Ryten Viewpoint, Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo: GettyImages-1045220842
4.9

Hike, Kayak and Chase the Aurora in Lofoten

  • Norway
  • 5 nights

A winter odyssey through Norway's relentlessly stunning archipelago in the Arctic Ocean

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified Guides

    All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • Beach House & Wild camping

    4 nights in a cosy beach house, 1 night wild camping
  • Meals

    All of your breakfasts, lunches and dinners
  • Transfers

    Airport transfers and everything in between
  • Equipment

    All your camping and kayaking gear, plus snowshoes for the hikes
  • Small Like-minded Groups

    Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From
excluding flights

What's it like?

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Highlights

  • Embark on some unreal kayaking – in calm, icy waters at sunrise and in the dark of night on the ultimate aurora hunt

  • Wrap up for the sleepout of a lifetime, camping by a crackling fire on Kvavlika, one of Lofoten's most iconic beaches

  • Clip on snowshoes and crunch your way to epic viewpoints at Justadtinden and Ryten, warming up with saunas and cinnamon rolls

Itinerary

    Day 1

    First glimpses of Lofoten

    Northern Lights Watching
    1-2hrs
    Beach House
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Touch down in the heart of the snow-covered Arctic and meet your host at the airport. Settle in for your first glimpses of the Lofoten Islands in winter as you're transferred to your base for the trip – a beach house in the fishing village of Eggum. Tuck into a welcome dinner with your fellow adventurers and chat through the week ahead with your guide. If the aurora is coming out to play tonight, you'll waste no time, heading out this evening to watch it from the beach.

    Day 2

    Hikes, saunas and midnight aurora kayaking

    Hiking
    5hrs · 15km · 624m up · 624m down
    Kayaking
    1-2hrs
    Northern Lights Watching
    1-2hrs
    Beach House
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Clip on a pair of snowshoes to hike to the summit of Justadtinden, one of Lofoten's most revered lookout points. The hike is long but relatively steady going as you gradually tackle the elevation to the summit at 738m, and the reward is 360-degree vistas over Vestvågøy Island. Head on to the famous surfer's beach of Unstad for a traditional Nordic sauna, hot tub and a taste of the best cinnamon rolls in the whole of Lofoten. After dinner, if the conditions are good, you'll gear up and paddle out on kayaks for a magical experience watching the aurora dance above you while floating out in the Arctic Ocean.

    Day 3

    Out on the water

    Kayaking
    3hrs
    Beach House
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Enjoy a lie-in after your late-night aurora kayaking antics, then tuck into breakfast at the beach house before getting back out on the water to take in the views whilst kayaking in daylight this time. You'll be paddling around the natural reserve of Eggum, weaving between small islands in the shallow and calm waters. The area is a wildlife haven, so keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, eagles, otters and even moose. After a packed lunch on dry land, you'll hit the water again on a fishing boat, cruising deeper into the archipelago and attempting to catch some cod for tonight's dinner back at the beach house.

    Day 4

    Sunrise kayaking and an Arctic sleep-out

    Kayaking
    3-4hrs
    Hiking
    1-2hrs
    Northern Lights Watching
    1-2hrs
    Wild camping
    Twin tent
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    No lie-in today as you set alarms for a dawn rise – it'll be worth it as you head out to experience the Arctic sunrise from the water. You'll set off from Valberg on the opposite side of Vestvågøy Island, paddling away from this pocket of civilisation to take in the silence and solitude – the scenery here is truly spectacular. After a few hours exploring this stretch of coastline, you'll hit dry land, grab lunch back in Eggum and enjoy some well-earned downtime. Late afternoon, you'll hop back in the van for a road trip south to Moskenesøya Island. Head out on an evening hike to reach Kvalvika Beach – a remote bay only accessible by foot. Settle in for a truly memorable night as you camp out on a beach in the Arctic winter, sharing stories around the campfire while the northern lights dance overhead.

    *Please note that the campout is dependent on weather conditions. It may change to a different night of the trip depending on the forecast, or may be cancelled if the conditions are not favourable for a campout during the trip.

