The Lengthy Crossing of Norway’s Lofoten Islands

Simply off the coast of northern Norway within the Arctic Circle lies a legendary archipelago by the title of Lofoten. A mix of deep fjords, windswept seashores, jagged peaks and picture-postcard villages, its staggering magnificence has lengthy been celebrated in artwork and literature, and in more moderen occasions, seemingly each second panorama photographer’s Instagram account. Whereas its unparalleled magnificence is in no way a secret, there’s nonetheless a approach to escape a lot of the crowds and expertise the Lofoten’s wonders in comparative solitude. It’s known as the Lengthy Crossing – a 160 km (99 mi) mountaineering route by the spectacular coronary heart of the island chain. 

Greg “Malto” Gressel and I hiked your complete Lengthy Crossing (plus aspect journeys) over seven days in late September 2018. Click on right here for an in depth gear record from the journey.

Yours actually descending from Dalstuva Peak on Stage 5 of the Lengthy Crossing.

At a Look

Origins – The concept for the “Lengthy Crossing” is from the crew at Rando-Lofoten. This wonderful web site is a goldmine for all issues mountaineering within the archipelago.

Distance (11 Levels):  160 km (99.4 mi) –  Our seven-day journey ended up being roughly 190 – 200 km (118 – 124 mi), as we additionally included aspect journeys, some connector highway walks, and most notably an overland hyperlink between phases 9 and 10 (see Alternates for particulars)

Common Length:  11 days. 

Problem Degree:  Average to tough

Begin / End:

• Village of Å (south)
• Delp (north)

Overview map of The Lengthy Crossing (Rando-Lofoten)

Which Course?:  I don’t suppose it makes a lot of a distinction. The Rando-Lofoten website describes the hike from north to south, nevertheless, we selected to go the opposite course. Why? Just because it labored out higher for us with the ferry schedule from Bodø (See Getting There & Away).

Complete Elevation Acquire: 9,193 m (30,161 ft)

Highest Level: 1,029 m (3,376 ft) – The summit of Hermannsdalstinden Peak – a not-to-be-missed aspect journey from the primary route throughout stage 10.

Lowest Level: Sea stage.

Highest level – Gazing northeast from the summit of Hermannsdalstinden Peak

The stunningly located Horseid Seashore; a nicely worthwhile aspect journey throughout Stage 9.

Getting There & Away:

• Accessing the Lofoten Islands: The principal gateway to the Lofotens is the city of Bodø, which is serviced by each day flights from Oslo. From Bodø you possibly can catch one of many common ferries to both Svolvaer (closest city to the northern terminus) or Moskenes harbour (closest entry level to the southern terminus). See torghatten-nord.no for ferry info.

• Village of Å (southern terminus): From Moskenes harbour its a mild 5km (3.1 mi) highway stroll alongside the E10 to/from the southern terminus in Å. Alternatively, you possibly can take bus #18-742. See reisnordland.no for bus info. 

•  Delp: In accordance with Rando-Lofoten web site: “Take line 18-749 from Svolvær in course of Liland, cease at Jordness Kryss (20 min). Wait there and take the bus 18-733 in course of Laukvik, then cease at Straumsnes Vest. Stroll till the beginning (or end) of the hike.” For bus occasions, see reisnordland.no.

• For an informative overview of transport choices for the Lofoten Islands, take a look at the wonderful 68north.com.
  

  Trying eastward over Agvatnet in the direction of the Village of Å / Stage 11.

Season:

• Mid-June to late September. 

• Malto and I selected to do the hike in late September/early October. This meant shorter days and an elevated probability of precipitation, nevertheless, we determined it was price it for the opportunity of seeing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). It turned out we had been fortunate on each counts. We had superb climate for roughly six out of the seven days, and had been handled to Mom Nature’s mesmerizing gentle present in the course of the remaining couple of nights of the journey. 

MLD Duomid and an emerald inexperienced night time sky / Remaining night time of the Lengthy Crossing.

Planning Info 

• GPS Information: GPS data for all 11 phases might be discovered on the Rando-Lofoten web site. We printed out maps for the route, along with having the GPX observe on our telephones (Gaia GPS app). Be aware: See the Route / Circumstances part under for info on our overland hyperlink between Levels 9 and 10

• Overview Map: Aside from the stage maps talked about above, we additionally carried a 1:100,000 overview map (#2549) of the Lofotens from Turkart. This fashionable sheet is broadly out there in bookshops, out of doors shops and vacationer workplaces in Bodø and the Lofoten Islands.

