Climb and sail among Norway's national treasures! Set sail from island to mountain, to experience, see and learn. Play in the wind, in the water, in the fjord, in the archipelago, and in the high mountains!
7 Nights: 23 - 30 August 2023
From: 24,500 NOK / £2,015 per person*
This trip offers some of the most amazing and beautiful nature experiences Norway has to offer. Experience some of Norway’s best climbing tours. Start and end this trip in Bodø. First, we sail to Steigen and through Mannshausen, the expedition island of Børge Ousland, a very good starting point for climbing the nearby Nordskott-traverse. This is an airy, but manageable climb, which will give us a good idea of what is waiting in the mountains later in the week.
Discover places like Nordskott, Hamarøy, Hamarøyskaftet, and Tranøy Lighthouse. The main objective of the trip is Stetind, Norway's national mountain! As an ambolt in granite, it is towering Tysfjord, and even atheists can become religious at the sight of the mighty giant. We have skilled guides along the way and they will take us safely to the top of all the peaks.
Day 1: The tour starts in Bodø
Meeting in Bodø at 16:00. On board the boat, get to know the other participants and the crew. Before starting sailing, go through the boat and the equipment on board, and basic sailing theory and handling of sails. Take a look at the schedule for the week and adapt this to the weather forecasts and expected conditions. When ready, cast off and start the trip by sailing northwards towards Kjerringøy where you’ll dock for the night.
Day 2: Sailing to Nordskott and Mannshausen
After breakfast, sail further north and into Steigen to Mannshausen and Nordskot. During the day, stop fishing for fresh fish for dinner, and on Mannshausen go for a walk and stretch your legs.
Day 3: The Nordskot-travers and evening sailing to Hamarøy
After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and go climb the Nordskottraversen. The trip takes 6-8 hours and goes from Nordskot up to Sørskottind, and from there on to the ridge. It’s a short but vertical rappel of 4-5 meters before you get to the actual ridge that connects the southern and northern mountains. Down the mountain, walk Skotsdalen back or walk down on the other side, towards Lundvatnet. After the trip, eat some hot food in the boat before continuing sailing to Hamarøy that evening. Anchor in the archipelago by the foot of the mountain and prepare for a new climb the next morning.
Day 4: Hamarøyskaftet 613 m.a.s.l
In the morning, land on Hamarøy with the dinghy, and start the trip to the top of the spectacular Hamarøyskaft landmark. The trip takes 6-8 hours and offers a little more climbing than the previous climb. This is another nice trip that will make one well-prepared for the challenges at Stetind. After the trip, make a bonfire on shore and enjoy the evening.
Day 5: Sailing north
Sail further north to Tranøy Lighthouse and into Tysfjord towards Stetind. Take it easy after two days in the mountains. This is also a reserve day that can be used for a mountain trip if weather and weather forecasts have made it difficult to complete one of the day 3 and day 4 tours. Underway towards Stetind, pass Tranøy Lighthouse. Go for a coffee and learn some local history about this characteristic place. It was granted money for the construction of a lighthouse here in 1863, and the place has an exciting story.
Day 6: “The ugliest mountain I ever saw” – Stetind
It was the mountain climber William Cecil Slingsby who used these well-known words for what is now Norway’s national mountain. Stetind is the highlight of this trip, as it will be a full mountain and a climbing day at Stetind. The trip can take anywhere from 10-18 hours, depending on weather, conditions, and group dynamics. However, after being together for almost a week, there will be a well-functioning, well-prepared group for Stetind. The mountain was first summited in 1910 by a Norwegian group of 3 persons 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 journey. The mountain comes straight up from the sea and gets steeper in an absolutely beautiful way. Stetind is granite, hard, good stone to hold in. Eat both lunch and dinner in the mountains.
Day 7: Sailday to Bodø (reserve day for Stetind)
After a long day climbing yesterday, enjoy the last day sailing out on the Vestfjord and back to Bodø. There will be some hours of sailing, before arriving in Bodø late in the evening. Today is also a reserve day for Stetind if you did not walk it yesterday. There will be a long and demanding night passage back to Bodø if Stetind is climbed today, but it would be worth it! If everything goes according to plan, you will be in Bodø this last night and celebrate a perfect trip with dinner and drinks on land.
Day 8: Goodbye for this time!
Depending on if you arrive in Bodø the night before or this last morning, the boat will be readily packed, cleaned, and tidied out of the boat by the end of the trip at 10.00 am. For those who want, there will be breakfast at Thon hotel, right by the harbour, after check-out from the boat.
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to weather and conditions. One of the special things about being on a sailing trip is that the plan is often up to the weather! On this trip, it is not certain that we will reach all the peaks described in the itinerary, but we will make a plan together based on weather and wind, and we’ll have a whole week available in one of the country’s best playgrounds! We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips.
