The endless days and magical light around the
time of the midnight sun is the setting for this gentle paced road tour
exploring
Situated within the
Highlights along the way include Melbu’s
Our route, which follows a coastline of white sandy beaches,
rolling hills and soaring peaks concludes below the jagged peaks of
Reine from where we cycle to the end of the road (literally) at Å, before the final
boat trip back to Bodø.
Accommodation in the Lofotens are the
lovely quayside Rorbus
- traditionally painted fishermen’s wood cabins perched on
stilts. With some providing rowing boats, you may wish to try
some fishing; or take a sauna and optional fjord dip for an
invigorating experience, Scandinavian style.
Evening meals are taken either at the superb local restaurants renowned
for their delicious seafood, or in the Rorbus
themselves if you want to try your hand at cooking. Lunches en route
are picnic style and breakfasts are all to the high quality you have
come to expect from Skedaddle.
If you require any further information
call:
+47 9321 4596 (Norway) or Skedaddle: 0191
2651110 / 07785 973754 (England)
For
information by e-mail send your request
to:
info@activenorway.no
You may also contact Skedaddle by e-mail
on:
info@skedaddle.co.uk
DEPARTURES
NOR06/01
19-May-06 to
28-May-06
£1025
NOR06/02 16-Jun-06
to
25-Jun-06
£1025
NOR06/03
28-Jul-06
to 06-Aug-06 £1025
NOR07/01
18-May-07 to
27-Jun-07
£1025*
NOR07/02 15-Jun-07
to
24-Jun-07 £1025*
NOR07/03
27-Jul-07
to 05-Aug-07 £1025*
*Prices to
be confirmed December 2006
Flight
Cost: £300 (approx.)
Bike Hire: £120
Insurance: £35
Grade: 2
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Bodø
Airport, following the scheduled flights from either Oslo, Bergen or Stavanger. (Confirmation of the
flight times from the
The evening is spent enjoying a get-together dinner, during which there
will be a briefing about the week’s schedule, and will be
followed with a ride to the top of Mount Rønvik. This is Bodø’s
Midnight Sun viewpoint providing a dramatic panorama of Bodø and the
surrounding
Day 2
Following breakfast, the morning is free to explore Bodø at your own
pace. Perhaps you may wish to visit the
Tonight will be our first in the Lofoten
Rorbus, which are
situated a short distance from the quayside, with the evening meal
taken in the plush surrounding of Skjaerbrygga.
Optional
Activities
Either a short ride in the local area or a night hike to one
of the nearby peaks ( 308m
and about two hours in duration ).
Day 3 - Distance
65kms / 40 miles
Today we begin our cycling in
earnest. Today’s cycle of
around 40 miles ( 65kms ) is a nice introductory ride
on our first day of cycling as it skirts the coast on a flat, or at
times gently undulating road. We will ride along the coast of
During this afternoons rides we might see the cod drying racks that the
Lofoten is known for and
keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles as this is a popular spot in which
to view them. We'll also visit the one of the sculptures that appear sporadically during your
time on the islands. Nicknamed 'the shower cubicle' by locals it is
well worth a brief stop-off.
Just before Henningsvær there
is a wonderful beach at Rørvika from
where you'll be able to take an invigorating dip in the clear waters.
From here it's just 8kms/5miles to reach Henningsvær. This is
one of the best places in
Henningsvær is
a great place to visit, and with this in mind, the afternoon is
allocated some ‘down-time’. Soak up the atmosphere
of the major fishing port in the
Due to Rorbus in Henningsvær being very
spread out throughout the town, we will stay at a more basic
accommodation than other nights. Although rooms are twin share, not all
have en-suite facilities, though there is a large lounge and eating
area, the place is extremely friendly and depending on group size we
should have it all to ourselves. Tonights
evening meal will be taken either in the famous Fiskekrogen restaurant,
(with seafood undoubtedly the order of the day) or for those in search
more relaxed surroundings -
Klatrekafeen ( the
Climbers Bar ) offer delicious food at very reasonable prices.
