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> > Norway’s Lofoten Islands Hiking Adventure

Norway’s Lofoten Islands Hiking Adventure

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AT A GLANCE

Norway
14 Explorer Chicks
Hotel, Locally Unique
Bucket List, Hiking, International, New, Water Sports
8 Days
3 - Active
Physical demand level for this trip
Choose Your Dates

Untamed Norse Goddess

Our 2024 Norway Trip is Confirmed. Let’s Go!

You: Overworked professional who eats standing up in the kitchen.

Also you: NORSE GODDESS OF FJORD-CAUGHT TORSK.

Go above your nerve (and the Arctic Circle) as you explore soulful mountains, mysterious fjords, and pristine beaches with zero trace of tourist keychains on our women’s adventure and hiking trip to Lofoten, Norway.

Over the course of 8 days, you’ll hike steep trails to iconic summits, sleep in colorful fishermen cabins (restored Rorbu) and coastal hotels, strengthen your body with local Norse cuisine, kayak deep into the heart of a fjord, and spend hours at sea catching the freshest dinner of your life.

Feel free to refer to yourself as Birgit from here on out.

The Lofoten Islands are slung across the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle. It is a lonely, untamed wilderness that gifts visitors with Northern Lights in winter and midnight sun come summer.

You’ll be glad you stair-climbed to so many episodes of Schitts Creek – the rugged terrain thrusts you high above fjords, beaches, and vibrant villages (with opportunities for scrambling). We’ll summit Reinebringen, Mount Ryten, and Festvågtind followed by a paddling adventure deep into a fjord to explore the mountains from below.

Dine on traditional and locally sourced meals every day (expect lots of fish – the foundation of Lofoton’s civilization) and try your best to pronounce hårføner after few glasses of Akvavit. On your final day, trade hiking pants for fisherman’s coveralls as you reel in a catch and cook it all up in a local home with your sistas.

Photos

Itinerary

Expand All Days

Day 1 - Welcome to Norway

Welcome to northern Norway – the gateway to the Lofoten Islands! Meet as a group in the lobby of our waterfront hotel for evening introductions and to share an invigorating dinner. Your Explorer Chick guide and local Norwegian guide will review the upcoming week and kickstart the SHE-nanigans.

Jet lag doesn’t stand a chance.

Accommodation: Waterfront hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 - Ferry to Lofoten and Hike to Reinebringen

Rise and shine Explorer Chicks – it’s island time! Grab packed breakfasts and lunches before a short walk to catch the ferry. Kick back for the 3-4 hour journey as we cruise across the Vestfjorden.

We’ll arrive in Moskenes ready to start our hiking adventure. Our objective? Reinebringen – one of the most iconic views in Lofoten. Thanks to a government funded project, the hike is a power stair climb with steps expertly constructed by Sherpas from Nepal. After freaking out over the summit view, we’ll kick back at the local cafe enjoying coffee or a beer.

Day 1 in Lofoten closes out with a drive to our first Rorbu – a traditional fishermen cabin that hugs the shores of the fjords beneath the mountains. (We won’t judge you for Instagramming the crap out of it.) Rorbu housed fishermen from all over Norway as far back as 1890. Don’t worry – they’ve been restored to the point of not smelling like cod.

Hiking: 2 miles, 1,476′ elevation gain/loss
Hiking Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Rorbuer (A colorful restored Fisherman Cabin)
Meals: B-L-D

Day 3 - Kayaking the Reinefjorden

Pump up your paddling arms with a hearty breakfast. You’ll explore the secret inner-most curves of a fjord via kayak over the course of 4 hours. Peep mountaintops, birds of prey, and rugged beach shores from sea level while wondering how your life got so freaking good.

Come afternoon, return to the Rorbu for a traditional, locally sourced dinner.

Accommodation: Rorbuer (Same as Day 2)
Meals: B-L-D

Day 4 - Hike to Kvalvika Beach and Mount Ryten

It’s another iconic day in Lofoten . Enjoy a drive to Kvalvika beach for a 45-minute hike before the ascent to Ryten. This summit has everything Lofoten is famous for – ridiculous beaches, towering mountains, turquoise fjords, and a perfectly jutted rock you can hook your legs over for the Gram.

If your muscles are hatin’ on you from yesterday, no worries! You can chill on the beach and enjoy the crashing waves. JUST DON’T FORGET ABOUT US.

Next, we carry on to our new digs for two nights, where we finish out the day in a steamy hot tub. Rest up with a modern hotel experience with incredible waterfront views. Bonus – they alert us if and when the Northern Lights make an appearance.

