Join us on our legendary summer trip to Træna and to the Træna Music Festival!
Festival Sailing
Adventurous travelers and festival lovers from all over the world – join us on this exotic sailing adventure along the coast of Helgeland in the middle of Norway (nowhere)!
Island Magic
The combination of summerlight and midnight sun, many boats sailing together filled with exciting and adventurous people from all corners of the world, and Norway’s most exotic festival – makes this trip a unique experience. As Vidar, one of our former participants on this trip, said: “Unbelievably good. All other holidays become meaningless after this”!
This trip is the “original” SeilNorge-trip and was the start of our adventure. Since we first sailed to Træna in 2009, this trip has been the highlight of the summer, not only for the team in SeilNorge, but also for everyone joining. Quite a few have joined multiple times.
From Brønnøysund to Træna and the Arctic Circle
We start the trip from the cosy coastal town Brønnøysund from where we head northwards. First to Himmelblå (Blue Sky-island) on Ylvingen and then to Vega and the Vega Islands. On our way north we navigate smoothly in between the many thousands of islands, islets and reefs of this UNESCO World Heritage area.
We continue with a hike on the Seven Sisters mountains, and then when we are ready to race, we join the annual Træna Ocean Race; a sailing race from the mainland and out to Træna on the opening day of the festival.
Do not buy a couch – SailNorway instead!
After one week of island-slalom sailing as a fleet of pirates we end this trip far out at sea and right on the Arctic Circle where the sun does not set and the party does not end; in the harbor of the annual Træna Music Festival – the world’s most magical festival! Read more about the festival here.
Life on board
All the planned activities along the way are part of the adventure. If you however prefer to take a break in the boat and write poems or do yoga, or do nothing at all, that’s what you will do.
As on all our trips, you also learn to sail along the way. You will have challenges, feel mastery and gain experiences & friends for life!
On our summer-trips we sail in a fleet of boats. You can see pictures and read more about our boats here.
What is the Træna Music Festival?
For an adventurous storytelling about Træna and the festival you can read the very well written and fun; “A Poor Man’s Connoisseur Coastal Guide To A Magical World, Far Up North, And How The Helvete To Get There”.
Watch our short film from this trip here and get inspired!
Unbelievably good. All other holidays become meaningless after this!
Vidar, Island Hopping & The Træna Music Festival
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome on board in Brønnøysund
The boats will be ready from 18:00 o’clock, and you can come on board any time after that. We then get comfy in the boats, and get to know the crew and other participants. We are all excited and looking forward to the trip- and this is a special evening. Dinner on board this first evening.
Day 2: Trip start and sail to Ylvingen
We start the day with a brief for all at 09:00. Then, after a safety brief and an intro to basic sailing theory and handling of sails, we make the boats ready for sea and slip our lines setting course towards Ylvingen. Now we are underway – we are free! On the way we train and learn to handle the boat, and after some hours of sailing we stop to fish for this evening’s dinner. When we dock in Ylvingen we fire up the grill, set up a long table and prepare for a good dinner together (summer party…).
Day 3: Discover the Himmelblå Island Ylvingen and sail to Vega
Today it is possible to go for a walk on land and a hike to “Tyskarhaugen”, but also here we offer the chance to go kayaking, dinghy-sailing, surfing or SUP-boarding. Today we have lunch at Himmeblå Café and we also do a navigation class. In the afternoon we hoist sail and head for the Vega Islands. We eat dinner when we arrive.
Day 4: Vega World Heritage Center and fishing in Hysvær
We start the day with a visit to the Vega World Heritage Center for a tour on the 1500 year old tradition of eider farming and sustainable agriculture and coastal fishing in harsh surroundings. Then we hike through the cultural landscape over to the Vega Ocean Hotel for a good lunch. In the afternoon we hoist sail towards Hysvær; a group of islands with a very special atmosphere, and a protected home to many birds and a few people. Before anchoring and rafting up for the night we fish to make our very own fish soup this night in Hysvær.
Day 5: Sail through the Vega Islands, to Lånan and to the Sisters
Today is a full day of sailing heading for the Seven Sisters mountains; seven peaks over 1000 meter high which make out a great hike with fantastic view over the area. On the way we sail by many many islands, the most interesting being the island group Lånan where we stop to visit the locals. Then in the evening we sail south to Søvik, at the foot of the Seven Sisters mountains and prepare for the hike the next day.
Day 6: Hiking day! How many of the Seven Sisters?
We start the day early and hike up to Stortinden 1050 m. high. From here we have great views over the area we’ve just sailed through. The keenest ones continue the hike to Kvasstinden, and the most dedicated ones hike all the seven summits until Botnkrona in the north. All the summits takes normally 15-18 hours, while the record is 3 hours and 40 minutes! In the evening when everyone are back on board, we continue north to the city of Sandnessjøen. We prepare for the Træna Ocean Race tomorrow.
