Experience an unforgettable and active holiday week where we will get to experience the very best that Steigen, Hamarøy, and Lofoten have to offer!
7 Nights: 8 - 15 June 2023
From: 18,800 NOK / £1,565 per person*
Experience the very best that Steigen, Hamarøy, and Lofoten have to offer while having an active and memorable holiday. On this trip, sail across Vestfjorden and seek out the best places this island kingdom has to offer.
See the mountain ranges from different angles in both daylight and the midnight sun, which guarantees a spectacular experience. Because sailboats are flexible and can get around easily, you will be getting close to nature, people and wildlife.
Start the trip in Bodø and sail up and into the many islands in the archipelago off Leinesfjord and Nordskot. During the trip, go for walks on land, fish, kayak, surf, and make bonfires on the shore. Visit some historical places and visit some of the best places to eat along the way. After a stop at Nordskot, sail on to Hamarøy towards the Tranøy lighthouse. From Tranøy, cross the Vestfjord itself towards Skrova and Henningsvær. From there the trip continues out through the Lofoten wall and to the "outside" of Lofoten. In Lofoten, sail to the well-known and secret places of Skrova, Unstad, Nusfjord, Henningsvær, and more!
Enjoy both planned and unplanned excursions and extra activities, like kayaking in the archipelago of Nordskot and surfing at Unstad Arctic Surf. Take the opportunity to learn to sail along the way, and you will get both challenges and feelings of achievement.
Day 1: Meet in Bodø
Meet at the quay in Bodø at 16:00. Start by getting to know the guests and the boat, going through the plan and expectations for the week, as well as going over important points in sailing and safety. After dinner, when everything is ready, set off under sail. The aim is for Landegode, the majestic island just outside Bodø. Here, anchor or find a pier for the night.
Day 2: Trip to Landegode and sail to Steigen and Nordskot
Wake up ready to enjoy the first full day on this adventure, and perhaps jump in the sea for a refreshing morning swim! After breakfast, take a trip on land and see if one of the peaks on Landegode is reachable. Once back in the boat, depart and practice boat handling and sailing through the archipelago towards Nordskot. Expedition sailors Børge Ousland and Randi Skaug each have their little island here, and the aim is to land at least one of them for a coffee. Spend the night here, and maybe get the chance for a sauna and night swim in the evening.
Day 3: Kayak on Nordskot and sail to Tranøy lighthouse
Around Nordskot there is a rich archipelago full of small islets and chalk-white beaches. For those who wish, this morning there will be an opportunity for a guided kayak trip. After lunch, raise sail again and move north towards Hamarøy and the Tranøy lighthouse. Tranøy lighthouse is centrally located in the Vestfjorden and has been a beloved landmark for seafarers for generations. This area is rough but beautiful. Eat dinner along the way, and upon arrival in Tranøy, opt for a little midnight trip to the lighthouse.
Day 4: Over the Vestfjorden to Skrova
Now begins the crossing of the famous Vestfjorden. Get ready for a proper sailing day and set course from Tranøy directly towards Lille-Molla and Skrova, far east in Lofoten. Potentially catch a fish or three on the hook today, which you can enjoy for dinner! Upon arrival at the whaling island of Skrova have dinner. Later, there will be an opportunity for a hike to Høgskrova for those who want, or to one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
Day 5: Full sailing day out to “Yttersida”
Now you’ll start to get a feel for sailing. Sail through the Lofoten Wall, and reach the outer side of the peninsula – “Yttersida” as it is called in the local Norwegian dialect. The route goes out of Gimsøystraumen and on the north side of the Lofoten Wall, where you’ll pass well-known beaches such as Kvalvika, Eggum, and Unstad. Sail to Tangstad on the inner side of Unstad, where anchorage is for the evening.
Day 6: Surfing at Unstad and sailing to Nusfjord
Get ready for another activity out in the waves: surfing. With friends at Unstad Arctic Surf, get the opportunity to surf. You can either participate in a course with an instructor or just rent some equipment and do your own thing. For those who would rather stay on land, there are several great hikes around Unstad and enjoy Norway’s best and most expensive cinnamon buns at the café here for lunch. Once back in the boat, raise the anchor and sail down through the Lofoten Wall again. The steep route goes through Nappstraumen; one of the world’s strongest tidal currents. Sail to the small, cosy fishing village of Nusfjord, where we have booked a table at restaurant Karoline for a wonderful fish meal. Hopefully, the Pauline pub will also be open in the evening.
Day 7: Regatta day!
In Nusfjord, there are several options for hiking in the morning. Choose either a shorter hike to the three lakes or a longer hike up to some of the nearby peaks, such as Mosestind. After lunch, set off on the last leg, which is regatta time! Which boat team has learned to sail fastest during the week? The finish line is at the entrance to the harbour in Henningsvær and it is prohibited to start the engine until the boats are inside the harbour basin. Arrive in Henningsvær, perhaps Lofoten’s most spectacular fishing village, with plenty of time to have dinner, tidy up onboard, and end the trip with a happy celebration together at Trevarefabrikken.
