Lofoten Winter 2013 - ENGLISH by NordNorsk Reiseliv

LOFOTEN WINTER 2013 15.10.2012–15.04.2013

WELCOME TO LOFOTEN – the world’s most beautiful archipelago! Thousands of islands, steep mountains and vibrant fishing villages – rorbu (fishermen’s cottages) and Lofotfiske, the famous seasonal cod fishing – no one visits Lofoten and leaves untouched. In winter Lofoten shows its most fascinating, roughest side: The light, the rapid changes in the weather and the Polar night, which is a lot brighter and more colourful than you imagine, and is never completely dark! Or come in March when the sun is considerably higher in the sky and warmer, and the cod is hanging on the drying racks; experience life on the quays in the fishing villages. Lofoten offers a wealth of activities and experiences from mid-October until late April. POPULATION: Lofoten comprises six larger islands and has a population of 24,000. The archipelago is connected by roads, bridges and tunnels, as well as ferry, plane and helicopter connections to the two outermost islands, Værøy and Røst. CLIMATE: Owing to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland. The coastal climate in Lofoten makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool. January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of minus 1°C. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 12°C, but the thermometer shows over 20 °C on good summer days. May and June are the driest months, with an average 40 mm of rainfall. SHOPPING: In Svolvær and Leknes you will find shopping centres and a wide variety of shops offering the vast majority of goods and services. URBAN LIFE: In Lofoten you will discover many good restaurants and cafés, while Svolvær and Leknes also offers pubs and nightclubs.

As no banks in Lofoten exchange foreign currency, it is necessary to bring a credit card to withdraw money in Norwegian kroner (NOK). You will find ATMs in all the major centres in Lofoten. TRANSPORT SCHEDULED BUS SERVICES: Boreal Transport Nord, check www.177nordland.no for schedules AIRLINES: www.sas.no www.norwegian.no www.wideroe.no BOAT CONNECTIONS: The Hurtigruten (Coastal Steamer) calls at Stamsund and Svolvær daily year-round. If you are travelling by car, you may use the ferry. www.hurtigruten.no www.torghattennord.no Check www.lofoten.info for boat trips in Lofoten.

For more information or for bookings, please contact the reception at your accommodation or contact the provider directly.

DESIGN: ALFAMAC. PRINT: BJØRKMANNS, ALTA. PHOTOS: JOHNNY MAZZILLI, RUDOLPH ESCHER. PUBLISHED BY NORTHERN NORWAY TOURIST BOARD

OTHER: Svolvær and Leknes offer facilities including cinema, fitness studios, cross-country ski trails and alpine skiing slopes.

BOOKING Excursions can be booked at the reception desk at your accommodation or by making direct contact with the activity provider one day in advance by 3pm. • CANCELLATION: booked activities must be cancelled one day in advance before 3pm; otherwise you will be charged 100%. If excursions are booked via booking channels on the internet, other rules may apply. • No minimum number of participants applies. • The organiser retains the right to cancel the excursion in the event of adverse weather or driving conditions. • We cannot guarantee a sighting of the Northern Lights, as this is reliant on weather conditions. • NB! Not all activities are available for the entire period from 24.10.1115.04.12. Check individual dates. • Other cancellation rules apply for the packages presented in this brochure and they must be booked directly from the product provider.

DISTANCES Svolvær Airport – Svolvær Town Centre: 4 km Leknes Airport – Leknes Town Centre: 1 km Svolvær – Kabelvåg: 5 km Svolvær – Henningsvær: 26 km Svolvær – Hov, Gimsøya: 39 km Svolvær – Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg: 56 km Svolvær – Laukvika: 37 km Svolvær – Leknes: 68 km Svolvær – Å: 129 km

For information about other winter activities in other parts of Lofoten, please visit www.lofoten.info

Laukvik Hov Svolvær Kabelvåg

Borg

Henningsvær

Leknes

For information about other winter activities in other parts of Northern Norway, please visit:

www.northernnorway.com

Bodø

DAY

ACTIVITY

M x Tu x Wx Th x F x Sa x Su x

NORTHERN LIGHTS SNOWSHOE HIKE 15.10.12–15.04.13

Join us to discover a great experience in the natural landscape beneath the Northern Lights. Lofoten Aktiv offers snowshoe hikes in the best places to view the Northern Lights. Snowshoes are easy to walk in any everyone can do it. Lofoten Aktiv also offers daytime sea kayaking and ski trips. Please contact us for more information. Lofoten Aktiv Tel. +47 992 31 100 post@lofoten-aktiv.no www.lofoten-aktiv.no

