The Arctic Norway Sea Kayak Challenge

On our Sea Kayak through the Heart of the Lofoten Islands trip, you’ll kayak from the ‘Inside to the Outside’ of this remarkable chain of islands. Through indigo-blue fjords cutting between jagged peaks, stopping at white sand beaches and historic, colorful hamlets; at the end of each paddling day, you’ll stay in “rorbus”, traditional fishermen’s lodges with time to explore these charming villages and sample the local cuisine. Great kayaking, spectacular scenery and Norway’s seafaring culture make the Lofoten Islands one of the world’s great paddling trips.

Our discovery begins in the Lofoten’s most iconic fishing village, Henningsvær, situated on the islands of Heimøya and Hellandsøya which jut outward from the tip of Austvåg Island onto the might West Fjord; from here we cross two sounds, Gimsøy Sound, and the Napp Sound, before we cruise out onto the ‘Outside’ (North Atlantic) of the Lofoten Islands. The weather and sea state in the Lofoten Islands make it impossible to accurately give a daily paddling mileage. Therefore, we have approximated the daily paddling duration in the day-by-day itinerary.

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OUTFIT YOUR SELF-GUIDED SEA KAYAK TRIP from KAYAK MORE TOMORROW with the best gear, most comprehensive route and safety information, & best trip support!

Norway, located in the Arctic; its fjord-indented coastline runs along these formidable seas, the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea (North Atlantic) and the Arctic Ocean. These oceans bear conditions that are ever-changing, multifarious, challenging and at times treacherous. People have died paddling Norway’s coastal waters! Therefore, anyone planning to paddle these waters should be concerned with receiving the best, most accurate and comprehensive information possible, and this is where Kayak More Tomorrow comes in!

Sea Kayaking is inherently dangerous and in the rapidly changing conditions of the North Atlantic – well it goes without saying that knowledge and experience are huge safety factors!

Kayak More Tomorrow has amassed the most in-depth information on paddling Norwegian coastal waters, period. No other company or organization even comes close. Our outfitting program provides you with the most compressive, detailed information on your chosen route, including but not limited to, route details, camping sites, emergency take-outs, fresh water & groceries, current climatic conditions, sea state, tides & currents, tips, and recommendations based on our extensive experience paddling Norwegian waterways. Everything you need for a fun, safe, paddle along Norway’s majestic coastline.

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EPIC ITINERARIES BY OUR WORLD RENOWN TRIP DESIGNERS!

Norway, a sea kayakers paradise, with rock gardens, white sandy beaches, playful seals, kelp forests, surging tides, soaring sea eagles, historical lighthouses, funky currents, cracking campfires, and cozy tents.

The coastal waters of Norway boast some of the best sea kayaking on the planet. Here outer islands break the surge of the North Atlantic before it descends long deep fjords winding through granite spires rising like giant monoliths from the foaming sea.

Personalized trips with our exceptional guides are always in high demand for solo travelers, couples, families, and private groups; these sea kayak trips are our best-selling program. Therefore, booking well in advance is not only prudent it is necessary.

Ålesund, Norway’s Art Nouveau (‘Jugendstil or New Style’) city is situated in a fairy-tale setting of green grassy parks, lush leafy hillsides, Art Nouveau facades with torrents, towers, and sexy curves, and medieval romantic frontispiece, historical maritime landmarks, bustling marinas with gentle waves lapping the rocky shores; it is here we slip into a sea kayak and glide along glistening waterways that give way to specular fjords dotted with a plethora of islands. A secluded campsite where a delicious supper of local delicacies prepared with natural ingredients is served in the great outdoors. A cracking campfire, good company, and warming night-cap rounds off the evening before retiring to a cozy tent for a well-deserved rest. The smell of fresh brewed coffee draws you from your tent and a wholesome breakfast energizes, pushing-off, sea kayaks aimed down the fjord to our inevitable entry back into urbanization and the beautiful art nouveau architecture.

Make sure you save some time during your visit to join Kayak More Tomorrow for An Essential Islands Get-Away (24-30 hours), paddle a sea kayak and camp out in the archipelago!

The waterways of Ålesund’s archipelago boast an eldorado of magnificent paddling opportunities; gliding amongst picturesque islands, paddling along steep granite walls of jade green fjords or challenging the rolling waves of the North Atlantic where white sandy beaches speckle outer islands that abound in bird and sea life.

Bike, hike, and paddle for six days through Western Norway; discover an adventure landscape that will leave you spellbound.

Imagine riding down narrow, winding backroads with lush green-leafy hillsides, slender valleys dotted with pasturelands where lazy livestock graze on the steps of sleepy farm villages and then launch a sea kayak onto a paddlers paradise, with rock gardens, white sandy beaches, playful seals, kelp forests, surging tides, soaring sea eagles, historical lighthouses, funky currents, long narrow winding fjords, before hiking rugged mountain trails past ancient huts to grand vistas. This is the essence of a spectacular multi-sport adventure that ventures deep into the wild fjords of the Sunnmøre Alps.

