Sail to Lofoten – 4 days trip Bodø to Svolvær
Sailing Lofoten North, Bodø – Svolvær
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 on this trip you will get a salty taste of the Lofoten islands by sailboat. Not to forget that sailing is the original and most rewarding way to reach the Lofoten islands from mainland Norway!
A unique approach to Lofoten
With our sailboat we navigate out to the Lofoten islands like locals and travellers from afar have done for thousands of years. When we cross over the Westfjord and the Lofoten mountains rise up and fill out the horizon, you will understand! By boat, off the beaten track of all road based travelling, we have unique access to explore the area.
On our way to Lofoten we sail inshore, passing charming villages, stunning beaches, and untouched, roadless fjords. Along the way, we stop at some of the area’s most interesting spots, aiming to sail, hike, and enjoy good food, while also taking time to relax and immerse ourselves in the addictive rhythm of sailing and life on board. The last days in Lofoten our priority will be sailing to areas and visiting places you are unlikely to visit later during your stay in Lofoten.
From Bodø to Svolvær
This 4 day trip is a shorter version of our 8 days Best of Lofoten roundtrip. On this trip we spend half of the time sailing to Lofoten and half of the time exploring Lofoten after arrival. After getting to know the team and the boat in Bodø harbour we head north through the islands, and then cross over Vestfjorden, the West fjord, when we are ready. We will aim for the island Skrova; the old whaling center in Lofoten. In Skrova we find an active village filled with cod-drying racks, galleries, cafes and midnight sun 24 hours a day during the high summer months. Skrova also has an easily accessible peak with a great view overlooking the fjord and the mountains.
From Skrova we venture further into the remote fjords of north-eastern Lofoten and we will sail into the famous Trollfjorden. With its mountain sides towering 400 meter straight up from the waterline, and being home to several arctic troll-families, it’s a fascinating and mythical place. The last evening we’ll sail the last stretch into the city Svolvær, where we end the trip the next morning. Svolvær is a good starting point for any adventure in Lofoten or a trip further north to Vesterålen, Senja or Tromsø.
Try out sailing and explore together with us!
As on all our trips, you also learn to sail along the way. We invite you on board as part of our crew, and you get the chance to participate in all aspects of running a boat by the wind. From being at the helm, steering and trimming sails, to cooking underway and scrubbing deck when necessary. We aim to challenge you, so that you will feel mastery. Most importantly you will gain new experiences & establish new friendships!
During our time together, we explore as a team. Visiting the places we mostly want to see, using the wind as best as we can. 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.
Our boats
On this trip we sail one or more of our 44-50 feet boats. You can see pictures and read more about our boats here.
Do not buy a couch – Sail Norway instead!
The very best of Lofoten
Absolutely incredible. One of the best weeks of my life so far.
Mikayla (Best of Lofoten 2023)
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome onboard in Bodø
We meet in the guest harbour at 16.00 this first day. We go through the plan and ambition for the week, as well as important safety information and basic sail handling. Most likely we’ll cast off already this first evening, and sail north along the coast of Steigen. For the night we’ll find a suitable anchorage or harbour.
Day 2: Across Vestfjorden to Skrova
After a good breakfast, we repeat the sail training from yesterday and get ready for a proper day of sailing. After some more coastal sailing along the mainland we will cross the West Fjord; the stretch of open waters in between the mainland and Lofoten. Hopefully we’ll catch good winds, and have a great day playing with the waves!
On the Lofoten-side, we aim towards the island Skrova, a small community which used to be the center of whaling in Lofoten.
Day 3: From Skrova to Raftsundet and the Trollfjord
After a good breakfast it is time to change our perspective so we we hike to the top of Skrova from where we have great view. Or you can check out the galleries and cafes in the village, or even rent a kayak and paddle a little trip around the island’s beautiful sandy beaches.
After lunch and land time in Skrova we continue towards the even more remote parts of Lofoten, towards Raftsundet and the Trollfjord. Here it feels like sailing through the mountains which are getting steeper and more wild the further we go inland. We will go into the Trollfjord and spent some time here, before returning to Svolvær for the evening.
Day 4: Thanks for now in Svolvær
In Svolvær we tidy and pack ourselves out of the boat, are out of the boat by 0900, and have breakfast together at the nearby bakery. Thank you 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.