M Tu W Th F Sa x Su

STORYTELLING, LEGENDS AND STORIES ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS 20.10.12–06.04.13 (closed 24.12 and 31.12)

Join us for a magical experience at the Viking amphitheatre in Hov. Sitting around an open fire, we will share stories about the Northern Lights and the people who lived here in former times. What role did and do the Northern Lights play in beliefs and everyday life, myths and legends? This is an evocative and educational experience. Northern Lights Base Camp på Hov, Gimsøy Tel. +47 76 07 20 02 post@northernlightsbasecamp.com www.northernlightsbasecamp.com

M Tu Wx Th F Sa x Su

VIKING CHIEFDOM’S HOUSE 15.10.12–15.04.13. (Closed 24.12)

Experience the reconstructed Viking chiefdom house at Borg in Lofoten – the largest longhouse ever found! The rich chieftain lived in an 83 m long, 9 m wide ”Viking ship long house”. Exhibitions of artefacts, several of which are unique, from the Iron Age in Lofoten. Film documenting the story of chieftain Olaf Tvennumbrunni and the dramatic golden age around 880. Lofotr Vikingmuseum Tel. +47 76 08 49 00 post@lofotr.no www.lofotr.no

M=Monday, Tu=Tuesday, W=Wednesday, Th=Thursday, F=Friday, Sa=Saturday, Su=Sunday

PRICE

DURATION

COMMENTS

NOK 950 p.p.

5pm– 8pm

The price includes transfers from your accommodation in Svolvær/Kabelvåg, snowshoes and poles.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 14: NOK 670 p.p.

NOK 690 p.p. NOK 390 p.p.(without transport)

NOK 120 p.p.

and 9pm– 12pm

12 noon – 5pm (other times by prior arrangement)

12 noon – 3pm

Includes return transfers from Svolvær and hot soup. Return from Hov at 4pm. NB! Min. 4 persons

Includes guided tour

All prices are stated in Norwegian kroner (NOK), 1 Euro = NOK 8

LOFOTEN - NORTHERN LIGHTS AND NATURE Visit Lofoten and experience the spectacular scenery, learn about the northern lights, wildlife, history and culture of our islands! Lofoten is situated above the Polar Circle and enjoys the world’s only live aurora borealis forecasting service, giving you the best chance of seeing the northern lights. Stay in our cozy, waterfront “Rorbu” cabins, enjoy selected activities and have meals made with love! We are your local providers of the ultimate Lofoten experience. Our offer includes: • Transfer in and out of Harstad/Evenes airport and the activities. • Lecture and a light snack at the Polar Light Center, including a sms service on the Northern Lights. • 3 nights’ accommodation in double rooms in your private waterfront “Rorbu” cabin. • Breakfast and dinner every day. • Lofoten Nature Safari – lecture on wildlife and a light lunch on board our boat included. • Guided tour on the northern coast of the islands to learn about Viking history and culture. A walk to the beach where we’ll “hunt” for the northern lights and a BBQ dinner in a Lavvu (Tipi) included. Period: Every other week Thursday through Sunday, September – March. Prices, half board: Adults NOK 6900 per person Children (4-12 years) NOK 5450 per person Booking and more information at www.svinoya.no Mail: post@svinoya.no Tel: +47 76 06 99 30

LOFOTFISKE IN HENNINGSVÆR AND SACRIFICE AT THE VIKING MUSEUM

Three nights’ accommodation at Henningsvær Bryggehotel, three dinners based on local food and all above-mentioned activities. Price: NOK 3995 (excluding transport). Cancellation: no later than four days prior to your arrival date Season: 06.01.2013-15.04.2013, Thursday - Sunday Minimum number of participants: 2 Booking and more info: www.henningsvaer.no E-mail: booking@henningsvaer.no Tel: +47 76 07 47 50.

PACKAGES

Join us for the annual Lofotfiske, the famous seasonal cod fishing, visit Norway’s largest Viking house and experience the fishing village of Henningsvær – all on one long weekend! During your stay in Henningsvær, you will go on a sacrifice to the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg with a historical dinner and mead, a fishing trip in the Lofoten Sea with lunch, a guided tour of Henningsvær among the handicraft stores and fish depots and conclude with a visit to a cod liver oil steamery.

