
Trip
Global Adventure - Hike the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway
Hike the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Lofoten Islands, where adventure awaits at every turn. We've picked out the best hikes, the most iconic viewpoints, as well as some hidden gems for our 10-day exploration of perhaps Norway's most beautiful archipelago. The lush green islands are located 122 miles north of the Arctic Circle and feature granite peaks rising 4000 feet from the blue waters of the North Sea. Dramatic mountains, long white beaches, wild seas, and rich wildlife to give us experiences of Norwegian nature at its very best! We’ll explore by foot and van and stay in historic fishermen’s huts. You will have two leaders guiding you this trip. NOTE: The Member Fee given below is for the 50% deposit only. The total price for members is $4500. See Trip Price Detail for more info. Apply now using the Application Form link below!
- Sat, Jun 28, 2025 — Tue, Jul 8, 2025
- Global Adventures Committee
- Global Adventures
- Adults
- Strenuous
- Challenging
- Mileage: 31.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 18,000 ft
- Pace: 1,000 ft/hr, 1.5 mph
- $2,250.00 $2,500.00
- FULL (10 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Itinerary Highlights:
Our Lofoten itinerary begins with flights into Bodo Norway, a lively seaside town at 67o N latitude and one of the main gateways to the Lofoten Islands. We’ll transfer to a hotel in town for two nights, with a welcome dinner on the second night. The next morning we’ll board a ferry to another world, the remote, sheer, verdant Lofotens. Here we’ll hike to Reinebringen that has recently reopened with a brand-new trail, made by Sherpas hired from Nepal. The path is easy to follow but it will be a real workout! After the hike we check in to our accommodation and have dinner together in the evening. We’ll spend our first Lofoten night in the town of Moskenes in historic brick-red fisherman’s cabins on stilts called rorbuers, now converted to comfortable accommodations.
Each day we’ll hike 2-8 miles and 1700-3500 feet of gain (steep, slippery, some exposure! do not underestimate) to sample the local landscape including hikes up dramatic peaks and down to some remarkable white-sand beaches. On day 6 we will have a rest day to explore historic Henningsvær with some optional activities like kayaking, sauna, or hike to Festvågtind. The last few days will include shorter hikes with breathtaking nature and different experiences including Trollfjorden RIB boat ride and an overnight at Trollfjorden National Parks cabin. We will rent vans to transfer ourselves between the various hikes. These vans will be driven by the two co-leaders, and we will also accept other volunteers to drive (pending pre-screening process).
NOTE: The west coast of the Lofotens is known for its unpredictable and sometimes wet weather, so our itinerary can change without notice and sections may be modified or dropped. The priority will always be safety for all participants.
Time of Year:
We’ll be going in late June – early July when the weather is driest, days are long, and crowds are just starting to gather going towards the later summer. Expect daily average temperatures from 55F-65F, temperatures can go as low as 40F. There’s potential rain 40 - 50% of the month, similar to late spring in Seattle. Weather changes can be unpredictable and may occur mid-hike.
Lodging:
The Lofoten trekking adventure will include a mix of hotels and traditional fisherman’s cabins (rorbuers). Rooms will be double occupancy most nights, and dormitory-style accommodation at the Trollfjorden cabin. Restrooms will be shared and “down-the-hall” in many places. To learn more about rorbuers - read more here!
Food:
Norwegian food is heavily influenced by the sea and its fishing history, as well as game from its mountains. We’ll enjoy tasty restaurant meals on some days and purchase our own food for Lofoten at small markets while in town. All breakfasts and dinners will be provided and included in the cost of the trip. There will also be multiple opportunities for coffee and a pastry at small cafes as we travel around! We’ll do our best to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions (gluten free, vegan); but options may be limited because we are in small remote towns.
Party Size:
Maximum 12 and minimum of 10.
Leader’s Experience:
Both leaders have extensive participation and leading experiences hiking/backpacking and trail running in the US and internationally. Amalija Kopac organized and led a successful Global Adventure in Slovenia in 2023 – an unguided hut-to-hut 2-week trip. Nataliya Semez is also an experienced alpine scramble leader with experience in rock and snow scrambling.