    Day 5

    Famous Lofoten sights without the summer crowds

    Hiking
    5hrs · 11.5km · 570m up · 570m down
    Wild camping
    Twin tent
    All meals included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Waking up after the most unique sleep of your life, your host will warm you up with a hot breakfast and tea on the beach while camp is packed down. Clip the snowshoes back on and hike up to Ryten, one of Lofoten's most iconic viewpoints, looking back down on Kvavlika Beach where you just spent the night. Later, you'll road trip back to Eggum via Reine, a village of iconic fishing huts, before returning to the warmth of the beach house for dinner and a night back in your bed after your wild camping adventure.

  1. Day 6

    Last glimpses of Lofoten

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 6 detail

    Time to leave Lofoten with a sackful of happy memories as your host transfers you to Leknes Airport in time for your flight home.

Getting There

Nearest airport
Leknes Airport (LKN)
Pick up
Leknes Airport
Between 11:00 - 18:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Leknes Airport
Between 07:00 - 12:00 on Day 6

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Arrival transfers from Leknes Airport to the beach house in Eggum are included between the hours of 11:00 and 18:00 on Day 1 only. Similarly, departure transfers are included between the hours of 07:00 and 12:00 on Day 6 only. You'll just need to let your host know your flight arrival and departure times.

If you plan to extend your stay, it's advisable to stay in Leknes so that you can join the group transfers as your host is unable to provide private transfers on alternative days.

If you are looking to save some money, flights into Evenes (EVE) are lower in price than Leknes. If you fly into Evenes you can take a 4hr bus journey to reach Leknes. Head to the Nordland website for the timetable; there are two buses per day that depart from Evenes Airport – at 11:05 and 17:05. You can catch the bus all the way from Evenes Airport and get off at the stop Bøstad skole (Vestvågøy). Your host will pick you up from there. A one-way ticket will cost you 450NOK (£36/€40/$44).

Travel options

Leknes Airport is accessible by various flights from the UK, Europe and North America via Oslo or Bergen. Some routes may also touch down in Bodø (in between Oslo or Bergen) on their way to Leknes. It looks long-winded on paper, but the transits are short and the scenery is stunning as you reach the far north of Norway. Travel time from London to Leknes can be as short as 6hr 20mins, including both transits. If you overnight in Oslo or Bergen rather than connect on the same day, you can take the direct flight in the morning to Leknes, avoiding the short touchdown in Bodø.

Flights to Evenes (EVE) involve just one stop in Oslo en route from various major hubs in the UK, Europe and North America.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Aurora hunting from the beach near Eggum
  • Snowshoe hike to the summit of Justadtinden (738m)
  • Nordic sauna and hot tub experience at Unstad
  • Night kayaking in the Arctic Ocean to watch the aurora
  • Guided kayaking around the Natural Reserve of Eggum
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Head out on a fishing boat to catch some fish for dinner
  • Sunrise kayaking from Valberg
  • Guided hike to Kvalvika Beach
  • Snowshoe hike to Ryten, one of Lofoten's most iconic viewpoints

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

  • 4 nights in a cosy beach house
  • 1 night wild camping on the stunning Kvalvika beach

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 5 continental breakfasts
  • 4 packed lunches
  • 5 dinners with Lofoten specialities

  • Group arrival transfer from Leknes Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Leknes Airport on Day 6
  • All transfers during the trip

  • All camping equipment
  • All kayaking gear
  • Snowshoes for the hikes

Where You'll Stay

Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

Beach house in Eggum

Stay

Beach house in Eggum

Your base for the trip is a private guesthouse on the beach in the quaint fishing village of Eggum, on the north coast of Vestvågøy Island. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Double rooms are available if requested.