HENNINGSVÆR BRYGGEHOTEL Henningsvær Bryggehotel is situated on the quayside in Lofoten’s most beautiful fishing village, Henningsvær. Henningsvær Bryggehotel is a unique, modern hotel presenting top quality and service in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by majestic nature. Experience our fantastic kitchen focussing on local organic ingredients. Come and taste dishes based on stockfish “matured” under the Northern Lights. In Henningsvær we can arrange a wide variety of activities, including Northern Lights experiences, fishing trips, kayak paddling, sea eagle safaris and much more. Tel. +47 76 07 47 50 booking@henningsvaer.no – www.henningsvaer.no

THON HOTEL LOFOTEN Thon Hotel Lofoten is a new top-class conference hotel with an idyllic location on the quayside at the harbour in Svolvær. Most rooms enjoy spectacular views of the Lofoten seascape. The hotel is linked to Lofoten Kulturhus, offering conference facilities for up to 1300 people. Restaurant Bojer has an idyllic quayside location and offers a wide menu featuring local dishes and ingredients. The hotel offers a wide selection of exciting activities in and around Svolvær. Tel. +47 76 04 90 00 lofoten@thonhotels.no – www.thonhotels.no/lofoten

Anker Brygge Where the mountains meet the sea. Midnight Sun and Northern Lights. Rorbu accommodation and the idyllic fishing villages. Coastal culture and good food. Atmosphere that needs to be felt. Right in the heart of Lofoten you will find Anker Brygge, a pearl situated on an island in the middle of Svolvær’s harbour. Stay in comfort in our rorbu suites and savour a good meal beside the open fire on our restaurant, Kjøkkenet. Welcome to Lofoten! Tel. +47 76 06 64 80 booking@anker-brygge.no – www.anker-brygge.no

SVINØYA RORBUER – BASECAMP LOFOTEN Our rorbu resort is beautifully situated with the sea at all angles. The island of Svinøya is Svolvær’s original centre with history you can touch and feel. As our guest you will have an authentic Lofoten experience and only a short distance to travel to the airport, harbour or bus depot. We are a total provider of accommodation, dining, events, experiences and all types of activities. We offer packages for independent travellers, companies and groups with accommodation in original rorbu (fishermen’s cottages) and modern rorbu and hotel suites. Conference facilities. Our restaurant, Børsen Spiseri, is located in a venerable quayside warehouse dating from 1828 and specialises in fresh, local food. Open year-round. Part of the Visit Lofoten group. Tel. +47 76 06 99 30 post@svinoya.no – www.svinoya.no

Rica Hotel Svolvær is centrally located on its own island in the middle of the harbour in Svolvær, Lofoten's capital. This is an ideal place for recreation, activities and holidays, as well as for courses and group activities. Experience a nature safari and catch a glimpse of killer whales, white-tailed eagles, the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights. Svolvær has daily flight connections with regional airports and the regular Bodø network. All our hotels offer free wireless internet access in all rooms. Tel. +47 76 07 22 22 rica.hotel.svolvar@rica.no – www.rica-lofoten.no

Northern Lights Base Camp på Hov, Gimsøy Northern Lights Base Camp is located at Hov by the Lofoten Golf Links, which is one of the best places in Northern Norway to observe the Northern Lights. We are open from October 15 to April 6 every year. We provide accommodation, dining, experiences and activities, as well as telling myths and legends about the Northern Lights. Tel. +47 76 07 20 02 post@northernlightsbasecamp.com www.northernlightsbasecamp.com

ACCOMMODATION

RICA HOTEL SVOLVÆR

Nyvågar rorbuhotell - Kabelvåg Nyvågar Rorbuhotell is located at Vàgar, a settlement with 9000 years of history. We have two-storey rorbu (fishermen’s cottages) of 50 sq m with two bedrooms (two beds in each), lounge, kitchen and bathroom. We can assist with Northern Lights tours, snowshoe tours, fishing trips and rafting. For groups of 10 or more, we can recommend local food in the restaurant, a visit to our aquavit loft featuring more than 100 varieties of aquavit or conferences in wonderful, natural surroundings. We also have a sauna and hot tub with a view of the sea beneath the Northern Lights. Contact us for a good offer. Tel. +47 76 06 97 00 booking@nyvagar.no – www.nyvagar.no

