perfect view to study and admire the mountains we will climb, before we take the dinghy ashore, put on our harnesses, organize our ropes and climb to the top. Enjoy pleasant evenings in the boat and intense mountain experiences during the day. Join us on Climb & Sail for one of the more intense and beautiful nature experiences Norway has to offer!
From Henningsvær to Bodø
This trip starts in Henningsvær and ends in Bodø. We start by sailing across Vestfjorden, to Steigen and visit Manshausen, the expedition island of Børge Ousland. Here we find the Nordskot traverse: an exposed, but manageable climb traversing a great ridge formation. This will give us a good taste of the experiences we will have in the mountains during the week.
Our next destination is Hamarøyskaftet, a very special mountain formation, rising straight up like the pick of an axe. The climb up is even and with plenty of good sized ledges along the route. Not least does the peak offer a splendid view. From Hamarøy, the trip goes north to Tranøy Lighthouse, where we land to see and learn a bit about Norwegian lighthouse history and this cute little place. We relax on the boat between the rock climbing in the mountains. It is a comfortable way to travel and most people sleep well, lulled to sleep by the waves after long, active days.
Climb & Sail to Norway’s national mountain
Our main goal of this trip, however, is Stetind – Norway’s national mountain! Like an anvil in granite, it towers over Tysfjorden – and “even atheists can become religious at the sight of the mighty giant” – as the legendary rock climber and philosopher Petter Wessel Zapfe from northern Norway once wrote. We have competent guides with us on the trip, who will take us safely to the top.
Have you long dreamt of climbing Stetind, or just playing with ropes and harnesses among the alpine and majestic peaks around Lofoten and Steigen? Have you thought that combining climbing with sailing seems like an exciting combo? Or do you just want to explore some of the finest climbing routes in Northern Norway? Then Climb & Sail is the trip for you!
Amazing experience, the place, the people, the hikes and a great staff made for a truly exceptional trip under the midnight sun!
Mark
Itinerary
Day 1: The adventure begins in Henningsvær
We meet at the dock in Henningsvær at 16:00. Once on board, we get to know the other participants and the crew. Before we start sailing, we go through the boat and the equipment on board, basic sailing theory and handling sails. We also look at the plan for the week and adapt this in relation to the weather forecast and our group. Eventually we cast off and start the trip by sailing to an anchorage outside Henningsvær.
Day 2: Warm-up climb and crossing Vestfjorden to Manshausen
Right outside of Henningsvær we find some great granite walls which are full of climbers all summer. If weather and time allows we start early this morning with a warm-up climb on some of these crags. We go through safety in the mountains, rope-team routines and find some routes suitable for our level. After some good hours climbing we make ourselves a filling lunch onboard. This afternoon we have the crossing of Vestfjorden to Manshausen as our mission. We spend 4-5h on this leg depending on the wind. Reaching Manshausen we rest and get ready for tomorrow, and they even have a sauna here if some of us are keen!
Day 3: The Nordskot ridge travers and evening sail to Hamarøy
After breakfast, we put on our mountain boots and do the Nordskot ridge traverse. The trip takes 6-8 hours, from Nordskot up to Sørskottind, and from there onto the ridge. There is a short but vertical rappel of 4-5 meters before we get onto the ridge itself. Which connects the two peaks of Skotstindan, the southern and northern one. Down from the mountain we hike back through Skotsdalen. After the climb, we eat some before we sail towards Hamarøy the same evening. Where we anchor in the archipelago at the foot of the mountain Hammarøyskaftet and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure!
Day 4: Hamarøyskaftet 613 masl
In the morning we land on Hamarøy with the dinghy, and begin the trip towards the top of the spectacular landmark Hamarøyskaftet. The trip takes 6-8 hours and offers some more climbing than yesterday. This is a nice trip that will make us well prepared for the challenges at Stetind. After the climb, we make a bonfire on shore and enjoy ourselves.
Day 5: Sailing day north
We sail further north towards Tysfjord towards Stetind. After three days on the mountain, we take a little rest from climbing. Though we keep this day as a back-up for Stetind depending on the forecast for our week onboard. On the way to Stetind, we will pass Tranøy lighthouse, an important landmark here in Vestfjorden. We disembark for a coffee and some local history from life on Tranøy. Money was allocated for the construction of a lighthouse here in 1863 and the place has an exciting history.