• Guidebooks : We made do with the aforementioned gadgets together with some fundamental planning info listed on the Rando-Lofoten website. For folk in search of one thing extra, Rando-Lofoten have put out a paperback guidebook – Climbing within the Lofoten Islands – which accommodates detailed trekking notes for the route, along with beta on greater than 60 day hikes all through the archipelago.

• Further Normal Info: I had a Kindle model of Lonely Planet’s newest Norway journey guidebook on my cellphone.

• On-line Beta: Aside from Rando-Lofoten, probably the greatest assets for exploring the archipelago on foot is Cody Duncan’s superb web site, 68north.com. Aside from helpful logistical info, Duncan’s photographs are among the many greatest I’ve seen from the storied archipelago. They’re so good the truth is, that a few of them are featured within the second of my Wanderlust books, The Hidden Tracks!

Dawn from Hermannsdalstinden Peak.

• Permits: No permits are required to hike within the Lofoten Islands.

• Language:  Norwegian. With the attainable exception of oldsters which can be over 60, just about everybody you meet within the islands speaks English. That stated, as an indication of respect on your hosts I extremely advocate studying some fundamental pleasantries within the native tongue.

• Cell/Cellular Protection: There may be protection in all the villages, and a lot of the route’s excessive factors.

• Lengthy Crossing Planning Abstract: I’d advocate the next course: 1. Learn by this text; 2. Obtain the GPS data from Rando-Lofoten; 3. Take into account selecting up their guidebook; 4. Take a look at Coby Duncan’s web site for visible inspiration, and; 5. Upon arrival in Bodo, buy the 1:100,000 overview map listed above (or order on-line earlier than you go).

• Gear Checklist: Click on right here for an in depth gear record from the journey.

Heading north in the direction of the sleepy village of Napp on the sixth stage.

Resupply & Water:

• Resupply:  You gained’t go hungry on the Lengthy Crossing. We by no means needed to carry greater than a day or two’s meals at anybody time. See the stage summaries on the Rando-Lofoten web site (or guidebook) for resupply particulars. Throughout our seven day hike we picked up meals on the following areas: Stage 2 – Sandsletta Tenting (restaurant / store); Stage 5 – Leknes (city); Stage 6 – Nusfjord village; Stage 7 – Ramberg village; Stage 9 – Vindstad (common ferry service to scenic village of Reine, which has a number of meals and lodging choices); Stage 11 – Village of Å.

• Water:  Ample. We by no means needed to carry multiple or two liters at anybody time. On the purification entrance, neither of us handled water in the course of the hike, nor did we expertise any intestinal points.

Malto descending in the direction of Forsfjord throughout Stage 10.

Morning ferry again to Vindstad, after an sudden aspect journey to the picturesque village of Reine.

Route Notes:

Overview:

The Lengthy Crossing of the Lofotens is considered one of Europe’s most spectacular trails – a mixture of yawning fjords, hidden coves, serrated peaks and vibrant fishing villages. Though for essentially the most half unmarked, in clear climate the route shouldn’t be tough to observe as there are many distinctive pure options that act as reference factors for orientation. It may be a unique story when its wet and foggy, so be sure you preserve observe of your location always. Terrain-wise the going is usually steep, muddy and uncovered, however the otherworldly vistas present greater than ample compensation on your efforts.   

How Lengthy will it take?:

Within the “At a Look” part above, I point out that the common Lengthy Crossing hiker will take 11 days to finish the route. That is the time urged on the Rando-Lofoten web site, and I believe it’s kind of on the cash for most people. Nonetheless, as is the case with nearly all multi-day treks, the period of time wanted to finish the Lengthy Crossing can differ drastically relying on quite a few components. Match and skilled hikers which can be carrying a lightweight pack and who’ve a good run with the climate, can comfortably do the the route in seven to 9 days with loads of time leftover for aspect journeys.

Malto striding out at nightfall in the course of the fifth stage. Be aware the MLD Burn backpack and orange Patagonia Houdini windshirt – he has used each gadgets on each hike we’ve got carried out collectively over the previous eight years!