Day 7: Træna Ocean Race
Træna Ocean Race, the sailing race from Sandnessjøen to Træna, is one of the highlights of the trip! Keywords for this full day will be teamwork and regatta sailing. Can your boat get SeilNorge first across the finishing line this year, or is it one of the other boats that end up winning (we won last year!)? We arrive Træna in the afternoon and it’s a spectacular sight. Imagine swells rolling in over the rocks around Træna, and then a cold bath and possibly an even colder Nordlands-pils (beer!) when docked in the harbor. The Træna festival has begun!
Day 8: Træna festival
Now there’s music and a party on Træna for two more days! On Træna there are many things to do and the festival also has a good program packed with happenings, concerts and events.
Day 9: Træna festival - last day
On this day we sail the short distance over to the neighboring island Sanna where there will be a concert in the legendary Kirkhelleren; a big old cave with a fantastic acoustic. In the afternoon we clean and wash the boats before we carry out our traditional last dinner on the docks in the harbor, as well as the finishing ceremony for this trip; the SailNorway Awards!
Day 10: End of the trip
Another adventure has come to an end! Those who finish the journey here can make their way to Sandnessjøen, Bodø or Nesna. Ferry/express boat tickets can be booked through the festival website. If you want to extend the adventure a little longer, SeilNorge arranges a one day transport-sail to Bodø or a full week of sailing and exploring the area up to Bodø, the Sea and Mountain sport week. Thank you for an amazing start to the summer!
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?
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
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!)
- Træna Festival ticket 3 days, can be purchased at the webiste of Træna Festival or through us. We have reserved festival tickets for all guests! Let us know if you want to phurcase through SeilNorge.
Important info
Departure and arrival
This trip starts in Brønnøysund and ends in Træna. You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
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.
Safety and risk on Ski & Sail trips
For ski touring on land, we keep the same high focus on safety. On the first skiing day, we go through avalanche awareness, use of our avalanche equipment and the necessary search and rescue techniques. Many factors determine the safety of a ski touring trip, where us, the human factor, is the triggering factor in most accidents in the mountains. Good planning, awareness of the weather and avalanche risk, and a coherent group are important. In addition, it is crucial that you listen to the guide and follow his instructions in the mountains.
Backcountry skiing in the mountains involves a certain amount of risk, as does sailing. However, as an operator, with our highly skilled and trained skippers and ski guides, we do everything we can to minimize the risk in a professional manner. We all benefit from that, as we have nobody to lose.
Level of our Ski & Sail trips
On all of our Ski & Sail trips you must have some previous experience with ski touring and skiing in general. You must have done some ski touring before and you need to bring your own touring equipment. Having said that, we mostly have open groups on our Ski & Sail trips, with participants at different levels. We usually sail several boats together and divide into boat teams and ski groups based on previous experience, skill level and individual expectation, as best we can.
Our various Ski & Sail concepts are on a slightly different level. The shorter trips in Lofoten and Lyngen are less advanced, while the longer departures as in Lyngen and Finnmark and the Ski & Sail expeditions on Svalbard, are more advanced.
Read more about our various Ski & Sail concepts here.
On some selected departures, we set up a specific beginner’s boat. Feel free to ask us about availability for this and which tour might suit you!
Snow conditions
We have locally known guides on board, that is experts in finding the best snow for us to ski at any condition throughout the season. What is certain about the snow conditions here in northern Norway, is that it’s usually very varied. Often with several types of snow on each single mountain, from fluffy powder or hard packed slabs to spring crust or slush. Depending on the season, how far into the fjords we sail, and of course exposition and height above sea level. We plan the skiing trips along the way based on the latest updated knowledge of the snow conditions and local forecasts.
If we are somewhere without less good snow, we sail to where the better snow is! With the sailboat, we are flexible in finding the best snow, and this can mean that we can go to places that are not on the program or that we ourselves may not have tested beforehand. Then it’s extra exciting and a true adventure for all of us!
Equipment and packing - Ski & Sail
Normal ski touring equipment is required for this trip: Skis with touring bindings and skins (alternatively split board), touring boots and poles. Ski crampons are highly recommended, and mandatory for split board, as this is always needed at some point during a week in our coastal Norwegian mountains. Furthermore standard avalanche equipment is mandatory for everyone to bring: beacon, shovel and probe (this can be rented from us if needed).
On our open Ski & Sail trips, boot crampons and ice axe (or further mountaineering equipment) is usually not needed, except on our Ski & Sail expeditions in Svalbard. More about this in the info-letters you receive after booking.
Avalanche equipment can be rented through us and ski equipment can be rented through our partners, but our best experience is that you bring your own equipment from home. Without too short transfers, flying with a ski bag these days is often as easy as with any other checked in luggage with most airlines.