LOFOTEN AND NORTHERN NORWAY, WHAT TO DO BY SAILING IN EACH SEASON?
A region for nature lovers: orcas, northern lights, cross-country skiing, sailing, and endless possibilities. We'll tell you all about it.
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NORTHERN NORWAY: A REGION FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS LOVERS.
Northern Norway is made up of three regions: Nordland (Bodø), Troms (Tromsø), and Finnmark (Vasdø). Within these regions lie areas of unparalleled natural beauty, such as the Lofoten Islands , Senja, the Lyngen Alps, and the North Cape, which many consider the end of Europe, though this isn't entirely accurate. Much further north is the Svalbard archipelago, administered by Norway.
The entire northern region of Norway has a strong maritime tradition, and its geography makes this clear: there's only one way to get around—by sea. Roads are scarce, and thanks to the fjords, traveling by boat is much faster than driving.
That's why we always recommend a trip to Norway by boat, preferably a sailboat. It's the best way to explore the fjords, learn about the culture, and enjoy all the activities that can be done sustainably.
The opportunities for nature lovers in this region are endless and vary depending on the time of year; we'll tell you about the best options to try.
WINTER – Ski touring.
There are three regions for “Ski Sailing”:
–Lofoten: A picture-postcard area straight out of a troll story, with mountains reaching up to 1200 m down to the sea. The best time for skiing is from March to April. Check out the travel options.
–Tromsø: The Lynggen Alps and all the surrounding islands offer endless possibilities for all levels with mountains up to 1800 m. The best time for skiing is from April to May. See travel possibilities.
–Finmark: A much less populated area where you'll feel completely removed from civilization. The best time to ski is from April to May.
We've included a video so you can get an idea of what it's like to ski from a sailboat in the Arctic.
PRIMAVERA VERANO – Explora el Ártico en velero.
The cross-country skiing season on the mainland (northern Norway) lasts until almost the end of May. On the Svalbard islands, skiing is possible throughout May.
From June onwards the snow begins to disappear, remaining only on the highest peaks and giving more opportunities to explore the region on foot by hiking.
Lofoten is a wonderful destination to explore in summer. With its midnight sun, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities day and night. Climbing to a peak at midnight with the orange sun lingering on the horizon is truly magical. Discovering its fishing villages like Svolvær and Henningsvær, or surfing on the beaches of Unstad, are just some of the possibilities. View travel options.
Summer is also the best time to truly explore the Arctic, which is covered in sea ice for much of the year. Svalbard, Greenland or Jan Mayen These are some of the possibilities. Venturing into the Barents Sea and reaching the ice cornice located at 80 degrees north in polar bear territory is a truly unforgettable experience. View travel options.
OTOÑO – Orcas y auroras boreales.
Orcas, along with humpback whales, arrive in northern Norway from November onwards in search of herring, their delicacy. They venture into the fjords using group hunting techniques to catch these small fish. In recent years, the largest concentrations of orcas have occurred near Skjervøy, a town close to Tromsø. Orcas and humpback whales usually remain in the region until mid-January. This is also the time when there is the greatest chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
How about a sailing trip to see orcas in the wild during the day and a green and violet sky of northern lights at night? Check the travel options.
If these options don't seem enough and you have another idea in mind, we'd be delighted to help you develop it. We love this region and know it as our second home.