Remote Luxury in Norway's Lofoten Islands - 7 Days

Highlights

• Go on whale watching tours and aquatic safaris in RIB boats
• Hike around the mountains and fjords of northern Norway
• Relax in outdoor hot tubs and stay at luxury resorts in the Lofoten Islands
• Experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Svolvær, Arctic Safari to Trollfjord

Welcome to the Lofoten Islands! This archipelago of 80 islands in Norway is one of the most spectacular coastal destinations in all of Scandinavia. The Lofotens are known for their dramatic peaks, pristine beaches, and shimmering fjords. Speckled throughout the isles are colorful fishing villages like Svolvær, your arrival destination. Capital of the Vågan municipality, it's nestled amid fjords and mountains on Austvågøya, the largest of the Islands. It features a bustling waterfront lined with historic wooden buildings and boats, which reflect its centuries-old fishing industry. 

Upon arrival, you'll transfer to Svinøya Rorbuer. Located on an islet off the coast of Svolvær, this charming seaside hotel is famous for its red bungalows overlooking the sea. These are traditional fishermen's cabins that have been converted into cozy and comfortable lodgings in keeping with the maritime heritage of the region. Svinøya's waterfront location offers guests easy access to scenic hiking trails, fishing excursions, and boat tours of the nearby fjords. The hotel also offers a range of on-site facilities, including a restaurant serving fresh seafood and a sauna for relaxation.

After checking in, you'll embark on one such exciting boat tour that reveals the majesty of the Lofoten Islands. Transfer to the port in Svolvær, where you'll board a RIB speedboat and zip around the Lofoten archipelago's waterways. This two-hour tour will take you to Trollfjorden (The Trolls Fjord), one of the narrowest and steepest fjords in Norway, which is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks. Keep an eye out for sea eagles—the area is renowned for its populations of the largest species of eagle in Europe, with wingspans that can reach 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.5 m). 

Day 2: Full-Day Lofoten Islands Tour

You've got the entire day to explore the Arctic paradise known as the Lofoten Islands. This full-day private tour begins early with a pickup from your hotel. Your driver will take you around the five main islands to traditional fishing villages dotted with the typical rorbu (red-painted wooden houses). Along the way, you'll pass between narrow fjords and mighty peaks, sandy beaches, and sparkling lakes. There will be various stops to snap photos of the dazzling Arctic scenery.

Around lunchtime, you'll sample the famous skrei (stockfish), the famous dried cod that's been a staple of Lofoten's fishing industry since the 14th century. Then, sit down for a full Arctic meal of delicious fish soup and Norwegian fish burgers. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to Svolvær and your hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Andenes, Hike the Queens Route

It's road trip time! Pick up your rental car after breakfast, then depart Svolvær on a drive to the northern tip of the Lofoten region. Your destination is Andenes, a village on the island of Andøya. Andenes is a paradise for nature lovers, as it features diverse landscapes ranging from windswept beaches to craggy mountains and dramatic fjords.

On the way, you'll stop in the fishing village of Stø. There, lace up your hiking boots for a trek along the famous Queen's Route. This moderate, 9-mile (15 km) hike takes you along the rugged coast and over a mountain between Stø and the fishing village of Nyksund, in the far north of Langøya, Norway's third largest island. After the hike, you'll break for lunch, then continue a couple of hours north to Andenes.

Upon arrival, you'll make your way to Bleik Sea Cabins. Located just south of town, this beachfront property is the perfect spot for a cozy retreat. Each of its six cabins is well-equipped with WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and satellite channels. That's to say nothing of the private balcony overlooking the soft white sands of Bleik Beach on this remote stretch of idyllic coast.

Day 4: Andenes Whale Watching Tour

Get ready for an incredible whale watching experience that begins in the morning with a guided tour of the Andenes Whale Museum. There, you'll learn about marine mammal biology, the different whale species, the ocean's food chain, and view massive whale skeletons.

Next, head to the harbor and board your boat to kick off the whale watching adventure. As you sail out to sea, enjoy the views of snowcapped mountain peaks and rugged islands from inside the warm cabin or outside on the viewing decks. This is a year-round activity, as the waters off the coast of Andenes are a prime feeding ground for these marine giants, which include humpbacks, orcas, and (from Oct-Apr) sperm whales. After three hours of seeking out these creatures, you'll return to the harbor and have the rest of the day free.

Day 5: Drive to Senja, Kayaking & Hot Tub

Leave after breakfast on an epic driving/ferry route that will take you out of the Lofoten Islands north to Senja. This island is located in Troms County, a region famous for its scenic beauty. Here, you'll find everything from mountains and fjords to Arctic beaches and charming fishing villages. After about seven hours of driving and ferry trips, you'll arrive in Senja.

You'll be staying at Hamn I Senja, a holiday resort set in a historic fishing station that has been reimagined as a chic and modern 4-star hotel. Accommodations range from cozy cabins to modern seaside apartments, each blending seamlessly with the surrounding coastal environment. The hotel's waterfront location also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and observing the northern lights during the winter months. Additionally, Hamn i Senja features a restaurant serving delicious Norwegian cuisine utilizing locally sourced ingredients and a wellness center with a sauna and hot tub.

Speaking of which, if you arrive early enough, feel free to hop in a kayak and paddle around the glassy fjords on a privately guided adventure. In the evening, you can relax with a nice long soak in an outdoor hot tub filled with luxurious 100°F (38°C) water amid views of the midnight sun. Continue unwinding with a session in the spa's sauna, or, for a vigorous shock to the system, take a dip in the ocean.

Day 6: Drive to Sommarøy, Island Hike

It's another early start as you leave Senja on a two-hour combined drive and ferry trip around the fjords and mountains of Troms County to Sommarøy. Christened "Summer Island" by locals, this historic fishing village sits on a verdant headland fringed with secluded beaches along an unspoiled coast.

Once here, you'll take a boat 9 miles (15 km) north of Sommarøy to the island of Håja. There, join your private guide and set off from a trailhead on a hike to the top of Håja, 1,595 feet (486 m) above sea level. There, you'll have a birds-eye view of this coastal wonderland and can snap panoramic photos. On the way back, see if you can spot some local wildlife, like the white-tailed eagle and porpoise.

Back in town, you'll continue to the Sommarøy Arctic. This 4-star hotel sits on the waterfront and exudes a modern touch yet maintains an authentic Arctic character deeply rooted in the region's history. The Sommarøy Arctic offers various rooms, from standard options to spacious apartments with multiple bedrooms and sea views. There's a sauna and sea bath on-site, plus a waterside bathhouse where you can enjoy a hot tub and sauna with a view. For dining, try the hotel's Wine Lounge—perfect for savoring tapas and fine wines in an intimate atmosphere.

Day 7: Drive to Tromsø, Outdoor Activities, Depart

Say your goodbyes to "Summer Island" this morning and set off on the hour's drive east to Tromsø. This city in the Arctic Circle is the largest in northern Norway, and it doesn't lack thrilling outdoor adventures. For your last day in the country, you can choose one of the many outdoor activities on offer here. These include hiking nearby Mount Fløya, kayaking along the coast, or meeting up with an expert local guide for a private three-hour walking tour of Tromsø's historic center. Afterward, you'll drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and catch your flight home. Ha det!

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