*While some aspects of the schedule are fixed (e.g. flights and check-in times), we will have a high degree of flexibility on the rest of the schedule based on group consensus, weather, etc. Of course all activities in Lofoten are optional, and you are welcome to explore on your own, read a book by the fire, or whatever you feel like doing. I recommend you spend some time familiarizing yourself with some of the hikes and optional activities (e.g. sea safaris, kayaking, etc.) so that you have an idea of what interests you most. But also, if you would rather just decide as we go along, that’s perfectly fine too! I will provide recommendations for each day as the trip approaches.

16 Jun

Arrive in Oslo, Norway. I can provide recommendations on getting there from wherever you need. Also, feel free to arrive earlier than this day to explore the city and area. I recommend you plan to arrive to the hotel no later than 1700 on 16 Jun to allow time to settle in and be ready for dinner later. If you arrive before check-in time, you can store your luggage at the hotel and take a stroll around the city center. Important: Please be sure to let me know your flight details for arrival into Oslo so that I can meet you in the city on arrival to the hotel. If you arrive early and want to say hello, I will be arriving the afternoon of 14 June. Lodging is Hotel Bondeheimen, Oslo City Center.

1500: Check in to hotel

1900: Group welcome dinner (location TBD). Although the dinner is optional (and not included), it is a great way to meet your fellow travelers before we begin our adventure the next morning.

Some recommended activities in Oslo are:

Museums: The Fram Museum, which displays the world's strongest wooden vessel, the polar ship called Fram, and the Kon-Tiki Museum, which tells the story of Thor Heyerdahl's life's work . Also the Munch Museum. Experience the world's largest collection of Edvard Munch paintings in 13 floors!

Landmarks: Akershus Fortress, the Royal Palace, the City Hall, and the Parliament

Other attractions: Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Nobel Peace Center, the Natural History Museum, the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, and Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower

Neighborhoods: Grunerløkka, Oslo's trendiest neighborhood

Other places to visit: The Oslofjord, Aker Brygge, and Freia Chocolate, Frognerparken: A park with lawns, ponds, a stream, and shady trees, and much more!

17 Jun

This morning we’ll make our way early back to Oslo airport where we will board our non-stop flight for the Lofoten Islands! We’ll land in Harstad/Narvik Airport (just outside the islands), pick up our rental vehicles and drive to our first destination, Henningsvær (~2.75 hour drive) where we will check into our spectacular waterfront accommodations.

0545: Breakfast at hotel (provided). If for some reason the hotel is unable to accomodate us for breakfast before we leave (they have said they can), we’ll have time at the airport for a quick bite. In that case, you’ll also receive a $20 credit (in local currency ~225 kr) per person towards any breakfast purchase.

0615: Check out and depart hotel for airport. We’ll take the Flytoget airport express train which is about a five minute walk from the hotel and a 30 min ride to the airport. Cost of transportation is included, and I will provide everyone tickets. It is important to be checked out and ready to depart by this time.

0633: Train departs for Oslo airport from National Theater Station.

0702: Train arrives Oslo airport

0855: Flight departs Oslo for Harstad/Narvik Airport. Cost of transportation is included, and I will provide everyone tickets.

1035: Land in Harstad/Narvik Airport

1100-1130: Depart Harstad/Narvik Airport for Henningsvær. We will have one large 8-passenger van and a smaller 5-passenger SUV. We’ll split the group and luggage between these two vehicles and begin our scenic journey to our first overnight stop on the islands. Drive time will likely be just under 3 hours (not including stops). We’ll stop for lunch along the way probably around 1230-1300 at Gullesfjord Kafé og Restaurant.

1500: Arrive to Henningsvær and check into our accomodations for the next three nights. Lodging is “Lofoten Playground” Airbnb. We can grab some provisions (e.g. breakfasts, lunches, and snacks) at the local grocery store, Joker.

After getting settled, you can relax, tour the village, take out one of the kayaks, relax in the sauna, or immerse yourself on our first hike of the trip!

Henningsvær is a charming and vibrant fishing village nestled amidst a dramatic island archipelago. Imagine a cluster of colorful houses perched on rugged, rocky islets, connected by red bridges. The surrounding scenery is awe-inspiring, with the peaks of the Lofoten mountains framing the crystal-clear Arctic waters.

1600: Depending on weather, this will be a great time to stretch our legs and get in our first hike on Lofoten! Our host for this stay highly recommends Festvågtind. The trailhead is about a 10 minute drive from our lodging, and the approximately 2-3 hour hike offers stunning views over Henningsvær and nearby mountains and a beautiful lake on the way (cold but swimmable!).

