Trip Guide: Kayak SUP Hike and Bike Adventure in Lofoten

Spend four days kayaking Arctic waters, hiking to Devil’s Gate, paddleboarding in sheltered bays, and cycling to fishing villages. Morning yoga sessions get you stretched out before active days, and evenings are yours for the spa – sauna, hot tub, and cold plunges in the Arctic Ocean.

Located just above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten stretches 100km into the Norwegian Sea. Mountains drop straight into crystal-blue water, sandy beaches hide between peaks, and September brings autumn storms mixed with Northern Lights. You’ll experience it all on foot, bike and paddle, guided by locals who know these islands inside out.

Getting There

Lofoten isn’t exactly straightforward to reach, but that’s what keeps it special. You’ll fly into Evenes Airport, then it’s a 2-hour 45-minute transfer through changing landscapes to reach our coastal hotel.

We provide one-time group transfer on arrival and departure days, which align with our suggested flights. Detailed meeting point information will be provided by the host two weeks before your trip.

Fitness & Skill Level

This trip is rated moderate. You’ll be active 5-6 hours daily across different activities, tackling consecutive days of kayaking, hiking, paddling, and cycling. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need stamina.

Hiking: Two guided hikes – one lasting 3-5 hours, another around 4 hours. Expect mountains, gorges and uneven terrain. There’s also the chance to hike to Djevelporten (Devil’s Gate) and see the Djeveltrappa (Devil’s Stairs).

Kayaking: 2-3 hours sea kayaking around the islands. You’ll be paddling in open water with Arctic temperatures, keeping watch for marine wildlife.

SUP: Around 2 hours paddling in the bay, followed by an evening hike.

Cycling: 36km ride to Henningsvær fishing village. There’s an option to not cycle the return journey if needed.

Yoga: Four morning sessions to stretch out before active days. No experience needed.

The challenge isn’t any single activity – it’s doing all of them across four consecutive days. Your body needs to recover quickly and be ready to go again the next morning.

Experience Requirements

No previous kayaking, SUP or hiking experience needed. You do need to know how to ride a bike for the cycling day.

Beginners are welcome across all activities. Our guides will teach you techniques and keep things safe, but you need to bring your own motivation and fitness.

Fitness Requirements

Medium to high-intensity cardio 3 times a week for around 45 minutes. Running, HIIT, cycling, spin classes, stuff that gets your heart pumping. Walking and yoga won’t cut it for the cardio demands.

Strength training helps, but isn’t essential. If you’re new to weights, build it up slowly and seek advice from a professional to ensure good form.

If you can handle a full day’s hiking and don’t mind getting sweaty, you’ll manage. If consecutive active days sound exhausting rather than exciting, choose something easier.

Sleep & Eat

Accommodation

Your base is a hotel on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Face one way and you’ve got an endless sea speckled with tiny islands, turn around and mountains fill the skyline.

Private rooms come with ensuite bathrooms. Twin rooms mean sharing a bathroom with one other person from your trip. Towels and toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, conditioner) are sorted. Hairdryers are at reception if you need one.

The hotel has Lofoten’s best spa setup, with sauna, hot tub, and direct Arctic Ocean access for cold plunges. After long days on your feet, the spa is where you’ll want to be. The hot-cold contrast therapy works wonders for recovery, though the Arctic plunge isn’t mandatory.

There’s also a gin bar, the biggest in Lofoten, if sampling Norwegian gins after dinner is your thing.

Laundry costs 150kr (approximately £11) per use. You can do it once during the trip, so pack accordingly.

Food

Breakfast is a continental buffet in the hotel restaurant. Make your packed lunch here too from the buffet spread.

Lunch varies from packed lunches most days, one cafe lunch in Henningsvær, and one fireside cookout.

Dinner is a two-course meal every evening featuring local seasonal dishes. Proper restaurant service, not canteen-style.

All meals are included. We accommodate dietary requirements, but only if you tell us when booking. Don’t spring allergies or requirements on us upon arrival. We need advance notice to sort it with the hotel kitchen.

Weather

Summer in Lofoten brings long days and milder temperatures, but this is Norway, so you need to prepare for changeable conditions.

July: Peak summer with 24-hour daylight (midnight sun), temperatures around 12-18°C, and generally the most stable weather window of the year.

September: Autumn arrives. Days shorten, temperatures drop to 8-15°C (sometimes lower), and you’ll get a mix of cool, crisp days and rain or storms. Plus, fewer tourists and a chance to see the Northern Lights starting to appear.

Water Temperature: Cold Arctic waters year-round

Mountain and coastal weather changes fast. You might experience sunshine, rain and wind in the same day, regardless of when you visit. Bring layers you can add or remove quickly.

Good to Know

Money: No need to stuff your wallet with cash — cards are accepted almost everywhere. It’s handy to carry a small amount of Norwegian krone for occasional personal expenses.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving 200-300 NOK, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.

Communication: WiFi is available at the hotel. Phone coverage is generally good in settled areas, limited in remote hiking locations. You’ll be offline while out on the water or hiking. Your guides has emergency communication equipment when leading outdoor activites.

Packing List

What We Provide

• • Kayak & paddle
  • Paddleboard & paddle
  • Life jacket
  • Bike
  • Bike and helmet
  • All required safety gear for water activities

What You Need to Bring

Essential Clothing:

• • Base layers
  • Mid-layers
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trouser
  • Hiking boots/shoes
  • Trainers or approach shoes
  • Swimwear
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Warm socks

Personal Kit:

• • Daypack (10-20 litres)
  • Dry bags
  • Water bottle (1 litre)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Personal medications
  • Blister plasters

Optional:

• • Wetsuit (long john or shorty): For extra warmth when paddling, though most people manage without
  • Rash vest or long-sleeved top

Packing Tips

Why No Cotton? Cotton absorbs water and takes forever to dry. When you’re sweating or get wet from rain or spray, cotton stays damp against your skin, making you cold. Merino wool or synthetic materials wick moisture away and dry quickly. This isn’t optional advice – it’s the difference between being comfortable and miserable.

Layering System: Start with a thin base layer (merino or synthetic), add a mid-layer (fleece) for warmth, top with a waterproof shell. You’ll add and remove layers throughout each day as conditions change. Pack layers that work together rather than one thick jacket.

Footwear: Your hiking boots/shoes need to be worn in before you arrive. Bring multiple sock options – thinner for cycling and yoga, thicker for hiking. Wet feet are inevitable at some point, so bring enough socks to rotate.

Waterproofs: You’re in Norway, the weather is changeable – invest in gear good quality waterproofs to keep you dry and comfortable. Make sure they are breathable!

Hand Luggage Priorities: Pack hiking boots, base layers and waterproof jacket in carry-on. Lofoten does have outdoor shops – but you’ll need a taxi to reach them (not cheap!) and could miss out on activities.

Rental Options: If you don’t want to buy technical gear for one trip, Blacks or Cotswold Outdoor offer rental services. Order before you travel and return after.

Trip Code NORSKAMLT – Include this code in any message so we can find your trip straight away.