Norway's coastline offers a plethora of activities in the way of adventure. We love the epic Norwegian Fjords and the divine Lofoten archipelago with their steep granite faces and deep blue waters. Covering an area of 1,227 km², the Lofoten Islands sit on the North Western coast and are characterised by steep peaks, sheltered inlets and secret beaches. Winters here are unusually mild, due to the temperate climate of the Norwegian Sea. However, this is not to say that a blanket of snow will not be found covering the ground between January and March. During the summertime, the Lofoten islands play host to a wide range of marine and inland wildlife; orca, elk, otter, seals and eagles to name a few. Head south down Norway's coastline and the fjords provide a further network of sheltered bays where wildlife is a plenty. From the viewpoint on Trolltunga the vast wilderness stretches out below you and it is clear why so much of it is unexplored.
How to get to Norway
Lofoten Islands
If heading to the Lofoten islands, then you will need to arrive at Bodø Airport (BGO) on day 1 of your itinerary where a member of our team will be waiting to greet you.
From the UK, SAS have convenient flights from Heathrow and Manchester via Oslo, the journey time is roughly 6 hours. Norwegian Airlines also offer flights from London Gatwick and Edinburgh via Oslo.
For those travelling from the US, SAS offer flights from New York via Oslo. You can also fly with SAS from San Francisco connecting through Copenhagen or New York and then Oslo. Travellers from the west coast also have flight options with Iceland Air and Lufthansa.
On arrival in Bodø a member of the Kandoo team or your guide will meet you at the door of the arrivals area. Look out for a KANDOO sign. You will be transferred to your accommodation and meet your guide and the rest of the group
South Norway
If heading to South Norway, then you will need to arrive at Bergen Airport (BOO) on day 1 of your itinerary where a member of our team will be waiting to greet you.
From the UK, KLM offer flights from Heathrow and Manchester with a stop in Amsterdam, the journey time is roughly 4 1/2 hours. Norwegian Airlines also offer direct flights from London Gatwick and Edinburgh via Oslo.
For those travelling from the US, SAS, Delta and KLM offer flights from New York via Oslo, the journey time is around 11 hours. You can also fly with SAS from San Francisco or LA connecting through Copenhagen. Travellers from Dallas can fly with Lufthansa via Frankfurt.
On arrival in Bergen a member of the Kandoo team or your guide will meet you at the door of the arrivals area. Look out for a KANDOO sign. You will be transferred to your accommodation and meet your guide and the rest of the group
Tromsø
To reach Tromsø, there are direct flights from Oslo (3 hr journey) provided by SAS and Norwegian Airlines. Direct flights do not operate every day of the week so you may also need to spend a night in Oslo before continuing your journey the next day.
To reach Oslo from the UK, there are direct flights with British Airways from Heathrow and Norwegian Airlines have direct flights from Gatwick and Edinburgh. SAS have direct flights from Manchester.
If you are travelling from the US, SAS operate direct flights to Oslo from New York. From the west coast there are good flight options with Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.
Our Norway adventures
SUMMITS OF THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS | A one week trip hiking in arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Beyond the Arctic Circle, in the permanent light of summer, we traverse the southern part of the Lofoten Islands, exploring the most mountainous and spectacular part of the archipelago. Colourful fishing villages nestle in emerald coves fringed with white sand beaches. Lush pastures, mysterious moors and rocky summits, with breath-taking panoramic views, set the scene for our excursions.
The Lofoten Islands are without doubt one of the world's most amazing kayaking destinations. This trip combines hiking and kayaking to offer completely unique perspective of this wild and mountainous archipelago, as well as providing a great way to get around when the mountains often plunge straight into the sea.
BEST OF SOUTH NORWAY| Visit the most iconic natural landmarks of South Norway including the Priest’s Pulpit, Troll’s Tongue and Kjerag Boulder. Stay in mountain refuges in stunning locations, gaze across the expanse of Hardanger Fjord, visit the Folgefonna Glacier and explore the vibrant city of Bergen.
NORTHERN LIGHTS IN NORWAY | Following valley trails by snowshoe, we spend several days exploring the hidden paradise in the heart of the majestic island of Senja. These fjords and valleys offer mind blowing panoramas, blanketed by snow and ice, as the gentle lapping of waves caress the shoreline. Each night, providing the weather is on our side, we step out to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis illuminating the evening; it's magical display weaving and dancing across the dark skies.
This is a brief summary. Norway is a great country to visit at any time of year; with the changing colours in Autumn, blooming flowers and swollen rivers in Spring, and beautiful snow cover in Winter, these are all great options. During the summer you can expect warm weather and long days. In the far north the sun will never fully set and you can experience the "midnight sun". This is the best time to visit Norway if you want warmer weather and you should expect temperatures between 11˚C and 18˚C, Being so mountainous, there is always going to be a chance of rain, so pack your waterproofs and come prepared. In Winter, the northern latitudes mean longer periods of darkness, which in turn provides the perfect backdrop for a sighting of the Aurora Borealis.
