Norway: Lofoten Islands Bike Tour
Eight nights; seven days of cycling on quiet, paved coastal roads with options to hike and sea kayak. In June and July the sun never sets.
“Lodging was…amazing. Guides were the best… It will be hard to find another trip as perfect as this one – the bar has been set very high.” – Mike and Joyce D.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Outstanding fjord scenery.
- Cycling near mountains, and along coastal roads linking pretty fishing villages.
- Hiking in gorgeous Reines.
- Kayaking option in Hennigsvar.
- Fresh Norwegian seafood – try the local fish soup!
- Staying in traditional rorbuer cottages by the water.
- Midnight sun.
- Island hopping by ferry.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~Up to 88 km
- DAY 3: ~64 km
- DAY 4: ~76 km
- DAY 5: ~26 km or 52 km
- DAY 6: ~56 km
- DAY 7: ~41 km
- DAY 8: ~7 km
- DAY 9: Farewells
Elevation Profile:
(Click image to enlarge)
Norway: Lofoten Islands Bike Tour – Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Harstad, Thon Hotel, 18:00, day one.
Norweigan and SAS offer daily flights from Oslo; they also operate from Bodø back to Oslo at the end of the tour. From the Narvik/Harstad airport, the flybus has regular departures directly to the hotel. Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Finish: Moskenes ferry terminal, 10:00, day nine. Please note that ferry departures vary; consult the summer ferry schedule for Moskenes to Bodø or contact us before booking your flight.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Arrival & Introductions
Your Lofoten adventure begins in Harstad, the home port of the oldest sailing schooner in the world, the Anna Rodge. Guests who arrive at Harstad before the tour begins may visit Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost surviving medieval building. Other activities for early arrivals include horseback riding, golf and hiking. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only).
Thon Hotel, or, Clarion Collections Hotel Arcticus, Harstad
Harstad to Sortland ~58km or 90km
Leaving Harstad you will begin your week of island hopping by riding from the island of Hinnøya to the island of Langøya via Gullesfjorden; a 35km long fjord that cuts deep into Hinnøya. A short ferry that runs every hour will help you with the first of many fjord crossings in the coming days. BLD
Scandic Sortland, or, Sortland Hotel, Sortland
Sortland to Stokmarknes ~60km
Continue cycling along the Lofoten archipelago, you will bike along the edge of Eidsfjorden, a massive 25km long fjord that overlooks the Norwegian Sea. Large peaks dot the horizon to the north as you cycle through many small villages on your way to your lodging on the small island of Børøya. BLD
Vesterålen Kysthotell, or, Turistsenteret Hotel, Stokmarknes
Stokmarknes to Svolvær ~80km
Leaving Børøya you will cross over to Hadseløya island and through the village of Stokmarknes. From here your ride will take you down the eastern coast of the island to the ferry terminal in Melbu where you will catch a 25-minute ferry across Hadselfjorden to the island of Austvågøya. Placid lakes reflect mountain scenes along this afternoons route into Svolvær. BLD
Anker Brygge, or, Thon Hotel Svolvær, Svolvær
Svolvær to Henningsvær 25km or 50km
The short ride finishes at the fishing village of Henningsvær. Located on a small archipelago off the southern coast of Austvågøy, the quaintness of this village is juxtaposed by a mountainous backdrop. This small community of winter fisheries thrived in the early 1800’s and not much has changed to this day. Return to Svolvær by vehicle or bike. Time permitting, optional afternoon activities include kayaking, a boat cruise to nearby Trollfjord, or simply relaxing at your inn. B
Same lodging
Vestvågøya to Ballstad ~75km
Begin today with a transfer to your starting point on the island of Vestvågøya. From here continue along the southern coast, passing through many more seaside villages and coves. The ride finishes at Ballstad, a picturesque village that lies in the shadow of nearby Skottinden, a 700m peak that looms over head. BLD
Solsiden Brygge Rorbuer, or, Kræmmervika Havn, Ballstad
Ballstad to Reine via Nusfjord ~40km
A mid-morning ferry takes you to the neighboring village of Nusfjord where you will start your ride to Reine; a village of 300 inhabitants situated near the southern tip of the Lofoten Archipelago. Reine is praised as the most beautiful fishing village in all of Norway and we are sure you will agree. A late afternoon or evening hike to a lofty perch atop Reinebringen is highly recommended. BLD
Reine Rorbuer, or, Sakrisøy Rorbuer, Reine
Short 7km bike ride & optional hiking to waterfalls and Djupfjordheia Peak
Ride to Sørvågen, where you will park your bicycle and hike to the Lofoten Waterfalls. The water draining from Stuvdalsvatnet lake on Moskenesøya cascades down the slopes toward Tindsvatnet lake and then the sea. Continue climbing from the falls past the lakes of Tridalsvatnat and Fjerddalsvatnet on your way to the summit of Djupfjordheia. This hike is moderately challenging and includes some elevation gain. The spectacular views will reward your efforts. Depending on ferry schedules, you may have the chance to visit Vinstad and the beautifully secluded Bunes beach. Return to Reine for a final evening of Lofoten hospitality. BLD
Same lodging
Farewells
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Moskenes ferry terminal where your Freewheeling adventure officially concludes. From Moskenes, there is a 3 hour ferry crossing (walk on passengers are not able/required to reserve tickets) to Bodø where Norweigan and SAS offer daily flights to Oslo and other locations throughout Norway and Scandinavia. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2024 Guided:
- Jun 8-16 (FULL)
- Jul 20-28
- Aug 10-18
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 7795 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, full time vehicle and guide support, maps and route instructions, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 7295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps and route instructions, emergency on-call support, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1495
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Upgrade to Road: 150
Upgrade to Electric: 300
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
North of the Arctic Circle, lying between the 68th and 69th parallel, the Lofoten Islands is the furthest north Freewheeling has ever adventured. What lies upon this archipelago of craggy, often snow-capped peaks jutting into the Norwegian Sea is one of the best kept secrets in the cycling world. Long fjords, narrow waterways, and picturesque fishing communities dot the landscape and make the beauty of these islands staggering.
With the aid of ferries, your ride will take you across all four of the main islands; Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy and Moskenesøy. Your route follows quiet, paved coastal roads that link one fishing village to the next, and although mountains loom overhead, the route is relatively flat. Despite being so far north, the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, prevailing tailwinds, and the long days of summer create an ideal climate for cycling. Accommodations each evening reflect the charm and humility of the Norwegian people, and are often in the form of a fisherman’s cabin set on stilts at the end of a wharf.
We recommend catching a flight from Oslo to the Narvik/Harstad airport. Harstad is a small town and a pleasant place to acclimatize following your travels; if you decide to arrive early, please ask for help securing lodging. At the end of your bike tour, you will want to arrange a flight from Bodø back to Oslo; both routes are operated by Norweigan and SAS.
