+44 (0)191 265 1110   info@skedaddle.com
Norway

Lofoten Islands

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

£1,895 P.P.
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A gently-paced self-guided cycling tour in Norway through the majestic Lofoten Islands. The endless days and magical light around the time of the midnight sun provide the setting for this easy-going cycling tour.
 
This narrow chain of islands crams in more mountains per square mile than any other part of Norway. Jagged peaks sweep down to the sea, leaving a narrow brim of coastal roads with breath-taking views, amid charming fishing villages - simply perfect for cycling. With daytime melting into night time, there are also lots of opportunities for midnight walks for those with the energy.
 
For accommodation we use small guesthouses or hotels and lovely quayside rorbus; traditionally-painted, fishermen’s wood cabins perched on stilts. With some providing rowing boats, you may wish to try some fishing, or take a sauna and optional fjord dip for an invigorating experience, Scandinavian style.
 
Evening meals are either taken at superb local restaurants, renowned for their delicious seafood, or in the rorbus if you prefer to try your hand at cooking. Lunches en route can be taken at small cafes or done picnic style, with lots of Norwegian delicacies available at the villages you'll be staying at.
 
This route is great for adults and families alike, so please get in touch with your preferred dates. We can't wait to show you this part of the world. 
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Holiday Highlights

  • Tasting the fresh Lofoten Islands’ air as you cycle along
  • Relaxing on the beach and taking a brave dip in the icy waters of the Lofoten
  • Looking out for sea eagles during your days on the bike
  • Marvelling at the incredible light of the midnight sun
  • Spending your nights in quaint island rorbus
  • Visiting the Viking Museum of Borg and picture postcard Nusfjord

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Cycling on the Lofoten Islands had been on my wish list for several years, and it exceeded all my expectations. Probably the best Skedaddle self-guided trip we have been on, helped in part by having fabulous weather for some days, the most incredible scenery, and a great local team.

Randall, Australia

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Bodø - Coastal Steamer from Bodø to Svolvær

Arrival at Bodø Airport (BOO), following the scheduled flights from either Oslo, Bergen or Stavanger. Once you have collected your baggage you will make your own way in a taxi to the quayside, to catch the 15.00 Coastal Steamer to Svolvær. This journey takes around 7 hours and will give you great views of the Borvasstindene Mountains as you leave Bodø. Alternatively, you can catch the speed ferry, which leaves at 17.25 and takes approx. 4 hours.

You will be met on arrival in Svolvær, where we have a short transfer arranged to take you to your rorbu. Svolvær has a nice brygge (quayside) with some excellent restaurants and bars and is a great place to relax after your travels today. Should there be enough time (after all, it won’t be getting dark!) you might like a walk in the midnight light.

Svolvaer is also the regional centre of the Lofoten and famous for the Svolværgeita Peak (330 metres), which was first climbed in 1910. The jump between the two ‘goats horns’ provides an adrenaline rush that satisfies even the hardiest of daredevils, with the ‘horns’ visible from town.

Day 2
Svolvær to Henningsvær
16 Miles / 25 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Following a tasty Norwegian breakfast, you will be met by our representative who will brief you about the cycling to come and provide you with your route notes and maps. Today’s ride is a gentle start to your trip, with less miles to pedal, so you can take some time to visit Kabelvåg.

Heading out on your bikes, you’ll ride for 6 kms along a cyclepath, until you reach the charming town of Kabelvåg. The town has a relaxed feel and is now home to some lovely art galleries and museums at Storvågen. Amongst the highlights are the sea-front Lofoten Aquarium, Rural Museum and one of Norway’s most worthwhile galleries – Gallery Espolin. The town also has a delicious bakery, offering up some sweet treats to fuel your cycling!

Leaving Kabelvåg, you’ll follow the main road for 11 kms, before joining a gravel side road that will take you over a small pass with breathtaking views. The gravel section is short, so you can walk for this section should you prefer. You’ll then join another side road that will lead you to Henningsvær. You’ll soon reach a wonderful beach at Rørvika, where you’ll be able to take an invigorating dip in the clear waters. Back on your bikes, you’ll cycle the final 8 kms to Henningsvær on a beautiful stretch of road, with mountain on one side and the ocean on the other.