Hiking – Distance: 5 miles, Elevation Gain/loss: 1,805′
Hiking Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel (and with a little luck catch the Northern Lights)
Meals: B-L-D

Day 5 - Hike Mount Hoven and Kick it on the Beach

Enjoy a slower morning with a relaxed breakfast. Lace up your boots for the second-to-last hiking adventure to the top of Mount Hoven. A direct path up and down gives us plenty of beach time. Grab your swimmie if you’re feeling bold to dip above the Arctic Circle! If you’d rather stay dry, sip on a coffee and soak up the scenery.

Dinner is super-special this evening with a 3-course Norwegian meal.

Hiking – Distance: 2.5 miles RT, Gain: 1,205′, Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Hotel (same as Day 4)
Meals: B-L-D

Day 6 - Hiking and Exploring Henningsvær

Final gains day! Hike to the tippy-top of Festvågtind to enjoy a unique view of the small inhabited islands that make up Henningsvær.

After breakfast, take a 30 minute transfer to Henningsvær and the hiking adventure. Today is flexible – if the terrain is too tough or the weather blows, there is an optional viewpoint half way up the hike that feels close enough to a summit. The total hike, if possible, takes 5-6 hours. The viewpoint takes 2-2.5 hours (including time for photos at the top!). The terrain is rocky and steep, with a small amount of exposure to the summit. But the trail is well worn and easy to follow, given it is one of the most famous hikes in Lofoten.

Take the afternoon to explore Henningsvær, one of Lofoten’s most iconic towns with a population of just 500. Henningsvær is home to Norway’s iconic Klatreskole – the school hardcore Norwegians travel to for instruction on climbing, skiing and mountaineering. Of course, it’s also home to shops and bakeries, primed for a carb crawl.

After filling up on mind-blowing seafood, we’ll drive to our second Rorbu and final accommodation change in Kabelvåg. Evening dips in the ocean are encouraged!

Hiking – Distance: 2.5 miles RT, Gain: 1,775′, Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Rurbuer (Your second enchanting old fishermen cabin)
Meals: B-L-D

Day 7 - Fishing and Dinners with Locals

The reason people settled on these imposing islands in the first place isn’t the spectacular scenery. Nope it’s what lies below the surface of the bountiful water: THE FISH. After many days of hiking and exploring, we spend a few hours out at sea literally trying to catch our dinner. Wait, what? Yep! After our little fishing expedition, we’ll be invited into a local home to dine – sea to table, baby.

Accommodation: Rurbuer (Same as Day 6)
Meals: B-L-D

Day 8 - Farewell Lofoten

All good things must unfortunately come to an end. During our 2.5 hour drive to Harstad/Narvik Airport, we’ll share our unforgettable memories and bad jokes from our untamed, wild paradise.

Plan departures after 10am.

Meals: B
Transportation: 2.5 hours to Harstad/Narvik Airport

Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents.

Logistics

Arrival

  • Airport City: Bodø, Norway (BOO)
  • Pick Up Location: Rendezvous Hotel. 15 minute walk or 3 minute taxi from airport.
  • Meeting Time: 8pm on Day 1

 

Departure

  • Airport City: Harstad-Narvik, Norway (EVE)
  • Drop Off Location: Airport.
  • Return Time: Depart at any time after 10am on Day 8

 

Optional Add-Ons: Optional Add-Ons: Pre and Post tour rooms at our Rendezvous Hotel and limited Single Room Upgrades are available at booking.

You will receive a Travel Guide with all the rendezvous hotel, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip.

We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.

 

Activity Level

Rated 3 – ACTIVE

This is trip is rated as Active because although the distances are short, they are very steep, rocky and often exposed. Expect scrambling and the use of chains. Fear of heights? You will be tested on this trip.

Be sure you are training for both the climbing and the descent. (Yep, these are 2 different muscle groups).

Daily Activities:

Please note short distances but big elevation gains. These are STEEP, rugged, EXPOSED TRAILS!)

  • Day 2: 2 miles. 1,476′ gain. 4 hours.
  • Day 3: Kayaking. 4 hours.
  • Day 4: 5 miles. 1,805′ gain. 5 hours.
  • Day 5: 2.5 miles. 1,205′ gain. 4 hours.
  • Day 6: 2.5 miles 1,775′ gain. 6 hours.

 

Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.

Read more about our Activity Levels.

