• Wave icon Trip Type: Coastal
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: Norway, Iceland & The Arctic
Intermediate

Adventure Rating:
Intermediate

None

Experience Required:
None

12 Days from £2,699

Dates, Prices & Travel

Sailing in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

Nestled in the northern reaches of Norway, the Lofoten Islands are a breathtaking archipelago that offers sailors a truly unique and unforgettable experience. From towering mountains to pristine waters, this region is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Sailing through the islands is a unique and unforgettable adventure. As we navigate along the rugged coastline in 24/7 daylight due to the high latitude, you’ll be mezmerised by the gorgeous islands, mountains, fjords and remote fishing villages. The islands are home to a vibrant culture shaped by centuries of fishing traditions, with small red houses that have stood for generations. Every day, we anchor somewhere new, and there is walking and exploring unmatched anywhere else we sail, with stunning views of the surrounding coast. The area is also rich in wildlife, and you will likely see seals, sea eagles, puffins and more. This is our most popular 12-day sailing adventure and an absolute must!

Ready for the trip of a lifetime with Europe’s #1-rated adventure sailors?

Rubicon 3 expeditions are genuine sailing adventures rather than luxury sailing holidays. Depending on your chosen route, you will be off the beaten track, possibly out on the open ocean, and sailing to and exploring remote and beautiful places. The expert Rubicon 3 instructors will train you and ensure you are fully involved in all aspects of the experience, including navigating, helming, trimming sails, cooking, and looking after the yacht. As a true sailing adventure, it is much less predictable (& much better!) than a packaged experience, with itineraries planned day by day and shaped by local circumstances and weather. To participate in the adventure, the crew must have the right attitude, an open mind, and a desire to be fully involved.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see this trip’s dates. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

 

Sailing Area

lofotens sailing area map
lofotens sailing route map
The Yachts

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Key Information
What’s included
  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included
  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

Where are the Lofoten islands?

The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago in northern Norway, just above the Arctic Circle in the North Atlantic Ocean. Known for their dramatic peaks, beautiful sheltered inlets, and impossibly rugged coastline, the Lofoten Islands have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They have been inhabited since the Viking Age and have played a significant role in Viking culture and politics. They are renowned for their tradition of cod fishing, which has been a cornerstone of the local economy since the 1100s. This fishing industry led to the development of the iconic red fishermen’s cabins, known as “rorbuer,” which dot the landscape.

digermulen

Sailing through the islands in the summer is a unique and unforgettable adventure. As we navigate along the rugged coastline in 24/7 daylight due to the high altitude, you’ll be mesmerized by the gorgeous islands, mountains, fjords, and remote fishing villages. Every day, we anchor somewhere new, and there is walking and exploring unmatched anywhere else we sail, with stunning views of the surrounding coast. The area is also rich in wildlife; you will likely see seals, sea eagles, puffins, and more. Mountain lovers will be in heaven! This is our most popular 12-day sailing adventure and an absolute must! We also sail here from the Faroe Islands, making a superb back-to-back option.

Here are some of the possible stops and highlights.

Please note that some Lofotens trips start and end in Bodo, while others go between Bodo and Tromso. There is very little difference in the experience. Please check the Dates & Prices tab for your trip’s start and finish locations.

Time to learn the ropes en route to Landegode

The first day is all about getting up to speed with the boat. Whether you are a complete novice or a more experienced sailor, everyone benefits from detailed introductions, safety briefings, and training sessions. You will have two highly experienced instructors to guide you through every aspect you need to know to have a great sailing holiday. By lunchtime, we should be casting off the lines and ready for some sail training, hoisting the sails, and working through all the key sailing maneuvers such as tacking and gybing, reefing, and knot tying! 

eagle

Everyone on board should feel comfortable with the basics by the end of the day, even though there’s always more to learn and practice. We’ll probably anchor overnight at the stunning southern tip of Landegode. Here, we can catch fresh fish and head ashore for an impromptu beach BBQ. We are in the middle of the world’s biggest population of white-tailed sea eagles, and it’s lovely to watch these magnificent birds take off from their nests and dive down towards the sea to catch fish.

 While it’s beautiful just sitting here taking in the views, there are also some gorgeous hikes ashore, and for those who want to, we can head down to the famous lighthouse, which has been working away since 1901. Bathed in the midnight sun, the whole island is magical.

Reine

Sail to and explore Reine.

It’s a lovely 60nm sail across the bay to the Lofoten Islands. Norwegians call this spectacular archipelago jutting out from the northern coast of their country the ‘wall of the Lofoten,’ and there’s no questioning why. The islands form a vast, jagged barrier, extending more than 150 miles north to south, with snow-capped mountains plunging into the sea. You’ll soon know why the Lofotens are regularly voted one of the world’s most beautiful island archipelagos.

