We are going back to the country of legends – Norway! This time our route will pass through the Lofoten Islands. Lofoten Islands are located in the harsh waters of the Norwegian Sea, beyond the Arctic Circle. It is a land of wild, unbridled nature, majestic mountains, deep fjords, noisy bird colonies and long sandy beaches. Due to the warm Gulf Stream, the climate on Lofoten is much milder than in other places on the planet at the same latitude. Lofoten Islands are known for stunning nature and excellent fishing. They consist entirely of picturesque fishing villages and small harbors. For a week we sail between the islands, catch and cook the freshest fish or watch the eagles circling in the sky. And especially brave will be able to try the harsh Norwegian surfing and diving - Lofoten is considered the northernmost place in the world for these sports. And take the fishing rods! Unfortunately, we do not get to the annual cod fishing championship, but we can compete with the crews of our boats!
Day 1 (2 August): Svolver
At 17.00 we meet in the Svolver marina, check in on yachts, pass safety briefings, buy groceries, meet and dine in a warm and cheerful company. Yachts in Norway are equipped with Webasto heaters, and they completely cover the cockpit in case of ice wind. The air temperature is very different, in one week it is possible and +5, and +30 degrees. So we take swimwear, and ski clothes with hats and gloves. If the ocean is raging, then there is always the opportunity to hide from the excitement in the fjords. The average daily air temperature is +15 - +22 degrees. Water temperature is +10.
Day 2 (August 3): Svolver - Trollefjord 22 miles (3.5 hours)
Trollfjord is located in the eastern part of the island of Eustrugøya, northeast of Svolver. This is the most mysterious fjord in Norway, its width at the entrance is only 100 meters, and the height of the surrounding rocks is from 600 to 1000 meters. On the rocks runs a very beautiful and majestic waterfall. There we will stand for the night at the picturesque pier. On the trekking trail, we go up to the alpine lake. There is no connection, complete silence and calm.
Day 3 (4 August): Trollefjord - Sortland 26 miles (4 hours)
Sortland is also known as the Blue City because many of its houses are painted blue and blue. The idea of the blue city came to the mind of local artist Bjørn Elvenes in 1998. Elvenez was educated in Poland at the Krakow Academy of Arts. At the time, Krakow seemed to him a gray and unoptimistic city. The artist thought that it would be great to paint a city to the delight of its residents and tourists. And where else to implement such an idea, if not at home, in a town in northern Norway? Delicious fish for dinner and bright photos on the background of blue houses are provided to us!
Day 4 (August 5): Sortland - Harstadt 47 miles (8 hours)
We will leave early while the rest of the team is still resting. The polar day and the short white nights will allow us to make the early transition. Stop for breakfast in a beautiful place and continue our journey to Harstadt. We're planning to arrive by afternoon. Harstadt is a culturally rich small port city. From the top of the mountain offers a fantastic view of the fjord. The main attraction of Harstadt is the ancient sailboat Anna Rogde, built in 1868. On the central embankment of the city there is a statue of a walrus, whose gaze is turned towards passing ships. Traditionally, everyone dreams of holding it by the fang :), but this, of course, remains at your discretion. On this island there is a large polar zoo and Trolsenia Park. This family park is located in the heart of Senya Island and is an ideal stop for travelers. Despite being one of the most popular family attractions in Northern Norway, it still has a special charm. The secret is that this is not a big commercial pompous project, but a small family business. The whole family of entrepreneur and master of all trades Leif Rubach is engaged in the production of the show, including the manufacture of souvenirs and the preparation of delicious homemade food. Thanks to the organizers of the park there is a unique shop of special crafts. All guests of the island should definitely buy a troll mitten, it will certainly bring good luck. Tourists usually make a wish looking at the sunset, where on the background of blue mountains majestically doze tired trolls for the day (st.: http://www.norsktour.com).
Day 5 (6 August): Harstadt - Engenes 16 miles (3 hours)
We spend the night and have breakfast in Harstadt. If the weather permits, we can still walk around the city, and those who did not have time in the evening looked at the trolls in the park. By lunchtime, we're going to our next target.
Day 6 (August 7): Engenes - Finsnes 33 miles (5 hours)
A leisurely day awaits us: sailing, weather permitting, enjoying the scenery of Northern Norway, fishing and cooking freshly caught fish. Those who wish can climb the rock and meditate on breathtaking views.
Day 7 (August 8): Finsnes - Tromsø 37 miles (6 hours).
After lunch, we come to the home marina, refuel, prepare the boats for delivery. In the evening we will have a final dinner, presentation of logbooks and a lot of warm hugs and words for each other.
Day 8 (August 9):
At 9:00 we leave the cozy yachts, take selfies as a souvenir and already begin to miss the hospitable Norway, yachting and new friends.
Participation requirements:
