Car-free Snowy Archipelagos

Day 1: Arrival and road to the Vesterålen Islands

After landing at the Harstad Narvik Airport in Evenes, you’ll embark on a 2h bus journey to Sortland, the largest town in the Vesterålen Islands. Lesser known than Lofoten, Vesterålen remains at least as stunning and as enchanting, shaped by dramatic landscapes with a lively traditional culture and community.

Accommodation in Sortland 3*.

Day 2: Discover the landscape and marine fauna

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark in a RIB boat for an unforgettable tour on the Djupfjord and Sigerfjord. Your guide will take on a journey through the area’s history, where the communities’ lives have always revolved around the local climate and arctic fauna. You may have the chance to closely observe the magnificent Sea Eagles, Norway’s largest birds of prey.

During the afternoon, you will have more time to explore Sortland, nicknamed “the blue city”.

Accommodation in Sortland 3*.

Day 3: Scenic routes and old fishing villages

Breakfast at the hotel. After a filling breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to explore the Vesterålen islands! With a small group and an expert local guide, you will head to the old fishing village of Nyksund in Øksnes. The destination is exciting, but so is the journey: you will drive through scenic landscapes between mountains and sea, with all the stops necessary for you to take pictures on the way. It may be possible to see local wildlife as well, and with the help of a local guide, you will learn more about the nature and the local life on the archipelago.

Accommodation in Sortland 3*.

Day 4: A scenic cruise to Lofoten

Breakfast at the hotel. Your stay in the Vesterålen archipelago is reaching is end. It is time to embark on the famous Norwegian coastal express, the Hurtigruten, for a 6-hours cruise. Sailing on blue ciy waters, you will be surrounded by the snowy peaks and white beaches of the arctic islands, a unique landscape. Arriving in Svolvær, the iconic “capital” of the Lofoten, you will check in to your accommodation, a traditional fisherman’s cabin (but fully equipped to modern standards!) known as a rorbu. 

Accommodation in traditional rorbu in Svolvær.

Day 5: Snowshoe adventure

Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to go on an adventure! Equipped with snowshoes, your local guide will take you through Lofoten’s fascinating nature and teach you about the fauna. Svolvær is very close to nature: this hike remains easy and accessible to most, while still taking you to wild and scenic landscapes. Please note this tour does not run on Sundays.

Accommodation in traditional rorbu in Svolvær.

Day 6: Northern lights chase in Lofoten

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day in Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten archipelago, the centre of local life and its fishing history. We recommend exploring the town and the surrounding nature on foot, or even treating yourself to a sauna (not included)!

As the day goes on, it will then be time to go hunting the Northern lights! Svolvær’s location just below the “aural oval” makes it an ideal location to witness this natural phenomenon. Depending on the weather, your guide will take you out of Svolvær to try and find a good location to spot the auroras. Please not this tour does not run on Fridays and Saturdays.

Accommodation in traditional rorbu in Svolvær.

Day 7: The national scenic route Lofoten

Breakfast at the hotel. It is time to head back to the airport to depart the arctic archipelagos. Fortunately, the drive is part of the National Scenic Route Lofoten, and thus a major part of your trip! Relax in the Lofoten Express Bus and take all the pictures you want as you pass majestic fjords, snowy peaks and iconic fishing villages. Leaving the Lofoten, you will enter the Troms region and disembark in Narvik, where you will spend your last night in the arctic.

Accommodation in Narvik 3*.

Day 8: Departure

Departure from your hotel to the Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes with the airport shuttle, according to your flight itinerary.