Destination
Duration
Price
Trip Type
Difficulty
Lofoten Islands Kayak BnB Experience
Join us on a cultural, historical and adventure-filled journey through the stunning Lofoten Islands—one of the absolute best kayaking destinations in Norway. This remote Arctic archipelago is renowned for its dramatic granite peaks, turquoise fjords, sheltered coves, and colourful fishing villages, making it a dream location for an unforgettable kayak expedition.
Our Expedition Engineering adventure begins in the historic town of Kabelvåg and traces a route southwest through the heart of the Lofoten archipelago. We’ll kayak Lofoten from one charming village to the next, staying in traditional rorbu (fishermen’s cabins) for seven nights and immersing ourselves in the region’s seafaring heritage.
Expect spectacular paddling as we navigate through narrow fjords flanked by sheer granite cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. Glide over crystal-clear waters, past white sand beaches, and under towering mountain spires. Along the way, there will be ample time for short hikes through rugged coastal trails, alpine meadows, and panoramic ridgelines—where you may spot moose, sea eagles, or Arctic foxes.
This expedition kayaking journey offers a unique and intimate way to experience the best of kayaking in Norway, blending immersive nature, cultural discovery, and the wild beauty of the Lofoten landscape under the glow of the Midnight Sun.
I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.
Highlights
- Paddle alongside rugged 1,000m granite cliffs rising straight from the ocean
- White sand beaches offer an incredible serenity to the rugged landscape
- Experience the midnight sun
- immerse yourself in viking culture
- Quaint stilt villages offer insight into the historical fishing culture
Itinerary
Kabelvag: Arrive in Svolvaer, transfer to Kabelvag. Move into Rorbuer, meeting at 7pm.
Kabelvag is a perfect town to commence our trip. Historically, it was the most important village in the Lofoten’s during the Viking era. King Oystein founded the village and ruled until 1123. Kebelvag has something for everyone, from a fishing museum, to a gallery dedicated to Norweigan artists, and finally an aquarium.
Nyvagar Rorbuhotel. Meals not included.
Henningsvaer: Paddle along the sheer granite walls of Austvågøya island ‘s south shore and into the islets of the charming town of Henningsvaer. With the afternoon free, this picturesque town is perfect for a lazy stroll. The Lofotens Hus is the area’s best known gallery and showcases more than hundred art pieces by Norwegian artists.
Henningsvaer Rorbuer. B-L
Stamsund: We’ll Island hop across the Gimsoystraumen fiord to Vestvågøy Island. Today’s paddle has a little bit of everything. From open water crossings, to meandering through hundreds of islands. We will lunch on a beautiful white sand beach before continuing our paddle to the town of Stamsund for the night.
Live Lofoten Rorbuer. B-L
Ballstad: Today we paddle bellow massive granite walls that rise straight out of the ocean. Islands and islets run parallel to these towering peaks and make for some interesting and fun paddling. In the afternoon we’ll pull into Ballstad and check into the lovely cottages of the Solsidem Brygge Hotel.
Solsiden Brygge Rorbuer. B-L
NussFjord: Leaving Ballstad we will paddle up the Nappstraumen Fiord and cross over to Flakstadoya Island. After lunch we’ll take a short hike that grants us incredible views of the West coast of the Lofotens and allows access to the gold sand beach. We’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Nussfjord in the afternoon. This village is located in a tight cove surrounded by towering peaks. The buildings here were built in the 19th century and have been attractively restored. They capture the character and the culture of the Lofotens and provide an excellent place to stay.
Nussfjord Cottages. B-L
Hamnoy: We will explore Skjellfjorden fiord and stop into the town of Sund. The picturesque town of Hamnoy is our destination for the evening and after pulling our kayaks ashore we’ll check into the Sakrisoy Rorbuer.