Travel – in general
Sometimes flying is the only option, but not always. If you have the luxury of time, always try to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. Travelling slowly also allows you to start your holiday in a special way. Cycling, taking the train, or driving a car together can be good options! Feel free to add some extra time before and after your trip, since up north the weather can be unpredictable and might affect your plans!
Travel – Bodø
The Nordlandsbanen train line goes all the way to Bodø and can be taken overnight from Trondheim or Oslo. This is a great way to travel and a beautiful journey from southern Norway. For timetables and prices see www.vy.no. If you live along the coast, the speed ferries or Hurtigruta are possible options either northbound or southbound. Another option is a flight to Bodø, and there are some reasonable tickets.
Safety and risk – in general
Safety is taken seriously on our trips, and staff are trained in handling different situations that can occur at sea. On board a boat and on trips, everyone must know what to do in potentially dangerous situations. It is important that as a guest and participant, you are trained quickly enough to be a participant – not a passenger. It contributes to learning, a sense of achievement, and increased safety for all. It’s also why our trips are considered to be sailing courses: you are trained to be one of the crew members on board. Feel free to contact us to discuss the risk.
Safety and risk – climbing
The guides on the trip are certified climbing instructors and active climbers, and they place the utmost importance on safety. They will thoroughly discuss safety with the whole group both before the trip and along the way. In the mountains, as at sea, it is important that you as a participant know the risk factors and how you should possibly behave in potential situations if something should happen. It is also very important that everyone follows the instructions from the guides when in the mountains. Guides and expedition leaders will make a continuous assessment of safety along the way. The high focus on safety, both at sea and in the mountains, could also mean that the program will need to be changed along the way. The peaks/climbs described in the program can be replaced with other climbs in the area depending on the weather and other conditions.
Level of this trip
Sailing-wise, this trip is not very difficult and is open to novice and experienced sailors. If you are a beginner, you will become a seaman in no time! If you are experienced, you will be given more responsibility and greater challenges so that you can learn new things along the way. Sail is usually along the coast in protected waters, and there is often the opportunity to choose either more or less exposed routes, depending on the weather. The weather Gods decide, so you must be prepared for both windless conditions and sailing in harsher weather!
Equipment/packing
All common equipment for climbing will be provided. Those who sign up for the trip will receive a detailed equipment list before departure. Personal climbing equipment that you should bring includes a helmet, harness, screw carabiner, belayer, and 2x prusik cords. Alternatively, you can rent this equipment package for 650NOK per week.
Sailing-wise, you’ll need something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered clothing underneath. You are not expected to buy lots of new equipment to join any of our trips, so, use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, try to purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last. Some jackets may not be waterproof enough, or might not perform well in saltwater, so you might want to consider purchasing or renting a set of “oilskins” to use on the wettest days. Even in summer, it can be cold at sea, so bring both swimwear and warm clothing.
Food and cooking
On board, you will be part of the crew and will get the chance to participate in all aspects of the running of the sailboat. This includes the cooking, where everyone is taking turns in the galley! Skippers and guides assist as much as they can along the way. Before the trip, set up a menu and purchase what is needed. Great menu options are offered, with healthy “boat-friendly” food. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and it will be taken into account. During the trip, possibly sail by a good restaurant or two to stop and eat at.
What we expect from you
Guests are encouraged to take part in the routines onboard the sailboat, whether it is sailing, docking, navigating, looking for whales and icebergs, washing up, cooking, cleaning the boat, or contributing in other ways when required. Trips require a little work from the participants – and you must be open to contributing and opening up a bit socially. There are many different people on the trip, and most people get along very well. Take the opportunity to make new friends, and create new and interesting memories!
Life on board and accommodation
Life on board a sailboat is social and pleasant, but for some, it can be perceived as quite intimate and crowded, which one should be prepared for. Everyone should participate in the operation of the sailboat and everyone is considered crew. It requires some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but the new acquaintances and completely raw nature experiences will take your focus as soon as you become comfortable with life at sea.
Accommodation on the boat is part of the fun. The accommodation is generally in shared cabins, some of which have a double bed and some of which have bunk beds. Figuring out who sleeps where can be a bit of a puzzle, but we do believe we’ve gotten quite good at it. Let us know if you have any special needs or reservations. Arrange any accommodation before and after the trip on your own. If you have any doubts about where to stay, we’re happy to give you some recommendations.
There is plenty of heating and good food on the boat, but not always an abundance of fresh water. This means it will not be possible to shower every day, but more or less every other day when in a harbour or when sailing through a place with available showers. A morning swim in the sea is also available all year round!
What kind of people join this trip – and how many will we be on board?
Many come alone, some travel as couples, and others travel as a group of friends. The common denominator for everyone is that these are fun and interesting people you will become friends with almost no matter what. Sharing great experiences creates strong ties! It doesn’t matter if you are young or old as long as you want to go on a trip and intend to do your part in making this a great trip for everyone. The number of participants varies from trip to trip. If there are many participants, there will be more boats and skippers. On most trips, sail with multiple boats in a fleet, with 7-9 people onboard each boat.
