Join us on a thrilling Arctic sailing adventure as we encounter orcas and explore hidden gems of the Lofoten Islands!
This episode is packed with unforgettable moments: Sailing the Lofoten Islands: Navigate the narrow Gimsøystraumen passage where timing of tides and weather is key. Orca Encounter: Witness an epic meeting with a small pod of majestic orcas, the largest apex predators of the ocean! Hiking Reinebringen: Scale the heights for jaw-dropping views of Reine, one of the Lofoten’s most iconic spots. Exploration: Discover the secrets of the remote and exposed island of Gaukværøya.
Along the way, we face the challenges of unpredictable Arctic weather, tricky tidal navigation, and the search for safe harbours – but it’s all worth it for the stunning rewards!
High winds, stunning landscapes, and a near-disastrous close call with an electric power line – our adventure through Lofoten had it all.
We embark on a hike to Djevelporten, one of Lofoten’s most famous viewpoints. The climb to the top is no walk in the park—at 430 meters, it’s a tough ascent, and the path, known as Djeveltrappa (the Devil’s Staircase), is a series of steep stone steps built by Sherpas.
Once the winds die down, we cast off from Svolvær and head toward Henningsvær. The seas are still a bit choppy, with a high swell making the sail somewhat challenging. Despite the rough conditions, there’s something magical about navigating these waters—each passing wave reveals another stunning vista of the Lofoten archipelago, its sharp peaks rising dramatically from the ocean.
As we arrive in Henningsvær, the village’s colorful houses and vibrant art scene greet us. The town is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” for its picturesque setting, with buildings perched on small islands connected by bridges. We wander through the many art shops, each one offering a different slice of Lofoten’s creative spirit. The town is small, but its charm is undeniable. And then there’s the famous Henningsvær Football Field, which has become an Instagram sensation.
After the winds calm down, we finally set sail towards Henningsvær, a charming fishing village known for its picturesque streets, vibrant art scene, and unique football pitch surrounded by water. The village is a paradise for photographers, with its stunning scenery, colorful buildings, and the famous Henningsvær lighthouse. We soak in the beauty of the village, explore local galleries, and enjoy the local culture.
On the way to our next destination, we decide to try our hand at fishing in the waters around Lofoten. The sea is calm and blue, and almost instantly, we get a bite. Noah reels in a cod, and Cynthia pulls up a healthy saithe. The thrill of the catch is worth the wait.
Later, we enjoy a delicious dinner made from our fresh catch. Kathrin works her magic in the galley, preparing a mouthwatering miso-glazed cod and saithe that tastes like the sea itself—fresh, rich, and brimming with flavour. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure on the water.
Our next stop is Stamsund, a former whaling harbour that has become a peaceful, and well protected haven. With another storm on the way, we know we need a safe place to wait out the weather, and Stamsund seems perfect. Located near the airport in Leknes, it’s the ideal spot for Noah and Cynthia to catch their flight back home.
But our journey almost takes a dramatic turn. As we approach the harbour, we notice something unexpected—an electric power line stretching dangerously low across the water. It’s charted with the wrong clearance, and once the penny drops, for a moment, I’m frozen. The last thing we need is to get tangled in that line and potentially electrocuted. With seconds to spare, I make a sharp turn, narrowly avoiding what could have been a catastrophic collision.
Join us on an unforgettable journey towards the stunning Lofoten Islands as we set sail from the peaceful anchorage at Hjelløya to the vibrant town of Svolvær, experiencing the beauty and challenges of life on the water. In this episode, we sail across calm seas, navigate through charming harbors, and face a few unexpected twists along the way.
Our adventure begins at the tranquil anchorage of Hjelløya, where we kick off the journey with calm winds and perfect weather for sailing. With gentle breezes filling our sails, we enjoy a smooth ride as we make our way toward the tiny harbour of Helnesund, where a pleasant surprise awaits—access to a free washing machine! It’s the small things that make life on the water that much better, and getting our laundry done while taking in the picturesque views is a treat we didn’t see coming.
From Helnesund, we head to the peaceful anchorage of Brunvær, where the sheltered waters allow us to take a closer look at our boat’s propeller and tackle an unusual vibration that’s been bothering us over the past few days. Without giving away too much, let’s just say we had some interesting findings—but one thing is certain: our trusty GoPro camera didn’t make it through the inspection unscathed! Watch the episode to see how we lost it to the depths of the sea and discover what else we uncovered below the waterline. We enjoy a calm and peaceful night with stunning views of our picturesque surroundings under the midnight sun!
The real adventure begins as we sail across the Vestfjorden, a majestic stretch of water that separates the Lofoten Islands from the Norwegian mainland. The crossing brings us both excitement and challenges, with some fun sailing in open waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. But the journey doesn’t end there. We make our way into the bustling town of Svolvær, the largest settlement in Lofoten, only to find that securing a berth in the crowded harbour is easier said than done. After some careful navigation in this shallow harbour, we find a safe spot on a pontoon, preparing for the windy days ahead.
This episode is packed with sailing, stunning scenery, and a few twists that make life on the water so unpredictable and rewarding. From quiet moments in hidden harbors to the thrill of crossing a vast fjord, we hope you enjoy this slice of our adventure through one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
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