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Why Choose Destination Wilderness For Your Europe
Adventure Trip?
Destination Wilderness for
years has offered two distinctly impressive Norway trips that highlight the
best of Europe adventure travel and Europe nature trips. The owner of
Destination Wilderness, Ken Streater, lived in Norway for a few summers and
first starting leading adventure trips in Norway in 1990. As a result of this
experience, Destination Wilderness created two trips that simply feature some
of the best outdoor settings and opportunities in the world.
Whether our
Heart of Norway
Trekking Adventure or the Island of the Midnight Sun
multi-activity getaway we are confident you will find these Europe adventure
travel trips and nature tours to be absolutely stunning in terms of scenery,
solitude, and seamless logistics that focus on your ability to revel in
Norway's majesty.
We invite you to consider all that we provide on this
great country:
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 It is Your Trip Not Ours. We have been running
Europe adventure travel and nature tours in Norway for years and years and
believe that the best trip is the trip you desire. We provide a foundation of
safety and seamless logistics, and have a wealth of knowledge about Norway.
From there we create the trip you want, adjusting our style to your wants and
needs rather than asking you to fit into our agenda.
Smaller Group Size.
Typically, our Europe adventure travel trips are limited to 8 guests plus
guides. We have the ability to take more at select times during the season, but
we generally prefer to keep group sizes reasonable in order to maximize your
wilderness and cultural experience as part of a first-rate nature tour.
Guides That Live in
Norway. As the result of working with guides
throughout Norway before offering these trips as well as helping develop
Norwegian outfitting organizations that focus on professionalism and safety,
the directors of Destination Wilderness now employ Norwegian guides that are
incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and talented. Clients who have taken these
trips describe our guides as a highlight to their experience.
An Office Staff That Knows
Norway and Can Answer Your Questions With First-Hand Knowledge.
When you call to talk about these trips you can chat with someone who has
extensively travelled in Norway and who understands that nuances with Europe
adventure travel trips in Scandinavia. We feel that your knowledge and
preparation are important to the success of the trip and are fully prepared to
help in all aspects of your adventure vacation.
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 Activity Lengths and
Difficulty
Two-and-a-half days of this trip are spent primarily
on the water. In order to access Refikshula Cave we take an ocean-going
Zodiac-style motorized raft along the southern coast of the Lofotens. On this
boat we provide waterproof floating suits that must be worn at all times while
on water. This can be a rough and bouncy ride but is a truly spectacular way to
see the island and visit the cave. The boat is captained by residents of
Lofoten who are intimately familiar with the route and tides.
Another
other on-water day is aboard a World Wildlife Fund sponsored research whale
watching vessel. This is a large multi-passenger ship that features naturalists
and guides familiar with the sperm whale that plies the waters off
Vesterålen. Seasickness medication is also available at the pre-trip
whale watching trip information center. The three hour water trip on day six is
aboard a medium-sized modern ferry. Those susceptible to sea sickness may want
to bring medication with them for this trip.
The hikes on this trip are
spectacular and definitely in open country. None of the hikes are mandatory,
and none more than moderate in difficulty. We spend time hiking most days on
the Lofotens. We will also hike up and in to Refikshula Cave. With daylight
lasting almost all night there will be lots of hiking time. Please be sure to
bring a medium-sized rucksack or backpack to carry your foul weather gear and
other items while hiking. Waterproof boots and wool socks are required.
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Trip Outline
Meeting Time and Place: Andenes
Airport, 8:30 a.m. Andenes is located on the northern tip of the Vesteralen
Islands. It is easily reached by plane from Bodo. There are at least two trains
a day from Trondheim to Bodo. From Bodo; it is a short flight to Andenes.
Travelling in Norway is very straightforward and predictable. We are happy to
help arrange your transportation in Norway.
Trip Conclusion: After a celebration dinner in
Bodø on day six.
 Daily Itinerary (Please note: This itinerary
is subject to change depending on weather.)