What You'll Eat

Breakfasts will consist of muesli, porridge, crispbread, some cheese and ham, tea and coffee. For packed lunches, you'll make sandwiches from various ingredients. Snack items include biscuits, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, fruits and energy bars. Eve…

Food and Dietary info

Breakfasts will consist of muesli, porridge, crispbread, some cheese and ham, tea and coffee. For packed lunches, you'll make sandwiches from various ingredients. Snack items include biscuits, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, fruits and energy bars. Evening meals will be some local specialities, such as Lofoten lamb and fresh fish – including some Arctic cod, which you'll hopefully have caught on the fishing boat on Day 3. You'll also be treated to Lofoten's best cinnamon rolls at a sauna and surf shack in Unstad.

Vegetarians and pescatarians can be catered for however, owing to the remoteness of the places visited and the limited facilities, your host is unable to cater for vegan, gluten free / coeliac, or lactose free diets. Similarly, if you have an allergy please contact us before booking so that we can check if your host can cater for it. Please note any dietary requirements or allergies on your passenger information form.

Optional Extras

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).


To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Trip level explained

Level 4

Moderate-Challenging

You do not need any previous kayaking experience, full guidance will be provided at the beginning of the trip and while on the water. Cold water kayaking can seem daunting, but your host will be constantly monitoring the conditions so that you'll be paddling in calm waters. You'll also be wearing a dry suit provided by your host during each kayaking outing. You will be in a tandem kayak by default.

The hikes are fairly strenuous with a decent chunk of elevation gain to tackle while crunching through the snow to reach the summits at Justadtinden and Ryten. While anyone with average fitness levels can manage the activities on this trip, the cold can add an extra layer of difficulty to this trip – so bring a head for adventure and love of being out in cold, wild places at a magical time of year (and with far fewer people than in summer).

What will I need to carry?

During the activities, you'll only need to carry a personal day rucksack with your essential items. Your daypack will also double-up as an overnight bag for the night camping on the beach at Kvavlika. Your main luggage will be left at the beach house in Eggum.

Climate Factors To Consider

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely cold and consistently below freezing (0C/32F) during the times of year when this trip operates. Temperatures at night will likely be even colder. Personal care should be taken to keep as warm as possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration and nutrition. Very cold temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at warmer temperatures. In severe cold conditions people may experience symptoms associated with Exposure, Frostbite and Hypothermia. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with cold temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Highly Remote Environments: Factors to consider

This trip travels through very remote areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited and evacuation may take a significant amount of time. In some locations, medical facilities may provide only basic treatment, and further travel may be required to reach a hospital capable of providing more advanced care.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, evacuation may involve multiple stages and different forms of transport before reaching appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may be unreliable for significant portions of this trip and communication may rely on satellite devices carried by your guides.

Your guides are trained and experienced in operating in remote environments and will manage the group carefully throughout the journey. However, due to the remoteness of these locations, access to external support may be limited and delays to medical care should be expected.

Before booking, consider your personal health and comfort travelling in locations where medical care and evacuation options may be limited or delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we strongly recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling. If you have a medical condition that may require rapid access to specialist care, regular monitoring, or emergency treatment, this type of remote travel may not be suitable without careful planning and medical advice.

Your travel insurance must cover the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation.

Ratings & Reviews

4.945 reviews
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Jayne T.

    Absolutely fantastic trip thanks so much to the guides and the chef

  • Robert J.

    I’d recommend this trip to anyone, Lofoten is a beautiful place with amazing scenery everywhere. The guys from Northern Explorer Carlos, Lucio and Joaquin took really good care of us and made sure those who couldn’t do the more tricky hikes could do alternatives. They also made sure to keep us busy and allowed us to see as much as we could despite the challenging weather! Joaquin’s cooked us delicious dinners every night which went down a storm and had everyone going up for seconds and thirds! The accommodation was a cozy house right on a lake with plenty of bathrooms. A+ trip 100% would recommend!

  • Denise D.

    This trip was amazing all around. Our guides were both incredibly knowledgeable and fun (Carlos and Lucio!), and when the weather didn't cooperate, they knew exactly how to pivot the itinerary. The lodgings are also very comfortable, beautifully decorated, and were the perfect place for our group to sit around the fireplace and bond. The group dynamics were impeccable too, and the meals in the evening were gourmet. And of course, arctic Norway in the winter is absolutely magical. I 100% recommend this trip!

