Sailing in Norway; Lofoten & Ofoten

Join tall ship Noorderlicht as she sails through the Norwegian fjords and world-famous Lofoten Islands letting sails guide you to your destination. Enjoy the magnificent scenic landscape of Northern Norway with majestic fjord, diverse bird and animal life, picturesque villages and the fairytale Northern lights.

Sailing with tall ship Noorderlicht is perfect for solo travellers, couples and families alike with sailing in this fascinating part of the world certainly leaving life-long memories. Noorderlicht is fully crewed but guests are welcomed to get actively involved with sailing her.

Below is a rough day-to-day guide of what to expect based on previous voyages but please bear in mind that all itineraries are subject to the weather. As you board, the Captain will have a better idea with updated forecasts of what you can expect from your adventure sailing holiday in Norway.

Day 1: Harstad: gateway to the Lofoten

Arrive above the Arctic circle into the sweet Norwegian town of Harstad. A great starting point for a sailing holiday exploring the beautiful Lofoten Islands. Noorderlicht awaits you in the harbour of Harstad, where you can embark from 16:00. After a welcome from the crew and a delicious 3-course dinner, there is time in the evening to explore the town of Harstad.

Day 2: cruising the Tjellsundet towards the Lofoten

Set sail across the 50km sea strait of Tjellsundet and pass the impressive bridge of Tjellsund. Soak in the rugged mountains of this beautiful Norwegian Fjord as you keep your eyes peeled for whale watching, puffins and the impressive sea eagles flying by. Anchor for the evening in the town of LØdingen which is located at the end of the Tjellsundet where you can take beautiful walks into the tree lined mountains or along the picturesque coastline.

Day 3: Henningsvær: Venice of the Lofoten

Sail into the famous Norwegian archipelago of Lofoten. Many mark the Lofoten Islands as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world for its breathtaking landscape. With rugged mountain peaks, deep fjords, large seabird colonies and the best northern light experiences due to low light pollution.

Noorderlicht will arrive in one of the most picturesque fishing towns of the Lofoten: Henningsvær. This town has dubbed ‘Venice of the Lofoten’ and was the centre of the cod industry in the early 20th century. Today this pretty town of coloured houses offers a collection of historic architecture, art galleries and photo exhibits and is certainly best discovered from the water.

Day 4: The world-famous Trollfjord

Set sail to the world-famous Trollfjord, a 3km long fjord that is only accessible by boat. Its narrow entrance is surrounded by high mountains and steep cliffs and provides a spectacular backdrop for a sailing holiday on Noorderlicht. Emerald green waters, fairy-tale waterfalls and wooden Norwegian summer houses line the waterfront. Keep an eye out for sea eagles and other special bird species that can soar high above the cliffs.

Anchor for the night in the capital of the Lofoten islands and the cenrtal hub for the cod fishing industry. Svolvær is well worth an evening walk with its waterfront lined with traditional wooden shelves that are still used to process and dry the fish.

Day 5: Skrova, an old whaling town

Take a walk to the well-known Svolvær Geita (Goat Mountain) to complete a small section of the scenic walking trail. After lunch, Noorderlicht will set the sails and make a short sailing to the island of Skrova, an old whaling town and one of the few places in Norway that still has a whaling station.

On the north side of the Skrova is a beautiful bay with paradise beaches. For those adventurous travellers, there will be the opportunity to climb Mount Høgskrova from where you have a spectacular panoramic view over the Lofoten Islands.

Day 6: Sailing to the prehistoric rock drawings in Leiknes

As long as the weather permits, the intention will be to sail East towards Tysfjord where there are multiple options to go ashore.

The best option is the port of Korsnes. From here, you can take a beautiful walk to the prehistoric rock drawings in Leiknes. These 9,000-year-old granite rock engravings originate from the Stone Age and picture the world’s oldest known drawing of a killer whale and various hunting scenes. The walk takes us straight through the wilderness along streams, pine trees and frozen puddles. During this walk, it may be necessary to put on the snowshoes and if lucky, you might even encounter moose or reindeer.