Highlights:

My favorite phases on the AV1 had been as follows:

• • Stage 1 –  Delp to Sandsletta – That includes a spectacular and really uncovered ridge stroll north of Matmora Peak.
  • Stage 9 – Selfjord Bay to Forsfjorden Fjord – Together with the aspect journey to Horseid Seashore. You should definitely go for a dip within the Arctic waters!
  • Stage 10 – Forsfjorden to the village of Å – That includes a aspect journey to the summit of Hermannsdalstinden Peak, which affords arguably the best 360° panorama in your complete archipelago.
  • Stage 11 – Out and again throughout the island from the Village of Å, by way of Agvatnet and Stokkvikvatnet lakes.

Extra views from Hermannsdalstinden Peak.

Malto descending alongside the north ridge of Matmora Peak earlier than the end in Delp.

Taking within the views from Matmora ridge.

Lowlights: 

Out of geographic necessity, there’s some roadwalking concerned on a number of of the phases. It’s attainable to hitch or take buses throughout these sections (see Rando-Lofoten stage descriptions for particulars), nevertheless, we determined to hike them excluding the phase between Napp and Leknes (which features a non-pedestrian tunnel that goes beneath the ocean). Though strolling on pavement isn’t splendid, we didn’t encounter an excessive amount of in the best way of visitors, and there was usually a fairly huge shoulder in order that it by no means felt harmful.

Alternates

Aside from worthy aspect journeys to Hermannsdalstinden Peak, Helvetestinden Peak and Horseid Seashore, there have been two principal factors at which we diverged from the usual Lengthy Crossing route: 

Stage 2 & 3 – Olderfjorden 

The route described on Rando-Lofoten swings south towards the city of Svolvaer. As we had been already carrying enough provides, we determined to take the trail much less travelled from the junction on the finish of Olderfjorden (68°15.7872’N, 14°23.2307’E). From this level we continued ENE up the valley. The path was boggy, soggy, overgrown and disappeared and reappeared with regularity. All that stated, the surroundings was spectacular and it proved to be an enjoyably difficult part. We linked again as much as the usual route at Bothnvatnet lake (68°17.2426’N,  14°30.2077’E).

Stage 2 & 3 Alternate – Ascending from Olderfjorden on the sixth and penultimate day, we skilled our first sustained interval of inclement climate in the course of the hike.

Overland Hyperlink between Levels 9 and 10: 

The parents at Rando-Lofoten recommend you’re taking the ferry between Kjerkfjorden and Forsfjorden. This is because of a steep, and probably harmful stretch situated between Vindstad and Kjerkfjord. Though I fully perceive their omission, each Malto and I are very skilled in technical terrain, so we determined to analyze the part for ourselves.

The particular phase the Rando-Lofoten crew are referring to begins on the saddle SE of Helvetestinden Peak (a must-do aspect journey). It’s undeniably precipitous in elements and in moist climate could possibly be extraordinarily slippery. Nonetheless, in case you are sure-footed, have head for heights and are carrying a light-weight load, I believe it’s throughout the capabilities of most sturdy and seasoned backpackers. Climbing from Vindstad to Kjerkfjord, you’ll start dropping from the saddle at 67°58.6197’N, 12°59.7817’E, and descend in a NE course, ultimately reaching flat floor at round 67°58.8192’N, 13°0.2269’E.  For a lot of the best way down there’s a faint path that’s sporadically cairned.

Though I personally didn’t discover this part to be overly tough, Rando-Lofoten don’t advocate it for a cause. The sheer and rugged nature of the terrain implies that it’s appropriate just for seasoned hikers in superb climate. Earlier than deciding to provide it a attempt, take into account whether or not or not you might have the requisite expertise. In the event you aren’t certain, take the ferry.

Be aware that the second a part of the connector part linking phases 9 and 10 is a very completely different story. Stretching between Vindstad and the ability station at Forsfjorden, this phase consists of a simple to observe, undulating path which skirts the jap aspect of the fjord. It’s appropriate for hikers of all ranges of expertise.

Through the connector part between phases 9 and 10, I took a nicely worthwhile aspect journey to the summit of Helvetestinden Peak.

Pre-descent views over Kjerkfjord from the saddle SE of Helvetestinden Peak.