1900: Dinner. You are welcome to make something at home, dine on your own, or we can dine together as a group. Please let me know your preference well in advance so that I can make reservations for our large group for everyone interested in dining together. Some possible dining options are:

Klatrekafeen, one of the first restaurants, rustique and authentique and good food like burgers & bacalao, Trevarefabrikken, young and trendy, lots of activities going on all the time, Tobiasbrygga for fantastic fish & chips, and the newly opened Feskarheimen that is a bit more fancy but with lovely food. Bon appetit!

18-19 Jun

These days we have options to explore the following hikes and activities (click on names for descriptions):

Tjeldbergtind, Djevelporten, Festvågtind, and many more hikes

Drive out to Gimsøya and go up on Hoven and finish with cake and coffee or even lunch at Låven on Hov - or maybe even a chilly swim on beautiful Hov beach.

Guided Sea Kayaking and Midnight Sun Kayaking

Sea Safari

Brewery Tour

Explore the stunning seaside towns of Henningsvær and Svolvær including checking out the local art gallery Kaviar factory

Take out one of the kayaks, relax in the sauna, or simply read a book by the fire.

20 Jun

1000: Check out from lodging. After breakfast, we will pack up and drive to our next breathtaking waterfront destination, Reine! (~1.75 hours) Reine is another postcard-perfect fishing village nestled amidst dramatic scenery with colorful charm. Vivid red and white rorbu, traditional fishermen's cabins, line the harbor. These colorful buildings contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters of the Reinefjord. And best of all, we are staying in one!!

1200: Arrive in Reine. Lodging is “Amaliebue Rorbu” Airbnb. Since check-in time isn’t until 4, we’ll have time to explore, maybe sneak in a hike?, grab some lunch, hang out at a local cofee shop, and get some provisions at Coop Prix Reine.

~1900: Dinner. You are welcome to make something at home, dine on your own, or we can dine together as a group. Please let me know your preference so that I can make reservations for our large group for everyone interested in dining together. Some possible dining options are:

Tapperiet Bistro for local fare in a cosy atmosphere, Gadus for Italian Norwegian fusion, “Mexican by the Sea” at Underhuset and others like Maren Anna, Havet Restaurant and Bar, or A Rorbuer

21-22 Jun

These days we have options to explore the following hikes and activities:

Reinebringen, Munkebu Hut/Munken, Kvalvika Beach, Mulstøa, Ytresandheia, and many more hikes

Explore the towns of Reine, Nusfjord, Hamnøy, and Å

Sea Kayaking

Sea Safari

Boat Ride and Cave Explore

Midnight Beach Trip

Take the ferry through the fjords and hike to Horseid Beach or Bunes Beach

Visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum and the famous bakery with “the world’s best cinnamon snours”!

23 Jun

1100: After breakfast, we will pack up and drive to our next breathtaking waterfront destination, Ballstad! (~1 hour). Ballstad is one of the largest fishing villages in Lofoten, and pulsates with the rhythm of the fishing industry. You'll likely see colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor and historic fishermen's cabins lining the waterfront. Once again, we will be calling two of these amazing historic cabins our home for the next two nights!

1200: Arrive in Ballstad. Lodging is Hattvika Lodge. Since check-in time isn’t until 3, we’ll have time to explore, maybe sneak in a hike?, grab some lunch, hang out at a local cofee shop, and get some provisions at Joker Ballstad.

~1900: Dinner. You are welcome to make something at home, dine on your own, or we can dine together as a group. Please let me know your preference so that I can make reservations for our large group for everyone interested in dining together. Some possible dining options are:

Hattvika Lodge for food focused on local ingredients with extensive use of tasting menus in a modern Bistro style dining service, Heim for cosy atmosphere and local food, Solsiden Lofoten for Italian inspired dishes and local seafood options as well Kræmmervika Havn and Lofoten Food Studio.

24 Jun

Today we have options to explore the following hikes and activities:

Offersøykammen, Uttakleiv, Mannen, and many more hikes

Explore Hauklandstranda beach and the town of Ballstad

Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum

Sea kayaking

25 Jun

10:00: After we have breakfast, we will check out of our lodging and start our drive back to Harstad/Narvik Airport. (~3.75 hours) Here we will take our afternoon, direct flight back to Oslo. If consensus is to stop for lunch along the way, we can leave a little earlier. Otherwise you’re welcome to bring some items for the road and/or grab a bite at the airport once we arrive.

14:00: Arrive at Harstad/Narvik Airport for check in

16:30: Depart Harstad/Narvik Airport for Oslo

18:10: Arrive at Oslo airport

19:10: Depart Oslo airport for Oslo City Center

19:40: Arrive Oslo City Center and check into hotel. Lodging is again Hotel Bondeheimen, Oslo City Center.

20:30: We’ll have a celebratory dinner (location TBD) and start to say our goodbyes.

Congratulations! You’ve just experienced one of the most amazing and scenic places on the planet!!

26 Jun

Depart Oslo towards your home or next destination (or feel free to stay in Oslo and enjoy the city).

*We may make slight modifications to the itinerary to enhance the experience