Day One:
Whale Watching Day! After meeting in
the quaint and scenic town of Andenes we head to our idyllic seaside cabins,
get situated, and then head out for a late afternoon of world class whale
watching. We start the trip at the Andenes Whale Center which features a museum
and interpretive presentation by a local naturalist. Following this tour we
board a research vessel and head out to sea for three to five hours, depending
on weather and sightings. One of the most highly regarded whale watching tours
on earth, this trip typically features numerous sightings of the giant sperm
whale. However, while over 90% of these tours have whale sightings there is no
guarantee. Also, in the case of extreme weather, the trip may be canceled.
Although rare, if this does happen we may be able to reschedule for the
following day. After this trip we head back to our cottages and enjoy a
delicious Norwegian dinner.
Day Two:
Bird Watching
and Overland Day! From the dock near our cabins we board a sightseeing vessel
and head out to the nearby coastal island that is host to thousands of puffins!
Here we marvel at these little birds that nest on the steep cliffs. We then
travel overland from Vesterålen along the stunning rural roads of this
arctic island. We arrive in Reine in the southernmost region of the Lofotens
and get comfortable in rørbus which could be considered to be some of
highest latitude island dwellings on earth! The highways and byways traveled on
this day are among the most scenic in the world. This afternoon we can explore
Reine and Hamøy, the towns we will call home for the next few days.
Day Three:
Hiking Day! We will head out for an all-day hike into the wilderness of the
Lofoten Islands. On this day we will carry our lunch with us and visit mountain
passes that provide unbelievably dramatic views as far as you can see (weather
permitting). We return this afternoon to our rørbus and have the option
of rowing a boat around the inlet that hosts the towns of Reine and
Hamnøy. The hiking location varies depending on weather and ground
conditions.
Day
Four:
Refikshula Cave Day! After being picked up at the rørbu by
the Zodiac raft we head out to the waters surrounding the Lofotens and travel
south along the jagged coast until we reach the docking point for Refikshula.
From here, we walk up and into the cave that hosts centuries-old cave
paintings. Here our naturalist/guide explains how the ancient people chose to
visit and inhabit the cave. After returning to the rørbus we have the
option of hiking again, just relaxing at the rørbus, or exploring the
friendly confines of Reine.
Day Five:
Another Hiking Day! We venture to another part
of this amazing place and spend the day exploring by foot the mountain passes,
expansive beaches, and alpine meadows that make Lofoten a premier hiking
locale. The panoramas and forever views can leave you awestruck by the power
and beauty of natural Norway.
Day
Six:
Arctic Sea Crossing Day! After a leisurely morning we board the
ferry to return to the mainland. This ferry ride, approximately three hours
long, affords great views of the Norwegian coast as we pull away from the
knife-edge archipelago, and increasingly dramatic views of the Norwegian coast
as we approach Bodø. We reach Bodø in the late afternoon and
participate in a celebration dinner and toast to a great Europe adventure
travel trip, which we complete in time for the all night train to
Trondheim.
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 Getting to Norway and
Bodø/Andenes
Several major airlines fly from many
different U.S. cities to Gardermoen, Norway's new international airport. In
addition, trains from throughout Europe arrive daily in Oslo, from which there
are several daily northbound trains to our rendezvous. We are happy to help
take care of all of your pre- and post-trip transportation needs. We want to
make your trip as affordable and convenient as possible. To help with this, we
have access to special rates with certain airlines and may be able to find you
the most affordable flights to Norway.
By Air:
There are regularly scheduled flights
from the U.S. to Norway on several major carriers, including American Airlines,
SAS, Delta, British Air, and Icelandair. The new international airport at
Gardermoen is located approximately 30 miles north of Oslo, and is served by
taxi and express train. Destination Wilderness is an agent for Icelandair.
By Train:
Trains from throughout Europe arrive several times a day at the Oslo
Sentrum and the Gardmoen International Airport train stations, the two most
common terminus for international trains arriving in Norway. Oslo Sentrum is
located in the heart of downtown, providing easy access to the main walking
streets sidewalk cafes and our rendezvous. From Oslo, you will take a train
north, approximately four hours, to the town of Otta. Gardmoen is located
approximately 45 minutes north of Oslo. Please contact our office for schedules
and fares.