Henningsvær is an idyllic town, known as the Venice of the North. You’ll have some down-time in the afternoon to soak up the atmosphere of the fishing port and spend time in some of the interesting museums and art galleries. Tonight’s evening meal can be taken either in the famous Fiskekrogen restaurant (booking advisable!) with seafood undoubtedly the order of the day. Or for those in search of more relaxed surroundings Klatrekafeen (the Climbers Bar) offers delicious food at more reasonable prices.

Day 3
Henningsvær to Gimsøy Island
23 Miles / 37 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Leaving behind the cod-drying racks that the Lofoten is often known for, you’ll start with a little back-tracking to the beach at Rørvika (8 kms). Once here you’ll head west, following the main road for 3 kms until you reach the “shower curtain” on your left. The “shower curtain” is an interesting sculpture, that’s well worth stopping to look at.

Today’s cycle is a nice ride along the coast on a flat or, at times, gently-undulating road. After pedalling for 6 kms you’ll reach the Gimsøy bridge, where you’ll have a climb to the top of the bridge. From here the views are truly spectacular, and offer the perfect opportunity for a photo! From here the road is straight, but you’ll take a left and bike back underneath the bridge, to reach Gimsøy Island. You can stop here for a snack should you like. Back on your bikes you’ll continue around the island, marvelling at the Gimsøy church en route. A coastal road will take you the last 5 kms, until you reach your accommodation for the night.

Day 4
Gimsøy Island to Ballstad
37 - 50 Miles / 60 - 80 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you’ll finish the Gimsøy circle, bringing you back to the main road, for a short section. You’ll go back over the bridge, and then take a left onto a secondary road, from where there’s a beautiful stretch that covers 40 kms along the coast. This is a truly breathtaking ride.

Fancy some extra miles? You can cycle to the small town of Stamsund, to bike the circle around Steine. The route is on quiet, flat roads, and will add an extra 20 kms to today’s riding.

You’ll continue on towards Leknes, soon reaching the pass over Hagskaret. From here you can spot awe-inspiring Justadtinden, the highest peak on the eastern side of Vestvågøy. From here it’s 10 kms to your destination for the night. Passing through Leknes, you’ll have your last opportunity to buy any supplies you might like for the evening, as there’s a few shops. From Leknes, a bike path will take you to Ballstad, which is your destination for today.

Day 5
Ballstad Loop Ride
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Today you can take the opportunity to properly explore the nearby town of Leknes, on your way to the spectacular Viking museum. In northern Norway during the Iron-age, there were about 10-15 Chiefdoms, one of which was at Borg in the Lofoten Isles. This is the only place where a Chieftain’s farm is to be found. Here, you can experience the reconstructed longhouse, see craftsmen at work in the smithy, and see an exhibition of original artefacts and ancient breeds of animals.

You’ll make your way back to your rorbu in Ballstad in the afternoon, but if you still have energy there are some optional routes that take you to the beautiful Haukland Stranda beach.

If you don’t fancy cycling today, Ballstad offers the perfect spot to relax and take in the magical Lofoten Islands air.

Day 6
Ballstad to Sakrisøy
25 - 37 Miles / 40 - 60 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Heading to the pier, your first transport of the day will be waiting to take you to Nusfjord (approx. 45 minute ferry ride). Nusfjord is a well-preserved fishing village nestling amidst dramatic mountain scenery and the boat ride to get to it is a delight. The local shop is a characteristic, old-fashioned general store and a good place to buy your postcards and souvenirs. You can also visit Italian silversmith Michele, who has worked here for almost 20 years.

On your bikes, the ride out of Nusfjord will warm up your legs, with a cheeky climb as you make your way to the main road. Cycling west, you’ll pass several beautiful beaches, as you head towards the tiny hamlet of Flakstad, famous for its church. Built in 1780 from Siberian driftwood, this red-onion domed church is well worth a visit. Stunning views of the Arctic Ocean and long sandy beaches along the northern Coast of Flaktadoya are the setting for your cycle to the beautiful Ramberg. A vast arch of white sand along a sparkling green / blue bay, with a backdrop of Arctic peaks. In Ramberg you can stop to visit a grocery store or cafe.

