Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Although they are above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands have a mild climate, making them ideal for our hiking journey. PHOTO: RAINER MIRAU

Northern Norway & the Lofoten Islands HIKING ABOVE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

Northern Norway is an ethereal realm where jagged mountains sheer out of cobalt seas and deep fjords shelter a strong Viking history. On our unique adventure north of the Arctic Circle, we explore the staggeringly beautiful Lofoten and Vesterålen islands, the jewels of Arctic Norway, arcing from Bodø to Tromsø. To explore this mountainous archipelago, we’ll take breathtaking coastal hikes, travel by ferry and inflatable boat, paddle sea kayaks in the amethyst light of the midnight sky, visit a Sámi reindeer farm, and go whale watching. Overnights are in historic rorbuer — fishermen’s waterfront cabins converted into rustic yet charming lodgings. As we explore, we’ll meet the welcoming islanders, visit villages that date to the Viking era, and relish the majestic scenery and traditional culture of these unforgettable islands.

Days 1-4 Bodø / Lofoten Islands From Bodø, we ferry across the deep waters of the Norwegian Sea to the Lofotens, enjoying striking panoramas of the magnificent Lofoten Wall, a dramatic 80-mile stretch of granite mountains rising above a string of coastal villages. In picturesque Reine, with its red and white fishermen’s cottages, we hike to a tiny hamlet nestled at the head of a deep fjord and visit charming Nusfjord, a quintessential Lofoten fishing village and a World Heritage Site. At the Viking Museum, a reconstructed longhouse next to a Viking archaeological site, we can try our hand at axe-throwing, and we enjoy a Viking-style feast in a longhouse, complete with mead, stories, and song. northward to the Vesterålens, we hike to the restored fishing village of Nyksund, now an artists’ haven, and visit a reindeer farm to learn about the culture of the Sámi, Europe’s oldest indigenous people. We also go whale watching, looking for sperm whales in one of their major feeding grounds, and head out to sea kayak after dinner in the long evening light. Days 10-12 Tromsø After a hike along Husfjellet, a spectacular ridge above the sea, we head to Tromsø, Norway’s northern capital. A cable car brings us high up above this stunning city for a hike, we visit the city’s Polar Museum, with its tales of legendary explorer Roald Amundsen, and attend a midnight concert in the city’s Arctic Cathedral. Depart on Day 12. Days 5-9 Vesterålen Islands / Senja / Sámi Culture / Midnight Kayaking Crossing

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike and explore the Arctic islands of Norway: Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja • Explore by Zodiac-style inflatable boat and by sea kayak, enjoying the long summer light • Visit a traditional Sámi reindeer farm • Go whale watching to look for sperm whales • Search for colonies of Arctic seabirds on sheer cliffs • Stay in converted fishermen’s stilt-cottages at water’s edge • Attend a midnight concert at Tromsø’s impressive Arctic Cathedral DETAILS • 12-day trip begins in Bodø and ends in Tromsø • 11 nights rustic hotels • All meals included

DATES Jun 20-Jul 1, 2018 Jul 15-26

TRIP COST $6995 (10-14 members) $7395 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $960

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

DAVE STAMBOULIS

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 73