  • Chris L.

    The weather was against us all the way, but the incredible work of the guides and the fantastic group ensured this was still a great trip! Wind and rain could not prevent the Lofoten Islands sharing their beauty, and making this a holiday to remember.

  • Andrew B.

    Great trip despite the wind and rain. Carlos and Lucio earned their money by expertly exploiting every minute of sunshine we were given and timed the hikes perfectly. Sadly, not much kayaking was possible due to strong winds but the guides were determined to at least give us a few hours out in the icy bay so I feel we did as much as possible under the conditions.

  • Bodil O.

    We came to Lofoten for crisp, cold weather, snow and kayaking and we got rain, wind and lots more fun than we expected! Our guides were amazing at finding a weather window with pockets of sunshine out of a rainy day, and a sheltered spot for some kayaking. Although it couldn't be the week we had planned due to the weather, we had an amazing time and would highly recommend the trip.

  • Samantha H.

    My husband and I had an amazing time with Northern Explorer in Lofoten. Carlos, Lucio, and Joaquin were so perfectly in sync with one another and managed to work around the unpredictable weather to make our experience stellar.

  • Richard T.

    This is an excellent adventure in the Lofoten Islands. Carlos and Lucio are the most fantastic guides who worked so hard to ensure we got the best out of our trip despite mixed weather, and our days ended with some lovely food cooked by Joaquin. We managed to hike, kayak, snow shoe, see the northern lights and Carlos even pulled out the stops for a wonderful sauna back at our house. The scenery is spectacular and all this was made more special sharing it with a brilliant group of people.

  • Jeremy D.

    A tiring but satisfying few days in the arctic circle, exploring this amazing area on foot and by kayak. The accommodation is comfortable and the food varied and plentiful - great for active bodies.

  • Cristina K.

    Our trip included kayaking, snowshoeing, and hiking through some incredibly beautiful and dramatic landscapes. The weather was very much in charge which meant that we occasionally had to adapt our plans, but honestly that became part of the adventure. The guides were fantastic—constantly adjusting the itinerary and making sure we still got the absolute best out of every day. Their knowledge, flexibility, and enthusiasm made all the difference. Beyond the activities, what really made the trip special was the people. An amazing team running the experience and a wonderful group to share it with—lots of laughs, shared challenges, and unforgettable moments out in nature. And the food! After long days outdoors, sitting down to incredible meals together was the perfect way to end each day. Still need the carrot cake recipe! Despite the unpredictable weather (or maybe partly because of it), this trip turned into something truly special. Beautiful landscapes, great company, outstanding guides, and memories that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a real adventure.

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4.945 reviews
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Showing all 45 reviews
  • Absolutely fantastic trip thanks so

    Jayne T. April 2026
    Absolutely fantastic trip thanks so much to the guides and the chef
  • Amazing trip, beautiful location, highly recommended!

    Robert J. March 2026
    I’d recommend this trip to anyone, Lofoten is a beautiful place with amazing scenery everywhere. The guys from Northern Explorer Carlos, Lucio and Joaquin took really good care of us and made sure those who couldn’t do the more tricky hikes could do alternatives. They also made sure to keep us busy and allowed us to see as much as we could despite the challenging weather! Joaquin’s cooked us delicious dinners every night which went down a storm and had everyone going up for seconds and thirds! The accommodation was a cozy house right on a lake with plenty of bathrooms. A+ trip 100% would recommend!
  • Amazing and unforgettable!