Lofoten Aktiv Lofoten Aktiv has since 1984 given our guests the best of Lofoten on nature’s terms. With their knowledge, ability and willingness, our local guides give our guests good nature-based and sustainable adventures. Your safety is always our top priority. Through our long experience with events, activities, tour production and arrangements for individuals and groups, we have unique expertise in environmentally-friendly and sustainable outdoor activities. Our season runs year-round. During winter we offer guided trips by snowshoe, ski, on foot and by kayak in combination with a host of unique North Lights experiences. Tel. +47 992 31 100 post@lofoten-aktiv.no – www.lofoten-aktiv.no

Ski and snowshoe hire – Svinøya Rorbuer – BaseCamp Lofoten We hire solid mountain skis and snowshoes, perfect equipment for a trip in the countryside or prepared ski trail or for moderate mountain skiing trips. We also offer guided activities. Price: 300 per pair. Tel. +47 76 06 99 30 post@svinoya.no – www.svinoya.no

The hotel’s location in Leknes – in the middle of Lofoten - is the ideal base for exploring Lofoten’s majestic nature, coastal culture and exciting activities. Leknes is easy to access with good flight connections and the Hurtigruten (Coastal Steamer) calls at Stamsund, and as a junction for bus connections in Lofoten it is a short distance to all the major experiences. The hotel has 60 guest rooms and serves a comprehensive and solid breakfast. From Monday to Thursday, we serve supper included in the room rate. Northern Norway culinary traditions and local ingredients are important elements in our culinary consept.

ACCOMMODATION

BEST WESTERN LOFOTEN HOTELL

Tel. +47 76 05 44 30 lofoten@bestwestern.no – www.lofotenhotell.no

Northern Alpine Guides We offer guided ski touring, alpine and ice climbing at all levels of difficulty. Our certified guides with local knowledge will take you to the best conditions and the most amazing views. We customize world-class tours, offer accommodation at Lofoten Ski Lodge and have a great network for options. Ski mountaineering, introduction and avalanche courses are also available. Go summit to sea with Northern Alpine Guides!

Tel. +47 942 49 110 seth@alpineguides.no www.alpineguides.no www.lofotenskilodge.com

Sea safari in Lofoten – BaseCamp Lofoten We offer spectacular trips by both large boat and rigid inflatable boat (RiB). Join us on an orca, nature or white-tailed sea eagle safari and learn more about the marine life in the north. We will take you out in the fantastic fjord landscape in the Vestfjord, Trollfjord and Vesterålen. There is a high chance of close-up encounters with sea eagles or orcas. We offer trips for individual travellers and groups of all sizes. Tours available year-round. Contact us for time, place and price. Tel. +47 76 06 99 30 post@svinoya.no – www.svinoya.no

ACTIVITIES

Price: From NOK 1000 per person Season: February 1 – May 1

Lofoten Winter Nature Safari – Svinøya Rorbuer – BaseCamp Lofoten Join our spectacular nature safari by boat and learn more about the marine life in Lofoten. Every weekend from November 1 to March 1. We provide a lecture about local sea birds, sea mammals, geology and climate in Lofoten. The tour then continues to the Vestfjord and into a fantastic fjord landscape around the Trollfjord. This safari offers excellent opportunities for close up encounters with the white-tailed sea eagle. If orcas, long-finned pilot whales have been observed in other areas, we will try to spot these. A light lunch is served on board. The tour ends about 2pm. Minimum six participants. Tel. +47 76 06 99 30 post@svinoya.no – www.svinoya.no

Lofoten Aquarium – the world’s only aquarium with a “COD guarantee” At the Lofoten Aquarium you can study the Lofoten cod or skrei, considered as one of Norway and Europe’s foremost food fishes. The skrei is the cod which migrates from the Barents Sea to Lofoten each winter to spawn. The Lofoten Aquarium has good seal pools and a separate otter pond. Guests may also experience an exhibition about coexistence in marine areas containing information about fishery, aquaculture and petroleum activities. There are also photographic exhibitions and films and you may purchase Lofoten souvenirs in our souvenir shop. One of the highlights of visiting the Lofoten Aquarium is feeding the seals and otters. Tel. +47 76 07 86 65 post@lofotakvariet.no – www.lofotakvariet.no

