2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Hiking Above Norway’s Arctic Circle FROM THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS NORTH TO TROMSØ

Discover Northern Norway’s enchanting island realm far above the Arctic Circle. From the towering peaks of the Lofoten Islands to dreamy Senja and the “Arctic capital” of Tromsø, we’ve created an adventure of stunning hikes, visiting fishing hamlets in sheltered coves, paddling sea kayaks in the crystalline waters of Bergsfjorden, and savoring waffles in a historic lighthouse. We’ll even don dry suits to float the famous tidal maelstrøm ! Although these spectacular islands lie above the Arctic Circle, they enjoy a mild climate thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Our overnights include rorbuer —historic waterfront fishermen’s cabins at the water’s edge, and an enchanting hotel on Senja Island where we’ll have a private concert from local musicians and sample the island’s exquisite seafood. Days 1-3 Svolvaer / Nusfjord / Reine We meet in the lively harbor town of Svolvaer, in the heart of Lofoten, for a hike with far-reaching views of Lofoten’s spires rising above the sea. From the quaint village of Reine, with its red and white fishermen’s cottages, we hike from a tiny hamlet nestled at the head of a deep fjord to Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest fishing villages, designated

a World Heritage Site for its historic wooden architecture. A spectacular ferry ride takes us to the remote village of Kjerkfjorden for a hike to the outer coast at Horseid, a magnificent white- sand beach backed by towering granite walls. Days 4-6 Senja Island / Bergsfjorden / Maelstrøm A journey through some of Norway’s most stunning scenery brings us to the fairytale setting of Senja, Norway’s second largest island. Senja is otherworldly, with its pearly-white beaches of crushed seashells and crystal clear turquoise waters. We’ll paddle sea kayaks through majestic Bergsfjorden, where shapes and colors shift with the changing weather. For a unique arctic adventure, we don dry suits and float in the famous maelstrøm in an ocean inlet, riding the tide and swirling currents. It is a thrill! Hikes will give us mountaintop views, and our meals will feature the freshest seafood imaginable. Our overnights are in the lovely Hamn i Senja, a waterfront hotel complete with a welcoming cognac room and a unique hot tub made from a wooden fishing boat. Days 7-9 Tromsø In Tromsø, the polar capital of Norway, we attend a midnight concert in the city’s stunning Arctic Cathedral, and hike up the mountain above town for stunning views. We descend via cable car and visit the fascinating Polar Museum, with its tales of legendary Norwegian explorers. Depart on Day 9.

COLIN PALMER

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike coastal trails above the Arctic Circle, savor the long summer light of the Arctic • Paddle sea kayaks in magnificent Bergsfjorden • Sample local cuisine—fresh fish soup (fiskesuppe) or waffles (vafler) , chased with schnapps! • Float in the tidal currents of the famous maelstrøm • Stay in converted fishermen’s stilt-cottages at water’s edge • Attend a midnight concert at Tromsø’s impressive Arctic Cathedral DETAILS • 9-day trip begins in Svolvaer and ends in Tromsø • 8 nights hotels and rustic rorbuer • All meals included except one dinner

DATES Jun 19-27, 2019

Aug 3-11

Jul 16-24

TRIP COST $6895 (10-14 members) $7395 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $830

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 hiking days on moderate to steep trails in sometimes rugged terrain, 3-5 hours most days

Although they are above the Arctic Circle, these stunning islands have a mild climate, making them ideal for hiking.

73 WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM