Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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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.
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
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT 49
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