From Oslo
to Bodø/Andenes
Once in Norway you have several options for
getting to Bodø and Andenes. You can take a train all the way to
Bodø and then fly to Andenes or you can fly from Oslo or Trondheim to
Andenes, via Bodø. We are happy to assist you with travel in
Norway.
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 Natural
History
The Lofoten Islands and their northern neighbor the
Vesterålen Islands sit dozens of miles west of the upper Norwegian
mainland. Here, above the Arctic circle, this string of land stands guard over
the Norwegian Sea. Buffeted by the warmer air of the gulf stream, the Lofotens
have surprisingly good weather considering their extreme northern latitudes.
Interestingly, though these islands are only a few miles wide, the inner or
eastern coast gets noticeably more sunlight, as the outer western coast is more
susceptible to marine influences such as fog and rain.
This truly is
the land of the midnight sun. From most points on the islands the sun never
sets from late May to mid July. In August, although the sun dips below the
horizon for a few minutes, the sky remains lit throughout the night, often in a
beautiful purple or orange tint. These skies are best described as
unforgettable, as they are perfectly framed by the jagged peaks of the
Lofoten’s razorback mountains and the rich blue waters surrounding the
island.
The geology of this region is as unique as the islands are
remote. Both the oldest and youngest rocks in Norway are found here. The older,
3 billion year-old rocks form the plateaus on which the few Lofoten Island
villages and towns are built. The younger rocks form the sharp ridges and peaks
that dominate the island. Geologists believe that these mountains were so high
during recent ice ages that they were not covered by ice.
The people of
these islands are truly salt-of-the-earth. They have carved an existence in the
face of all that nature has to give. Fishing has long dominated the economy.
For nearly 1,000 years, every January through April fishermen have ventured
into the sea in search of a Norwegian food staple: cod. In fact, special cabins
were designed and ordered built by King Øystein in the 1,100’s in
order for fishermen to have a relatively comfortable place to stay during the
dark winter fishing months. These cabins or "rørbus" still dot the
landscape throughout these islands, with refurbished ones serving as our
overnight accommodations.
Long before King Øystein ruled, native
"Norwegians" spent time on the Lofotens as part of their search for food and
shelter. Evidence of their existence is found in Refiks cave (Refikshula, or
Kollhellaren as it is locally known) found on the southern tip of the island
chain. Refikshula, over 150 feet tall, 40 feet wide and nearly 400 feet deep,
was apparently used for spiritual rituals. This south facing cave evidently had
significance related to the sun, for in midsummer the midnight sun fills the
cave with a yellowish light. 3000-year old wall paintings are found in the
cave’s darkest spot, where it branches off in three directions. These
matchstick men wall paintings have also been discovered in remote caves on
other nearby islands, indicating possible religious bonds among this Stone Age
seafaring culture.
The surrounding sea now provides another resource to
these islands: tourism. For only here is it possible to journey just a few
short hours into the sea to witness the power and grace of the giant leviathan
sperm whale. Sperm whales migrate annually to feed on the squid found in the
deeper waters off the coast of Andenes on the Vesterålen Islands. The
sperm whale is one of the largest living creatures on earth. Males can grow to
be approximately 60 feet long, although females are considerably smaller: only
up to 40 feet long! Sperm whales are capable of diving for up to one hour and
several hundred feet deep in search of food. Their blast of air upon returning
to the surface is actually an effort to breathe deeply, as their air supply is
usually fully exhausted on the dives. The sperm whales found in the waters off
Vesterålen are all males, as they migrate from warmer waters in search of
an adequate food supply, leaving the mother and young calves behind. Newborn
sperm whales average 12 feet in length and weigh up to one ton! The first
long-term study focusing on adult male sperm whales was initiated in 1987 in
waters outside Andenes. Contrary to popular belief, whale research in Norway is
extensive and primarily pro-whale.
