Norway is among countries that start with N listed on Countryaah.com. The Scandinavian country of Norway is about the size of Germany, but only has around 5 million residents. The official head of state since 1991 is King Harald V, who resides in the capital Oslo; it is the largest city in Norway with a population of 626,000. Other important cities are Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger. Thanks to its oil reserves in the North Sea, Norway is one of the richest countries in the world.
- Day 1: Arrival in Tromsø
- Day 2: Fløya – Tromsø’s local mountain
- Day 3: View from Husfjell to Senja
- Day 4: Senja – Norway’s secret pearl
- Day 5: Optional whale safari in Andenes
- Day 6: Coastal hike from Stave to Bleik
- Day 7: Lofoten panorama from Tjeldbergtinden
- Day 8: Day at leisure
- Day 9: Skrova whaling island
- Day 10: Bay of Kvalvika
- Day 11: Farvel Norge!
Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic Ocean, is 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. An imposing bridge leads across Tromsøsund, and from the harbor we can already see the Arctic Cathedral. We climb the local mountain Fløya and are rewarded with a view far over the mountains and fjords: all the way to the North Sea, snow-covered peaks tower up everywhere.
With Tromsø we are in the mood for our hiking trip along the coast in no time. In the morning the fast ferry takes us to the island of Senja: rugged coasts, rugged mountains and lovely archipelago landscapes shape the scenery. From Husfjell we have a view of the Ersfjord and the steep face of Husfjellet. We let the peace and tranquility of this place affect us.
Andenes on the Vesterålen archipelago is considered one of the best places for whale safaris in Europe; if you want, you can take a boat out onto the Atlantic and, with a bit of luck, see some sperm whales. We spend the last few days in Lofoten, a hiking paradise and notorious for demanding tours. We prefer to see the peaks from afar and cross over to the old whaling island of Skrova. If you want, you can take a RIB boat tour; the small, fast boats are perfect for exploring the rugged coastline. The bay of Kvalvika can only be reached on foot or by water. Here in Whale Bay the most fantastic brown, blue and green of the water and the mountains await us.
Meals: B = breakfast / L = lunch / packed lunch / D = dinner
1st day:
Arrival in Tromsø
Individual arrival in Tromsø. The public airport bus takes us to the start hotel in 15 minutes. Tromsø – the gateway to the Arctic Ocean with its imposing bridge over the Tromsøsund and the Arctic Cathedral, the outer shape of which is reminiscent of the mighty dried fish racks in Northern Norway, is waiting for us. In the evening our tour guide welcomes us for dinner at 7: 30 p.m. This is followed by a short tour of the tranquil Tromsø.
Overnight at Hotel Thon Polar *** in Tromsø
(- / – / A)
2nd day:
Fløya – Tromsø’s local mountain
We set off to the Arctic Ocean Cathedral and from there to the Fløya. Our gaze lingers on Tromsø and the mountain and fjord landscape. With luck we can find the Hurtigruten ship with binoculars an hour before it arrives in Tromsø. Isolated snow-covered peaks tower up all the way to the North Sea. Mountains, sea and endless views. After our descent there will be enough time for your own exploration. The evening is at leisure. How about a visit to the midnight concert in the Arctic Cathedral?
Hike: approx. 4 hours (approx. 10 km, max. 600 m)
Overnight at Hotel Thon Polar *** in Tromsø
(B / – / -)
3rd day:
View from Husfjell to Senja
In the morning we take the fast ferry to Finnsnes, where our bus is already waiting for us and takes us to Skaland. The hike to Husfjell gives us a first glimpse into the admirable nature of Senja. The view down to the Ersfjord and the steep face of Husfjellet is breathtaking. After a well-deserved break, we go down again and a short transfer brings us to our hotel complex, which is beautifully located by the sea.