Sakrisoy Rorbuer. B-L
Hamnoy: We will paddle up the spectacular Reinefjord and into the Bunesfjord. After pulling our kayaks ashore we’ll go for a short hike over to Bunes Beach. This beach is one of the most spectacular in the Lofoten group, it’s golden sands are flanked on either side by huge granite walls. For those willing, it provides the perfect place for an Arctic dip. Hopefully we will spot a rare Sea Eagle and watch the antics of puffins.
Sakrisoy Rorbuer. B-L
Svolvaer: We will have the opportunity for a morning stroll or paddle through Reine, before we transfer by car back to Svolvaer. It’s suggested that you stay an additional evening in Svolvaer.
B-L. Accommodation and Dinner not included.
Accommodations
We will stay in a variety of accommodation during this trip.Accommodation for each day is described below.
Day 1
Kabelvag – Nyvagar RorbuHotel
The Rorbu complex is located right on the water, and we will launch from here the next morning. Each cabin has two bedrooms with twin share occupancy, and one bathroom. There is a restaurant and a spa located on premises (Spa times need to be booked and there is a spa fee).
Day 2
Henningsvaer – Rorbuer
Situated on the eastern side of Henningsvaer, these Rorbu offer amazing views of the granite cliffs and islands surrounding the town. A 1.5 km walk into the heart of town offers art galleries, cafe’s, pubs, and museums. This is a stunning little town where we will have most of the afternoon to explore and enjoy the quaint atmosphere. For those who love hiking, a hike to the peaks above town offer stunning views of the Lofoten Island Chain.
Day 3
Stamsund
The Finnvika Lodge will be our home tonight. These Rorbeurs were newly built in 2021 and are a lovely juxtaposition of old and new. These rorbuers are located on a very quiet and protected canal system of Stamsund. Each Rorbu has two bathrooms, four twin share rooms, and incredible views over the water.
Day 4
Ballstad – Solsiden Brygge
The Solsidem Brygge hotel will be our home for the night. This Brygge hotel overlooks the outer harbour of Ballstad, where boats come and go throughout the day. We will stay in cottages with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, and dining area. Ballstad is a very small community.
Day 5
Nusfjord
This small village nestled amongst towering cliffs was once a tiny fishing village. In recent times it has been converted into a guesthouse community. All of the old fishing Rorbu’s have been converted into guesthouses. The community has a small shop, two restaurants, a meeting hall, and guesthouses.
We will be staying at one of these converted Rorbu’s with a kitchen and twin share bedrooms.
Day 6
Reine – Sakrisoy Rorbuer
Our final accommodation for the last two nights of our trip will be on a small island, connected by bridges to other islands, in the town of Reine. Reine is located at the southern end of the Lofoten’s and is a town situated on an Island at the entrance to a series of Fjords. It is one of the most magical places in the Lofoten’s.
We will be staying at Sakrisoy Rorbuer, a lovely accommodation on this small Island. These Rorbuer have been restored so as to create a comfortable accommodation while at the same time holding on to their historical charm. Each cabin has 1-3 twin share rooms, a kitchenette and dining room. This is a beautiful spot to spend two days exploring the area by sea kayak.
Dates & Rates
Prices from
What's Included
- Accommodation on nights of Day 1 to Day 7
- Meals starting breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 8
- All kayak equipment
- Dedicated kayak guide
- Guided walks and tours
- Transport from Reine to Svolvaer at trip conclusion
Not Included
- Any flights
- Accommodation on night of Day 8
- Meals on Day 1
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
Weather
The warm marine currents of the gulf stream ensures the climate in the Lofotens is considerably milder than in other parts of the world at the same latitude. However, summers are still relatively cool with July and August average day temperatures ranging between 10-18C. Winds are generally light, but occasional weather disturbances can bring windier conditions.
Ocean Conditions
This trip takes place along the south-eastern shores of the Lofoten Islands which are protected from the dominant northerly swells. Generally we will experience calm sea states, but there is always a chance of swell and wind waves depending on the weather. We will cross numerous fjords where winds can pick up causing white-capped seas. Your guide will assess the conditions of each crossing prior to committing to any crossing.
