In the Footsteps of Vikings: Sailing from Scotland to Norway
Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings as Valiente sails from Scotland’s west coast through the Orkney and Shetland Islands to Norway.
Sailing the Orkney Islands and beyond, this voyage traces a route the Vikings knew well. Aboard expedition yacht Valiente, you’ll depart Oban on Scotland’s west coast, pass through the Caledonian Canal, and head north through the Orkney and Shetland Islands before crossing the North Sea to Bergen.
Norse history runs through every stop on this journey, from the ancient stones of Orkney to the unmistakably Scandinavian character of Shetland. This voyage is perfect for those who want to connect the dots between Scotland and Norway, under sail and in the wake of those who came before.
- Sail the Caledonian Canal by expedition yacht
- Orkney and Shetland Islands exploration
- Viking history at every turn
- Offshore North Sea crossing to Norway
- No sailing experience required
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Sailing the Orkney Islands: Scotland’s Norse Archipelago
Valiente departs Oban and heads into the Caledonian Canal, threading through the Scottish Highlands at up to 32 metres above sea level, the treeline low on either side and the mountains close. It’s an unusual and memorable way to cross Scotland, and a fine start to an expedition that grows wilder the further north it goes.
From Inverness, the route heads north toward the Orkney Islands, where 70 or more islands offer rocky shores, chalk-white beaches and one of the most historically rich landscapes in Britain. A couple of days here allows time for Scapa Flow, the great natural harbour that sheltered the British navy during both World Wars, and Kirkwall, the archipelago’s capital. Highland Park distillery, Scotland’s northernmost single malt, sits in Kirkwall and makes for a very worthwhile stop.
Fair Isle, Shetland and the Norse Connection
Continuing north, Valiente calls at Fair Isle before reaching the Shetland Islands, where the Norse influence is unmistakable. The place names, the architecture and the character of the people here speak more of Scandinavia than of mainland Scotland, and it’s a fascinating place to spend time. The capital Lerwick is worth exploring, and where time and weather allow, a stop at the archaeological excavations at Jarlshof, just south of Mainland, is not to be missed. Jarlshof is thought to be where people first made landfall in Shetland, somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago.
- Scapa Flow, Orkney’s great wartime natural harbour
- Highland Park distillery, Kirkwall
- Fair Isle, remote and quietly extraordinary
- Lerwick and Shetland’s Norse heritage
- Jarlshof archaeological site, one of Scotland’s finest
Crossing the North Sea to Norway
The final chapter of this voyage is the North Sea crossing to Bergen. Sailing at this time of year means the North Atlantic makes itself felt, and the crossing demands full participation from everyone on board. Watches form naturally, the crew settle into the rhythm of offshore sailing, and the Norwegian coast eventually rises from the sea ahead. It’s a passage that brings the whole voyage into focus, arriving in Bergen having followed, mile for mile, one of the great Viking sea roads.
The region west of Bergen, Vestlandet, has been sailed and settled since the Viking Age, and arriving here by sea feels entirely fitting. When the expedition ship finally makes harbour, the sense of having genuinely earned the crossing stays with you long after the voyage ends.
Expedition Yacht Valiente
Built for Arctic waters, Valiente’s steel hull is tough on the outside and welcoming within. Central heating runs throughout, and all 10 guest berths have comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. Joining Valiente means becoming an active part of the crew. No experience needed. Her skilled skipper, first mate and dedicated guide will have you taking the helm and trimming sails in no time.
- 10 guest berths | 4 bathrooms | Full board
- Hands-on sailing with experienced crew throughout
- Skipper, first mate and dedicated guide on board
- Steel hull designed for icy Arctic conditions
- Central heating and cosy cabins throughout
- Galley meals cooked together with fellow guests
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Night-watches?
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.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
Getting Involved
You don’t need any experience to join Valiente’s expedition sailing holidays, just a love for the natural world and a real sense of adventure. Sailing with Valiente is a real hands-on, humbling experience as you work with the crew and fellow guests to navigate the Arctic wilderness together. Get stuck into all aspects of life on board, from taking the helm, setting & trimming the sails, basic sail theory and domestic duties.
The skipper and first mate (co-skipper), plus a dedicated guide for Svalbard sailing voyages, will be on board for the duration of Valiente’s sailing holidays. Along the way, preferably by sailing but sometimes under motor, all guests are included in the sailing experience.
The physical sailing of Valiente is relatively straightforward, so she’s a great boat to learn on if you haven’t sailed before. Her simple rig has three sails: the main, genoa and jib, all working off a winch system. The wheelhouse is set at deck level, with a modern navigation system. You can take the helm and work with the skipper to keep your course. The crew who sail in these waters are highly skilled, resourceful, and calm, and they are always on hand to guide guests.