Trying again towards the saddle after descending a grassy chute.

The village of Kjerkfjorden.

Sleeping

Wild tenting is feasible all through the Lengthy Crossing. Throughout our week lengthy journey, we camped out each night time besides one; an unplanned aspect journey to the picturesque village of Reine. To get there, we took one of many twice each day ferries from Vindstad. For lodging choices in villages alongside the best way, see the Rando-Lofoten web site or take a look at up-to-date choices on Reserving.com. 

MLD Duomid at sundown on Day 3.

Remaining Musings from the Lengthy Crossing

Solitude within the Lofotens

By any standards the Lofoten Islands is without doubt one of the most terribly stunning locations on the planet. It’s due to this fact no shock that in recent times its reputation has began to growth. However as is the case with different well-known pure wonders such because the Grand Canyon and Yosemite Nationwide Park, backpacking gives a approach to escape the crowds and luxuriate in a excessive diploma of solitude. Through the Lengthy Crossing there have been occasions after we noticed different vacationers – Bunes seaside, the Village of Å and Munken come to thoughts – nevertheless, for essentially the most half we had the path to ourselves. And that in a nutshell seashell is without doubt one of the issues that I’ve at all times liked about mountaineering – with a bit of further effort it’s attainable to extricate your self from the crushed observe, and discover quiet and peaceable moments even in a few of the earth’s hottest wilderness corners.

Norway’s Cod Capital

All through the Lengthy Crossing you will notice cod drying racks in a lot of the villages. A few years earlier than it grew to become a mecca for nature loving vacationers, the Lofoten Islands performed an necessary position in Norway’s fishing business. For greater than a millennium it has been the centre of nation’s profitable cod fisheries. A task that’s of explicit significance in the course of the colder months, when cod migrate south from the Barents sea and are available to the hotter waters of the Lofotens as a way to spawn.

A Thermal Anomaly

Due to the above-mentioned heat currents of the Gulf Stream, the Lofoten Islands experiences a comparatively gentle oceanic local weather. Regardless of it mendacity at an identical latitude to locations reminiscent of Alaska and Greenland, common winter and summer season temperatures within the archipelago are a relatively balmy 1°C (33.8°F) and 13°C (55.4°F) respectively.

Put up-hike Facet Journey – The Mosktraumen  

Positioned simply off the Lofoten archipelago is a singular system of tidal eddies and whirlpools often called the Moskstraumen (or maelstrom). Over the centuries this hydrological phenomena has been featured in varied basic literary tales together with Jules Verne’s, “Twenty Thousand Leagues Beneath the Sea” and Edgar Allen Poe’s brief story, “A Descent into the Maelstrom.” What units the legendary Moskstraumen other than most different whirlpools is its power – it’s the second strongest of its variety on the earth – plus the truth that it happens in open sea, somewhat than in a river or strait.

Malto 

I’ll end this put up with a shout-out to my good buddy and mountaineering accomplice on the Lengthy Crossing, Greg “Malto” Gressel. Since assembly on the Appalachian Path in November, 2012, Malto and I’ve carried out a bunch of various mountaineering journeys collectively together with the Lowest to Highest Route, Wonderland Path, Northville Placid Path and the Wind River Excessive Route. Most of those journeys had been carried out exterior of normal mountaineering season home windows, and as a consequence we’ve often encountered some pretty difficult climate (see photos under). Regardless of the meteorological obstacles and a gag-worthy path food regimen of spam and maltodextrin, Malto has at all times remained singularly upbeat and barely appears to put on down regardless of the circumstances. It’s particularly spectacular when you think about he simply celebrated his eighty fifth birthday. Thanks for an additional nice hike, mate!

Malto wading by the appropriately named “Duck Gap” in the course of the mom of all storms | Northville Placid Path, Adirondacks, New York, 2015.

Malto descending to Little Sandy Creek throughout an enormous snow storm in Wyoming’s Wind River Vary (2016).

Malto and I on the summit of Matmora, the ultimate peak of our Lengthy Crossing of the Lofoten Islands.

Disclosure: This put up accommodates some affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests ‘The Climbing Life’ receives a small fee if you are going to buy an merchandise after clicking on one of many hyperlinks. This comes at no further price to the reader and helps to help the web site in its persevering with purpose to create high quality content material for backpackers and hikers.