Walking tour of Norway – 05N/06Days

Arrival in Svolvaer

You begin with a boat journey from Bodo to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands (you may choose to add a night in Bodo, depending on flight arrival times – price may vary). This boat journey is a highlight in itself, with breathtaking views of the Lofoten ‘wall’, looming ever-larger as you approach. Svolvaer is the small capital of the Lofoten Islands and the ideal introduction to the region – the cod fishing on which Lofoten’s economy was founded, the pivotal role the islands played in WWII, and the unique light and landscapes which have produced many artists of note.

Night 1: at Svinoya Rorbuer (spend your first of three nights here).

As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.

Choice of walks from Svolvaer: 8.5km to 13.5km approx

Your hire car will be delivered in the morning, so should the weather be inclement you can use it to explore, otherwise, we suggest two walks:

Tjeldbergtind (grade 3): 13.5km, 5hrs; ascent/descent 470m; low-level option (grade 2): 8.5km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 130m approx
A short bus ride to nearby Vagan church, known as the ‘Lofoten Cathedral’, brings you to the start of this fairly challenging walk, crossing moorland and lakeside before the option to climb the twin-peaked summit of Tjeldbergtind for exceptional views along the Lofoten ‘wall’, over the sea towards the mainland, and of Svolvaer itself.

Svolvaer walking tour: 10km, 3hrs
Start from your door on a walking tour of Svolvaer town and of Svinoya, the main island forming part of Svolvaer harbor.

Svolvær to Mortsund: 75km

Enjoy a leisurely drive (1h20) to the island of Vestvagoy, linked by a high arched bridge, stopping en route for the Lofoten Museum – an old hamlet, with a manor house, fishing huts, and boathouses, as well as a gallery and an aquarium – or visit the open-air Viking Museum at Borge, the focal point of which is a reconstruction of the vast Viking chieftain’s house that was found here – in the shape of an 83-meter-long upturned hull. Relax over lunch at the pretty harbor of Henningsvaer, a fishing village turned artist’s colony, with its bustling cafés and restaurants.

Brenna to Nedreneset (grade 2): 10.5km, 3.5hrs; ascent/descent 105m approx: Alternatively, explore the north coast from Brenna on an easy walk, which winds between rocky coastline and woodland. This quiet side of the island is excellent for wildlife spotting – you may see white-tailed sea eagles, cormorants, and seals from one of several white-sand beaches along the way to Nedreneset.

However you spend your day, the roads are pleasant to drive and the scenery outstanding as you make your way to Mortsund, where you stay in the States Rorbusenter for two nights.

Choice of walks from Mortsund: 8km to 13km approx

We suggest a choice of three walks, all easily accessed by car. If you prefer not to walk, you can hire bikes or a rowing boat from Mortsund.

Slettheia (grade 2): 8.5km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 400m
This relatively easy walk takes you to a dramatic headland for outstanding views in return for little effort. A beautiful woodland start gives way to moorland, climbing a long whaleback of open country and returning by the same route.

Justadtind (grade 3): 13km, 5.5hrs; ascent/descent 750m
For a high-level walk, choose to ascend the summit of Justadtind – one of the highest points on Vestvagoy which affords a memorable 360-degree panorama of the island. The majority of the walk is a steady ascent over stony paths, only becoming steeper and more strenuous as you make the final ascent to the summit. The rewards, in fine weather, are well worth the effort.

Utakleiv (grades 2 & 3): 8-10.5km, 3-4hrs; ascent/descent 470m 
This relaxed circuit takes you from the white-sand beach by Haukland, over a small pass, following an ancient fisherman’s way to the hamlet and beach of Utakleiv. From the pass an optional steep ascent of ‘Mannen’ gives extraordinary views for keen peak-baggers. The return from Utakleiv is a level, traffic-free track around the headland of Veggen, with good birdlife between the coast and the nearby island of Taa.

Mortsund to Reine: 65km approx

From Mortsund, you drive west through the Nappstraum Tunnel to Moskenes, the last large island, taking the winding coastal road to the village of Reine, where you stay in the Reine Rorbuer for two nights. If you like, you can stop en route for a walk as there is plenty of time.

Vikten to Hornet Lighthouse (grade 2): 7km, 2.5hrs; ascent/descent 130m
Just the drive to Vikten and its beautiful glass studio and gallery is worth the journey. The walk beyond follows the beach and then a rocky coastal path, below a huge cliff face rising over 500 meters above you. The path climbs in the final meters to a lighthouse on the headland of Hornet before returning the same way.

Nesland to Nusfjord (grades 2-3): 10.5km, 4.5hrs; ascent/descent 390m
This charming walk takes you from Nesland, a tiny fishing hamlet, to the larger fishing village of Nusfjord, which is widely considered to be the best-preserved fishing village in the whole of Norway and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The path follows a rugged coastline over diverse terrain, with short challenging sections across rock, with chains and a ladder to assist you. To the east, you can see mainland Norway, while to the south-west you can see all the way down to the tip of the Lofoten archipelago. Orca (killer whales) have been spotted off the coast here but you are more likely to see seals in one of the rocky coves.

Choice of walks from Reine: 5.5km to 13.5km approx

We provide notes for four varied walks while at Reine – two beach trips (one of which by boat), one into the mountains, and one to a northern headland for far-reaching views. You should also try to fit in a visit to Å, the last village on the island of Moskenes, which is preserved as a fascinating open-air museum and vividly paints a picture of life on the islands. Don’t miss the guided tour, available in English, of an old rorbu which will leave you in no doubt about just how tough life was in 19th-century Lofoten for visiting fisherman.