Training for your trek
The trekking in Norway involves some steep ascents up to peaks, as the mountains have a tendency to rise up steeply out of the sea. Poles are an essential for anyone who struggles with knee or hip pain. Our trekking routes don't require any technical equipment and are doable by anyone with trekking experience and a good mindset, however we would stress the importance of a training plan that involves long days on the mountain. Often trekking over consecutive days can prove to be quite a challenge so you will need to be really fit when you arrive. We recommend getting out into your local mountains or hills and doing some long walks of 5-6 hours at the weekends to prepare. During the week having a solid exercise plan to build up your general fitness will really help with your enjoyment of the trip.
Kayaking for multiple days in a row is not something most of us do regularly, so it is really important to train the muscles in your arms and core in particular, to withstand your week long kayaking trip. If you already own a kayak then getting out in it once or twice a week, whether this be on the sea, rivers or lakes, will help to build these muscles. If you are a bit newer to kayaking or don't have access to a kayak at home then our training guide below offers key advice in exercises that will help to build the strength and stability necessary for you to have an enjoyable trip.
Good equipment starts with your feet. Do not turn up for your trek in a shiny new pair of boots. Make sure your boots are well worn in and are comfortable. After your feet, make sure you are looking after your head. You will need something that provides good sun protection and also a really warm beanie or even balaclava for night times. Finally, think about clothing layers, wind is a notorious factor in Norway and can turn a relatively warm day to a chilly one very quickly. The best way of coping with this is with layering rather than relying on one single jacket. Other critical items are a 4 season sleeping bag, drybags (for kayaking), trekking poles for hiking, a head torch (always worth having in case you find a fun cave to explore), a comfortable day pack and lots and lots of high factor sunscreen.
We stay in comfortable hotel accommodation in twin or double ensuite rooms on arrival and departure.
Whilst camping we provide a good quality 3 man tent per 2 people to allow for maximum space and comfort. We also provide a foam mattress. Meals are taken in a large mess tent and this can also be used as a communal area.
During the camping expedition you are expected to be a valued member of the expedition team and help set up / strike camps, load kayaks, prep food etc.
We are proud of the fresh and frankly delicious food we provide. Each day begins with a hearty breakfast with plenty of tea and coffee. Each morning, you and your guide will prepare a picnic lunch for the day featuring local foods: sandwiches, salads, fruits, cakes and dried fruits. Evening meals are prepared together with your guide based on available local products. During the Lofoten expeditions, our access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a little limited but you will be able to eat freshly caught fish. During this trip you will have the opportunity to sample fish you caught from your kayak and local specialities prepared by your guide.
Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings with food prep and washing up. We like the whole group to work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.
Rorbu offer an unusual and authentic trip highlight. They are comfortable, traditional cabins used by fishermen from January to April. One house suits 2 to 6 people and includes kitchen and bathroom facilities. In the nicer cabins you will sleep in twin or triple rooms and in the more rural, traditional cabins you will sleep in dormitories or alpine bunks above the living area. Where showers require a fee, we will provide you with one token per person per day. Please bring a sleeping bag as some cabins don't have bedding (comfort level 0°C is ideal).
Toilets
When staying in Søjhus or Rorbu accommodation, you will have flushing toilets. Whilst camping the toilet situation will be a little less luxurious. It is a case of finding somewhere hidden, away from camp or the path and digging a hole. We can however, guarantee it will be the most scenic toilet break you've ever had! Please remember to bring toilet roll and a lighter to burn it after use.
Budget
The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (KR). You can withdraw the local currency from ATMs and payment by card is widely accepted. Please budget for meals and transport as necessary, drinks, tips, museum entry fees and other personal expenses. Norway can be expensive and a meal out for two can cost at minimum GBP £60 (USD $70) in Bergen, whilst a bus ticket will be roughly £4.60 if not bought in advance. Bodø and Tromsø are relatively small cities and from our hotels there are plenty of restaurants and places to see within walking distance, however if you wish to take the bus it is around £3.30 for a 10 minute journey. Taxis in Norway are also insanely expensive, expect to pay somewhere in the region of £15 for a 5 minute journey...it's definitely worth going by foot where possible. Therefore, our recommended guidance for spending budget in the Norway would be roughly £200 (2600 NOK) on top of any tips, to give you ample souvenir spending money.
Tips
Tipping customs vary all over the world and can be very confusing when travelling to a new country. Tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual in Norway. Tips are not a substitute for good wages: our guides are all well paid and well looked after. If you are satisfied with your guide’s services, we recommend a tip between £30-40 per person (equivalent to 350-450 NOK) for the entire trip. On the other hand, if you receive bad service or have not been treated well, you would not be expected to tip at all.