Continuing on, you’ll find yourselves on Flakstad Island and will have Sakrisøy in your sights. A brief de-tour and you can visit the blacksmiths at Sund or you can just continue along on a more direct route. Following a fantastic downhill you’ll reach Hamnøy and then Sakrisøy where you’ll hear, and then see, the densely-populated cliffside nesting colony of Kittiwakes. These picture-postcard fishing villages are at the narrow neck of the Reine fjord and flanked by sheer mountains on three sides. You will spend tonight in Sakrisøy.

For your two mornings in Sakrisoy breakfast food will be provided in your cabins.

Day 7
Reine and Å Loop Ride
19 Miles / 30 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll visit Moskenes, Reine, Tind and Å, a string of picturesque fishing hamlets with their red and ochre fishermen’s shanties perching on poles, characteristic of the scenery you’ve seen during your cycling. To round off your time on the islands you’ll spend time in Å, an entire fishing village preserved as a museum and at the very end of the road. Here there are a number of buildings of cultural and historical interest, which date back to the 1800’s.

After lunch you’ll head back to your accommodation in Sakrisøy where you can explore for the remainder of the day.

Day 8
Departure from Sakrisøy - Transfer to Moskenes
  • Meals: Breakfast

This morning we begin with a transfer to Moskenes, where we will bid you farewell for your onward journey. You can take the ferry back to Bodø, taking around 3 hours and 15 minutes. The ferries run fairly regularly, and will give you great views of the islands of Væroy and Røst, and Borvasstindene Mountains as you return to Bodø, plus a superb view of the Lofoten Wall as you leave the islands. The first ferry from Moskenes is at 6am, so for those looking to head home today then this is possible; alternatively, you can take a later ferry back and spend the rest of the day and evening here.

For those planning a little extra time away, Bodo is a compact place to make your way around and with all the hotels centrally situated, getting to them from the port is easy to do. For those with some energy left, then a hike or ride to the top of Mount Rønvik is possible. This is Bodø’s Midnight Sun viewpoint providing a dramatic panoramic view of Bodø and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively the views from the bar at the top of the SAS Radisson are equally as stunning and you’ll get assistance to this lofty viewpoint in the hotel’s lift. Contact us for advice on extending your stay.

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The Cycling

Terrain

90% of the route is on tarmac / asphalted roads.

On day 1 however, on your first ride from Svolvaer to Henningsvaer, you will encounter a stretch on a gravel road (approx. 4 Kms). On dry days you’ll find this section loose and rocky, and in more inclement weather it can become muddy and slippy, so take it slow. With this in mind we provide appropriate tyres on the rental bikes to take on this terrain, and would advise keeping this in mind if bringing your own bikes.

Much of the route is undulating and you’ll be riding along rolling roads for most of the week. There are also a few steeper climbs and descents dotted along the way.

The roads aren’t ‘city busy‘, but can be busy with camper vans and tourists in rental cars throughout the summer months / at the time of the tours, so it’s best to ride in single file and have some experience riding on the road.

We recommend this tour for ages 12 and up. If you’re planning to travel with your family, please chat to our team about the suitability of the route for you and your children in particular

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2: Gentle

Distances generally between 15-30 miles / 24-48 kms per day

For those looking for an easy-going route

Mainly on the flat

Some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Maybe you have recently got into cycling and would like to do more over consecutive days, or maybe you‘re looking for a more energetic alternative to your usual holiday? If you‘re looking for an opportunity to try some quiet roads, cycle paths or some accessible, cycle friendly routes these holidays might be for you. You’ll come across some gently undulating terrain and the odd cheeky challenge, so we’d generally expect those on a Grade 2 holiday to ride their bikes relatively frequently at home, perhaps commuting to work or heading out for some leisurely rides at the weekend.

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The local team went far beyond what we expected from a self-guided tour. They are clearly passionate about his area and enjoyed sharing this with us!

Catherine, UK

Dates & Prices

Contact us on +44 (0)191 265 1110 / info@skedaddle.com to check availability for your specific date.

If you‘re travelling with your family, please let us know and we can look into what family discounts might be available for you.