People powered we peddle, paddle and hike seeking out the highlights of Norway’s New Style city, it’s wild fjords and majestic mountains. See first-hand colorful blossoming parks, lush leafy green hillsides, a skyline of art nouveau interspersed with modern architecture, Before, jumping on bikes and heading into the fjords, riding down slender valleys dotted with verdant pastures, quaint farms and grazing livestock lined by towering jagged peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. The days fly by as we paddle, peddle and wander through these wild fjords which have cut their path deep into the Sunnmøre Alps, creating a surreal landscape that is both awe-inspiring and breathtaking.

A Quintessential Fjord Paddle – Go Kayaking in Norway!

This Classic Fjords paddle is a must do for every paddler; is well suited for beginners to advanced sea kayakers alike. Join an IFSKGIA certified Guide on a sea kayak/camping journey down Norway’s Wold-Famous Western Fjords. We have guides avaialbe for weekly departures during the summer months of July and August; we provide everything for a fabulous 5 day fully catered paddling & camping trip down Majestic Arctic Fjords.

The highlight's are numerous, from gliding along jade green fjords, tasting fresh sweet water from sparkling creeks, friendly conversation around campfires, delicious camp meals, stretching our legs on well trodden footpaths, taking in majestic vistas, the catch of the day, tales and sagas of days gone by, unbelievable mountain ledge farms, long Scandinavian summer days, and friendly fun-loving KMT guides.

The journey encompasses 100 km with an average paddling duration of 5-6 hours per day, not including breaks; your guide(s) will lead you on a discovery of the world-Famous fjords where you will experience the history and culture of a rugged mountain people and the waterways that connected them.

A marvellous trip with fun-loving professional guides.

These impressively scenic islands form an archipelago one hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle. It is a place of mystical landscapes illuminated by nearly continuous daylight. Glacially carved, shear granite spires rise out of a sea made rich by the meeting of the warm Gulf Stream and the Arctic Ocean. The Islands are fringed with green pastureland and dotted with picturesque fishing villages each with its own unique character and dramatic mountain backdrop. This is a true Arctic sea kayaking adventure with the advantage of finishing every day with a hot shower and a warm bed.

You’ll kayak the length of this remarkable chain of islands through indigo-blue fjords cutting between jagged peaks, stopping at white sand beaches and hiking to viewpoints for incredible panoramic vistas. At the end of each paddling day you’ll stay in “rorbus”, traditional fishermen’s lodges with time to explore these charming villages and sample the local cuisine. Great kayaking, spectacular scenery and Norway’s seafaring culture make the Lofoten Islands one of the world’s great paddling destinations.

ÅLESUND’S BEST SELLING TRIP!

ISLANDS AND FJORDS!
Gliding out onto Borgund Fjord the sky opens revealing the city skyline, historical buildings, and a spectacular archipelago all chiseled on a seemingly painted backdrop of the majestic Sunnmøre Alps.

The glittering waters of Borgund fjord beacon us as our kayaks glide over the rippling water. We explore a magical string of islands along the north shore before crossing to the southern shore with its intricate maze of islands, here we enjoy a homemade picnic lunch on a private island. Then slipping back on the water our exploration continues until we find our way back to our staging site.

A CIRCUMNAVAGATION, KEEP ÅLESUND ON YOUR LEFT!

Escape the city! Borgund Fjord, keeping the southern city sights, sounds & smells on our left we paddle its glistening waters, floating through Nørve Sound to the entrance of Ellingsøyfjord with its fairy tale islands. We Enjoy a wholesome picnic lunch on a lush green island seemingly miles from urbanisation.

Jumping on the water again heading west with Ålesund still on our left we complete our circumnavigation passing by her northern harbour guarded by its 175-year-old navigational beacon and the last remaining buildings of Old Ålesund, we seek out the Asp Island bridge the entrance to Ålesund’s Southern harbour. Our kayaks glide easily through the harbour, past a 103-year-old historical landmark, and on towards our take-out point; finally, with the city’s southern skyline chiseled on a seemingly painted backdrop of the majestic Sunnmøre Alps our landing site comes into view.

LIFE'S FINEST PLEASURES!

The stage is set. Our driver picks you up at your accommodation for the short drive to our launching site. Our chosen route benefits the glorious western sky facing the North Atlantic, clam seas and island hopping await as we paddle Ålesund’s fjords. Relaxing on the perfect island, friendly chat, and laughter as we sip from our glasses and the glorious evening unfolds.

WILD NORWEGIAN FJORDS!

Norway’s Grand Fjord (Storfjord), where the surging north Atlantic Ocean meets the majestic Sunnmøre Alps where a giant ravine like fjord carries the surging ocean inland banked by steep sheer walls that give way to towering peaks.