    Denise D. March 2026
    This trip was amazing all around. Our guides were both incredibly knowledgeable and fun (Carlos and Lucio!), and when the weather didn't cooperate, they knew exactly how to pivot the itinerary. The lodgings are also very comfortable, beautifully decorated, and were the perfect place for our group to sit around the fireplace and bond. The group dynamics were impeccable too, and the meals in the evening were gourmet. And of course, arctic Norway in the winter is absolutely magical. I 100% recommend this trip!
  • The weather was against us

    Chris L. March 2026
    The weather was against us all the way, but the incredible work of the guides and the fantastic group ensured this was still a great trip! Wind and rain could not prevent the Lofoten Islands sharing their beauty, and making this a holiday to remember.
  • Great trip despite the wind

    Andrew B. March 2026
    Great trip despite the wind and rain. Carlos and Lucio earned their money by expertly exploiting every minute of sunshine we were given and timed the hikes perfectly. Sadly, not much kayaking was possible due to strong winds but the guides were determined to at least give us a few hours out in the icy bay so I feel we did as much as possible under the conditions.
  • Great time in Lofoten!

    Bodil O. March 2026
    We came to Lofoten for crisp, cold weather, snow and kayaking and we got rain, wind and lots more fun than we expected! Our guides were amazing at finding a weather window with pockets of sunshine out of a rainy day, and a sheltered spot for some kayaking. Although it couldn't be the week we had planned due to the weather, we had an amazing time and would highly recommend the trip.
  • Absolutely Incredible

    Samantha H. March 2026
    My husband and I had an amazing time with Northern Explorer in Lofoten. Carlos, Lucio, and Joaquin were so perfectly in sync with one another and managed to work around the unpredictable weather to make our experience stellar.
  • Incredible Adventure

    Richard T. March 2026
    This is an excellent adventure in the Lofoten Islands. Carlos and Lucio are the most fantastic guides who worked so hard to ensure we got the best out of our trip despite mixed weather, and our days ended with some lovely food cooked by Joaquin. We managed to hike, kayak, snow shoe, see the northern lights and Carlos even pulled out the stops for a wonderful sauna back at our house. The scenery is spectacular and all this was made more special sharing it with a brilliant group of people.
  • A brilliant adventure

    Jeremy D. March 2026
    A tiring but satisfying few days in the arctic circle, exploring this amazing area on foot and by kayak. The accommodation is comfortable and the food varied and plentiful - great for active bodies.
  • An amazing adventure!

    Cristina K. March 2026
    Our trip included kayaking, snowshoeing, and hiking through some incredibly beautiful and dramatic landscapes. The weather was very much in charge which meant that we occasionally had to adapt our plans, but honestly that became part of the adventure. The guides were fantastic—constantly adjusting the itinerary and making sure we still got the absolute best out of every day. Their knowledge, flexibility, and enthusiasm made all the difference. Beyond the activities, what really made the trip special was the people. An amazing team running the experience and a wonderful group to share it with—lots of laughs, shared challenges, and unforgettable moments out in nature. And the food! After long days outdoors, sitting down to incredible meals together was the perfect way to end each day. Still need the carrot cake recipe! Despite the unpredictable weather (or maybe partly because of it), this trip turned into something truly special. Beautiful landscapes, great company, outstanding guides, and memories that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a real adventure.
  • Great adventure!

    Roxana P. March 2026
    Everything was amazing: the kayaking, snowshoeing, the house was beautiful and the dinners so tasty!! I will definitely come back to do the summer version.
  • Norway the Extraordinary wins again

    Priscilla M. March 2026
    I did this Lofoten adventure with my husband this past February and must say it was absolutely magical. The landscapes are like a dream, and this part of Norway is so remote and wild feeling. Beautiful vistas, dramatic peaks, the cold sea filled with floating ice, being deep in woods with snow-covered trees. There’s something so special about hiking in the snow. (And let me tell you the snowshoes make it a whole new kind of workout) 😂 Our guides, Carlos and Lucio, were absolutely wonderful. So encouraging, knowledgeable, and just genuinely fun people to spend the week with - they clearly love what they do. There were lots of laughs with the group, great conversations, and plenty of snacks! (Shoutout to those unusual but delicious chocolate corn chips). Special mention to Joaco, who made delicious home-cooked dinners for us every night. After long cold days outside, sitting down to our warm tasty meals at night was such a treat. If you’re hesitating because of the cold - I’m Canadian and still have a fear of being too cold 😂 - don’t let that stop you. With proper layers, you’ll stay plenty warm on the hikes/kayaking. A few tips: Wear breathable waterproof gloves while hiking, but always pack warm mitts in your bag in case your gloves get wet or aren’t enough. You’ll be very glad you did. Bring a wool snood everywhere. Absolute game changer. Kayaking is stunning… but yes, it’s chilly 🥶 You don’t wear gloves because your hands get damp, but there are neoprene mitts attached to the paddle which help. Your hands will eventually get cold - try not to think about it 😂 I wore two pairs of hiking socks, the dry suit, and my winter boots and still had cold feet but it was manageable and 100% worth it for the experience. This trip was unforgettable. 10/10 recommend. If you’re considering it, don’t think about it - just book it. It’s an incredible adventure and you won’t regret it. 🩵
  • Kayaking and snowshoeing in the Lofoten