What's Included

Lodging

  • 1 Night in a 4-Star Hotel in Bodø. Shared 2 per room. En-suite bathrooms in each room, Wi-Fi, hairdryer. Restaurant, bar and gym on-site. Views of the sea throughout the hotel.
  • 2 Nights in a Rorbuer- refurbished and vibrantly painted historic fisherman cabins – in Hamnøy. Shared 2 per room. Shared bathrooms and common living spaces, Wi-Fi, hairdryer.
  • 1 Night in a Lodge overlooking Hov Beach. Shared 2 per room. Shared bathrooms and common living spaces, Wi-Fi, patio, and wood-burning fireplace with views of the Norwegian Sea.
  • 2 Nights in a Rorbuer in Storvågan. Shared 2 per room. Shared bathrooms and common living spaces, Wi-Fi, sea views, restaurant and bar, sauna and hot tub, laundry facilities available.

 

Activities

  • All activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for all excursions and local guides

 

Meals

  • All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-7, L-6, D-7
  • Gratuities for included meals

 

Practical

  • Professional leadership team with a local guide and Explorer Chick Guide
  • Gratuities for local guides
  • One Group Airport transfer at departure on Day 8
  • A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip
  • The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!

 

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Arrival Airport Transportation
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals exclusive of itineraries
  • Costs for additional activities
  • Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide

 

Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.

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Questions About Norway?

