Northern Lights
Lofoten is at the centre of the auroral oval, offering a spectacular view of the Northern Lights. No place on earth gives visitors a better chance of witnessing this mesmerising, natural phenomenon. When the sky and water are calm and the Northern Lights come out to play, the sky above the archipelago is its own firework show.
Hiking
From easy hour-long hikes to challenging missions that can last all day, Lofoten has a never-ending choice of extraordinary peaks and troughs to explore on foot, with intoxicating views at every turn. Since the paths are rarely trodden, we always recommend using an expert mountain guide to ensure your safety and give the best experience possible..
Kayaking
With its countless bays, fjords and islets, the kayaking in Lofoten is unparalleled. Whether you’re crossing bottomless blue fjords, skimming over turquoise shallows, or hugging the never-ending coastline, it is ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers, alike.
Paddleboarding
When the seas are calm, paddleboarding is a great way to explore the coastline of the archipelago. HMS Gåssten carries a selection of paddleboards, lifejackets and wetsuits for guests to use at any time.
Ski Touring
Thankfully, Lofoten is still a well-kept secret for ski touring, with its beauty and perfect snow. The contrast of huge ocean views and soaring mountains rising straight from the sea whilst carving down pristine slopes makes this an unforgettable experience. As does kitting up on board and disembarking the tender with your skins attached. The light at this time of year is mesmerising, giving you the feeling of skiing in a permanent sunrise and sunset. This is also the perfect time of the year to watch the Northern Lights.
Mountain Biking
An incredible landscape to explore on top quality bikes. With a mixture of laid back and enjoyable downhill descents to climbs and trails that Danny MacAskill would revel in. A couple of our favourites are the Finngluntan Summit Trail and Storfjellet trail on Røst.
We recommend a mountain biking guide as essential when biking in Lofoten.
Horse Riding
We offer a unique riding experience on Icelandic ponies in Lofoten. Explore the trails, looking out for sea eagles and otters from horseback while these gentle ponies lead the way. ‘Tolt’ (an Icelandic trot) across expansive sandy beaches and up winding paths into the mountains.
Swim & Sauna
The Nordic spa. The clear cold waters are enticing and invigorating, the sauna is restorative. We take you to some of the best and the most far flung – from the private mountain sauna that sits next to an icy blue, crystal clear mountain lake – to a sauna set on the beach, a mere dash from the crashing waves beyond.
Surfing
The amphitheatre of Unstad bay serves up a legendarily consistent left barrel, and Unstad right, a world-class pointbreak, is possibly the best surf spot in Norway when it’s on. From the pros to the beginners, Skagsanden beach is another perfect break and home to Lofoten’s safest surf spot, with a clear sandy bottom and showers on the beach.
Fishing
It’s hard not to catch a fish in Lofoten. HMS Gåssten carries a good selection of rods and tackle. You can fish from the deck or head ashore to take in the peace and sport from the water’s edge. Our chef will be delighted to serve up whatever you catch. If you want to fish deeper water in search of bigger prey we can organise bespoke trips with experienced Lofoten fishermen.
Golfing at Lofoten Links
Play golf in the Arctic Circle on the Lofoten Links Golf Course. The course here hugs a dramatic landscape beneath an infinite sky. One of the top 50 golf courses in the world, the remote location makes playing here the last word in exclusivity. In summer, guests can tee-off beneath the midnight sun.
Art & Photography
From sea eagles to orcas, cod to sea otters and seals, Lofoten’s wildlife is as abundant as it is diverse. Inspiration awaits around every headland. The everchanging landscape here is more than enough of a subject in itself, but the flora and fauna add an extra dimension for photographers and artists of all abilities.
HMS Gåssten are delighted to be working with KAYAK Svolvær Travel Guide https://www.kayak.co.uk/Svolvær.49204.guide