Participant Requirements:
Must be a current Mountaineers member with an up-to-date waiver on file. This outing includes strenuous hiking on rugged terrain (including some steep moraine, boulders and scree slopes with some exposure) and basic hut stays for several successive days with limited amenities as showers or laundry. The weather is mild on the Lofotens due to the impact of the gulf stream but can be wet and windy on the west coast and snow can linger in some places. For all these reasons, participants need to be in excellent condition with good balance and confidence traveling on rough, sometimes very steep terrain with a pack on, sometimes off trail, including moderate exposure at times, and with the experience and willingness to pack appropriately and to deal with cold and/or wet weather for extended periods. Recent experience with multi-day strenuous backpacking, scrambling or hiking, plus a positive attitude and a demonstrated ability to get along well with groups under demanding conditions, will be very important.
NOTE: Your leaders make the most of the arrangements and provide logistics support during the trip but are NOT tour guides! As a Mountaineers group we will operate as interdependent, capable travelers making our way together and helping one another succeed and be safe. You must have the ability to navigate on trails with a map and compass.
NOTE: Participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID, flu and RSV, including current boosters, prior to the trip departure. In addition, participants are strongly encouraged to wear a mask during your trip to the starting place (in airport and on planes and other transit). Bring a minimum of two covid self-tests on the trip to use if you have symptoms.
If you do test positive or develop a fever, you will need to work with your trip leader to arrange quarantine accommodations. You will be responsible for using the trip leader’s list of quarantine options to make your own alternate bookings and arranging transport to get there. Quarantine accommodation and alternative transportation plans are at the expense of the participant. Consider this when purchasing trip insurance. For the complete policy, visit the link here.
Trip Price Detail: $4,500 total trip cost. *The listed trip cost is one of two 50% payments. The first payment ($2,250) is due at time of registration, and second payment (remaining $2,250) is due April 1, 2025.
Included:
- All lodging (10 nights), All ground transportation, All ferries / boat transportation
- All breakfasts and dinners
- 5 bag lunches
Not Included:
- your airfare (~$1500), some lunches (~$150), snacks and drinks
- medical, evacuation and travel insurance ($75-350) REQUIRED
- optional activities on the Day 6 rest day in Henningsvaer.
Proof of Emergency Evacuation and Emergency Medical insurance will be required in order to participate in a Global Adventure. This is at the participants’ own expense, and not included in the trip price.
Norway is an EXPENSIVE country, for food, lodging and transport…. but trust us – it’s worth it!
Registration Instructions:
An application form and leader approval is required before registering. Please submit your application form by November 15, using the link below.
The leaders will review the applications and may reach out with additional questions. If you’re selected for the trip, you will be notified and will have until December 15 to register and pay the first 50% deposit ($2,250).
It may take up to two weeks to evaluate the applications. Leaders will select applicants based on the best fit with the participant requirements - approval is NOT based on the order in which people applied.
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel more than 75 days before the departure date, you may receive a refund less a $600 cancellation fee. If you cancel between 74 and 30 days before the departure date, the cancellation fee increases to 50% of the cost of the trip. If you cancel less than 30 days before the departure date, no refund is available. NOTE: the cancellation fees above may be waived other than a minimum $100 admin fee if someone can be found to take your place on the trip.
Arrive no later than Sunday June 28, 2025, in Bodo, Norway. The next day, June 29, we’ll be in Bodo to explore, stock up on supplies, and await any potential delayed people or luggage. June 30, we start our hikes with a ferry from Bodo to the Lofoten Islands (Moskenes). The last included lodging night is July 7.
We’ll finish our Lofoten trip on morning of Tuesday July 8. We will all arrange our own transfer from the Svinøya Rorbuer (last included lodging) to Svolvaer airport. It's a 10min taxi ride and carpools are possible for participants who are leaving on the same day.
Required Equipment
In general, you will need your usual Mountaineers day hiking gear, including trekking poles and layers for cold, wet weather. No overnight backpacking gear needed (e.g. tent, sleeping bag). After payment of your deposit, the leader will send participants a series of letters or emails with information about how to prepare for a successful outing including detailed gear list, maps and other references.