Day 8: Trip ending in Henningsvær
Pack, clean, and put the finishing touches on the boat this morning, and leave by latest 10 o’clock. Those who wish can have breakfast at Lysstøperiet, which has Norway’s best buns.
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. 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. 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.
Travel Henningsvær
From Henningsvær the bus to Svolvær takes approximately 45 mins, and from there you can take a flight, sail with Hurtigruten, the express ferry, or the regular ferry south to Bodø. From Svolvær there is also a bus to Harstad/Evenes airport.
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.
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
As with all activities, there is plenty of specialized equipment and clothing for sailing. 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. What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered clothing underneath. 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. We will send you a detailed recommended packing list in good time before departure.
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, sailing is an exercise in sustainability: to 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.
Take an internal flight to Bodø.
Take an internal flight from Svolvær.
Day 1: Meet in Bodø
Meet at the quay in Bodø at 16:00. Start by getting to know the guests and the boat, going through the plan and expectations for the week, as well as going over important points in sailing and safety. After dinner, when everything is ready, set off under sail. The aim is for Landegode, the majestic island just outside Bodø. Here, anchor or find a pier for the night.
Day 2: Trip to Landegode and sail to Steigen and Nordskot
Wake up ready to enjoy the first full day on this adventure, and perhaps jump in the sea for a refreshing morning swim! After breakfast, take a trip on land and see if one of the peaks on Landegode is reachable. Once back in the boat, depart and practice boat handling and sailing through the archipelago towards Nordskot. Expedition sailors Børge Ousland and Randi Skaug each have their little island here, and the aim is to land at least one of them for a coffee. Spend the night here, and maybe get the chance for a sauna and night swim in the evening.
Day 3: Kayak on Nordskot and sail to Tranøy lighthouse
Around Nordskot there is a rich archipelago full of small islets and chalk-white beaches. For those who wish, this morning there will be an opportunity for a guided kayak trip. After lunch, raise sail again and move north towards Hamarøy and the Tranøy lighthouse. Tranøy lighthouse is centrally located in the Vestfjorden and has been a beloved landmark for seafarers for generations. This area is rough but beautiful. Eat dinner along the way, and upon arrival in Tranøy, opt for a little midnight trip to the lighthouse.
Day 4: Over the Vestfjorden to Skrova
Now begins the crossing of the famous Vestfjorden. Get ready for a proper sailing day and set course from Tranøy directly towards Lille-Molla and Skrova, far east in Lofoten. Potentially catch a fish or three on the hook today, which you can enjoy for dinner! Upon arrival at the whaling island of Skrova have dinner. Later, there will be an opportunity for a hike to Høgskrova for those who want, or to one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
Day 5: Full sailing day out to “Yttersida”
Now you’ll start to get a feel for sailing. Sail through the Lofoten Wall, and reach the outer side of the peninsula – “Yttersida” as it is called in the local Norwegian dialect. The route goes out of Gimsøystraumen and on the north side of the Lofoten Wall, where you’ll pass well-known beaches such as Kvalvika, Eggum, and Unstad. Sail to Tangstad on the inner side of Unstad, where anchorage is for the evening.
Day 6: Surfing at Unstad and sailing to Nusfjord
Get ready for another activity out in the waves: surfing. With friends at Unstad Arctic Surf, get the opportunity to surf. You can either participate in a course with an instructor or just rent some equipment and do your own thing. For those who would rather stay on land, there are several great hikes around Unstad and enjoy Norway’s best and most expensive cinnamon buns at the café here for lunch. Once back in the boat, raise the anchor and sail down through the Lofoten Wall again. The steep route goes through Nappstraumen; one of the world’s strongest tidal currents. Sail to the small, cosy fishing village of Nusfjord, where we have booked a table at restaurant Karoline for a wonderful fish meal. Hopefully, the Pauline pub will also be open in the evening.
Day 7: Regatta day!
In Nusfjord, there are several options for hiking in the morning. Choose either a shorter hike to the three lakes or a longer hike up to some of the nearby peaks, such as Mosestind. After lunch, set off on the last leg, which is regatta time! Which boat team has learned to sail fastest during the week? The finish line is at the entrance to the harbour in Henningsvær and it is prohibited to start the engine until the boats are inside the harbour basin. Arrive in Henningsvær, perhaps Lofoten’s most spectacular fishing village, with plenty of time to have dinner, tidy up onboard, and end the trip with a happy celebration together at Trevarefabrikken.
Day 8: Trip ending in Henningsvær
Pack, clean, and put the finishing touches on the boat this morning, and leave by latest 10 o’clock. Those who wish can have breakfast at Lysstøperiet, which has Norway’s best buns.
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. 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.