Environment and sustainability
In general, sailing is an environmentally friendly activity, with skippers sailing as much as possible and using the engine as little as possible. Crew and participants are encouraged to travel as environmentally friendly as possible, and local ingredients and resources are used as much as possible. There are also trips to collect litter and clean ocean trash from beaches.
Philosophically, we often say that sailing is an exercise in sustainability: we move with the wind and have limitations on things like water, diesel, electricity, and food. In order to run sustainably, knowledge, patience, flexibility, and hard work are required.
Special conditions
Conditions when it comes to the mountains/climbing trips: Occasionally we might have to cancel one or more of the climbs, because of factors like injuries/weather/other, but if that is the case we will find some other activity to do that day. Participation is at your own risk. No reimbursement will apply if there is a cancellation of one or more climbs, as a result of unforeseen events, such as injuries/weather, or other conditions. However, we have a full week available and we will play around in an area rich in nature and opportunities for alternative activities.
Take an internal flight to Bodø.
Take an internal flight from Bodø.
Day 1: The tour starts in Bodø
Meeting in Bodø at 16:00. On board the boat, get to know the other participants and the crew. Before starting sailing, go through the boat and the equipment on board, and basic sailing theory and handling of sails. Take a look at the schedule for the week and adapt this to the weather forecasts and expected conditions. When ready, cast off and start the trip by sailing northwards towards Kjerringøy where you’ll dock for the night.
Day 2: Sailing to Nordskott and Mannshausen
After breakfast, sail further north and into Steigen to Mannshausen and Nordskot. During the day, stop fishing for fresh fish for dinner, and on Mannshausen go for a walk and stretch your legs.
Day 3: The Nordskot-travers and evening sailing to Hamarøy
After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and go climb the Nordskottraversen. The trip takes 6-8 hours and goes from Nordskot up to Sørskottind, and from there on to the ridge. It’s a short but vertical rappel of 4-5 meters before you get to the actual ridge that connects the southern and northern mountains. Down the mountain, walk Skotsdalen back or walk down on the other side, towards Lundvatnet. After the trip, eat some hot food in the boat before continuing sailing to Hamarøy that evening. Anchor in the archipelago by the foot of the mountain and prepare for a new climb the next morning.
Day 4: Hamarøyskaftet 613 m.a.s.l
In the morning, land on Hamarøy with the dinghy, and start the trip to the top of the spectacular Hamarøyskaft landmark. The trip takes 6-8 hours and offers a little more climbing than the previous climb. This is another nice trip that will make one well-prepared for the challenges at Stetind. After the trip, make a bonfire on shore and enjoy the evening.
Day 5: Sailing north
Sail further north to Tranøy Lighthouse and into Tysfjord towards Stetind. Take it easy after two days in the mountains. This is also a reserve day that can be used for a mountain trip if weather and weather forecasts have made it difficult to complete one of the day 3 and day 4 tours. Underway towards Stetind, pass Tranøy Lighthouse. Go for a coffee and learn some local history about this characteristic place. It was granted money for the construction of a lighthouse here in 1863, and the place has an exciting story.
Day 6: “The ugliest mountain I ever saw” – Stetind
It was the mountain climber William Cecil Slingsby who used these well-known words for what is now Norway’s national mountain. Stetind is the highlight of this trip, as it will be a full mountain and a climbing day at Stetind. The trip can take anywhere from 10-18 hours, depending on weather, conditions, and group dynamics. However, after being together for almost a week, there will be a well-functioning, well-prepared group for Stetind. The mountain was first summited in 1910 by a Norwegian group of 3 persons 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 journey. The mountain comes straight up from the sea and gets steeper in an absolutely beautiful way. Stetind is granite, hard, good stone to hold in. Eat both lunch and dinner in the mountains.
Day 7: Sailday to Bodø (reserve day for Stetind)
After a long day climbing yesterday, enjoy the last day sailing out on the Vestfjord and back to Bodø. There will be some hours of sailing, before arriving in Bodø late in the evening. Today is also a reserve day for Stetind if you did not walk it yesterday. There will be a long and demanding night passage back to Bodø if Stetind is climbed today, but it would be worth it! If everything goes according to plan, you will be in Bodø this last night and celebrate a perfect trip with dinner and drinks on land.
Day 8: Goodbye for this time!
Depending on if you arrive in Bodø the night before or this last morning, the boat will be readily packed, cleaned, and tidied out of the boat by the end of the trip at 10.00 am. For those who want, there will be breakfast at Thon hotel, right by the harbour, after check-out from the boat.
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to weather and conditions. One of the special things about being on a sailing trip is that the plan is often up to the weather! On this trip, it is not certain that we will reach all the peaks described in the itinerary, but we will make a plan together based on weather and wind, and we’ll have a whole week available in one of the country’s best playgrounds! We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips.
PS: This is a recommended packing list. Please take into account if there are other items you may need on board.