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
11/06/2023 Scheduled Date
Fully Booked
Return Date
18/06/2023
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,895.00
Start Date
18/06/2023 Scheduled Date
Fully Booked
Return Date
25/06/2023
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,895.00
Start Date
06/08/2023 Scheduled Date
Guaranteed
Return Date
13/08/2023
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,895.00
Start Date
13/08/2023 Scheduled Date
Return Date
20/08/2023
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,895.00

Whats Included Tick

A) All accommodation during the trip (shared rooms – usually twin share)

B) Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

C) English-speaking local representative (with welcome meeting)

D) Route notes and maps

E) Luggage transfers

F) Transfer from Svolvær ferry port to your rorbu (Day 1)

G) Ferry to Nusfjord (Day 6)

H) Transfer to Moskenes (Day 8)

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Travel insurance

E) Single room (available if required, on request)

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills etc)

H) Entrance fees to attractions en route

I) Transfers between Bodø Airport and Bodø ferry port

J) Ferry fares from Bodø to Svolvær and Moskenes to Bodø

K) Tourist taxes, to be paid locally where applicable

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The Essentials

Travel Options

The most convenient airport for this trip is Bodø (BOO). Since there are no direct flights to Bodø from outside Norway, you will need to go via Oslo, Bergen or Stavanger. The most convenient airline serving Oslo and Bodø is Norwegian Air Shuttle who fly regularly from the UK, or alternatively with SAS Airlines or Wideroe. Alternatively, BA offer a direct flight to Bergen (BGO) from London Heathrow (LHR), from where you can catch the train or a connecting flight to Bodø.

From Bodø airport you will make your own way via taxi to Bodø ferry port, from where you can catch the 15.00 Coastal Steamer to Svolvær. You can check out the ferry schedule here https://www.hurtigruten.no/praktisk-informasjon/ruteplan/. The journey takes approx. 7 hours, and gets you into Svolvær at approx. 22.00. We recommend buying tickets in advance; you can buy them from the website given above. Or you can catch the “speed ferry” which takes about 4 hours, usually leaving Bodø at approx. 17.25 (https://lofoten.info/en/Ferry-and-expressboat). Or you can fly from Bodø or Oslo to Svolvær, with Widerøe airlines.

Alternatively, there are limited / seasonal flights from Bodo to Svolvaer.

At the end of the trip, you can use the above link to find ferry times from Moskenes back to Bodø. Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements so that we can ensure they fit in with the holiday schedule.

Accommodation

For this trip you will be spending the majority of your nights in rorbus. Traditional wooden Norwegian fishing houses some of whose sites date to as far back as the early 1100s. Usually built on stilts in the sea/quayside or on the shore, it’s been customary over the years to paint them red and ochre.

They now provide much of the accommodation for tourists coming to the Lofotens and have been suitably modernised with this in mind. All very different in room layout, depending on age and size. We have chosen those on the tour that we feel best reflect the nature of the islands.

You will generally be accommodated in a private twin room, spending most nights in your own private rorbu. The exception being for one night in Gimsøy where you’ll be staying in cabins with 3 bedrooms. Each bedroom has a private bathroom – but you’ll share a kitchen and living room with other travellers. (https://lofotenlinks.no/accommodation/lofoten-links-lodges/?lang=en?)

You will have your own private bathroom each night (although not always en-suite). All Rorbu have great facilities including showers, sitting rooms and kitchens which can be used for breakfast.

If you‘re interested in opting for the single supplement, please note this is very much on request and based on availability at the time of booking. If selected, we will aim to organise your own private rorbu for most nights, and a single occupancy room at the golf course, in one of the 3 bed cabins, sharing a kitchen and living room.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike, or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent. Rental bikes are typically Giant Escape hybrid bikes with semi slick tyres and a relaxed riding position.

If you‘re travelling with your family, we also have Giant children’s bikes available (24 inch), however you may find they‘re more comfortable on an adult frame depending on their height.

Adult bikes come with pannier racks and a choice of one or two panniers, water bottle holder, emergency repair kit including spare inner tubes, bike pump and bike lock.

Please request helmets at the time of booking if you would prefer to not bring your own. It is possible to bring your own saddle and/or pedals on this trip, but we’d ask you to let us know in advance.

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