kayaking
10-day adventure

Kayaking & Hiking in the Lofoten Islands

Norway
  • Kayaking
  • Trekking & Hiking
  • Multi-activity
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Code: NRKL

10 days
Moderate

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our UK team

Our local team

Based in the village of Fredvang on the Lofoten Archipelago, our office in Norway was established in 2014. We offer trekking and sea kayaking adventures around the Lofoten Islands as well as trekking trips in the south of Norway. Our team work closely with the locals to maintain walking trails and clean up the beaches of Lofotodden National Park. We keep a fleet of vehicles on the islands as well as kayaks, camping equipment, snow shoes and...
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Kandoo's view

A ten-day trip combining kayaking and hiking in the breathtakingly beautiful Lofoten Islands archipelago.
The Lofoten Islands are without doubt one of the world's most amazing kayaking destinations. This trip combines hiking and kayaking to offer completely unique perspective of this wild and mountainous archipelago, as well as providing a great way to get around when the mountains often plunge straight into the sea. We have carefully designed a beautiful journey to a succession of small fjords. The sharp peaks surround us as we paddle Selfjord, Skjelfjorden and Flakstadpollen, including the towering peak of Hermannsdalstinden (1029m), the highest point on the westernmost island of Moskenesøya. Immerse yourself in the rich world of this diverse archipelago and forget the stresses of modern day life.

Trip highlights

  • Kayak among the spectacular Norwegian fjords
  • Stay in a traditional Rorbu and catch fish from your kayak
  • Learn about the rich diversity of fauna and flora of the Lofoten Islands

Experiences

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    Kayaking in Musandam fjords
    Discover a different perspective as you journey and explore beautiful landscapes by kayak
  • Trekking & Hiking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes
  • Multi-activity
    Canyoning in Munduk district, Bali
    Kandoo Adventures' trips with different activities to enjoy each day

Gallery

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BODØ

    Arrive at Bodø airport and transfer you to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time there may be some free time to explore Bodø, the northernmost point of the Kystriksveien Coastal Route.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Day 2

    DAY 2: FERRY TRANSFER TO LOFOTEN ISLANDS/ SELFJORD

    We will catch an early morning ferry to the Lofoten Archipelago. In the sheltered fjord of Selfjord we will take to the water in our kayaks. This is a great opportunity to familiarise ourselves with our boats and to practice handling them.
    We will paddle between the rocky islets and sandy beaches of this superb fjord and set up our first camp in the Yttersand area, facing the midnight sun - we will camp here for two nights.

    • Transport: Ferry
    • Activity time: 2 hours
    • Accomodation: Wild Camp
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    DAY 3: HIKE TO THE TOP OF RYTEN

    In the morning we will start walking through the moorland towards the ridges which overlook Selfjord. It is a spectacular hike to the top of Ryten with views of the white sands of Kvalvika and the dramatic peaks of Moskenesøya Island.
    In the afternoon we will head back to our camp and can go kayak fishing in the ocean currents that stir at the entrance to Selfjord. Hopefully we will catch plenty of fish to add to our evening meal!

    • Hiking time: 5 hours
    • Accomodation: Wild Camp
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Please note

For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to

refunds or compensation.


The Norwegian Sea at this latitude (68 ° -70 ° North) can be agitated in any season. For this reason and for the safety of everyone, we reserve the right to move or cancel any nautical activities, without notice, depending on the state of the sea. Please note that June departures enable the observation of the midnight sun and departures after mid-August offer a good chance of observing the aurora borealis.

Trip information

Difficulty

Daily walking time: 5 to 6 hours moderate pace

Daily elevation: 500 to 800 m

Preparation: You practice an endurance sporting activity at least once a week.

Experience: You enjoy regular hiking and you are in good physical condition.


This adventures is of moderate difficulty. This means you will need to be in good physical condition with experience of walking for at least 6 hours a day for several days in a row. On some days we will have up to 800m of ascent on rocky and possibly slippery ground. We will be wild camping, to be in the heart of nature.


The selected kayaking areas are deliberately very sheltered from the wind and swell at the beginning of the circuit to facilitate learning. Previous kayaking experience or an introduction to kayaking control and stability is also recommended but is not essential. In the more exposed areas, we leave our boats and explore the bays and fjords on foot.


At this latitude where the weather can be changeable, good equipment is advisable - sturdy hiking boots, a quality waterproof etc. The selected hikes in the Lofoten Islands are isolated and feature exceptional view points. Although these hikes are short, they can feature significant elevation gain and you should be comfortable in mountainous environments, uneven paths and steep passages.


If you have any questions about your suitability or how to prepare for this trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Food & drink

Food

We are proud of the fresh and frankly delicious food we provide despite latitudes of 68° North. Each day begins with a hearty breakfast with plenty of tea and coffee. Each morning, you and your guide will prepare a picnic lunch for the day featuring local foods: sandwiches, salads, fruits, cakes and dried fruits. Evening meals are prepared together with your guide based on available local products. During the expedition, our access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a little limited but you will be able to eat freshly caught fish. During this trip you will have the opportunity to sample fish you caught from your kayak and local specialities prepared by your guide.


