A six-night trip across three of Norway's Vesteralen islands. Connect with nature and the elements in a landscape of raw, untamed beauty. As we traverse this stunning archipelago, which lies adjacent to the Lofoten Islands, we see unique Arctic wildlife, explore traditional culture, eat local delicacies and stay in charming guest houses and hotels in waterfront settings.
- Duration
- 6 Nights
- How We Travel
- Electric biking and walking
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Activity Level
Graded between 1 (easiest) and 5 (most challenging). Click for more details
- Bike Type
- Front suspension hybrid electric bikes
- Price
- £4,695 per person
- Group Size
- Maximum 12 guests
Journey Highlights
- Cycle and hike across this breathtaking archipelago, adjacent to the Lofoten Islands.
- Discover the dramatic north Norwegian coastline of fjords, mountains, marshlands, lagoons and pristine white sand beaches.
- Experience the Arctic with the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in autumn.
- Embrace the Norwegian spirit of 'friluftsliv' - being outdoors and connecting with nature.
- Stay in charming coastal guest houses owned by fascinating and knowledgeable local women.
- Spot Arctic birds and wildlife - whales, puffins, eagles and maybe even moose and reindeer.
- Hike to hilltops with extraordinary 360-degree views across Vesterålen and Lofoten.
Good To Know
- Be prepared for all sorts of weather. The key is to bring the right clothing. Proper waterproof clothing is required for this trip ‘Water resistant’ or ‘shower proof’ clothing is not adequate.
- We cycle on roads. Traffic is relatively quiet, and drivers are respectful of cyclists; however, you must be comfortable sharing the road with other vehicles.
- The sun never sets in June, so even with curtains you may need an eye mask.
Welcome to The Slow Cyclist
This is our first journey to Scandinavia and we believe it’s a special one. With all the stunning landscapes this region has to offer, it had to be Norway, one of the most beautiful countries on earth. In classic Slow Cyclist style, we looked past the Western Fjords and Lofoten to the Arctic Circle; different, dramatic, and bucket-list-worthy yet relatively straightforward to cycle. On the northern edge of Europe, Vesterålen is blessed, from white sand beaches to rocky mountains, from fishing villages to artistic communities, where fascinating birds and marine wildlife abound. We invite you to journey with us and discover The Slow Cylist's interpretation of friluftsliv, the uniquely Norwegian cultural identity centered on being outdoors and connecting with nature.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
The Journey
This journey is a spectacular and elemental e-bike road trip, a coastal journey with the sea as our constant companion, switching guise from channel, to lagoon, to fjord, to open ocean. With asphalt under our tyres and a wave to the occasional campervan, the constantly changing landscape unfolds - beaches, fishing villages, smallholdings, rounded hills, jagged peaks, wooded slopes and bogs. We meet locals who live for nature, fishing, bird life and marine life. Walking is also part of this journey - we will hike to endless vistas of more islands and mountains. We hope this journey leaves you feeling closer to nature, whether you are admiring the midnight sun in June or gazing up at the Northern Lights during a clear September night.
Is It For Me?
Our journeys are built around friendship, exceptional hospitality and the great outdoors. Slow Cyclists are curious travellers with a bit of juice in their legs, approaching time on a bike - or on foot - as an opportunity to explore rather than test our fitness. That’s not to say we don’t pedal hard sometimes, just that we are often distracted by the food, history and people that make a place special. When we see something interesting, we tend to stop and take it in rather than race by. If this sounds like you, we're pretty sure you'll love your time exploring the Vesterålen Islands with us. This journey is a little different from our other trips. Most of our cycling is on roads, albeit quiet ones where traffic should not detract from your experience. Some lunches are on-the-go. And like any true Norwegian, you should be willing to embrace variable weather, which can range from glorious to wet and windy.
When To Go?
We host guests in Norway in June/early July and late August/early September. We avoid the busiest periods in high summer. June and July are the months of midnight sun, expect lingering snow on the hilltops, fresh, clean air and coastal wildflowers. Weather-wise, temperatures can range from 10 to 20 degrees, with the potential for rain showers, rainbows, and breezy cloudscapes or clear, warm blue skies. In early September, Autumn is underway and we'll find carpets of red leaves and berries. Temperatures are similar, but whilst the sun sets around 8 pm, the pink sky lingers into the evening. On a clear night, you might spot the luminous green of the Northern Lights. You should expect and be prepared for all kinds of weather as part of this adventure. Norwegians don’t worry about the weather, so when in Norway, neither do we!
The Walking & Cycling
This journey is taken mostly by electric bike with some walking. For cycling we use front suspension hybrid electric bikes. Cycles are 30 – 65 kms on smooth, well-maintained asphalt roads. Cycling around the islands will be generally flat and undulating with some climbs. You will encounter traffic on these roads, but it is not heavy and it should not impact your enjoyment. A moderate level of cycling fitness and an ability to cycle up and downhill is required, but this journey is suitable for almost all levels of cyclist. Hikes will last up to 3 hours with ascents up to 400-500m, on occasionally uneven terrain with hilly sections. We will be hiking on at least two days of this trip. The cycling and hiking on this journey has the potential for flexibility.
Find out more about our activity levels here.
Swimming
For enthusiasts of cold water swimming, the sea beckons from the array of white sand beaches. None of our hotels or guest houses have pools, but our final hotel has a floating sauna.
Food & Drink
On this journey, we will enjoy fresh local fare from land and sea. Dinners are lovingly prepared in small kitchens of the guest houses where we stay. Our lunches are generally informal; The lunch of choice for active Norwegians on the go outdoors is a ‘quick lunch’ (a Norwegian kitkat). Whilst our lunch stops will not be that informal, we will retain some flexibility for on-the-go lunch stops, which may be in a local cafe, restaurant or picnic on our laps if the moment is right and the view is fabulous.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 22 August - Arrival in Vesterålen and Optional Wildlife Spotting
Transfer 2 hours
We recommend that you fly to Stokmarknes Ariport this morning before transfering to Andenes. You have the afternoon and evening to enjoy the options on offer in this outpost town. We can arrange an optional whale watching tour from Andenes port. This RIB tour of about two hours provides a high chance of spotting whales (sperm, humpback, orca) and dolphins. If you are interested, please let us know and we can book it for you, subject to availability. Alternatively, there are many other things to do in Andenes such as local walking, a visit to the Space Centre or the local museum/lighthouse. Your host will be on hand to make suggestions and assist or accompany you. After dinner at a cosy local restaurant, we will retire to our comfortable town centre hotel.
Day 2 - Sunday 23 August - Andøya’s Scenic Route
Cycle 50 kms, night time nature walk
We start with a coastal classic. Andøya’s western road has been designated a scenic route. The first section sees us cycling between rocky hills and white sand beaches, to Bleik, a fishing village situated on arguably the best beach of the archipelago. After rolling hills and lakes, the island flattens out to marshlands and lagoons, windswept with big open skies. Ahead lie more jagged hills dropping to rocky foreshores. Shortly before reaching our destination, we stop at an atelier for a tea and chat with the resident artist, learning about her family’s art and heritage. Home for the next two nights is a guest house whose passionate owner embraces the nature all around. After dinner, she will take us on a walk nearby, sharing with us this special place and what makes it so unique; the birds, the berries, the flowers and trees and how the villagers use the land.
Day 3 - Monday 24 August - Exploring Southern Andøya
Nature walk, cycle up to 45 kms
With the trolls safely back in the forests, we embark on another informative nature walk this morning. The location and format of lunch may vary depending on the weather but our standard itinerary for today is to cycle a loop around the southern shores of Andøya, offering views across to the other islands and passing through a nature reserve of sand dunes. If the owners are around, we may stop at a converted 19th century schoolhouse to chat, have tea and see their pottery artwork. For summer guests with plenty of energy, there's time after dinner for another walk along the local shoreline, enjoying the birdlife.
Day 4 - Tuesday 25 August - Traversing Langøya
Transfer 1 hour, cycle 65 kms
A varied, exciting and longish day! After a morning transfer to Sortland, with a stop at a fascinating Sami culture and reindeer centre along the way, we embark on our most dramatic cycle. Unlike Andoya, Langøya’s coast is indented with fjords for us to wind our way around. Whilst these are not as high or wide as the western fjords, they are visually striking. At the foot of the island we arrive in the lovely village of Bø, a place of farming, fishing and artistic communities. Our guest house for the next two nights is a converted red timber fishing warehouse, in a peaceful quayside spot. This charming place has a sense of local history, something that our delightful hostess will bring to life for us. Dinner is in the house dining room.
Day 5 - Wednesday 26 August - Exploring Southern Langøya
Hike up to 3 hours, cycle up to 30 kms
We are spoiled for choice today, with several combinations of walks and rides enabling you to make the day as active or restful as you wish. The guest house is a lovely spot to hang out, but with such beautiful scenery on your doorstep, it’s hard to resist. There are two fantastic hikes nearby. One across moor-like hills with astonishing views and the other a coastal pathway with the ocean on one side and a fjord on the other. In addition, we can enjoy a lovely undulating cycle ride with farmland, beaches, hills and views. Regardless, we will visit the local sculptures and museum to learn about the fishing and literary heritage of this municipality. If he is ashore we will meet a local fisherman whose family has been fishing here for generations.
