A six-day winter trip through the Lofoten Islands, staying in the same house the whole time, so we don’t waste time changing accommodation or checking into new places.
Days 2–5 are set aside for hiking and trips around the islands. We’ll visit Henningsvær, the beaches at Unstad, Haukland and Uttakleiv, the Kvalvika and Ryten areas, as well as Nusfjord, Hamnøy, Reine and Å. The team leader will decide the order of the excursions based on the weather, road conditions and snow conditions. If a trip into the mountains is unsafe, we’ll replace it with a lower-altitude or coastal route.
We’ll be travelling in a private minivan, with no more than 8 people in the group. After our daytime excursions, we’ll return to the same house. On clear evenings, we’ll head out to open spaces where we can watch the Northern Lights.
Fancy more adventure? Choose the 7-day auto-tour of the Lofoten Islands — featuring a whale-watching safari on Andøya, ferry crossings and a journey through most of the archipelago.
We don’t have to pack our things every morning or move between different hotels. We return to a familiar space with a kitchen and a communal living room
The itinerary centres on winter hikes, beaches and fishing villages. The longest drives are on the day of arrival and departure.
KULUAR provides the group with snowshoes and crampons. The final choice of equipment is made by the team leader
A small group can get ready faster, adapt the plan more easily to changing weather, and maintain a comfortable pace on winter routes.
Throughout the programme, we’ll be travelling in a 9-seater minivan. The team leader will be driving, so participants won’t need to get behind the wheel on winter roads
Days 2–5 can be swapped around to make the most of the best weather window for the mountains, beaches and the southern Lofoten Islands.
The team leader guides the group on hikes, drives the minivan, checks the weather forecast daily, and is responsible for adjusting the route when needed.
Before you set off, a consultant will help you with flight tickets, insurance, preparation and choosing the right kit for a winter trip to the Lofoten Islands.
Winter in the Lofoten Islands requires flexibility. The order of Days 2–5 may change depending on wind, precipitation, road conditions, ice, and avalanche risk. Each evening, the team leader chooses the safest and most interesting plan for the following day.
Reine and Å remain key highlights of the itinerary, but specific summits cannot be guaranteed in advance.
If a mountain route is considered unsafe, the group will switch to coastal hikes, scenic viewpoints, and walks through local villages.
The Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed either, as they require both solar activity and clear skies. However, the chances of seeing them are very high.
We’ll meet at Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes. Upon arrival, we’ll board a private minivan and head to the Lofoten Islands.
Our base for the next five nights will be a house in the centre of the Lofoten Islands, from where it’s easy to head out to the western and central parts of the archipelago. After settling in, we’ll relax and get ready for an action-packed day tomorrow.
If the sky is clear, we’ll check the Northern Lights forecast this evening. You don’t need to travel far for your first viewing: the open coastline is right on our doorstep.
Distance: approximately 240 km
Journey time in winter: approximately 4–5 hours
We spend our first active day not far from where we’re staying. We drive to Haukland beach and set off on a route along the coast to Uttakleiv. The path follows an old coastal road, with almost no climb.
After the hike, we’ll head to Unstad. We’ll explore the bay and, weather and daylight permitting, we’ll go on a short additional walk in the area.
In the evening, we’ll head back to the house. If the forecast looks favourable, we might stay at one of the beaches to watch the Northern Lights.
Daily distances covered: around 45–60 km
Hiking: approximately 6–9 km
Today we’re heading to Henningsvær. We’ll set off from our base, heading east. We’ll take a stroll around the harbour and the old part of the village, and then we’ll go for a hike.
The team leader will decide on the exact route once we arrive. The choice will depend on the wind, visibility, snow conditions and the state of the slopes. If conditions are safe, we may cover part of the route in the Festvågtind area. If the ascent is not possible, we will spend the day on lower trails and at viewpoints near Henningsvær.
Daily distances covered: approximately 130–145 km
Hiking: approximately 4–7 km
We’re heading to the island of Flakstadøy, to the Fredvang area. The main aim for the day, weather permitting, is a winter walk towards Ryten with views of Kvalvika beach.
Whether the climb goes ahead depends on snow and wind conditions. The route will be decided by the team leader on the day of the climb. The group must have snowshoes
If a trip to the mountains proves too dangerous, we’ll replace it with a programme on the coast. Possible locations include Skagsanden, Ramberg, Flakstad or Nusfjord. This means we won’t have to waste a day because of the weather and can stay in the part of the Lofoten Islands where conditions are better.
