SAILING THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS
4 and 6-Day Luxury Sailing Tours in the Lofoten Islands: A cultural, Outdoor Adventure
Experience the unique fusion of raw natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage with our guided small group tours of the Lofoten Islands. With exclusive access to lesser-known areas, our leisurely sailing itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious yet authentic way to explore this stunning archipelago.
Our tour package includes a balanced itinerary, comfortable accommodation, daily servings of traditional Lofoten cuisine, transportation, and a private guide. Opt for a private charter or join a small group of 4 to 8 people.
4-Day Itinerary
Begin your journey with a fishing trip, learning about the history and traditions of Lofoten fishing. Catch your dinner and enjoy it onboard as we sail towards Skrova Island. Choose from various hiking trails (up to 3km) for breathtaking views and exploration. End your day relaxing in an outdoor hot tub under the tranquil night sky.
The following day, cruise through remote fjords and marvel at majestic mountains, only accessible by water. We'll guide you through points of interest on our way to Trollfjord. Once there, explore the fjord's waterfalls and snow-capped mountains by kayak or SUP. As we sail to Henningsvær, take in the dramatic landscapes, colorful fishing huts, and diverse wildlife, including eagles, dolphins, whales, and various bird species.
On the third day, enjoy a private driving tour from Henningsvær to Reine, taking in the striking 2-hour scenic drive. Choose between a challenging 2km hike to Reinebringen's summit or a 2-hour photography tour in Reine, Hamnøy, and Å. Reconvene for a visit to the stunning Ramberg beach, followed by a gourmet 5-course dinner at a local restaurant in Henningsvær. Spend your last evening onboard.
On the final day, take a leisurely morning stroll around Henningsvær, exploring local shops, art galleries, fish drying racks, and the unique soccer field surrounded by the ocean. As we sail back to Svolvær, soak in the last few hours of Lofoten's awe-inspiring landscapes.
6-Day Extended Itinerary
Our 6-day tour extends the 4-day itinerary, providing extra time for activities and exploration of remote areas only accessible by boat. Enjoy additional outdoor adventures such as kayaking or stand up paddle boarding through uninhabited islands and beaches, hiking to alpine lakes, freshwater fishing, and relaxing by a bonfire in a secluded natural area.
​ABOUT LOFOTEN
Lofoten is an archipelago and a group of islands located in northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. The archipelago is characterized by rugged mountains, deep fjords, picturesque fishing villages, and pristine coastal waters. The natural beauty of Lofoten is its most defining feature. The islands are known for their towering granite peaks, white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and lush green valleys. The contrast between the mountains and the sea creates a breathtaking and photogenic landscape.
Lofoten experiences a subarctic climate due to its high latitude. This means relatively mild winters and cool summers. The ever-changing weather and light conditions, along with the stunning landscapes, provide endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. Despite their popularity as a tourist destination, the Lofoten Islands maintain a sense of remoteness and tranquility. The islands' relatively small population and vast wilderness areas allow visitors to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
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Lofoten has a rich fishing heritage dating back centuries. Cod fishing, in particular, has been a significant part of the islands' culture and economy. Traditional red fishing huts known as "rorbuer" and wooden drying racks for codfish, called "hjell," are iconic symbols of the islands' fishing culture. The rugged terrain and natural beauty of Lofoten make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in activities such as hiking, kayaking and fishing. The waters around Lofoten are home to a diverse range of marine life. You can often spot whales, dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds while exploring the area.
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I just spent the last week exploring Lofoten aboard this amazing boat and it was incredible! The sight seeing was some of the best I’ve ever experienced but even better was the amazing crew on board. Kenneth was extremely friendly and knows basically everything there is to know about Norway. Sachi made sure we were always on schedule and cooked incredible meals for our large group. We all kept saying that we wished we could eat like this all year long. I would give them more than 5 stars if I could! Highly recommend!
Tour Map
Meet Your Crew
All multi-day tours have our 2 resident crew + up to 2 additional crew members.
Kenneth Tårnes
Sea Captain
Kenneth is a world class Sea Captain with the highest international designation by SOLAS, the United Nations International Maritime Organization. As a Sea Captain, he is a licensed medic and marriage officiant. He served as a sea Captain in the Royal Norwegian Navy and since his retirement, he has continued to captain a variety of charter vessels and sailing yachts. He has sailed around the world on a 98 m sailing ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl and in 2007, set a world record for the fastest sailing time (without engine) from Tromsø to Kristiansand in Norway. This route normally takes an average of 6-7 days and he still holds this record! Kenneth’s passion is to connect people to the ocean and the natural world. Sharing his knowledge and experiences so they can see what our beautiful planet has to offer and how important it is to take care of it. He has been the official Captain of Stella Oceana for 4 years.
Sachi Maekawa
Solo Stew/Deck Crew
Sachi speaks English, Japanese, Norwegian and some Spanish. On board, she cooks, serves, cleans, helps on deck, organizes activities, guides the guests on excursions and manages the catering, provisions, and interior. She ensures that guests have the very best experience from start to finish. She is passionate about the care of the natural world and has a love of the ocean. From being on the US National Team for synchronized swimming to working at scuba diving centers, Sachi is an advocate for wild animals, marine conservation, free-diving and sustainable living. She has been the official host aboard Stella Oceana in arctic Norway for 4 years.
Frequently asked questions about this tour
What if I'm vegetarian, vegan or have other dietary restrictions?
No problem. Let us know during the booking process so that the cook can prepare for your meals in advance.
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Can you help arrange airport transfers?
Yes. We can reserve a taxi for your airport to harbor transfer. The cost of this transfer is not included in the tour price.
Who are the other guests?
This tour typically has well travelled couples and families who love an active holiday with activities, nature and being outdoors. The age range can vary from 30's to 60's.
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What wildlife/animals will I see?
You never know what you might encounter in the sea, but some common wild animals that we see are harbor porpoises, otters, orca, humpback whales, seals, white-tailed eagles, puffins, migrating birds from all over the world and a variety of arctic birds. ​
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Will I get seasick and what if I need medical attention? We can't guarantee that you won't get seasick, but most people don't experience this discomfort because the boat is so stable. However, in the small chance that you do get seasick, the crew has a lot of experience and can help you so you can enjoy your trip. Northern Norway tends to seem remote and isolated, however, we will always be sailing along the coast where help is never far away. There are local rescue ships and the Norwegian Coast Guard is always operating throughout the entire coast.
Is there a minimum number of participants for the tour?
Yes, we have a minimum viable number of 5 guests to run this tour. If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 45 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled, but in most cases, we are still able to run the tour without additional charges, and may ask for your cooperation to make modifications to your tour itinerary, but keeping the original tour start and end dates. When the number of participants is below the critical level, we will inform you 6 weeks prior to the departure date and consult you with your options, which can include additional supplements for the cabins (depending on the number of participants). If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking and the remaining balance that was paid 90 days prior to the departure date. We cancel because it is both financially and ecologically unsustainable to do a cruise with too few participants. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. ​
