Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories Independent Tours Self Drive Tours Scandinavia Summer Tours

The charming small communities in the archipelagos make up the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. The island culture is based on friendliness and you will meet the locals in traditional fishing villages. These magical islands of beautiful nature and friendly culture invite you to explore the area of traditions, food, activities, changing weather and northern splendor.

Experience the islands from toe to top and enjoy a memorable whale safari, a definite highlight!

Itinerary

Arrival in Bodo on your own. We recommend Bodo to be your pick up point for the car rental. The second largest city in Northern Norway is a modern town that is very important to Norway’s aviation history. A visit to the National Norwegian Aviation Museum is highly recommended. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Borvasstindene Mountains to the south, and Landegode Island and the Lofoten Islands to the north. Accommodation in Thon Hotel Nordlys or similar

BODO - MOSKENES - REINE (105KM, INCL. FERRY)

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure before departure by ferry from Bodo to Moskenes. The 3- hour long ferry ride will bring you across the Vestfjorden to the Lofoten Islands, which stretch like a wall of mountains from the southwest in the sea. For centuries, catching cod and drying them has been a way of life and Lofoten’s largest industry. Two of the most recognizable sights are the fishermen’s shacks (rorbu) and the Stock fish (cod) that has been hung to dry on a wooden frame. The Lofoten means mountain peaks, open sea and protected bays. Thanks to the Golf Stream the climate here is

milder than in other parts of the world at the same latitude. From Moskenes you drive to Reine, your base for exploring the Lofoten islands. Accommodation in Reine Rorbuer or similar (3 nights)

REINE AND THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS

Breakfast at the hotel and your two days can be enjoyed at leisure as you explore the Lofoten Islands. We recommend a visit to Stamsund – to explore and enjoy this delightful region. The most

important trading goods are the stock fish which still is produced here and exported to southern Europe, South America and Africa. Stamsund is still a vibrant fishing port in Lofoten, but is also a culturally interesting town with several local artists, theater groups and an art gallery. We also suggest some time to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, a historical museum based on a reconstruction and archaeological excavation of a Viking chieftain's village in Borg.

REINE - ANDENES (305 KM, INCL.FERRY)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive through the islands and a suggested stop in Svolvaer- the “capital” of the Lofoten islands is well worth the effort. Svolvaer offers the atmosphere of a harbor, a small town and art centre simultaneously. Passing through small towns, make a stop in the old trading centre Stokmarknes to visit the museum of the coastal express Hurtigruten. Continue through Andoya to the village of Andenes, your base for exploring the Vesterålen Islands. Accommodation in Lankanholmen Sea Cabin or similar (2 nights)

ANDENES, WHALE WATCHING

Breakfast at the hotel and the time has come to enjoy, in our opinion, one of the highlights of the tour. Meet up with the rest of the group at Whale museum in Andenes. After a guided visit of the museum, departure by boat from the fishing village to go for a full day out at sea. This offers you a grand opportunity to see several species of whale and exotic sea birds.

ANDENES - HARSTAD (118 KM, INCL. FERRY)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Andenes towards Sortland leaving the green Vesterålen islands. On your way to Harstad you will drive through valleys and beautiful villages located on the shores of the fjords, and we recommend selecting the route through Kvaefjord, which naturally includes the short ferry-crossing between Flesnes and Refsnes. Accommodation in Thon Hotel Harstad or similar

Breakfast at the hotel. Before it is time to say “Good Bye!” to the beautiful Lofoten Islands. Departure from Harstad / Evenes at your own leisure.

Notes