Day 6 - Thursday 27 August - Hadseløya
RIB transfer and Sea Eagle safari 2 hours, cycle 45 kms
Our morning RIB transfer is combined with a sea eagle safari. Then we explore Hadseløya by bike; it may be the smallest of the three islands, but it packs a punch. We cycle to a colourful gallery/cafe that sits at the foot of a caldera with a beautiful lake. Continuing around the island we pass white beaches, quiet pastures, a charming town and an octagonal wooden church on our way back to Stokmarknes. Our last dinner is at a local restaurant, and we stay at a very comfortable waterside hotel with its own floating sauna. After dinner, a wander down to the waterfront on a clear night will hopefully be rewarded with some last midnight rays (in summer) or the Northern Lights (in autumn).
Day 7 - Friday 28 August - Depart
Transfer time to Stokmarknes Airport 10 minutes
After breakfast we will transfer you back to the airport.
Practical Information
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You will be accompanied throughout by a member of The Slow Cyclist team who will act as your host and two local guides. The guide will lead the cycling and of course, act as your local expert; the host will also cycle with the group for most of the rides. Your bags will be driven ahead each day and a support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift.
Accommodation
Settlements throughout the journey are mostly small villages characterised by traditional red wooden houses and barns. We’ll spend our nights in a mixture of comfortable town hotels and charming rural guest houses owned by knowledgeable locals, all in peaceful waterside settings. This includes two nights in a quirky converted fishing warehouse, clad in red timber, in a peaceful quayside spotand with a sense of local history. All rooms are en-suite and Wi-Fi or a good 4G connection is available each night. Lodging is based on twin or double sharing, although a single supplement is available.
Bikes & Safety
We take your safety seriously. You must wear a helmet when cycling, and we cannot accept bookings from anyone unwilling to wear one. The bikes you'll be riding are electric hybrid bikes. You will be given a brief lesson in how to use them effectively before we start cycling. If you have any technical issues during your time with us, from squeaky brakes to punctures, please let us know and we’ll fix it. We will be cycling on roads, albeit relatively quiet ones. But as always, we're not here to race; this is a journey to take time over.
Packing & Reading
Well in advance of your travels, we will send you an online information pack including various details you need to know in advance. This will include a suggested packing list. You may also wish to start reading about Norway and Vesterålen. We have chosen a selection of books for some suggested reading. Should you wish to buy any, we recommend doing so from our favourite bookshop, Mayfair's Heywood Hill.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Pricing & Booking
Price
£4,695 per person
All pricing is subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Single occupancy supplement | £895 |
| Whale watching excursion on Day 1 | £155 per person |
- Group airport transfers (1 x arrival to Andenes, 1 x departure from Stokmarknes).
- Support vehicle and luggage transfers.
- TSC host & 2 x English-speaking local guides.
- All accommodation, meals, snacks & drinks.
- All activities, unless listed in the optional extras section above.
- Electric bike and helmet hire.
- 100% financial security.
- Donation to a cause that is aligned with our values.
- Flights.
- Transfers to Evenes or other airports.
- Stopovers on your way to/from Vesterålen.
- Personal costs.
- Tips (optional, of course).
- Travel insurance.
- Visas (if required).
For private groups a 30% deposit is required from the group leader and, thereafter, from each member of the party. A minimum of 50% of the party are required to book and pay their deposit within one month of the group leader. The balance is due 12 weeks before the departure date. If you are travelling on one of our scheduled journeys, we require a 30% deposit on the core trip price (i.e. not on any extras) at the time of booking. The balance is due 12 weeks before the departure date. Please make sure you are familiar with our terms & conditions before booking.
You will receive two emails shortly after booking. First, a payment receipt, then a second email explaining next steps. Within two working days you will then be contacted by a member of our guest services team who will look after and advise you in the lead up to your travels.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Flights
You are responsible for booking your own flights. They are not included in the cost of the trip. We strongly recommend using the local Vesterålen airports, flying into and out of Stokmarknes. Whilst it involves taking an extra flight each way, flying in / out on the smaller aircraft gives wonderful views and saves time on long road transfers. We recommend that you arrive in Stokmarkes on the morning flight from Tromso. In order to do this you will need to break your journey in Oslo or Tromso (great cities to spend a couple of nights or you can just sleep at an airport hotel). We will provide details of the flights we recommend, but if you would like help researching and booking your flights, we recommend contacting Liz Rees, who helps many of our guests with their supplementary transport requirements. Please let her know your departure dates and preferred airport. Her contact details are liz.rees@travelcounsellors.com or +44 7816 936876.