In Her Words

Deanna F.Deanna F. ★★★★★ What a fantastic trip! Kirstie and Hannah made everything perfect, from changing our itinerary due to weather, to making delicious lunches, snacks when needed, and taking us to experience some amazing places! I would highly recommend joining these ladies, but only if you want to have an adventure to remember! I already have another trip booked! 🙌🥾Lisa H.Lisa H. ★★★★★ Had the best time ever!! Got to do things I never would have dreamed of and accomplished things that I'm very proud of. Our guide Kirstie was fantastic, as was our Islandic guide/driver. Everything was planned out and taken care of so that all we (the 12 Explorer Chicks on this trip) had to think about was the next fun activity or the next great meal. I would SOOOO do another adventure with Explorer Chicks and recommend to anyone that has the desire to do something possibly out of their comfort zone. This gave me the confidence to tackle more things in the future like this.Lauren R.Lauren R. ★★★★★ I'm not sure there are any words to truly describe what an incredible experience I've just returned from in Iceland I had previously done a few local events with Explorer Chick, but this was my first big trip with them. I would give this 10 stars if I could! I can't believe all of the things that we fit into 1 week. Memories to last a lifetime.. ice climbing on a glacier, incredible waterfalls, driving ATVS on a black sand beach, hot springs, a beautiful and challenging hike. So many things! It was SO incredible to just show up and have everything else planned and taken care of for me. Our guide, Kirstie Mullikin, was top-notch! She went far out of her way to ensure that every single one of us had a wonderful experience. She made sure that I, with the culinary sophistication of a 5-year old, did not go hungry! This trip far exceeded any expectations I had. Looking forward to my next trip with Explorer Chick!Dr Deb S.Dr Deb S. ★★★★★ What a great experience! The trip location (Iceland) was phenomenal and the guide (Kirstie!) was the best guide one could imagine! I will travel again with Explorer Chicks, in a heartbeat an hopefully get Kirstie as guide again!! The group of ladies on this trip were diverse in their backgrounds, experience, and age but they were all out there enjoying the experience! Highly, HIGHLY recommend!!Amanda C.Amanda C. ★★★★★ Great experience!Casey W.Casey W. ★★★★★ Savannah was a fantastic guide, and the rest of the women on our trip were great too! I was most concerned about the group dynamic as a more introverted hiker, but the atmosphere was perfect! Hoping for trips to Washington national parks in the future.Monika M.Monika M. ★★★★★ I explored Arches and Canyonlands National parks solo with 6 other women and two fabulous guides, Katie and Kayla with EC. I felt immediately comfortable with our group and found it very rewarding and retreat like. We hiked, we kareoked, we laughed, and did the challenging things, it was so worth it. This company makes great lady adventures and you don’t have to lift a finger just your feet. You will not regret this trip. Loved it.PJ A.PJ A. ★★★★★ Challenging adventures full of laughter. Great leadership, thank you Lauren, and opportunities for new friendships. Meals and accommodations were perfect.Lisa J.Lisa J. ★★★★★ Went on the Alaskan adventure with Nicole B and Kayla L as our spectacular guides!! Everything was jam packed-n-top notch adventure fun. Starting off with an exhilarating hike to a few glacial lakes, to ice climbing and sea kayaking. All the event guides we encountered were superb as well. We hiked some more, saw the copper mines and many different cities, a little history, a little dart throwing and dinner. Went to the fish hatchery, saw some sea lions and learned how the salmon is bred to be the best in Alaska. The guide prepared food was excellent every detail was well thought and appreciated and I felt safe the entire trip. Would definitely go on another EC adventure again! LisaSara C.Sara C. ★★★★★ El fin del Mundo - the W Trek defies words.I joined the Patagonia W Trek in December 2023. It was the first vacation I had ever booked more than a year in advance, but as soon as Explorer Chick announced the destination and showed the pictures at a launch party in 2022, I knew I had to go.This was my first international trip with Explorer Chick, as well as my first longer trip. I was highly impressed both by the Explorer Chick guide, Christina, as well as the local guide they contracted with. My understanding is that wherever possible when hiring a local guide, they hire a woman, which I appreciate. Both were incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, organized, and supportive. We had briefings each afternoon or evening on what the next day had in store, and I learned so much about the geology and the flora and fauna.The Refugios they reserve for eating and sleeping, whether you're sleeping in a dorm room or a tent, are nice, and I was pleasantly surprised by the food.I trained for this trip and was glad I did. While you don't ever have to deal with altitude, there are some pretty intense elevation gains and the wind can add an extra element of strenuousness. This trip has the potential to test your limits, but the reward is amazing. I will never forget it.AshleyAshley ★★★★★ I went on a trip of a lifetime with Explorer Chick to Jordan. Our guide Anna did an outstanding job supporting the group on some big adventures. She always had extra water, snacks, words of encouragement, plus she takes some amazing glamour shots! What I loved most was knowing that every detail was taken care of and I could simple be in the present moment. Taking in the sights (absolutely stunning!!!), trying new foods, connecting with awesome women, and having time and space to connect with myself outside of my normal home life was such a gift!Carrie W.Carrie W. ★★★★★ I just got back from an Explorer Chick trip to Belize and had an amazing time. My guide Kirstie was absolutely phenomenal. Kirstie made sure that everyone's needs were met from something as simple as always, making sure I had ice in my water bottle (which was a huge thing for me) to making sure we had an iguana sighting. I can't say enough wonderful things about Explorer Chick. If you haven't taken a trip with them yet, what are you waiting for?Meagan S.Meagan S. ★★★★★ I went on my first Explorer Chick's trip (Belize Jungle & Island Glamping) Dec. 2nd - 10th, 2023 & it was AWESOME. We had the best guide, Kirstie. She was extremely down to earth & very personable. You can tell she is genuinely cares about Explorer Chicks & you can just tell how much love & passion she has for traveling & adventure. This trip was filled with so many activities & I'm blessed that I got to check so many things off of my bucket list. We hiked up to the top & rappel down a waterfall in the jungle (this was a a time I had to push through & challenge myself. It was worth it). We also ziplined through the jungle as well & it was so much fun. Probably one of my favorite things we did. We also explored the ATM cave, which was really interesting & a unique experience all on it's own. We spent the remainder of the week at the Southwest Caye in the Glover Reef. The island was beautiful & the staff at the basecamp were amazing. Kirstie, Wilson & the other guides were such a great team. Just like Kirstie, you can tell that the staff really genuinely cared about each one of us & went out of their way to get to know us & went above & beyond to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. I will forever be grateful for the other ladies that I was so fortunate to experience these adventures with. I'm also beyond grateful for Kirstie to being such a wonderful guide & so thankful for her encouragement & inspiration. I haven't even been home for a week since taking the trip & I'm already looking into booking my next adventure! XOXOAlleah T.Alleah T. ★★★★★ I just returned from hiking the W-Trek in Patagonia with Explorer Chick. Our guides Christina and Cata were absolutely amazing throughout our hike. The views of the snow capped mountains, lush greenery, flowing rivers, and ice blue glaciers left me speechless. This was hands down the best hiking I have ever experienced. Explorer Chick and their guides make sure that everything is taken care of. We hiked over 40 miles during the week and experienced the beautiful Torres Del Paine National park. Two of the nights we stayed in the shared dormitory style Refugio’s and two nights we had our own tent with views of the mountains right outside our tent door. This is a trip you don’t want to miss!Christie O.Christie O. ★★★★★ Back for another review! Belize with Kirstie was hands down the best trip I’ve ever taken. The entire experience set the bar crazy high for any future travel. And after taking two trips with Kirstie, I will never travel with a different guide. Explorer chicks hit the lottery when they found her.Backpacked the Grand Canyon with guide Kirstie and I can’t say enough good things. If you’re on the fence, just do it.js_loader

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