Feeling small in our sea kayaks as we glide out onto the glistening fjord waters the over-whelming majesty of our surroundings hits us with a view like a painted canvas of deep blue water, lush green forests giving way to chiselled rocky peaks, and an endless blue sky with wisps of white. Here, the history and culture of a rugged mountain people and the waterways that connected them come alive as we paddle these majestic waterways.

Our kayaks glide effortlessly as we search out a little know sport for a delicious picnic lunch, before slipping back on the water.

THE VIEW IS WORTH EVERY STEP!

Borgund Fjord’s infinite sky opens exposing Sula Mountain and the Sunnmøre Alps. We glide across this famous fjord to the secret archipelago at the eastern end of Hessa fjord, from here a 103-year-old landmark, Slinningsbua, is our bearing as we slip across.

Gazing Westward out to the infinite waters of the North Atlantic gliding down Hessa Fjord past ancient farmland delightfully mixed with ultra-modern homes to the trail head of Sugar Summit. Upon landing at the trail head take out a rejuvenating snack energizes us before setting out for the summit. The trail is well trodden as we make our way diligently upwards to the summit where we refuel on hearty sandwiches and enjoy the 360o view of Western Norway and it’s Art Nouveau city.

CITY SIGHTS, ART NOUVEAU, ISLANDS & FJORDS!

A Tailor-Made 2-3 hour sea kayak discovery of Ålesund's majestic waterways!

Ålesund’s southern harbor and it’s famous Borgund fjord are the scene from Ålesund’s original sea kayak excursion. Good fun and great paddling await as our internationally certified sea kayak guides lead you down Borgund fjord to the ‘first settlement,’ Borgundkaupangen.

Historical landmarks, dating back over 100 years, the city’s skyline and the glistening waters of mighty Borgund Fjord are seemingly painted on backdrop of the majestic, snow-capped Sunnmøre Alps.

Our kayaks glide easily over the rippling fjord waters as we marvel in our serene surroundings and take advantage of countless photo ops, as your guide share tales and stories of western Norway and its coastal culture.

Depart the safety of the Fisherman’s Wife zigzag our way through the rocky maze to where the expanse of mighty West Fjord looms on the horizon. Our sights are set on the gap that will lead us to paradise, as we round Bremholla, Paradise is on our right.

Feeling small in Bremholm Sound as the famous landmark, Vågakallen looms above us we inch our way up the sound to kjerringa with Gullvika beckoning us in the distance; wemake a left and head for Litj-Nons Island and head up ‘Mainstreet’ Henningsvær.

We take-out at a pier on ‘Mainstreet’ where a cold beer and a steaming bowl of Bacalao await us. We unwind from a fantastic paddle as the sounds and sights of Henningsvær’s bustling harbor fill our senses while we refuel on the freshest cod anywhere.

*note* restaurant lunch and refreshments are included in the price of the trip.

Raft Sound marks the eastern most boundary to the Lofoten Islands; runs North-South separating Norway’s largest island, Hinnøya from Austvåg Island, and the rest of the Lofoten Archipelago.

We will spend the day exploring the sound, playing in it’s currents and gliding down the infamous Troll Fjord. An angry troll is said to have chopped Trollfjord out of the Raftsund Alps!

From our launching spot on the banks of Raft Sound we will paddle beneath the jagged peaks of the the Raftsund Alps, stopping for a delicious Al Fresco picnic lunch deep in Trollfjord.

SOUNDS, BRIDGES, & ISLANDS!
Slide out onto the cobalt blue waters of Brønn Sound, otherwise know as ‘Mainstreet Brønnøysund’. We’re drawn to the landmark Brønnøy bridge connecting the archipelago with mainland Norway as our kayaks drift out onto the famous Torg Fjord.

The glittering waters of Torg fjord beacon us as our kayaks glide over the rippling water. Exploring this intricate maze of islands, bobbing in and out of picturesque bays, inlets, and coves before landing on a divine beach where we enjoy a homemade picnic lunch on a private island. Then slipping back on the water our exploration continues until we find our way back to our staging site.

With 40 years of outdoor leadership, guiding, coaching, and educating, Jonathan Bendiksen has paddled, surfed, climbed, biked, and skied all over the world. Arranging and leading trips from the far reaches of the Arctic down to the Antarctic and along the coastlines of 3 oceans. In his Master Class, Jonathan will share his unique perspective and give you the tools needed to paddle confidently and safely whether it be in your local bay, on a multi-week exploration along a distant coastline or wherever you sense of adventure takes you.

Book a private class, for your family, group, club, or organization. Jonathan has a wealth of experience instructing in every educational setting.

Jonathan Bendiksen is no ordinary waterman. He is Norway’s most accomplished sea kayak guide with 3060 guiding days on class 1-4 seas along Norway’s fjord indented coastline. He is a certified IFSKGIA/NHKGIF Senior Guide & Instructor plus an accredited IFSKGIA/NHKGIF examiner. A pioneer of commercial sea kayaking, legendary trip designer and lead guide who has designed and guided sea kayaks trips from the Norway’s Arctic down through the western fjords as far south as Kristiansand.