The studies off the Lofotens are
conducted from whale-watching boats which operate daily from May to
Mid-September. About 250 sperm whales have been identified outside Andenes.
Over 90% of all of these whale watching tours, funded in part by the World
Wildlife Fund, have multiple sightings!
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Additional Information
Experience Required
The Isle of the Midnight Sun adventure is an ideal adventure travel
vacation for first-time adventurers. Easy to moderate treks/hikes are part of
the first few days of this tour. The whale watching portion is aboard a large
and fully equipped vessel. With overnight stays in rustic lodges and charming
rørbu cottages, the wilderness aspects of this trip are limited to the
day time. Our minimum age on this trip is 12.
Participant Fitness And
Activity Levels
Destination Wilderness trips are created with active,
curious, go-with-the-flow, and nature-loving adventurers in mind. The Isle of
the Midnight Sun adventure is designed for those with a zest for culture,
moderate adventures, active participation, and the creature comforts of nicely
appointed cabins. While you should be fit and in good health for this trip, you
need not be a honed athlete. Participants on this trip should be able to walk a
few miles a day carrying a light backpack.
Weather
The
Lofotens are located well above the Arctic circle yet maintain relatively mild
summer weather patterns. Temperatures are typically in the 60's and 70's during
the day and 40's and 50's at night. It is common for their to be extended
stretches of rain-free days although it is best to plan on rain or cloudy days
at some point during your visit. The whale watching journey can be cold as we
are out on the open ocean.
Equipment
Each
guest must bring a medium-sized rucksack/backpack, large enough to carry
insulating clothes such as wool or fleece sweaters, rain pants and jacket,
extra socks, water bottle, and other optional adventure items such as
binoculars, hats, etc. Waterproof hiking boots are required. All other
specialty adventure gear is provided by Destination Wilderness.
 Accommodations
On the Lofotens and Vesterålens we
will sleep in comfortable, cozy, and charming waterside cabins known as
rørbus. Each of these cabins typically have two or three bedrooms and a
common living room and kitchenette. They also have full bathing and toilet
facilities. We generally ask that people share the cabins with other guests,
with couples and families each having their own bedrooms. Single supplements
are required for those seeking their own rooms. The fee for this is $400.
Meals and
Beverages
Meals will be provided throughout the trip beginning with
breakfast in Andenes and ending with a simple dinner on day six. The healthy
and filling meals will be Norwegian in nature meaning breakfasts will consist
of breads, cheeses, sliced meats and other fixings, along with juice, coffee
and tea; lunches will be soups or sandwiches and other related items; and
dinners will be culturally appropriate multi-course meals, with an assortment
of beverages. If you have special dietary requests or needs please let us know
well in advance of your trip.
Charter Trips
We
are able and happy to offer special private charter trips for groups. For
groups of six or more we may be able to run trips on dates other than those
listed in this packet. Please contact our office for details.
Gratuities
It is
common to tip wilderness guides on adventure trips. It is not expected, but
always appreciated. If you are happy with your trip please let us and your
guide(s) know. Thanks!
Itinerary Changes
While we do everything possible to follow the itineraries in this packet
we may be forced to adjust trips due to reasons beyond our control. Therefore,
these itineraries are subject to change.
References
Many
of our past trip members have offered to speak with folks who are considering
our trips. We know we could blow our own horn until we are blue in the face
about the great time we feel you would have on our trips. So, we invite you to
contact us for a list of clients who have participated on Destination
Wilderness trips and we'll let them do the talking!
Destination Wilderness
Guides
The pride of our outfit, our guides bring a wealth of talent and
experience to each trip we run. Destination Wilderness guides have years and
years of experience leading trips in the U.S. and abroad. Each is licensed in
first-aid and CPR. Furthermore, they create an environment that fosters
camaraderie and positive experiences. Simply put, they care about what it is
that YOU want from YOUR TRIP and do everything possible to make that happen! We
are confident that you will find your guides to be one of the highlights of the
adventure.
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Isle of the
Midnight Sun: Europe Adventure Travel and Nature Tours Additional
Information
