Svolvaer Adventure: Top Tours for an Unforgettable Experience

Svolvaer, which is this gorgeous town in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, that seems to call to you if you’re the kind of person who enjoys being active. I mean it almost whispers of soaring peaks, clear waters, and that invigorating Arctic air, so if you’re someone hoping to visit, thinking up the coolest adventures can feel like… too many options. This is, actually where I show what some really appealing Svolvaer adventures are.

Kayaking the Lofoten Islands

There is kayaking around the Lofoten Islands, now, it’s usually an experience, too it’s almost like you’re in this watercolor painting that suddenly sprang to life. The water? Crystal-clear, usually. And the mountains that surround you? So dramatic they’ll probably make you gasp. You’re able to paddle through quiet coves, discover hidden beaches and honestly, you can see the wildlife in a way that actually feels personal. There are guided tours too which are great for almost all skill levels, meaning that whether you’re totally new to kayaking or just looking for more insight on the area you will feel prepared and more confident.

I once took a sunset kayaking trip in Lofoten, and believe me, the sky turning shades of orange and purple? With the reflection on the water? It’s actually, something I won’t forget anytime soon. The tour guides were quite knowledgeable, which definitely added value as well. The guide told us stories, which, actually, I feel like most tour companies should have at least some stories to tell.

Hiking to Svolvaergeita (The Goat)

There is this iconic mountain, Svolvaergeita. Its definitely calling your name, especially if you’re a fan of hiking, but like, maybe also a thrill-seeker. The view from up there is breathtaking, or at least people are typically breathless when they see the mountains and fjords below. The very last part actually includes this jump between the two “goat horns,” but anyway, don’t feel required to attempt if heights really aren’t your cup of tea! Several of the climbing tours give options which mean you can customize the tour to you.

I actually, hiked Svolvaergeita last summer with a friend, so I could see her attempt the jump between those horns. To prepare, just so you know, be sure you’re pretty fit. Wear the proper footwear, which matters when it comes to hiking up something that looks tough! The local guides made me comfortable and also gave me good insight on how best, I thought, to stay safe, especially since my friend wanted to attempt to do a silly jump!.

RIB Boat Safari

There is this tour that really cranks everything up to eleven – I’m talking about a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) safari. Talk about getting up close and pretty personal with Lofoten’s scenery! You go speeding through fjords, and by islands, usually hitting speeds that really feel almost, anyway you want it, a bit excessive. Many tour options almost always include visiting spots known for their sea eagle population, seeing caves, visiting really out-of-the-way settlements and historical sites too. It’s fast-paced which some might say is good!

I went on one of these safaris last year, and the wind rushing through my hair almost gave me a new kind of rush. You can bet the sea eagles almost had everyone pointing and making weird bird calls. And let me tell you, listening to the guides share information about that part of Norway was something special. It had been a home to fishermen for centuries, anyway the guides filled the trip with unique local tidbits, really bringing the adventure home, I would say.

Fishing Trips

Norway can be quite an outdoors country, and its sea waters are always teaming, it almost feels, with life. Why wouldn’t someone try going out on a fishing trip? There is something kind of deeply gratifying actually when you catch your own fish! Usually there will be local fishermen acting as your guides, typically providing gear and honestly helping everyone through from throwing the line into the water to pulling the catch aboard. There are many things you could catch, from cod to halibut, depending what time it is that you are traveling of the year! It’s not too weird to enjoy peaceful moments, staring out at the sea while expecting the next big bite.

One time on this fishing excursion, an elderly man showed our group how to gut the fish so we could make an enjoyable soup. To be very honest I am a vegan and I felt weirded out at the time. So that activity, actually made me feel as though I was learning something! Plus, there were times that the other tourists seemed a little antsy, wanting things to speed up, which I am not usually.

Northern Lights Tour

I think many tourists think, when thinking of Nordic destinations, anyway of Norway is probably, in general something connected with seeing the northern lights, also the aurora borealis, now that really will blow people’s minds! Many guides do that exact job. They’ll bring you to great locations and then help anyone tweak their cameras to get pretty fantastic photos of the green and violet lights dancing across the sky. Usually, most tour options offer things, like hot beverages or just a friendly space where everyone seems really pumped about seeing this sort of rare, which you are likely, maybe unlikely, but statistically seeing!

A couple winters ago I did go on one of these northern lights outings. I was so happy to see that they take seriously light contamination and just getting everyone where they can, honestly get an unobstructed perspective. We stayed warm sipping the hot cocoa, and eventually we ended up seeing the green colors! That meant a lot to me since my grandma died the year before and that had been one of her dreams!