Daily distances covered: around 70–100 km
Main hike: approximately 6–9 km
We’re heading to the western part of the archipelago. On the way, we’ll stop at Hamnøy and Sakrisøy, before arriving in Reine.
If participants wish, and weather permitting, they can go on a winter kayaking trip in the Reine area. Before setting off, a local operator will provide a briefing and issue the necessary equipment. Kayaking is an optional activity and is not included in the basic cost of the programme.
The time we set out on the water will depend on the weather and the operator’s schedule. We’ll spend the rest of the day in Reine and then head to the village of Å, where the road through the Lofoten Islands ends. If the kayaking is cancelled, we’ll extend the walking part of the day or add a visit to Nusfjord.
Daily distances covered: approximately 125–155 km
Walking section: approximately 3–6 km
Kayaking: optional extra
We check out of our accommodation and head to Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes. We set off with plenty of time to spare, as driving speeds in winter depend on the snow, wind and road conditions.
Short stops along the way are only possible if there is sufficient time remaining before our flight. The tour ends at Evenes Airport.
Distance: approximately 240 km
Journey time in winter: approximately 4–5 hours
Winter weather in the Lofoten Islands can change rapidly. The tour leader reserves the right to swap the order of days, shorten the route or replace a summit with a coastal hike if required by road conditions, wind, icy conditions, visibility or the avalanche risk.
Before purchasing tickets, please check the current entry requirements for Norway applicable to your nationality and the validity of your passport. These requirements are subject to change..
To take part in the trip, you must not have any medical conditions that would prevent you from taking part in active tourism: see the list here.
Despite the relatively short distances involved, this trek through the Lofoten Islands is by no means an easy one. The route includes sections of hiking, often across rocky and slippery terrain.
Buy good, high-quality kit. On this hike, you’ll really appreciate the advantages of expensive membranes over cheap ones.
After your trip, we recommend the following trekking routes:
The group will be staying in the same house for all five nights. The house has a kitchen, a communal area and a hot tub. The manager will send the exact room allocation to the group chat.
Meals are not included in the price. The group buys groceries and prepares breakfasts and dinners in the fully equipped kitchen. We take thermos flasks and snacks with us on day trips. There are cafés along the route, but they may be closed or operating on a reduced winter timetable.
The group travels in a private 9-seater KULUAR minivan. The team leader acts as the driver. The programme includes the cost of fuel, tolls and parking along the main route.
Previous winter experience is desirable but not essential. You must be in reasonable physical fitness, prepared for 3–6 hours of activity, and willing to follow the team leader’s instructions. Participation will be confirmed by the manager following completion of the questionnaire.
No. In winter, the route is determined by wind, icy conditions, visibility and the avalanche risk. The team leader may opt for a lower viewpoint or a coastal route instead of the summit. Reine and Å remain key locations, provided the roads are open.
We do not include Reinebringen as a core part of our winter programme. The official Lofoten tourism website does not recommend this route in winter, but occasionally, when the weather is safe, the trails open up and the group may be able to visit this popular spot.
For the aurora to appear, there needs to be solar activity and a clear sky. The team leader keeps an eye on the forecasts and makes the most of any suitable window of opportunity, but this natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed.
This is an additional activity that is not included in the price. It needs to be booked a few days before the start. Usually, the group meets in the cottage, gets to know one another and agrees on the activities. Our coordinator will book everything required.
The minimum group size for this programme is: 5 participants. We have calculated the costs for smaller groups as well, increasing them only slightly so that we don’t end up making a loss.
That way, we’ll be able to confirm the date sooner, and you’ll have the chance to buy your tickets and plan your unforgettable trip!
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | 1150 € |
| 4 | 1300 € |
| 3 | 1550 € |
Total mandatory expenses not included in the price: approximately €400 + airfare.
Depending on what you’d like to do, you’ll need money for souvenirs and your main expense – food.
If the prepayment amount is too high for you at the moment, but you’d like to book a place, please contact a consultant and they’ll split it into manageable instalments.
👉 Find out more: payment methods and refund terms in the event of cancellation or withdrawal from the trip
Friends! Please do not accept €500 notes. We constantly encounter problems with them when settling accounts with our partners in Europe. Thank you for your understanding!
*Please note: a consultant will help you choose and find flights and recommend insurance, but they are not responsible for making the purchase. Participants either do this themselves or contact our partners; all contact details are in the article: flights, hotels and insurance