    Gwenola B. February 2026
    Definitely a trip to remember: very cozy lodge with amazing views of the water, incredible landscapes from the top of the mountains, BBQ in the snow, night under the stars (although none of us slept much it was very special), the guides Carlos and Lucio were excellent and are clearly still passionate about nature and the Lofoten, lovely food cooked by Joaquim. Kayaking including breaking the ice was brilliant. The list could go on but I should mention seeing the northern lights 3 nights in a row, a lucky treat! A truly memorable experience with a lovely group of people from all over the world: The power of nature bringing people together. Thank you MBA!
  • Amazing adventure

    Oscar M. February 2026
    Such an amazing adventure
  • Immaculate

    Panos C. February 2026
    This trip was mind blowing ! The beautiful beach house , the lovely yet experienced guides, and the scenery. . just WOW. We got lucky with the weather so everything ran as planned. Steep ridges , majestic peaks, frozen beaches, sunbathed kayaking , 3 sightings of the majestic aurora borealis and top that with very good company and imminent bonding . . I couldn’t have asked for more!
  • Magical Lofoten

    Matthew C. February 2026
    My third trip with MBA, and each one just as good as the last, Norway and Lofoten was truly magical, blessed with amazing weather and lots of fresh snow, the activities were superb, snowshoeing through thick snow to incredible views, cayaking through ice and seeing some seals and eagles. The accomodation was brilliant and added a touch of luxury after each day, our guides Carlos and Lucio were brilliant and a big shout-out to both of them for going the extra mile and organising the saunas for a suprise one night along with surprising us wit sausages and marshmallows on our hikes with bonfires by the sea, and also a shout-out to our chef who prepared 5 incredible meals each night along with dessert. This trip was a must for me and I'll be back to Norway again soon I hope.
  • Highly recommended.

    Matt W. February 2026
    What a fantastic few days in the Lofoten islands. The country is stunning, views in every direction. The Aurora are everything you want them to be. Our accommodation was fantastic, great for evenings reliving the days experience and warming around the fire. What really made this trip though is our 3 fantastic hosts. They shared there genuine love for the country and the outdoors whilst paying an intrest in our lives, the days were spent laughing and being in awe of the country and the evenings eating fantastic food and sharing storys around the table. I still have a massive smile on my face and would return in a heartbeat.
  • Out of this world 🌍

    Mel F. February 2026
    What an amazing and truly unforgettable trip with MBA. I am not a winter, snow kind of girl and was convinced to join in by a friend so wasn't expecting to fall in love with a winter Norway. . . However, the landscape is stunning, colours vibrant and activities fantastic. From hiking in spikes and snow shoes to kayaking and ice dipping the whole trip was so well organised to take full advantage of every second. The itinerary is not set in stone as the guides work hard to incorporate activities best suited to each day to maximise enjoyment, views and weather. The northern lights came out to play a couple of nights and the camp out, though terrifying initially ended up being soooo much better and easier than anticipated. The kit provided is high quality and I was never cold despite the minus 6-8 temperatures. I would definitely recommend and am already looking for another wintry adventure. !! Lucio and Bianca were supportive, funny, informative guides who really care about making sure we all had the best experience. The uphill hikes require a decent level of fitness as they are tough and the activities are packed in with very little down time so be prepared to be on the go! However, this ensures you see the most of the Lofoton islands within a short space of time. Take foot warmer to go in your dry suit to keep feet warm when kayaking and you'll be fine! Roll on the next adventure. . . Thanks MBA for an amazing experience. I really don't know how I'll top this one!
  • Don't know how il top this trip

