Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Although they are above the Arctic Circle, the magical Lofoten Islands have a mild climate—making them ideal for hiking! PHOTO: ORSOLYA HAARBERG DAVE STAMBOULIS DAN HELLER

Norway’s Lofoten Islands HIKING ABOVE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

Northern Norway is a dreamlike realm where jagged mountains rise out of crystalline seas and exquisite islands, bays, and fjords shelter tiny villages and a deep Viking heritage. High above the Arctic Circle, we’ve created a spirited adventure in the incredibly spectacular Lofoten and Vesterålen islands, the jewels of Arctic Norway. Breathtaking coastal hikes, Viking culture, Sámi reindeer herders, tracking whales at sea, and kayaking under the midnight sun are all part of the journey. Overnights are in historic rorbuer —traditional seaside fishermen’s stilt-cottages converted into charming (though rustic!) lodges. Along the way, we’ll meet the welcoming islanders, dine on the bounty of the sea, and revel in majestic mountains and seascapes, all in the glorious northern summer light. Days 1-3 Bodø / Lofoten Islands From Bodø, Norway, we ferry across cobalt-blue waters to the Lofotens, enjoying striking panoramas of the magnificent Lofoten Wall, an 80-mile stretch of sheer mountains rising above a string of fishing villages. In the picturesque town of Reine, with its red and white fishermen’s cottages, we hike

to the tiny hamlet of Kjerkfjorden, nestled at the head of a deep fjord, for a beach picnic in a spectacular setting. Days 4-5 Lofoten / Svolvaer After a farm-to- table lunch at an organic farm, we explore the Viking heritage of Lofoten, which dates to 500 AD. At the Viking Museum, we can try our hand at axe-throwing or rowing a traditional boat, then settle in for a feast in a longhouse, complete with mead, stories, and song. Days 6-9 Vesterålen / Senja / Sámi Culture / Midnight Kayaking We hike to the ancient village of Nyksund and visit a reindeer farm to learn about the culture of the reindeer-herding Sámi, Europe’s oldest indigenous people. If the weather is on our side, we’ll head out by boat to look for sperm whales. On one evening, we’ll kayak at midnight under the Arctic night sky, watching as the sheer cliff faces glow with pink light. Days 10-12 Tromsø After a hike along Husfjellet, a spectacular ridge above the sea, we head to Tromsø, Norway’s northern capital. One evening, we visit the Arctic Cathedral for a midnight— yes, midnight—concert featuring Norwegian composers, including Edvard Grieg, and we’ll explore the Polar Museum, with its artifacts from the life of legendary explorer Roald Amundsen. Depart on Day 12.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike the Arctic islands of Norway: Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja • Enjoy the long summer light that allows for kayaking and picnics under the midnight sun • Go whale watching—a chance to track sperm whales • Dine at a renowned seafood restaurant in the Lofoten Islands and enjoy a farm-to-table meal at an organic farm • Enjoy hands-on experiences at the Viking Museum and a midnight concert at Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral DETAILS • 12-day trip begins in Bodø and ends in Tromsø • 11 nights rustic hotels • All meals included

DATES Jun 18-29, 2017 Jul 15-26

TRIP COST $6795 (11-14 members) $7295 (5-10 members) Single supplement: $890

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 hiking days on moderate to steep trails in sometimes rugged terrain, 4-6 hours most days

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/EUROPE 49