Drinks

Do not forget that alcohol and cigarettes are heavily taxed and expensive in Scandinavia. If you wish

to enjoy an aperitif with your group in the evening we recommend purchasing duty-free products at

the airport.

Accommodation

Camping

We provide a good quality 3 man tent per 2 people to allow for maximum space and comfort. We also provide a large mess tent for mealtimes and as a communal area.


During the camping expedition you are expected to be a valued member of the expedition team and help set up / strike camps, load kayaks etc.


Other Accommodation

Rorbu offer an unusual and authentic trip highlight. They are comfortable, traditional cabins used by fishermen from January to April. One house suits 2 to 6 people and includes kitchen and bathroom facilities. When showers require a fee, we will provide you with one token per person per day. Please bring a sleeping bag (comfort level 0°C is ideal).


In Bodo we will stay in comfortable hotel accommodation in twin or double ensuite rooms. 

Luggage

During the expedition, your luggage will be repacked into 20l waterproof bags which we provide. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry. You can store your extra belongings in a safe place in our base camp.


Please bring a small rucksack 20-30L to use as a day bag. A soft backed rucksack will allow you to fold it into a small space in your kayak. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag.

How do I get there?

You will need to arrive at Bodø Airport (BOO) on day 1 of your itinerary where a member of our team will be waiting to greet you.

From the UK, SAS have convenient flights from Heathrow and Manchester via Oslo, the journey time is roughly 6 hours. Norwegian Airlines also offer flights from London Gatwick and Edinburgh via Oslo.

For those travelling from the US, SAS offer flights from New York via Oslo. You can also fly with SAS from San Francisco connecting through Copenhagen or New York and then Oslo. Travellers from the west coast also have flight options with Iceland Air and Lufthansa.

Tips

Tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual. If you are satisfied with your guide’s services, we recommend a tip between 350-450 NOK per person (equivalent to £30-40 per person)

Formalities & health

Passport

Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least six months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required. You can check your requirements on the website provided by the Norwegian government

Visa

Travelling to Norway is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses.

We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

Equipment & clothing

Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures

  • Sleeping tent per 2 people
  • Sleeping mat
  • Equipped mess tent including tables, chairs, cooking facilities
  • Waterproof bags
  • Tandem sea kayak with directional rudder (per 2 people)
  • Gore-tex dry suit and boots
  • Kayaking jacket
  • Life jacket with two pockets
  • Fishing equipment

Clothing to bring

Our advice for keeping warm

Winter in Norway can be very cold, so please think carefully about what clothes you bring. Although we will provide warm outer layers for kayaking, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference.


We recommend:

No cotton (see below)

Bring dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves

Wear multiple layers including:

1. A warm breathable base layer

2. A second thermal layer

3. Wind and waterproof protective outer layers

(we provide an additional quality jacket and over

trousers.)


Checklist
  • Sleeping bag (comfort 0°C for camping)
  • Sleeping bag liner - recommended for nights in Rorbus
  • Your walking boots (high-rise, strudy soles)
  • Waterproof windproof jacket (with a hood) breathable, sealed seams
  • Warm gloves and a hat
  • Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
  • Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
  • Warm thick socks
  • Sunhat and sun cream
  • Sunglasses (UV 400)
  • Towel and toiletries
  • Any personal medication
  • A water bottle/flask
  • Head torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer)
  • Your swimming stuff
  • A small rucksack as a day-bag 20-30L

Equipment to bring

  • Your camera (with suitable protective case)
  • Binoculars
  • A comfortable pair of shoes for the evenings
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Extra layers
  • Walking poles
  • Tupperware and cutlery for picnics
  • Wet wipes
  • Blister plasters
  • Tissues, toilet paper & a lighter
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing

Dates & prices

From To Price Availability Book Enquire
02/07/2023 11/07/2023 $3,185 £2,449
Guaranteed
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06/08/2023 15/08/2023 $3,185 £2,449
Sold out
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20/08/2023 29/08/2023 $3,185 £2,449
Available
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07/07/2024 16/07/2024 $3,375 £2,599
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28/07/2024 06/08/2024 $3,375 £2,599
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04/08/2024 13/08/2024 $3,375 £2,599
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25/08/2024 03/09/2024 $3,375 £2,599
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Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

Contact us

Price includes

  • Airport transfers on arrival day
  • Accommodation: camping, rorbu and hotel
  • Full-board except dinner on days 1 and 9
  • Luggage transfers
  • Kayaking equipment including drysuit
  • Camping gear (excluding sleeping bag)
  • Services of an expert guide
  • Local transport

Price does not include

  • Flights
  • Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
  • Meals in Bodø (allow 290-390 NOK per meal)
  • Entrance fees for sites and museums (allow 50 NOK)
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa fees (if applicable)