    Naomi C. February 2026
    Absolutely loved every minute of this trip ! So we'll organised with the best team of hosts snd guides who really were passionate about us getting the most out of this trip . I cannot put into words how beautiful the island is especially in its winter coat . Our group got on so well , I haven't laughed as much in along time . The camp out was a night il never forget , sleeping under the aurora was so magical .
  • Excellent trip, well organised and

    Jessica F. February 2026
    Excellent trip, well organised and brilliant group of people
  • Absolutely incredible

    Maria L. July 2025
    This trip is insane. Amazing place. Wonderful instructors. Great group.
  • What an adventure

    Ian Q. April 2025
    For me this was a childhood dream, to travel into the Artic circle and see the landscape, wildlife and enjoy the challenge of activities while meeting a new group of people. My expectations were exceeded on every front. Add in the team of guides and support that made the trip whether it was the food , which was great, or the guides for the activities. They went the extra mile and made the trip seamless. Great personalities, sense of humour, and skill and adaptability to work with the full range of weather we experienced and make good calls when they had to be made. I felt like I left the trip with not only friends in the group but also with the guides. Excellent job, well done.
  • Wonderful, great organisation and it

    Lorenzo L. April 2025
    Wonderful, great organisation and it was a lot of fun. Beautiful scenery really
  • Brilliant experience

    Sarah P. April 2025
    A trip full of nature (both land and sea) and northern lights, what's not to love! A great way to explore Lofoten and great hosting and food to keep us going through the trip. It would've been great to have arctic surfing as an option whilst we we there but made do with a sea swim and sauna!
  • Wonderful Lofoten

    Sarah B. March 2025
    An amazing trip hiking and kayaking in beautiful Lofoten. Our kayaking was curtailed by the weather, but we managed an afternoon on the water made magical by sea eagles swooping around us. The views from hikes were magnificent. We also enjoyed a sauna and sea dipping as well as some sightseeing. A well organised trip, flexible to accommodate the weather. On our last evening we even saw the Northern Lights- spectacular! Our guides were friendly, encouraging and kept the whole group safe and happy.
  • Nordic Wonderland

    Jennifer E. March 2025
    We were looking for a Nordic adventure and this ticket all the boxes. The hiking, kayaking and guides exceeded all of our expectations! The food was amazing as was the communications from the organisers. The accommodation is basic but perfectly acceptable as most of our time was spent outside. The dynamic of the group was great with solo travellers, couples and a diverse age range. We simply had the most amazing time!
  • Fabulous

    Susan R. March 2025
    My first adventure with much better adventures. It exceeded my expectations. Everyone involved in making this trip memorable were amazing, nothing was to much trouble. Had a fabulous time with great people and looking to book another trip for next year.
  • Stunning scenery and fun all round

    Kimberli B. March 2025
    Being in the artic means you’re at the mercy of the weather, as luck would have it we were blessed with sunny skies, incredible auroras and even some snow. The guides were very knowledgeable, the food was great and they catered to our individual needs, the accommodation was spacious and clean. There’s downtime allocated for snacks and lunch, personally I’d be happy to curtail some of that time to do more hiking (although I was working up an appetite so the snacks were much appreciated!). I’m confident that the ‘world’s best cinnamon roll’ really was the world’s best! Overall I’ve come away having had a fantastic experience and would love to do it all over again.
  • We will blessed with excellent