Activities
The Sea Kayaking
Kayaking the Lofoten Islands is to be immersed in a vast and wild landscape. Kayakers are dwarfed as they paddle below 800 metre granite cliffs that rise straight out of the ocean. All summer long, patches of snow in the alpine are in stark contrast to the lush green vegetation below. Many opportunities for rock gardening (kayak surfing) around the rocky shoreline exist. The fjords are breathtaking as mirror glass water gives way to granite cliffs. Many seabirds such as sea eagles and puffin colonies can be seen along this tour, giving birders a chance to identify arctic species.
Trip Map
Pictures & Videos
Webinars
Welcome to an immersive journey through one of the most spectacular kayaking destinations on the planet—the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. If you’re looking for a unique blend of wilderness, adventure, and cozy comfort, the Lofoten Islands Kayak BnB Expedition offers an unparalleled experience.
FAQs
Breakfast and lunch will be prepared by your guide on the trip. Each Rorbuer we stay in has a kitchen where your guide will prepare the food. Western type food will be provided with protein, vegetable and carbohydrate options for each meal. Meals are nutritious, healthy and are aimed at providing participants with the energy required for a full day of paddling. Dinners are not included in the trip cost, and can be enjoyed in the various restaurants in each village we stay in.
We can accommodate minor dietary restrictions, as the kitchen facilities at the rorbuers are quite small with limited equipment.
There is always a possibility of rain during the trip. Guests should have an adequate rain gear for both on the water and on land. Guests need to have a goretex dry top for kayaking and some sort of rain or splash pants as well.
Winds tend to blow up in the afternoons in the fjords. There may be whitecaps to paddle through if this happens in the fjords. The guide will assess the conditions before each fjord crossing.
The coast of the Lofoten’s is quite exposed and in SW winds, can be quite lively. We will encounter swell during the trip, and can experience calapotis, rebound waves from the shoreline, so paddlers need to be experienced and strong.
Air temperature can hover between 10C-18C.
Average ocean temperature is 10C.
There are numerous options for kayaks to paddle. We have both rudder and skeg boats as well as single and doubles. Please let us know your preference beforehand and we will reserve that type of boat for you. We generally use plastic, Prijon kayaks with rudders. These are stable, have lots of storage, and very robust.
We have Prijon paddles that are made of fibreglass. They are good blades, if you are used to a carbon fibre or Greenland style paddle you may prefer to bring your own paddle.
We have four different sizes of PFDs for guests. Wearing PFDs is a mandatory safety aspect of the trip. They are all high quality Kokatat PFDs.
A typical day is as follows. This will depend on weather conditions:
7:30 am breakfast
9:00 on water paddling and exploring the area
12:00 lunch break
13:00 afternoon paddle
16:00 arrive at our Rorbuer for the night
The average distance we will paddle each day is 15-20 km. Some days may be longer depending on the weather. You can think of this as an expedition trip, but with comfortable lodging. You need to have previous expedition style sea kayak trip experience, with comfort in swell and wind waves. You need to be able to paddle into head winds for a sustained period of time.
We will kayak between 3 and 6 hours a day with lunch breaks and rest stops during that time.
There are opportunities to enjoy the luxury of coffees and pastries at each village we visit. There are art museums at each village as well with the opportunity to purchase items, as long as they fit in the kayak!
There are very few mosquitos in the Lofotens.
Participation in any trip is subject to each participant reading and signing our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement and any additional waivers that are trip specific (the “Waiver(s)”). If the Waiver(s) are not completed, participation in the trip will not be permitted. PLEASE READ THE WAIVER(S) CAREFULLY! By signing, you will waive or give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach
of contract, or breach of any Occupiers Liability Act or claim compensation following anaccident. The Waivers are provided for review and completion at the time of booking. A sample of our Waiver can be reviewed HERE.
Enjoy Our Reviews
