Kayaking Tour of the Lofoten Islands, Lofoten Islands

Within the Arctic Circle lies the Lofoten Islands. This 110-km (70-mile) archipelago of five principle volcanic islands is a hotbed of rugged and unspoiled natural wonders. Here you'll find towering mountain peaks adjacent to sprawling fjords, hidden coves, and windswept beaches. The remote villages on these islands are the hub of a thriving fishing industry; also, the Lofotens are a prime viewpoint for the Aurora borealis due to their elevated climate conditions.

As for exploration, there's no better way to meander from island to island than on a kayak excursion. The trip leaves from the village of Reine, and once you're on the water you'll be treated to landscapes and seascapes you would never have thought could exist so far north. Some waters around the Lofotens are of a rich Caribbean blue and front white-sand beaches, just like you'd find in the tropics. Make sure to keep an eye out above for exotic birds, like sea eagles and cormorants, and also look below for abundant marine life like European otters and orcas.