Arctic Sailing Lofoten Orca whales Sami Norway Tall Ship Sail Yacht Voyage holiday Killer Whales Orcas cruise- Aqua-Firma

Arctic Sailing in the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands form a picturesque archipelago north of the Arctic Circle. Here magnificent mountains, peaks and sheltered inlets surround spectacular clear water fjords more than 800m deep.

The tranquillity of sailing within spectacular scenic fjords and observing the Arctic wilderness, its wildlife and colourful fishing villages, onboard a Victorian tall ship schooner, enhances your contact and appreciation for this Arctic region. Those keen to participate in the sailing of the vessel are, when conditions allow, welcome to assist and be part of an international team of polar travellers in the tradition of the 19th Century explorers.

The timing of this Arctic sailing expedition is set to coincide with a migration of herring into the Lofoten islands and Tysfjord in particular. When they arrive the Orcas, which in this part of the world feed almost exclusively on fish, are not far behind. Whilst we sighted many Orca a few years ago, the numbers entering near shore waters dropped considerably last season; so whilst sightings could still be part of this experience, nothing in Nature is guaranteed.

Another natural phenomenon we can hope to see on this voyage is the Northern Lights. Some of our best chances to see these are at quiet anchorages away from artificial light. These locations heighten one’s sense of the Arctic wilderness and are often ideal nesting sites for resident sea eagles. We also take the opportunity to moor at some of the region’s prettiest sea towns and villages, including Kabelvag, Skrover and weather permitting, Henningsvaer.

Throughout the voyage you will be accompanied by an expert naturalist guide and the leadership of your experienced expedition staff.

Photographs kindly provided by: Jan Belgers, Sonia van Berlkel, Tiu Simila & Ralph Pannell

Lofoten Islands - Arctic Voyage - Expedition Cruise - Carbon Climate Neutral - Norway
Tall Ship - Responsible Travel - Orcas - Killer Whales - Henningsvae

The Lofoten voyages take place in late autumn/winter, when the days are short in Arctic Norway. We can expect to see the first snow showers, and have temperatures just above freezing. The autumn colours will be beautiful during the day time. At night, when there is open sky we may be able to admire the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

The Lofoten voyages itineraries are very dependent on the weather, which can be quite rough in exposed areas. Therefore the itinerary of the voyage, given below is for guidance only.

Day 1

You can arrive at any time after mid-day and board at Lödingen harbour as the vessel will not depart until early the following morning.

Day 2

You will depart from Lødingen and sail to Tysfjord. You will be able to take an afternoon landing to climb up the hill at Skarvberget . This is a good point for spotting sea eagles. This has also been the best place in Europe to see orcas, but sighting here dropped considerably last season. We will stop for the night in the small harbour of Korsnes, a village at the entrance of the Tysfjord.

Day 3

We will take a morning walk to the Stone Age petroglyph´s at Leiknes. Images of animals such as a Killer Whale and Elk have been carved into the hard rock in the hills here. In the afternoon we will sail to the island of Skrova arriving late afternoon and staying there the night. Skrova is a small, rugged island. Its two hundred inhabitants mainly work in the fishing industry. It is one of the few places in Norway and the world, where whale hunters still hunt for minke whales.

Day 4

We will take a morning walk on Skrova. An easy walk takes us to a pretty bay on the other side of the island. The more active passengers can climb the 255 m peak of Skrova for a fantastic 360º view. There are good chances of seeing sea eagles during these walks.

In the afternoon we will sail for Kabelvåg. This beautiful old village was the centre for the Lofoten cod fisheries until the beginning of the 20^th century.

Day 5

Active members of the team can take a morning walk from Kabelvåg to Svolvær while the vessel will sail around to Svolvær. Sailing enthusiasts should stay on board if the wind is up! In the afternoon we hope to visit to Svolvær, the largest town in the Lofotens. We will stay the night here, so there is a chance to enjoy the famous Svolvær night-life.

Day 6

In the morning we will sail into the Trollfjord, a famous steep sided and stunning fjord a few hours sailing from Svolvær. Afterwards we head for Tranøy, on the Norwegian mainland, where we stay overnight.

Day 7

In the morning we will walk to the pretty lighthouse of Tranøy and admire the works of art that are displayed in this small artist’s village. Tranøy is well known because of the Norwegian writer and Nobel-prize winner, Knut Hamsun.

With a fair wind we will hope to sail to Hustadgaard in Vestbygd where we have the opportunity to see the “Øye I Stein”, “Eye in Stone”, a sculpture weighing 37 tonnes made by the Indian artist Anish Kapoor.

We will then make way back to Lødingen arriving late in the evening and staying there overnight.

Day 8

Disembarkation is after breakfast in the morning.