Everywhere here is just so … dramatic! Immaculate, crisp Arctic air and sea so clear that nothing is hidden below. Wherever we stop daily, those who love hiking are spoilt for routes and incredible views. Those who love to fish will catch cod, mackerel, monkfish, and more. Brightly painted wooden houses called Rorbuer are dotted all around. These simple, colorful huts were home to the thousands of fishermen arriving in the Lofotens between February and March every year, chasing the cod that migrated from the Barents Sea to spawn.

lofotens

Meaning ‘Queen,’ Reine looks like it has been taken from a picture postcard and is always a huge favorite of our crews. Located on the island of Moskenesøya, we can take the inland ferry to the island’s western edge, where there are some fantastic hikes and spectacular views across the Lofoten mountains. The beautiful village is also great to explore with local curiosities such as its fishing museum and vast racks of drying cod. Hiking up the hills here will reward you like nowhere else on earth. The views are simply stunning. To the north, you can see the islands, one after the other, lined up to the horizon. Look south, and you can see the infamous Moskenes whirlpool, the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe’s story, A Descent into the Maelstrom.

Nusfjord

Now, we sail north to Nusfjord, halfway between Svolvær and Å. Hidden away between towering cliffs, we love this little outpost. It feels like a step back in time. It is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages, and many believe it is one of the prettiest villages in northern Norway. Towering bare crags surround it, and its red and yellow wooden buildings are in sharp contrast to the fearsome cliffs all around. Many artists consider Nusfjord to be the essence of Lofoten. High praise indeed!

lofotens

Digermulen

Tonight, we’ll maybe sail north to the anchorage at Digermulen. This is hidden away and a magical place to spend the night, with towering cliffs and beautiful shorelines to hop along and explore; we could have a quiet fishing trip or a kayak trip and enjoy the most beautiful views as we go. You’ll feel blessed to be there. 

Skrova

A little more northeast today as we sail for the anchorage at Skrova. Once we head ashore, we’ll BBQ the day’s catch, and then you can hike up the hill for more lovely views.

red hut lofotens

Raftsund and Trollfjord

We now sail into the amazing Raftsund, a 25km long fjord flanked by dramatic mountains, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear Arctic water. Coming into the narrow entrance to Trollfjord is impressive, with the cliffs reaching up to 1000 meters high on either side. It all gives the fjord a truly dramatic appearance. Legend has it many of the rocks here are frozen trolls. Who knows! If the weather is good, we may spend the night there and hike up the mountain for some more amazing views and photos.

atlantic ocean sailing

Exploring the coast north to Tromso

As we head toward Tromso, we have two more days of our idyllic sailing trip and the chance to explore more of the dramatic landscape of the Lofoten archipelago and the Norwegian mainland. We will likely see Musk Oxen, and there are so many hidden anchorages, harbors, and islands to explore we could happily spend all summer here. It is also our best chance for some whale watching. But soon, we see the beautiful arctic cathedral in Tromso come into view, and we are at the end of our summer sailing adventure. How did this end so soon? Now you know why sailing and exploring Norway’s Lofoten Islands is among the most fantastic, most rewarding adventure holidays possible!

The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter

This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure. 

  1. Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
  2. Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. 
  3. Learning Opportunities: Sailing in Norway with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.

 

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

July 21, 2025
Bodo, Norway

End Date & Location

August 1, 2025
Bodo, Norway

Price

£2,699

Deposit

£1,349

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: July 21, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: Bodo, Norway

Start Port: Bodo

Start Marina: Bodo Marina

End Date: August 1, 2025

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Bodo, Norway

End Port: Bodo

End Marina: Bodo Marina

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Bodo Airport (IATA Code: BOO)
Fly Out of: Bodo Airport (IATA Code: BOO)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Bodo, Norway.
  • It is scheduled to be in Bodo, Norway.
  • It is easy to get here from Bodo Airport.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on July 21 2025, so you will need to be in Bodo by July 20, 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in the Bodo.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Bodo, Norway
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Bodo on the evening of July 31, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 09:00 AM, August 1, 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

August 4, 2025
Bodo, Norway

End Date & Location

August 15, 2025
Bodo, Norway

Price

£2,699

Deposit

£1,349

Availability

2 Places Available

Trip Information

Start Date: August 4, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: Bodo, Norway

Start Port: Bodo

Start Marina: Bodo Marina

End Date: August 15, 2025

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Bodo, Norway

End Port: Bodo

End Marina: Bodo Marina

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Bodo Airport (IATA Code: BOO)
Fly Out of: Bodo Airport (IATA Code: BOO)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Bodo, Norway.
  • It is scheduled to be in Bodo, Norway.
  • It is easy to get here from Bodo Airport.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on August 04 2025, so you will need to be in Bodo by August 03, 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in the Bodo.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Bodo, Norway
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Bodo on the evening of August 14, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 09:00 AM, August 15, 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

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