    Sarah N. March 2025
    We will blessed with excellent weather conditions for 3 out of the 4 days in Lofoten. The guides were great at packing in activities on the 'good' days. However, we weren't able to make use of these great conditions and enjoy the classic Lofoten hikes advertised by MBA. The management at the 'Northern Lights' company who ran the tour only allocated one guide per day (even though there were two guides for our group). The other guide was sent to assist other groups (not a MBA tour). This meant that on the hikes, the sole guide had to cater to the slowest members. Usually, there are two guides to accommodate for the differing abilities. Of the two hikes we did, we had to turn back on both due to time taken. We didn't complete any the actual hikes advertised. This was not due to adverse weather conditions or for safety reasons. We managed a full hike on one of the days, but only because management asked the 'slower' participants to sit the day out which I thought was unfair. They were completely capable but just slower. Had a second guide been made available, they may have been able to partake in some of the activities, rather than being 'asked' to stay at the beach house. Otherwise, the kayaking was fantastic. The weather and conditions were great. Most of use signed up for an active adventure, so it was a shame we weren't able to utilise the favourable condiirions to its potential and complete the advertised hikes.
  • 25th February 2025

    Denis T. March 2025
    Still a great trip, despite an unseasonable warm spell that meant we didn’t have as much snow as expected. We literally hiked, kayaked and chased the aurora! The surf camp beach sauna and running into the Arctic sea followed by ‘The worlds best cinnamon roll’ was a definite highlight.

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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?

  • Tandem sea kayaks
  • Dry suit
  • Gloves
  • Life jacket
  • Paddle
  • Dry bags
  • Twin-share expedition tent
  • Inflatable sleeping mat
  • Sleeping bag (able to withstand temperatures down to -15°C/5°F)
  • Hand and foot warmers (to go inside your shoes and gloves for extra warmth)

What do I need to bring?

  • BAGS
  • Main luggage (any type of bag is okay but ideally not too large)
  • Daypack (25-30 litres, big enough to carry water, lunch and spare layers)
  • CLOTHES
  • Thermal baselayers – two sets (ideally wool)
  • Wool or fleece thermal mid-layer
  • Waterproof winter hiking trousers or ski salopettes for snowshoeing (breathable)
  • Waterproof winter hiking boots, ideally Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry
  • Waterproof jacket (such as Gore-Tex, to wear over your down jacket)
  • Down or synthetic jacket
  • T-shirts (ideally wool)
  • Neck scarf/snood or balaclava
  • Wool or fleece hat
  • Warm gloves or mittens (waterproof such as ski gloves), plus some warm gloves for around town in the evenings
  • Thick wool or synthetic socks – 4 to 5 pairs
  • Light shoes to wear at the beach house
  • Sandals/flip-flops for hot tub and sauna
  • Swimwear for the sauna and hot tub
  • Comfortable warm clothes for evenings at the beach house
  • Pyjamas
  • OTHER
  • Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Tripod (recommended to stabilise your phone/camera for capturing the aurora)
  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Earplugs
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks

FAQs

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and your host will help with advice on how much to tip your guides should you wish to do so.

Tap water in the Lofoten Islands is safe to drink - you can fill up your bottles at the beach house before heading out on the various hikes and kayaks throughout the trip.

This is a centre-based trip, so other than your night camping on the beach at Kvavlika you'll be based at your beach house in Eggum and can leave all your luggage there throughout the trip.

Tandem sea kayaks are used on this trip. They have a covered deck and are generally longer, faster and sit lower in the water than touring or sit-on-top kayaks. There's a spray sheet which you'll lock in yourself (full guidance will be provided by your expert kayak guides). You'll also learn how to steer using foot pedals to control the rudder. As these are double kayaks, you will be paddling in pairs.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

In February, average daytime temperatures in the Lofoten Islands will range from -3°C to 1°C (26°F to 34°F) whilst night times can range from 2°C to -10°C. You can expect snowfall and a landscape covered in snow during this time and the days are still relatively short, with around 6 to 8 hours of daylight. March marks the transition from winter to early spring in the islands. The temperatures gradually start to rise from -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 36°F). Daylight hours increase, with around 10 to 12 hours of daylight by the end of March. The sea temperature during these months is around 2-3°C (36°F-38°F).

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 113kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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