Due to the remoteness of this town, there is a high chance to see the Northern Lights from the deck of Noorderlicht in the evening because there is only a little light pollution here.

Day 7: Captains dinner

Spend this day sailing back to Harstad via the Tjellsundet. As you sail through this beautiful strait, you can soak up all the impressions of the week. Upon arrival in the Harstad, enjoy some free time to shop for the final souvenirs or simply stroll through the lively streets. Around dinner time you are expected back on board where the crew has a last surprise in store for you. The rest of the evening you can enjoy your last night with the crew and your fellow travellers.

Day 8: Goodbye Noorderlicht!

After a hearty breakfast, you can disembark by 09:00 to either continue your Norwegian adventure on land or catch the flybus back to the airport.

As with all Noorderlicht’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Tea/Coffee. All cabins are private twin cabins with shared bathrooms. 

Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book! Upon booking, Noorderlicht requires a 50% deposit with the remaining balance due 90days before departure. Noorderlicht is giving full refunds in the event of Coronavirus restrictions that mean they are unable to sail.

All voyages for Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht

Guest berths: 20 Rig: Schooner

Originally built in 1910, Noorderlicht has a colourful history and has spent much of her life sailing the Baltic Sea and exploring Svalbard. With various refits, hull extensions and rigging reconfigurations, she now sails as a graceful two-masted schooner taking guests on bucket-list sailing holidays in the Arctic.

With comfortable accommodation for up to 20 guests in private twin cabins, Noorderlicht offers guests whale watching and wildlife expeditions exploring the Arctic waters of Northern Norway & Svalbard. Her size and draft mean she can reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard so she is a great way to discover the hidden gems that this breathtaking part of the world has to offer.

Low impact and environmental travel go hand-in-hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to set sail and explore this part of the world is the best way enjoy the beautiful unspoiled nature.

In the early 90’s she was refitted to become a charter vessel and so her accommodation below decks was given careful consideration. She has ten comfortable twin cabins that all share four bathrooms. The galley and downstairs seating area sits in the middle of the ship with another seating area and bar in the deck-house.

Noorderlicht is sailed by her loving owners along with a friendly crew who are all well trained to sail the wilderness of Svalbard. They invite guests to get involved with sailing Noorderlicht but it is certainly not mandatory!

Deck plan

More about Noorderlicht

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. We cannot cater for a vegan diet.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch/English

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew (and can be paid by card or in cash €)!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  10 x Twin Cabins with shared bathrooms

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding is provided but please bring your own wash towels. Micro-fibres are great - quick-drying and lightweight for travelling.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  4 shower rooms and an extra single toilet

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. No children younger than 11. Above aged 16 is fine, but ages 11-16 we must check directly with the boat on a case by case basis.

• When is the best time to see the Northern lights in Norway/Svalbard?

  You have the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis from mid-late September through to mid-March.

• How cold is it in Svalbard?

  Temperatures vary from April through to September. Depending on the time of year you can expect lows of -30 and highs of +10. It is hard to predict.

• Are muck boots (similar to Wellington boots) essential?

  Yes 100%. Without them your Svalbard experience could be limited, as they will absolutely be required for a number of shore landings from the RIB/tender.

• What luggage type is best for taking on a boat?

  Duffel type bag; made with water-resistant material is desirable. If you must take a hard suitcase (though we do not recommend it) it must be kept in your cabin.

• Is there Wi-Fi?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes. There are power points in all cabins. Please bring 2-pin European adaptors.

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: Harstad Marina

To: Harstad Marina

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE

Fly from most UK airports to OSLO, Norway where you can continue to Harstad-Navik, Evenes Airport. SAS airlines offer affordable flights.

You can then catch the airport bus to Harstad which is about a 50-minute journey.

Noorderlicht will be moored on the quay near Havnegata, 9404 Harstad, Norway.