Guide to the Most Beautiful Destinations, Coasts, and Islands of Norway
Norway is one of the most remote places to take a sailing holiday. With a strong sense of adventure, set sail in search of whales, seals, and the northern lights… a unique experience to be lived at least once in a lifetime!
A sailing trip with a skipper in Norway is ideal for discovering timeless islands and historic places; a unique journey in the land of the Vikings. It is undoubtedly an adventurous holiday, exploring majestic landscapes, northern lights, and intense colors. Norway is a beloved destination for sailors, even though the weather is not always mild and sunny. The southern part, starting from Bergen, is known for its wild nature, while the northern part, from Trondheim to Bodø, features many small islands that shield the coast from sea waves, often allowing for anchoring in sheltered spots.
You’ll experience the magical midnight sun and enchanting Norwegian daylight as you sail through fairy-tale landscapes. The numerous moorings in quaint fishing ports will also let you enjoy the typical tranquility of Norwegian life.
Travel Ideas
A sailing holiday in Norway is synonymous with adventure. Remote and wild landscapes, nights under the stars, and sailing surrounded by pristine nature. You’ll spend a week or more dedicated to navigation, sports, and spotting species rarely seen elsewhere, such as whales, sea eagles, and seals.
Sustainable tourism
Norway has numerous protected marine areas. The government is deeply committed to environmental conservation and marine life protection. Among these areas are Ytre Hvaler National Park, popular for sailing, swimming, and the marine and terrestrial species it hosts, and the Lofoten archipelago.
Perfect for
This destination is undoubtedly perfect for solo travelers seeking tranquility and remote places. It is also ideal for sporty couples and friends looking for a combination of sports and adventure. Many skippers in the area offer "Ski and Sailing" packages for those who want to combine sailing with alpine skiing.
First time on a boat
The climate and sailing conditions in Norway make it less suitable for those who have never sailed before. It is recommended for those with previous sailing experience and a strong spirit of adaptation. Sleeping on a boat surrounded by glaciers is a wonderful experience, but it may not be for everyone.
Norway: Nordic Sailing, Whales, and Northern Lights.
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Featured Cruises in Norway
Must-Visit Places During a Sailing Trip in Norway
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are located in the Norwegian Sea, above the Arctic Circle. They offer majestic landscapes with towering mountains, deep fjords, seabird colonies, and long beaches ideal for surfing. The coldest period peaks in February, while the warmest months are July and August. Due to their unique positioning, these islands are exposed to two of the most beautiful natural phenomena: the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. The midnight sun is visible in June when the sun never sets, while the Northern Lights can be seen between October and April.
The islands are a total of five and are connected by bridges, roads, and tunnels. An alternative method to travel between the islands is by sailing, which allows you to experience the landscapes from a different perspective. For your sailing vacation, you can depart directly from Svolvær, the capital and oldest city in the Arctic Circle, or from Tromsø.
Svalbard Islands
The Svalbard Islands are located between Norway and the North Pole, like a world unto themselves, an Arctic land of wild nature, perennial glaciers, the Northern Lights, midnight sun, and vast open spaces where polar bears roam. The main activities on these islands involve polar exploration and tourism with a range of adventurous activities, from sailing cruises and kayaking among glaciers to snowmobile tours.
The landscape is highly diverse. The western coast of Spitsbergen features spectacular fjords and mountains over 1000 meters high, while other areas are more expansive and open. Nearly two-thirds of the islands are protected territory, including nature reserves, national parks, and bird sanctuaries. The warming effects of the Gulf Stream keep the coastal waters ice-free for most of the year, allowing for coastal navigation.
These islands can be visited year-round and offer different experiences depending on the season. From mid-May to late September, you can witness the phenomenon of the midnight sun. From October to late February, the days are dark and cold, but you can enjoy the stunning Northern Lights day and night. Spring, from March to mid-May, is the perfect period with warmer temperatures and still snow-covered landscapes.
From Tromsø to the Lyngen Peninsula
Embarking from Tromsø, you can venture towards the Lyngen Peninsula and its peaks. You will encounter extraordinary landscapes, atmospheres reminiscent of great polar expeditions, and breathtaking alpine skiing—all aboard a sailboat equipped to handle the frigid waters of the Norwegian Sea.
The Lyngen Peninsula, located east of Tromsø, is home to some of the most rugged alpine peaks in the country and is entirely covered in snow and ice. The Lyngen Alps, with their highest peak being Jiekkevarre (1837 m), offer various opportunities for experienced mountaineers and skiers in a beautifully polar setting.
The advantage of moving from one location to another by sailing is that the skipper can easily retrieve you from nearly any destination. Imagine having a constantly moving refuge, which relocates daily to seek out pristine places to explore.
In addition to sailing and skiing, you can explore the wild landscapes of the coast and islands, then return aboard to refresh and stay overnight.
Top destinations
Why Go on a Sailing Holiday in Norway?
Witness the World's Most Beautiful Natural Phenomenon: The Northern Lights.
Admire Unique Landscapes from a Privileged Perspective: Deep fjords, majestic mountains, and rugged coastlines.
Experience Authentic Sailing: Norway offers the opportunity to explore different aspects of sailing and navigate through various conditions.
Spot a Wide Variety of Wildlife: Whales, seals, sea eagles, and moose.
Explore Charming Coastal Cities: Visit places like Bergen, Stavanger, and Tromsø, where you’ll connect with the local culture and people.
Alternate Between Fantastic Sailing and Thrilling Skiing: Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Sailing and Skiing in Norway
Sailing and ski mountaineering experiences are designed for adventurous travelers who love both the sea and the mountains. You start from the sea and reach the peaks in a spectacular environment of fjords and islands, with sparse vegetation, clouds, and sunshine. A typical ski & sail day begins with a hearty breakfast aboard the sailboat. Afterward, you disembark with the tender and start the adventure. You climb about 800-1000 meters, depending on the elevation gain, and then ski down along the same or a different route.
Many of the most spectacular ski resorts in northern Norway can only be reached by sea. Therefore, sailing is the perfect way to access them, allowing you to combine two different activities while being closely connected to nature. The skipper will guide you to the best locations: Helgeland, Steigen, Lofoten, Lyngen, Finnmark, and even the Svalbard Islands. The most interesting area for ski mountaineering is undoubtedly the rugged peninsula between Jokel Fjorden and Lang Fjorde, and the Stjernoya and Seiland Islands. These areas are sparsely populated and minimally developed. The most efficient and natural way to reach these mountains is by sea, landing on small beaches or forgotten harbors.
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