Optional Activities
For those looking to increase the days cycling distance there
is a possibility of a further 15kms/9
miles around the Gimsøy
headland prior to lunch.
Day 4 - Distance - 25kms /
16miles
Today we have a short
days ride of approx. 25kms/16miles, that starts with a little
back-tracking to the beach at Rørvika.
Once here we turn northwards once again and head for Kabelvåg. Mid-way
there is the option of cycling over the mountain pass for those looking
to sample an easy off road section and once at the top of the short
climb there are some wonderful views back to Henningsvær
and beyond.
Lunch today is at the beautiful beach at Kalle,
where you'll have time to explore the rock pools and relax in this
sheltered location. From here we head to Kabelvåg
and
Optional
Activities
After your arrival at Nyvågår
you may wish to ride into Svolvær
( roundtrip 10kms/6miles
) or in the evening hike to Glamtinden
- 419mtrs. This hike will take approx. 3hrs in total and offers amazing
views from its lofty peak.
Day 5 -
Distance 60kms
/ 37 miles
We start the day from Nyvågår
by riding into Svolvær
and then continuing on to Austvagoya. Lunch
is taken at the tiny fishing hamlet of Laukvika, from where we continue
until we reach Fiskebøl
on the edge of Austvagøy
- the most northern of the
Optional Activities
Evening bike ride and then hike to Husbykollen.
The ride is approx. 30 minutes to the base of Husbykollen
and then a one hour easy walk to the viewpoint, so 3 hours in
total.
Day 6 - Distance
20kms / 12miles
Our cycle today
will take to Stokmarknes.
On leaving Melbu our
initial ride along the coastline is flat until we reach the beautiful
sandy beaches of Sanden with their wonderful views back to the Lofotens. In true Scandinavian
style, there is of course the option of a
‘refreshing’ dip in the sea – apparently
it's good for you! Five gently rolling miles later, and we reach Stokmarknes. Plenty of time to visit the Hurtigrutmuseet (
Optional
Activities
A quick stroll to the see at close quarters
the statue guarding the entrance to Svolvær
followed by a beer
on the terracing, at the Brygga takes
some beating!
Day 7 - Distance 60kms / 37
miles
Initially we will transfer from Svolvær
by bus to the Viking museum at Borg, where we will visit the restored
long house of the Vikings. Following this we
continue for a short distance on the E10 before heading to Vikspollen and an amazing
lunch-stop. This huge horse-shoe shaped beach, surrounded by towering
mountains and the clearest sea imaginable.........it doesn't get much
better!!!
After lunch we set our sights on Nusfjord. The ride on the
Nusfjord is a well-preserved fishing village nestling amidst dramatic
mountain scenery and we stay right on the quayside again in a Rorbu. With this one, however,
there’s a difference, as we have the use of a rowing boat for
a spot of fishing should we desire. Needless to stay, there is a good
restaurant in the village should we fail to catch anything!
Optional Activities
Short evening walk to the small Nusfjord lighthouse for some great
views back to Nusfjord and to the mainland way in the distance.
Day 8
Retracing our steps of yesterday for a short time we head off
to Ramberg on the
Northern Coast of Flaktadoya.
Prior to arrival here is Flakstad
Kirke. Built in 1780
from Siberian driftwood, this red-onion domed church is well worth a
visit.
Lunchtime is at Ramberg
itself - a place that is without doubt stunning. A vast arch of white
sand along a sparkling green / blue bay, with a backdrop of Arctic
peaks…surely enough to tempt you into those icy arctic
waters?!? Suitably dried off, a rolling 25kms/15miles later we
arrive at Reine. The picture-postcard fishing town
at the arrow neck of the Reine fjord and flanked by
sheer mountains on three sides. Tonight is our farewell meal on the Lofoten will be in Reine at a
great restaurant, as we near the end of our journey.
