Sailing Lofoten – Norway’s most famous archipelago!
You may have heard of the Lofoten islands? Almost the whole world now has – and with good reason. This mountainous range of islands stretching far out into the Norwegian Sea is a fantastic area. On board with us in SeilNorge on Sailing Lofoten, you will get a little taste of the Lofoten Islands by sailboat. Not to forgett that sailing is the original and probably best way to get from Bodø, on the mainland, to Svolvær, the capitol of the Lofoten Islands!
A unique approach to Lofoten
One of the best vacations of my life! Amazing skipper, top-notch organization, great boat and gear, lots of activities and fun, a perfect rhythm between sailing and land excursions, and lifelong memories. Not to mention the paradisiacal places and fantastic weather!
Edlef, Best of Lofoten, 2024
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome onboard in Bodø
We meet in the guest harbour in the middle of the city center in Bodø at 16.00 this first day on our mini-adventure. We go through the plan and ambition for the week, as well as important safety information and basic sail handling. Before we cast off already this first evening. Depending on the weather we will see how far we will sail, but we will anyways make some progress north along the coast of Steigen, and find a suitable anchorage or port at for ex. Landegode, Helnessund or Nordskot.
Day 2: Across Vestfjorden to Henningsvær
After a good breakfast, we repeat what we tried out yesterday and get ready for a proper day of sailing. We will cross the open waters in between the mainland and Lofoten, Vestfjorden. Which in the old days was a big gap to sail or row across in their open traditional vessels. We will hopefully catch some good winds across, and have a great day playing with the waves! On the Lofoten-side, we aim towards Henningsvær at the foot of the mighty peaks of Vågakallen and Kvandalstind – important landmarks for seafarers here during thousands of years. We arrive in Henningsvær, perhaps Lofoten’s most spectacular fishing village, in time to have dinner, and maybe a little celebration for a good crossing of Vestfjorden at “Trevarefabrikken” this evening.
Day 3: To Skrova and Raftsundet
We continue our sail the island Skrova which used to be the main whaling harbor in Lofoten, due to its ideal closeness to the whales pool; Vestfjorden. At Skrova we hike to the top of this little island, which has great view over Lofoten, or we can check out the galleries and cafes in the village, or even rent a kayak to paddle a little trip around the islands beautiful sandy beaches. After lunch and landtime in Skrova we continue towards the even more remote parts of Lofoten. North and east, passing Lille Molla and Store Molla on our way towards Raftsundet. Our evening will be spent on anchor in a beautiful bay with the alpine mountains all around us!
Day 4: Trollfjorden and return to Svolvær!
We wake up this morning on our beautiful anchorage in Store-Molla or Raftsundet. From where we sail into the magnificent Trollfjorden (Fjord of Trolls). This fjord has become very famous for its steep mountains that go straight down into the narrow fjord. We have lunch on our way back towards Svolvær, and pack, clean and tidy our way out of the boat. We say goodbye in Svolvær latest at 16.00 this afternoon. Thanks for a great few days together, and welcome back next time!
Changes to the program
The program should be seen as a starting point which we adapt according to weather and conditions. We reserve the right to constantly improve the program for the better. With us along the way, we always have dinghies for beach landings and small expeditions. We have fishing equipment for the cod, and hiking equipment for bonfires and summit hikes – 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!)
Important info
Travel
This trip starts in Bodø and ends in Svolvær, Lofoten.
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.
Nordlandsbanen går helt til Bodø, og med nattog fra Oslo til Trondheim så er det en flott reise fra Sør-Norge. Dersom du bor langs kysten kan hurtigbåt eller selveste Hurtigruten være en mulig reisevei, enten nord- eller sør fra. Du kan selvfølgelig også fly til Bodø og det finnes ofte rimelige billetter.