From Peak to Peak Under the Northern Lights
Challenge yourself in the grandeur of the Lofoten Islands.
It doesn't get much more picturesque than this polar archipelago. Crystal clear waters, sheltered bays, and dramatic views are teamed with a seemingly never-ending list of outdoor activities.
In Lofoten, fishing huts have given shelter to local fishermen for more than a thousand years. You can become part of this tradition by staying in the upgraded fisher huts, or Rorbu, directly by the fjords, overlooking the mighty mountains.
Start your day with a pre-breakfast sauna, and for those feeling particularly Nordic, follow this up with a jump into the cold fjord waters before sampling some of the best cinnamon buns in the world.
If that's not so much your style, you can spend the day at the Lofoten Spa – including hot tubs, sauna, and incredible views. Afterward, enjoy a thoroughly Norwegian meal of local fish, seaweed, and maybe a round of Aquavit in the upstairs loft.
For over three billion years, the rock formations of the Lofoten Islands have been withstanding the harsh Arctic winters, and they offer the most amazing backdrop to watch the Northern Lights.
For another surreal Lofoten experience, try out Lofoten mountain running. Suitable for both beginners and experienced runners, a group of professional mountain and ultra runners will guide you along the mountain ridge running route, with the ocean making an appearance at every turn.
The Lofoten Islands are a paradise for unique experiences, with everything from kelp harvesting to Arctic diving. Here's a taster of what's on offer:
Kelp harvesting and cooking: Pull on a wetsuit and harvest the massive nordic seaweed, then help with drying and preparing to turn it into a 5-course dinner experience – plus aquavit tasting, naturally.
Arctic diving: Dive deep with a unique dive experience on the southern parts of the Lofoten Islands.
Kayaking Reine fjord: Paddle through the vastness of the Reine fjord for the possibility of meeting one of the playful Orca families nestling in the bay.
Northern alpine guiding: From ridge climbing to extreme mountaineering – join a team of expert climbers and rescue professionals for the extreme version of mountain running.
Let us know and we'll start planning your Arctic adventure.
Katharina Kiéck
Having dreamt of becoming a race car driver, Katharina studied to be an anthropologist, worked as a futurist, and tried brand strategy at Twitter before founding her own media production company. When she's not traveling or surfing herself, she's organizing network and surf experiences for people working in tech. Constantly on the move, her Achilles heel is cinnamon buns.
Images copyright of Hallvard Kolltveit, Daniel Espirito Santo and Lofoten Mountainrunning