Day 9 - Distance
20kms / 12 miles
Following an early breakfast a 15km/9.5 mile relatively flat
cycle ride, along the coast, past a string of picturesque fishing
hamlets with the characteristic red or ochre fishermen's shanties
perching on poles on the rocky foreshore. Our final destination is Å. An entire fishing
village preserved as a museum – at the very end of the road
(its name is appropriately enough the last letter of the Norwegian
alphabet) Time to visit the cod-liver oil factory, yummy bakery and the
Stock Fish Museum, before a brief ride along the coast to the ferry. We
depart at
Day 10
Depart for the airport for your scheduled flights (Mid
morning or lunchtime depending on your particular routing ).
Rorbu - So what exactly are these Rorbus that we have been talking
about so much?
These are traditional wooden Norwegian Fishing houses some of
whose sites date to as far back as the time of King Oystein in the early
1100’s. They are usually built on stilts in the sea/quayside
or on the shore and it has been customary over the centuries to paint
them red and ochre. They now provide much of the accommodation for
tourists coming to the Lofoten
and have been suitably modernised with this in mind. All are very
different in room layout, depending on age and size and we have chosen
those on the tour that we feel best reflect the nature
of these islands. Whilst en suite facilities are not
the norm all Rorbu have
great facilities including, showers, 'lounges' /
'sitting rooms' and kitchens which we will use for
breakfast.
Optional
Activities
All our tours
to the Lofoten are
scheduled 'around' the time of the Midnight Sun, so this means
that there is little or no darkness during these times. With this in
mind we have scheduled some evening rides/walks/hikes for those looking
to do a little extra exercise. Please note
that these are purely optional!
GENERAL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND SECURITY
As a member of the Association of
Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an Association approved
by the Department of Trade and Industry, Saddle Skedaddle Limited has
provided a Bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package
Holidays and Package Tour Regulations 1992 in respect of non-flight
inclusive packages only. This Bond provides security for money paid
over by customers and for the repatriation of customers in the event of
Saddle Skedaddle Limited’s insolvency. Note:
Repatriation will only be provided if the travel component of your trip
was paid to us.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Estimated flight costs are provided
for our Lofoten Islands holiday. These is purely for your information
and are meant to provide only a guide of what you could expect to pay
for flights. Although flights do not form
part of our packages we can provide you with advice on relevant flights
and travel arrangements that tie into our holidays. Please
contact us for details of these.
You will then need to book flights directly with the actual airlines /
agents who will send you the appropriate confirmation and tickets for
those flights.
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES
A) All
accommodation during the trip ( shared rooms ).
B) All breakfasts
and lunches whilst in Norway.
C) Full tour service
including guide(s) / support person and support vehicle.
D) Unless
stated at least one Tour Leader qualified in First Aid
E) Passage on the Hurtigruten from
Bodø to Stamsund ( Day 2 )
F) Passage on the Hurtigruten from Stokmarknes to Svolvaer (
Day 6 )
G) Passage on the ferry from Mosknes to
Bodø ( Day 9 )
F) Transfer to the Viking Museum at Borg ( Day
7 )
G) Trip to the Maelstrom ( Day 2 )
WHAT THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
A) Personal
clothing and equipment.
B) Travel
to & from Norway and to & from Bodø.
C)
Alcoholic drinks.
D) All evening
meals.
E) Meals
whilst aboard the Hurtigruten and Moskenes to Bodø ferry.
F) Travel
insurance.
G) Bar bills,
telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
H) Bike hire ( if
applicable ).
I) Entrance fees
to museums ( including Borg )
J) Bike carriage on flights ( if applicable )
VEHICLE SUPPORT
We have the security of our support
vehicle at all times. Here there will some sufficient capacity
for tired bikers at certain stages each day. Apart from your emergency
tool kit you will NOT be required to take any
extra equipment to that you would take on a normal day ride.