Hike: approx. 3 hours (approx. 8 km, max. 550 HM)
Overnight at Hotel Hamn I Senja **** in Hamn
(B / – / D)
4th day:
Senja – Norway’s secret pearl
Senja is the second largest island in the Kingdom of Norway and captivates with its picture-book landscapes of rugged cliffs and coasts, as well as rugged mountains in contrast to Caribbean-like sandy beaches, lovely archipelago landscapes and idyllic fishing villages. Today we let the peace and tranquility of this place affect us and enjoy the long days in the far north on a short but steep hike from the hotel to the Sukkertoppen.
Hike: approx. 4 hours (approx. 10 km, max. 500 m altitude)
Overnight at Hotel Hamn I Senja **** in Hamn
(B / – / D)
5th day:
Optional whale safari in Andenes
In the morning we take the ferry from Gryllefjord to Andenes and thus to the Vesterålen archipelago. Your afternoon is up to you. Andenes is considered one of the best places for whale safaris in Europe! If you want, you can take a boat out on the Atlantic to observe the giants of the seas (optional). With a little luck you can see sperm whales. Our tour guide will make further suggestions for the day. In the evening we go out to eat and try the local Norwegian cuisine.
Overnight at the Marena Hotel *** in Andenes
(B / – / D)
6th day:
Coastal hike from Stave to Bleik
The coastal path from Stave to Bleik promises pure variety. The path leads through forests, past beaches and through the coastal mountains, the highest point being the Måtind at 408 meters above sea level. From here you have a fantastic view of Bleiksøya.
Hike: approx. 4 hours (approx. 10 km, max. 400 m altitude)
Overnight at the Marena Hotel *** in Andenes
(B / – / -)
7th day:
Lofoten panorama from Tjeldbergtinden
We take the bus along the Sortlandsund and cross over to the Lofoten archipelago. With our tour guide we go on another hike that takes us to the Tjeldbergtinden, from which one has a wonderful view over the many lakes and rugged peaks of the southern part of the island Austvågøy. The view down to Svolvær is particularly beautiful. In the east you can see the striking rock form of Vågakallen over Kabelvåg.
Hike: approx. 2 hours (approx. 6 km, max. 350 HM)
Overnight at Hotel Thon Lofoten **** in Svolvær
(B / – / D)
8th day:
Day at leisure
If you want, you can go on a RIB Boat Tour in Svolvær today (optional). The small, fast boats are perfect for exploring the rugged coastline. The rocks rise steeply to the right and left. The view sweeps up to the sky and maybe you will spot one of the numerous sea eagles in the region. The captain navigates carefully between the islands and takes a lap in the Trollfjord, one of the most photographed landscapes in Norway. Alternatively, there is an optional trip by public bus to the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvær (approx. € 15), also known as the “Venice of the North”. Our tour guide offers another hike. After a long, steep climb, you will be rewarded with a great view of this typically red-colored fishing village.
Overnight at Hotel Thon Lofoten **** in Svolvær
(F)
Day 9:
Whaler island of Skrova
The Lofoten are a hiking paradise and notorious for their demanding tours. We prefer to look at the peaks from a distance and cross over to the old whaling island of Skrova. From the small local mountain Høgskrova (258 m) there is a 360 ° panorama over the entire Vestfjord with a view of the Lofoten chain and the mainland. Back in Svolvær, there is still time to explore on your own.
Hike: approx. 4 hours (approx. 10 km, max. 300 m altitude)
Overnight at Hotel Thon Lofoten **** in Svolvær
(B / – / D)
10th day:
Kvalvika Bay
On the way to the southern end of Lofoten we stop at Kvalvika beach. The beach can only be reached on foot or by water, which alone has a certain appeal. The hike to Kvalvika Bay (Whale Bay) is a perfect mix between view and exertion. We are rewarded with the most fantastic brown, blue and green of the water and the mountains. On the further journey we stop again in the picture-perfect town of Reine before the ferry from Moskenes brings us back to the mainland.
Hike: approx. 3 hours (approx. 7km, max. 250 HM)
Overnight at Thon Hotel Nordlys **** in Bodø
(B / – / D)
11th day:
Farvel Norge!
After breakfast we prepare for our individual journey home or our follow-up program. Late and pre-overnight stays can be requested.
(F / – / -)
