Noorderlicht Lofoten & Ofoten 2022

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: 12 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 sustainable adventure holidays in Svalbard.

With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 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 explore this part of the world is the best way to enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled nature.

In the early 90s, 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 sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.

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.

• Are there any added extras?

  There is an honesty bar for alcohol and soft drinks. You can pay your honesty tab by card but tips are left in cash.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6 x twin bunk cabins with shared bathrooms.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, each cabin has a deck hatch for light and ventilation. We recommend bringing an eye mask during the summer months for the midnight sun.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  4 shower rooms and an extra single toilet.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and towels are provided.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  Please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  Noorderlicht does not have laundry for guests unless you are taking part in the 16day circumnavigation, where you will be able to wash underwear/small items if needed.

• Is there heating on board?

  Most definitely! The generator runs continuously so the boat is fully heated.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch/English

• Is there Wi-Fi?

  There is no wifi on-board and there will be times when you are out of range when sailing in Svalbard. When you're in range to local towns, you should be able to pick up 4/5G so please make sure you have the appropriate data roaming set up on your mobile phone.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

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

• What is the currency on board?

  Euro's

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes, life-jackets are provided and there are safety demonstrations once you board.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Noorderlicht is always at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  Noorderlicht does not have waterproofs for guests so please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  Noorderlicht does not have any water toys.

• 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.

• 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.

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.