Arctic Circle Cruise to the Lofoten and Vesteralen Islands

A magnificent voyage through a land of legends

Sailing through the magnificent Lofoten archipelago, north of Bodø in the Arctic Circle, we discover why this land has been such a rich source of folk tales and stories. This is a region that inspired Edgar Allen Poe and Knut Hamsun, a land of surreal rock formations and mountains flowing with sand, where eagles soar high above the islands and whales silently patrol the waters off shore.

But it is also a land of traditional fishing villages and coastal communities, where life has gone on untroubled by the outside world for generations. Weaving our way through this intricate network of islands on board the popular MS Lofoten, we take full advantage of the opportunity to explore this dramatic and unspoilt region.

Legendary peaks and Holy mountains
Arriving in Bodø, we transfer to MS Lofoten and set sail, heading south for the fascinating mountain of Gildeskål, where we will encounter the bizarre sight of sand streaming from an Arctic peak. Moving on to Brønnøysund, we enjoy some time visiting the town and there is the option of walking up to Torghatten Mountain, famous for the hole through its centre ‘formed by the arrow of a Troll King’ and some fabulous views of the surrounding area.

Sailing past the towering Seven Sisters we arrive at Lovund Island with its fabulous bird cliff. Later, there may be the opportunity to try to catch some fish for our chef to cook for dinner.

Across the Arctic Circle
Making the most of the breathtaking scenery we sail beside the fabulous rock formations and islands of Helgeland and Rødøy.

Stopping at Træna, we can explore the nearby grottoes courtesy of our Polar Cirkel Boats, or walk amidst the tranquil landscape, before sailing on to Nordfjord to see the famous Svartisen Glacier, where seals are a common sight.

Crossing the Arctic Circle we head for the Lofoten Islands, an area famed for its bird life and Norwegian puffin dogs. Visiting traditional fishermen’s cottages at Reine we then continue through the stunning Trollfjord to Stokmarknes, birthplace of the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

Archipelagos and wildlife
Depending on weather conditions we hope to sail along the outer coast of the Vesterålen archipelago, an incredible journey that gives some indication as to the harsh conditions of life this far north.

Arriving at Eggakanten we reach the edge of the Norwegian continental shelf, where hopefully we will see whales. Sailing from Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands, we visit the old trading stations of Narvik and Kjerringøy, something of a renowned Norwegian movie set, where we will have the opportunity to spend some time enjoying the delights of these traditional towns before returning to Bodø, from where we fly to Oslo for an evening in Norway’s capital.

Depending on the departure time of your flight it may be possible to explore some of Oslo’s sights, such as the Viking Ship Museum or the Vigeland sculpture park.

View information about your adventure cruise ship, the MS Lofoten

Download our Voyage Dossier (pdf) with full information

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