SEA SAFARI IN LOFOTEN - SVINØYA RORBUER - BASECAMP LOFOTEN We offer spectacular trips by both large boat and rigid inflatable boat (RiB). Join us on an orca, nature or white-tailed sea eagle safari and learn more about the marine life in the north. We will take you out in the fantastic fjord landscape in the Vestfjord, Trollfjord and Vesterålen. There is a high chance of close-up encounters with sea eagles or orcas. We offer trips for individual travellers and groups of all sizes. Tours available year-round. Contact us for time, place and price. Tel. +47 76 06 99 30 post@svinoya.no – www.svinoya.no

Visit our gallery and art shop on the square in Svolvær The main activity of NNKS is our gallery featuring rolling exhibitions year-round. The exhibitions have major variation, from paintings to sound art, and are projects by professional artists in Northern Norway and other parts of the country. Our gallery also features a nice art shop with a large selection of art and craft products. The perfect gift shop! Check out or online store at www.nnks.no Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm and 6pm-10pm, Mondays 6pm – 10pm Tel. +47 76 06 67 70 post@nnks.no – www.nnks.no

Take a guided bus trip to the Lofotr Viking Museum for a Viking feast and sacrifice to get the sun and daylight back. The chief and lady of the house invite you for dinner in the majestic banqueting hall. Storytelling, song and dance provide an insight into the world of the Vikings. The tour includes a tasty dinner of lamb with trimmings and mead. After the feast: guided bus trip to Svolvær. Autumn/winter: good chances to experience the Northern Lights. Departures every evening from the Hurtigruten quay in Stamsund. Minimum 12 people. NB: the Viking feast without the bus trip is also possible. Lofotr Vikingmuseum, Tel. +47 76 08 49 00 post@lofotr.no www.lofotr.no www.museumnord.no

New Year’s celebration in the Viking house at Borg - 31.12.2012 Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg invites you to a New Year’s banquet. Arrive at the chiefdom’s house by house and sled if snow conditions permit. Guided tour and activities in the chiefdom’s house. The evening concludes with a real Viking banquet. Lofotr Vikingmuseum Tel. +47 76 08 49 00 post@lofotr.no – www.lofotr.no

ACTIVITIES

Viking feast with guided bus trip from Stamsund

Bring warm and comfortable clothes and shoes. We recommend wearing 100% wool or similar quality clothing next to your skin. Layer your clothing, so that you can easily regulate your temperature by removing or adding a layer. Outer clothing should be lined and windproof.

In order for your stay in Lofoten to be as comfortable as possible, it is important to have the right clothes.

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

1st layer

Socks

Longsleeved and longleg thermal underwear (synthetic or woollen)

Trousers (cotton or fleece)

Jumper or fleece

2nd layer

Woollen socks

Lined trousers (preferably windproof)

Thick jumper (wool or fleece)

Scarf

3rd layer

Winter jacket

Hat

4th layer

Winter shoes

Gloves or mittens

Visit www.lofotenkulturhus.no for performances and concerts.

MARCH 7. - 10.3 Lofoten International Chamber Music Festival, Winter 15. - 16.3 Cod Fishing World Championships 20. - 24.3. Camp Lofoten

DECEMBER 1.12.12 Olden Days Christmas at Å 2.12.12 Christmas workshop at Lofotr Viking Museum 31.12.12 Traditional Viking New Year celebration

NOVEMBER 3. - 4.11.12 Lofoten Gift and Handcraft Fair Approx. 3.11. - approx. 20.12.12 Pre-Christmas adventure

ARRANGEMENT

Lofoten Svolvær Henningsvær

Å Borg Borg

Leknes Henningsvær

www.lofotenfestival.no www.vmiskreifiske.info www.camplofoten.no

www.lofoten-info.no/nfmuseum www.lofotr.no www.lofotr.no

www.gavemesse.no www.forjulseventyret.no

From NOK 515 per night

Experience the real Lofoten in Henningsvær

E: booking@henningsvaer.no T: +47 760 74 750 W: www.henningsvaer.no

Booking:

Two nights’ accommodation, one twocourse dinner and one four-course Christmas dinner Price: NOK 2495 p.p. (in double room)

Pre-Christmas adventures in Henningsvær

Two nights’ accommodation, one dinner and one activity Price: NOK 2395 p.p. (in double room)

Experience the Lofoten winter fishing adventure