Transfers
We will provide one transfer for the group on arrival in and another on departure from Stokmarknes. If you book flights to or from different airports, such as Evenes, which is a larger airport 3-4 hours away, we would be happy to quote for the transfers at additional cost.
Wildlife
The coastal and marine environments of Vesterålen are especially rich. The surrounding waters are part of the North Atlantic and are influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, which keeps the sea ice-free year-round and supports a vibrant marine ecosystem. One of the most famous natural wonders here is the seasonal whale population. Vesterålen is one of the best places in Europe to see sperm whales, orcas, and humpbacks, particularly in areas like Andøya and around the island of Bleik. The deep ocean trenches just offshore provide ideal feeding grounds, making whale-watching a major attraction. In addition to its marine life, the islands host a variety of bird species, making Vesterålen a prime destination for birdwatchers. The Bleik Island nature reserve, for instance, is home to large colonies of puffins, guillemots, sea eagles, and kittiwakes. Wetlands, moors, and tundra habitats support migratory birds and unique Arctic flora, while the highlands and valleys are frequented by moose, foxes, and occasionally reindeer. The long summer daylight hours create a fertile environment for both wildlife and wildflowers, with spectacular blooms and bird activity during the midnight sun season.
The cultural traditions of northern Norway, including the Vesterålen Islands, are deeply rooted in the region’s close relationship with nature, the sea, and a legacy of resilience in the face of a harsh Arctic environment. Historically, daily life revolved around fishing, farming, and seasonal rhythms, with communities developing strong customs tied to the sea and the land. Traditional wooden boats, fish-drying racks, and coastal architecture still reflect this way of life. In Vesterålen, cod fishing has been a central part of both the economy and cultural identity for centuries, and local festivals often celebrate the fishing heritage with music, food, and storytelling.
This deep connection with the outdoors is best encapsulated by the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv (pronounced "free-loofts-liv"), which literally translates to "free-air life" or "open-air living." More than just a word, friluftsliv is a philosophy and a core cultural commitment to spending time in nature for spiritual and physical well-being, unburdening from the stress of modern living. It is about a simple life in harmony with nature, without disturbing it, and is celebrated year-round, regardless of the weather.
Another key component of the region’s cultural fabric is the Sámi influence. While the Sámi people are more concentrated in inland and northernmost areas, their presence and traditions still echo across Vesterålen. Reindeer herding, duodji (traditional Sámi handicrafts), joik singing, and seasonal migration are part of the broader northern Norwegian cultural landscape. The blending of Sámi customs with Norwegian coastal traditions has created a diverse and layered cultural identity unique to this part of the world.
Music, folklore, and oral storytelling are also vital cultural traditions in Vesterålen. Folk music often features the use of fiddle and accordion, and many songs recount tales of the sea, storms, and heroic fishermen. Storytelling has long been used to pass down local history and myths, including tales of sea creatures, trolls, and mysterious lights in the sky- some of which are likely inspired by real-life experiences with the Northern Lights and the unpredictable ocean. Seasonal gatherings, particularly around Christmas and Midsummer, bring communities together through song, dance, and shared meals, reinforcing strong communal ties.
In modern times, Vesterålen continues to celebrate its cultural heritage while embracing contemporary arts and education. The region hosts several festivals such as the Vesterålen Chamber Music Festival and the Arctic Whale Festival, blending tradition with innovation. Local museums, art galleries, and craft centers help preserve and reinterpret traditional skills and stories for new generations. Despite changes brought by technology and tourism, the people of Vesterålen remain deeply connected to their history, maintaining a strong sense of identity rooted in their Arctic environment and seafaring past.
Unique Experiences
Travel is so often commoditised and unimaginative. We are the antidote, taking time to create beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to places that excite us.
Community & Connection
We cherish personal relationships and friendships and seek to strengthen cross-cultural bonds, respecting and supporting those who enter our orbit. All must feel our impact is positive.
Dedication to Excellence
We design experiences with passion, flair and innovation. We seek continual improvement, to offer the best experience possible.
Care for the Planet
We travel with a light footprint and we seek ways to protect and celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Charitable Giving
Each year, we donate 1% of our revenue to a variety of causes across our destinations and in the UK, each aligning with our values.
Where It All Began...
It all began with a 28,000km cycle to Australia. Founder Oli Broom fell in love with watching the world roll by under his wheels and wanted to share that joy with others. Read more.