Tour Type
Explorer
Riding Level
Leisure
Location
Lofoten Islands, Norway, above the Arctic Circle
Duration
9 days | 8 nights
Length
60 - 100 km daily
Climb
200 - 2,000 m daily
Come rain or shine, this tour is one for the bucket list. We first ran this tour in 2019 with a fantastic group of guests, as we followed the Arctic Race of Norway along the length of the Lofoten Islands… we loved it so much, we knew we had to add it to our tour list!
Ready for a cycling adventure unlike any other? Join us on a journey through the stunning landscapes of northern Norway, where you’ll discover a world of dramatic fjords, charming fishing villages, and quiet, smooth roads perfect for two wheels.
Our tour begins in the tiny village of Å, at the very tip of the Lofoten islands. From there, we’ll pedal north, island-hopping across beautiful bridges and soaking in some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery. You’ll have plenty of time to explore iconic villages like Henningsvær and Svolvær, where you can relax, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and sample some of the best coffee you’ve ever tasted. Each evening, we will settle into a comfortable local hotel, where you can experience Norwegian culture and food firsthand. Even though we’re in the Arctic Circle, you can expect comfortable summer temperatures of 15–18°C. Think of it as perfect autumn riding weather—just bring your jersey, gilet, and arm warmers. Once we’ve ridden the length of Lofoten, we’ll continue on to the beautiful island of Senja, where the landscapes are arguably even more breathtaking. Our adventure culminates in the vibrant city of Tromsø, known as the Arctic Capital.
Whether you’re a passionate photographer or simply seeking a truly unique riding experience, this trip is for you.
Should you need a break, rest assured that our support vehicle is always there to assist or pick you up, allowing you to enjoy the adventure without pressure.
Our adventure begins with a pickup at Svolvær Airport, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to the village of Å – a journey that takes us to the very tip of the Lofoten Islands. Pronounced “aw,” this captivating village feels frozen in time, defined by its iconic red rorbuer (fishing huts) and traditional cod-drying racks. After we settle into our hotel, you’ll have the afternoon to explore this unique village and perhaps visit the Lofoten Stockfish Museum. Later, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, sampling some of the local cod while we discuss the exciting week ahead. You’ll be amazed to learn that before WWII, over 700,000 cod were dried here each season – a testament to the village’s rich fishing heritage.
Our first full day on the bikes begins with a beautiful ride from Å along the Lofoten coastline. We’ll warm up our legs on smooth, quiet roads, crossing scenic bridges that connect a string of islands. The views of towering mountains and deep fjords are unforgettable. We’ll break for lunch in Leknes, and you can choose to end your ride there or continue with the group to the evening’s destination: the vibrant fishing village of Henningsvær. Here, you can relax and explore before we enjoy dinner together.
Today, we continue our ride, traveling along the coast from Henningsvær to Svolvær, the unofficial “Capital of Lofoten.” You’ll quickly understand why these mountains, which appear to cascade into the turquoise water, are world-famous. After a filling breakfast, we’ll get on our bikes and ride towards our destination. Our route includes a stop at Dan Graham’s untitled reflective work, a beautiful piece of art that offers an outstanding photo opportunity. Upon arrival in Svolvær, we’ll check into our hotel for two nights. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this bustling town before we meet for a delicious dinner.
Get ready for one of the most stunning rides of the tour. Today’s out-and-back loop from Svolvær perfectly encapsulates everything Lofoten has to offer. We’ll ride on quiet, smooth roads, taking in spectacular scenery, pristine beaches, and the invigorating sea air. This route is a photographer’s dream—make sure your camera is fully charged! We’ll return to Svolvær in the afternoon to enjoy a second night in this bustling port town.
We kick off the day with a relaxing ferry ride, a chance to take in the coastal scenery on our way from Fiskebøl to Melbu. Once on the other side, it’s back on the bikes to ride the western coastline of the island. For those who love a challenge, today offers a very special one: the chance to climb Storheia. We’ve affectionately dubbed it Norway’s “Mont Ventoux” for a reason—it’s 3.5 km of leg-burning climbing with an 11.8% average gradient. The views from the top, however, are absolutely worth the effort. After our ride, we’ll make our way to our hotel in Sortland to get settled. We’ll have a great dinner tonight as we look ahead to tomorrow’s ride.
Get ready for another beautiful ride as we depart early from Sortland and journey north to Andenes, the top of the island of Andøya. Known for its breathtaking white-sand beaches, Andøya is a stunningly beautiful and quiet place to ride. The surrounding waters are a feeding ground for whales and other marine life, making this our best chance for a sighting. Weather permitting, we’ll stop for a relaxing lunch on a beach, then continue our ride along the spectacular coastline to Andenes. From here we take the ferry to Senja and transfer to our hotel in Hamn.
Our morning starts with a ferry to Torsken, a little village nestled in a fjord. From there, we’ll get on our bikes and ride a stunning route that winds its way along the coast. We’ll follow the road in a counter-clockwise loop toward Botnhamn, taking in one breathtaking view after another. A second ferry will then take us to Sommarøy, an island renowned for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, where we will spend our penultimate night together.
Note: For 2026 tour, due to a private event at the Sommaroy hotel, the tour will stay at a hotel on Kvaløya Island.
Today’s ride takes us to our final destination, Tromsø, the bustling heart of northern Norway. We’ll cycle along fjords and past craggy peaks on a spectacular final route. Watch the landscape transform from wild nature to a lively cityscape as we approach the iconic Tromsø Bridge. After crossing the bridge, we’ll officially conclude our tour in the city center. This evening, we’ll gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, where we’ll raise a glass to the amazing memories we’ve made. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for elk on the ride!
It’s time for one last breakfast together before we part ways. We hope you’ve enjoyed every moment of this incredible journey. For those with time, we highly recommend you get out and explore Tromsø before your departure. This vibrant city offers a wonderful mix of culture and natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to find a special souvenir from your time in the Arctic, whether it’s a local coffee or a piece of local art. We look forward to seeing you again on another adventure.
Exploring the Arctic Circle by road bike – this has been a true Grand Tours Project.
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