INSURANCE
It is a condition of our trip that you are covered by a
medical and personal accident insurance policy that includes
repatriation to your home country and cover for the biking activity. We
recommend the ‘Skedaddle Policy’ for those
commencing their journey from the UK, which may be booked through
Saddle Skedaddle, (see booking form).
EQUIPMENT
We provide everything
except a bike (although we are able to hire these, see booking form for
details), personal equipment and clothing. If
you are taking your own bike it must be either a road bike, hybrid or
mountain bike possessing a minimum of 18 gears. Please
contact us if you are unsure whether your bike will be suitable. During
the holiday you will be using your bike each day and it is imperative
that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded
your local bicycle dealer should undertake this service. We will of
course be taking a full tool kit and a selection of spares, which we
will provide should the need arise. Details
of which spares you should take will be included in the Information
Pack sent with your booking confirmation.
TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER
Temperatures at this latitude of
Norway are changeable even in the summer months. The
region also receives rain, which hopefully falls outside the timing of
the trip.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
A full ten-year passport is required
for visiting Norway. If this is not currently held it is your
responsibility to obtain this in good time.
STAFF
All trips have at least
one bike guide/support person/ driver, UK or locally-based
with support staff where appropriate.
PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY
Since our holidays include the accommodation and the majority of all
food, we suggest that approximately £300
/ US$450 in Norwegian Kroner
should prove sufficient. Any additional personal expenditure for such
things as souvenirs depends very much on the individual. Cashpoint
Cards & Credit Cards such as Visa & MasterCard are
accepted in Bodø
and the larger places we will visit during the trip, for buying goods,
paying for food as well as for drawing cash.
FLIGHTS
For this particular Skedaddle /
Active Norway trip the airport you will need to fly into is
Oslo for onward flights to Bodø, from where
we offer a free collection service on Day 1 of the trip and
return here on Day 10 of the trip.
If your're flying in from the UK, the most convenient airline
serving Oslo and Bodo is Norwegian Air Shuttle www.norwegian.no
who fly regularly from London Stansted. Please contact us for other
flight options with SAS Airlines, British Airways and Ryanair.
NB. DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS FOR THIS
TRIP WITHOUT PRIOR CONSULATION WITH SKEDADDLE, OR
ACTIVE NORWAY
FOR NON-UK RESIDENTS
JOINING ABROAD AND EXTENDING YOUR
HOLIDAY
It is possible join our tours abroad
and if more convenient to arrive by ferry to Stavanger or Bergen and
then connect to Bodø.
Such arrangements should be made by yourself and stated at the time of
booking.
BAGGAGE DETAILS
Your allowable baggage is one main
piece of luggage other than your bike. This bag which should be
preferably either a backpack / rucksack or ‘sports
bag’ so as to assist in transportation, and one small
daypack. The daypack may be useful for carrying your additional
outer-layer clothing and snacks while cycling. This will also be useful
as your ‘in flight’ bag for such items as cameras,
personal stereos etc.
Please note that, the normal aeroplane hold
allowance is around 20kgs (bike and
large bag!) and all excess baggage charges must be met by you.
Check with your airline or us if you are in doubt of the
allowance.
HOW TO BOOK
Before you book we recommend that
you read carefully the general information, booking conditions and the
itinerary. To book your place on this trip,
please contact us to check the availability of places on the trip.
Following confirmation of this, then send a fully completed booking
form, with your deposit of £200 including details of
everything you require; bike hire, dietary requirements etc, If you
book less than eight weeks before departure full payment is then due on
booking.
You may also now book online at www.skedaddle.co.uk
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Payments can be made by cheque,
credit or debit card or and bank transfer. NB.
Although there is no additional charge for using debit cards, there
will be an additional 1.5% charge if paying by credit card.
CONFIRMATION
On receipt of your booking form, you
will be sent an acknowledgement of your booking along with a Saddle
Skedaddle Information Pack, containing information about your holiday,
suggested reading, and also general information about the Lofoten
Islands its history, people & climate.