Snowshoe touring week Lofoten Islands, Norway

20 – 27 February 2027
6 hiking days, 7 nights

The Lofoten Islands have a truly magnetic allure, particularly in winter: imposing mountains rising from fjords and sounds, snow-covered flanks and slopes, tranquil bays and fishing villages with their characteristic red-and-white wooden houses, known as rorbuer – no one can resist the spirit and magic of this landscape. Once you’ve been here, you’ll be back.

For centuries, the inhabitants of this archipelago have lived off fishing. Incidentally, the name ‘Lofoten’ derives from the Norwegian word for ‘lynx’s foot’. Located around 200 km north of the Arctic Circle at 68° north, nature lovers from all over the world celebrate these islands in winter as a hiking mecca, whilst the locals still go about their fishing. Nowhere else can the contrast of white and blue, of snow and sea, of mountains and water, be experienced in such pure form. We snowshoe hikers find a vast, unspoilt playground here in wild surroundings. We make the most of every single day of the tour and then relax in the comfort of our own accommodation. From mid-February to mid-March, the sun, low on the horizon in the late afternoon, bathes the landscape in a golden light. On clear nights, we also regularly spot the Northern Lights.

Itinerary for Snowshoe touring week Lofoten Islands, Norway

Day 1: Arrival at Narvik airport

We will meet at Zurich Airport and fly to Evenes Airport, which is located between Harstad and Narvik. There, we will stay at a hotel near the airport.

Flight itinerary as per the flight schedule

Day 2: Travel to Svolvaer and first snowshoe hike

After breakfast, we’ll load our luggage into our hire car and drive to our accommodation near Svolvaer. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. On the way, we’ll get to know the wild island landscape on our first hike.

Drive time approx. 2.5 hours, walking time 3–4 hours.

Days 3–7: Snowshoe touring at Lofoten islands

Our days begin with a generous, freshly served breakfast buffet in the lodge’s restaurant. Well fortified, we set off to discover new highlights along the route and return in the late afternoon. Dinner is once again served in the atmospheric restaurant, which, incidentally, is housed in one of Svolvaer’s oldest buildings.

Ascent/descent up to 600 metres, walking time without breaks 4–6 hours.

Day 8: Travel back home

After breakfast, we’ll travel back to Harstad/Narvik Airport by coach and fly home.

Journey time approx. 2.5 hours; flight times subject to the flight schedule

Tour destinations around Svolvaer

The Lofoten archipelago has a great deal to offer. Depending on the current weather and snow conditions, our mountain guide will select the most suitable day tour. We undertake daily tours covering 400 to 600 metres of elevation gain. And – this is why we’re here: we’re mobile! To the west, the peaks are somewhat lower, but the landscape is very maritime. We take varied routes over mountain passes to hidden bays. With our bus, we can easily reach even the more remote starting points for our snowshoe hikes. The driving routes are always varied, and there is plenty to see. It is also possible to reach the two islands of Hadseloya and Skrova by ferry. This is, of course, only possible when the sea is calm.

Accommodation for Snowshoe tour Lofoten Island, Norway: Svinoya Rorbuer

Traditional accommodation in Svolvaer, right by the sea.

We’ll be staying in a beautiful rorbu suite on an island off the coast of Svolvaer. These little cottages offer everything we need to relax: 2 to 4 double rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The apartments also feature a fully equipped kitchen and a cosy, spacious living room.

Requirements for Snowshoe touring week Lofoten Island, Norway

You should have some experience of snowshoeing and hiking. The ascents range from 400 to 600 metres in altitude, with some tours being slightly longer. We can expect temperatures comparable to those found at alpine altitudes of between 1,500 and 2,500 metres in our latitudes during the month of February.

Weather and touring conditions

The weather can be very changeable. This means that fog, snowfall and sunshine can alternate on the same day. The touring programme will be adapted to the conditions.

Costs:

CHF 3’680.- per person

Included in the price

6 fantastic guided days of hiking in the Lofoten Islands
Return flight from Zurich to Harstad/Narvik and back to Zurich, checked luggage, hand luggage
All transfers by private hire coach from/to Harstad/Narvik Airport
1 night in a hotel in Evenes in a twin room with shower/WC, including half board
6 nights in a twin room with shower/WC in traditional rorbu cabins by the sea
6 breakfasts and 7 dinners at the lodge, snacks and tea for the tour
CO2 climate protection contribution for the trip through investment in a climate protection project by ‘myclimate’

Services not included

Travel to and from the airport
Drinks at the accommodation/in the restaurant
Special tour provisions
Travel cancellation insurance

Equipment list for Snowshoe touring week Lofoten

How to pack your equipment for a snowshoe trip

To ensure we can fit everything onto the boats or into the hire vehicles, we ask you to use semi-soft wheeled suitcases or rucksacks (no bulky hard-shell suitcases). We also make arrangements to ensure we can go ahead with tours even if your checked-in luggage is delayed. We can provide snowshoes locally. Your own clothing and hiking boots are essential.

Hand luggage, 25–30-litre day rucksack

Pack your hiking clothing in this, including underwear, hiking socks, gloves and a hat. Also include your avalanche transceiver, sunglasses and ski goggles, as well as all electronic devices. Put on your hiking boots or tie them up with the laces and carry them by hand onto the plane.

Checked luggage, semi-soft wheeled suitcase or rucksack

All remaining personal equipment.

Snowshoes and poles

Pack these in your checked luggage.

Clothing

Gore-Tex jacket
Softshell or fleece jacket
Ski touring or ski trousers
Functional base layers (short/long)
Functional socks (1 spare pair)
Thin, windproof gloves
Warm gloves or mittens
Hats, possibly a headband or buff

Equipment

Rucksack with hip belt (25–35 litres)
Separate piece of luggage
Water bottle, preferably a thermos flask
Sun cream and lip balm, sun hat
Sports glasses and ski goggles
Passport (for automatic check-in)
Plasters and Compeed
Pocket knife
Possibly a camera, binoculars
Technical equipment
High-top hiking or mountaineering boots (reaching above the ankles) with a sturdy sole Are my hiking boots suitable?
Snowshoes (robust model with side crampons)
Avalanche transceiver (AVS): Digital 3-antenna device
Avalanche shovel and probe
Ski or telescopic poles (large baskets)