The boat works on a relaxed watch system, usually 4 hours on and 8 hours off. This gives guests a real chance to have some focused sailing time, while also having time to just be. To sit, watch the world go by, relax, nap, read a book in your cabin, play cards in the saloon, or simply sit at the bows, watching and reflecting as the world glides by. If Valiente spends time on anchor, the watch system will run overnight, but with all guests and crew participating, you wouldn’t be on watch on consecutive nights.
There is always a thorough safety briefing and introduction once guests have settled onboard, followed by a “man overboard” procedure (don’t worry – this is a fender, not a real person!) and a fire safety drill.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Central heating runs continuously throughout the boat (there’s even heated towel rails in all bathrooms and a heater in the wheelhouse), so there she is wonderfully cosy! The spacious saloon and galley are set midships with 360-degree windows at deck level – perfect for cooking with a view. The galley is really well equipped with an induction hob, two domestic ovens, two fridge drawers and plenty of storage space. All cabins have heating, comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. The cabins are a mix of double beds and twin bunks, but cabins are not allocated until all guests are on board, so that everyone is matched with the right size bed and proper facilities for their needs!
There are full-size domestic showers with plenty of hot water, although, as with all sailing experiences, guests are asked to be respectful with their water consumption. A small bath towel is provided per person, but you’ll need to bring an extra hand towel or swim towel if you wish.
Eating Aboard
Aside from setting the sails and taking the helm, the next most important aspect of Arctic sailing on Valiente is definitely the food! Once you’ve boarded the boat, a crew member will split all guests into pairs, who are then divided over a rota for breakfast, lunch and dinner duties. With an average of 10 people on board, you’ll normally end up doing one of each service over a week’s voyage.
If you’re not much of a cook, fear not! There will be a menu plan for the whole voyage, with all provisions on board. The menu plan is entirely flexible depending on the day’s plan— maybe you catch a fish, or perhaps the more confident cooks want to experiment a little! Alongside the menu plan, there is a correlating recipe book, especially made with ingredients, quantities and cooking methods to match the meal plan. Cooking on board is an integral part of how a sailing ship operates. A hearty feed after a sailing adventure, a chance to bring everyone together, for confidence to grow, and cultural culinary tips to be shared.
Sample menu
This is an example of what could be served while sailing with Valiente. There is no dedicated cook on board Valiente. Guests all take it in turns on a rotation basis to cook for the boat. This is an enjoyable part of sailing with Valiente as you make firm friends and experience recipes from around the world!
Breakfast
- Eggs, bacon, beans and toast
- Pancakes with jam and spreads
- Oatmeal with various toppings
- Bread and spreads
- Yoghurt and/or milk with cereal
Lunch
- Cauliflower or onion Soup
- Fish soup (using fish we’ve caught from our lines!)
- Cream porridge with cured meats
- Tomato soup and omelette
- Pancakes
Dinner
- Fish or veggie burgers
- Pasta with smoked salmon
- Chilli con carne
- Tacos
- Vegetable lasagne
- Bali chicken stew
- Salmon with root vegetables and sour cream
- Pasta bolognese with salad
- Sautéed reindeer stew
- Self-caught cod with pea puree
Dessert
- Fruit salad with vanilla sauce and firkløver chocolate
- Cream buns
- Sweet biscuits or chocolate
Valiente
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff
From week-long adventures in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to offshore Barents Sea crossings and ski & sail voyages in Norway, sailing with Valiente requires no prior experience. It is perfect for adventurous souls of all ages.
Joining Valiente will see you becoming an active member of the crew, taking part in all aspects of sailing. From the day-to-day running of the boat, winching sails and taking the helm to cooking up meals with your fellow guests, the crew of Valiente will be on hand to guide you at all times.
Tough on the outside, soft on the inside. With her steel hull made to withstand icy waters, below decks is a welcome contrast. Central heating runs continuously throughout the boat, so you’ll be wonderfully cosy! The saloon and well-equipped galley are set midships with 360° windows at deck level with plenty of storage space.
All cabins have heating, comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. The cabins are a mix of double beds and twin bunks, but cabins are not allocated until all guests are on board, so that everyone is matched with the right size bed and right facilities for their needs!
The Arctic sailing grounds are a vulnerable area increasingly under pressure from climate change. The owners of Valiente are committed to protecting the environment as much as possible and believe that small boats with fewer people are considerably less harmful to the environment and local wildlife than larger cruise ships.
Deck plan
More about Valiente
More holidays in Norway, Orkney & Shetland or Scotland
Adventure sailing to St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides
Expedition Sailing from the Faroe Islands to Scotland
Hike and Sail Adventure in Norway
Hike and Sail Adventure in Norway from Tromsø
More holidays on Valiente
Expedition Sailing Around Greenland: Qaqortoq to Sisimiut
Expedition Sailing from Iceland to Scotland via the Faroe Islands
Whale watching & Northern Lights Sailing Holiday in Norway
Coastal and Fjord Sailing in Norway: Ålesund to Trondheim
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