Day 6: "The ugliest mountain I ever saw" - Stetind
It was the British mountaineer William Cecil Slingsby who used these words about Norway’s national mountain Stetind. This is our main ambition for this adventure, and will be an exciting full day experience. The trip can take anywhere from 10-18 hours, depending on weather, conditions and the groups. But after several days together, we will be well-functioning rope teams, well prepared for Stetind. This mountain was climbed for the first time in 1910 by a Norwegian expedition of 3 people led by Ferdinand Schjelderup. When Stetind was named Norway’s national mountain in 2002, Arne Næss said the following about the mountain: “Stetind is a fabulous hike. The mountain comes straight out of the sea and gets steeper in an absolutely beautiful way. Stetind is delicious granite, hard, quality rock. As if the mountain helps you upwards.”
Day 7: Sail to Bodø (back-up day for Stetind)
After a long day on tour yesterday, we will now just enjoy the last voyage out on Vestfjorden and back to Bodø. There will be several hours of sailing today, and we will arrive in Bodø late in the evening. If the weather should not permit Stetind yesterday, we have this day as a last back-up for this climb. If we do the Stetind climb today, it will be a long and demanding night sail back to Bodø, through the full night. But it will be worth it!
Day 8: Goodbye for now!
We wake up this last morning in Bodø harbor. Packing, cleaning and tidying up onboard before we end the trip at 10:00. Breakfast we can have at Thon hotel right by the dock – the best in town. Thanks for a great adventure!
Changes to the program
Please see this itinerary as a rough plan which we adapt underway according to weather and conditions. Often we also try out new places if we feel like it. We reserve the right to constantly improve our programs for the better. Sailing and exploring we always have dinghies with us for beach landings and small expeditions. We have fishing equipment for the cod, and hiking equipment for bonfires and summit climbs. We are ready for adventure – are you?
We love early bookings! Save NOK 10.000 by booking early, as the price for this trip will increase as we get closer to departure.
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper/instructor with local knowledge on board
- All food we eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
- Experienced and local climbing guide – generally 1 guide per 3 participants
- Shared equipment for the climbing (rope, slings etc.), personal equipment must be brought or rented by every participant
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
- Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
- Personal climbing equipment (helmet, harness, screw carabiner, belayer, 2x prusik cords) must be provided by each participant, or can be rented from our partner.
Important info
Departure and arrival
This trip starts in Henningsvær and ends in Bodø.
You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
Specific info - Climb & Sail
The climbs on this trip are not technically challenging, but there are some exposed parts along the way, which will probably make your heart beat a little faster. In Norway climbing is graded from 3 to 9/10 (which is very, very difficult), and on this trip we climb around Norwegian grade 4 and maybe 5 (similar to french grades up to 5a/b and american up to around 5.7/8). If you have been climbing a little before, if you are used to the mountains, are steady on your feet and not too afraid of heights, you will be able to complete this trip.
The guides we have with us are certified climbing instructors and active climbers, always with a strong focus on safety. They will walk us through safety and routines when climbing with the whole group before the climbing and underway. On the mountain, as at sea, it’s also important that you as a participant know the risk factors and how you should behave in a situation. Finally it’s crucial that everyone follows all instructions from the guides while in the mountains.
Our guides and the expedition leader will do an ongoing assessment of safety along the way, both at sea and in the mountains. This means that the program can and maybe will be changed along the way. The different peaks and climbs outlined in the program can be replaced with other great climbs and routes in the area. All depending on what the weather and conditions allow us to attempt, with the good margin we require.
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Trips are not overly strenuous; with rotating positions, participants can balance sailing and relaxation. Active engagement minimizes seasickness, and if it occurs, it passes swiftly. Weather, however, is unpredictable, with the potential for stronger winds and various conditions in northern Norway and the Arctic, making each trip a true sailing adventure. Be prepared for calm winds and rough weather—embracing the elements for an unforgettable experience.
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.
When you’re sailing with us you are invited to take part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it. You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together with others out in nature, and not least cooperating and doing activities with new people and different personalities than you might have around you normally, is what creates the best, most interesting and memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.