Hike Norway's Wild Lofoten Islands

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    [title] => Arrival Day
    [introduction] => 
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Welcome to Thon Svolvaer Hotel, Avisgata. Unpack and settle in. In the case our group arrival at the hotel is in the evening, our welcome meeting may be arranged for the following morning.
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    [title] => Svolvær and Kabelvåg
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A lovely introduction to the spectacular landscapes of the Lofoten islands, with today’s walks passing through the picturesque town of Svolvær with its colourful houses and traditional red and yellow fishermen’s cabins called rorbu, which nestle by the harbour, the sea and the inlets. Today’s walks are also a wonderful introduction to the distinctive towering mountains and craggy pinnacles which are so characteristic of these islands.
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                            [title] => Tjeldbergtinden, Lakes, and Kabelvåg
                            [content] => 
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: We walk from the hotel through the colourful streets of Svolvær, and continue to the suburb of Osan. From here we ascend on a winding track leading towards the local mountain and superb viewpoint of Tjeldbergtinden. From the col between its twin peaks we continue on the path along a ridge, narrow in places, to explore the ridge and then reach the main top. We descend steeply with care, to reach a track leading to the southern shores of LitlKongsvatnet. We continue along the southern shore of LitlKongsvatnet, turning onto a path beside the beautiful Prestvatnet lake, and continue to arrive at the charming, lively, traditional fishing village of Kabelvåg. 
Highlight: Stunning views of Svolvaer, Kabelvag, the mountains and islands from the summit of Tjeldbergentinden.
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                            [title] => Kabelvåg to Svolvaer via Litl and StorKongsvatnet
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Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Our walk starts in the traditional fishing village of Kabelvåg. We follow tracks and paths to the lake of Prestvatnet and continue on our route past several lakes to reach the shores of LitlKongsvatnet, which completes our walk around this spectacular triangle of lakes. From here we make our way back to Svolvær and the hotel. 
Highlight: Discover Kabelvag, founded a thousand years ago it is the oldest town in the north of Norway.
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    [title] => Hills and coast around Haukland to Uttakleiv
    [introduction] => 
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The beaches of Haukland and Uttakleiv are the most famous on Lofoten, with their white sands, turquoise seas, and backdrop of towering mountains. We take a coach through stunning scenery to the Haukland and Uttakleiv areas on the island of Vestvågøy to explore the hills and coastline surrounding these beautiful hamlets and beaches.
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                            [title] => Holandsmelen to Uttakleiv
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Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (690m)
In summary: The harder walk ascends the delightful round but surprisingly steep hill of Holandsmelen, descending to the farm of Kjellbogen and then follows a grassy track and unsealed road to Haukland. From here, the walk ascends and descends over the old road to Uttakleiv and follows a good track round the headland with its marvellous coastal views.
Highlight: Superb views from Holandsmelen.
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                            [title] => Haukland to Uttakleiv
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Distance: 5 miles (8km) 
Total ascent: 723 feet (220m)
In summary: The easier walk starts at Haukland beach and ascends and descends over the hills via the old road, now a path and a grassy track, to the isolated hamlet of Uttakleiv. Here there's the option to take the coach to the Viking Museum or to continue on foot around the headland, affording stunning coastal scenery and views.
Highlight: Visit Haukland beach voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway.
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    [title] => Free Day
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    [description] => 
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include:
Cruise down to the spectacular Trollfjord – a spectacularly steep fjord narrowing to only 100m. Visit the vibrant little fishing town of Henningsvær, perched on the end of a thin promontory, its nickname is “The Venice of Lofoten".
There are several local cruises available in Lofoten - we do recommend prebooking if you wish to do a trip, as these can be busy in the high season.
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    [title] => Hadseløya
    [introduction] => 
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Both walks take the coach and the ferry to the island of Hadseløya, which forms part of the archipelago of Vesterålen. The journey alone makes the day memorable.
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                            [title] => Summiting Pallheia
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Distance: 6½ miles (10km)
Total ascent: 1,500 feet (450m)
In summary: The harder walk starts at the same place but soon turns off to ascend a steep and rocky path becoming grassy to a high plateau. From here, weather permitting we take a delightful path to the summit of Pallheia where the views are stunning. We return to Melbu for the ferry and coach back to Svolvær.
Highlight: Views from the summit of Pallheia.
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                            [title] => Annstad Valley to Melbu
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Distance: 5 miles (8km) 
Total ascent: 1,100 feet (330m)
In summary: The easier walk follows a track up the Annstad valley to a series of beautiful secluded lakes. We ascend a path steep in places to the small hill, Barheia, from where, if the weather permits, we will be rewarded with superb views of the west coast of the Lofoten islands, the island of Hinnoya, and the mainland mountains. We follow a path down to the small village of Melbu for the ferry and bus back to Svolvær.
Highlight: Enjoy stunning views on the ferry ride across to Hadseløya.
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    [title] => Exploring the Apnesfjellet Ridge or Exploring Justadtinden
    [introduction] => 
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Today we travel south west to the area around Stamsund, one of Lofoten’s traditional fishing ports. The area provides a relatively accessible way for all walkers to reach some stunning viewpoints.
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                            [title] => Exploring the Apnesfjellet ridge
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Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In summary: The easier walk starts from Apnes nestling below the Apnesfjellet ridge, and takes a path, occasionally steep and very rocky in places, to reach a lovely grassy ridge. Once here, the ridge can be explored, where, weather permitting, there are views of indescribable beauty, especially east, out to sea, and down to a network of islands. We then descend to the ski trails and pass two tranquil lakes, making our way to the attractive pub/cafe in the lovely village of Stamsund, by colourful houses in a residential area.
Highlight: Breathtaking views from the Apnesfjellet ridge.
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                            [title] => Exploring Justadtinden
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Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In summary: The harder walk starts at the Hagskardet car park and ascends gradually to the col below the mighty summit of Justadtinden. We continue our ascent, steeper and rockier, to the summit of this well-known mountain, enjoying exhilarating 360 degree views, weather permitting. En route we walk through a wild upland area studded with lakes and wetland. We return by the same route, enjoying far reaching views of sea, islands and mountains.
Highlight: Exhilerating views from the summit of Justadtinden.
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    [title] => The Island of  Skrova
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Today both groups walk from the hotel to the nearby ferry terminal and take the short ferry journey to the island of Skrova. With its wonderful sandy beaches Skrova is an island not to be missed. It also offers the best view back to the Lofoten wall (as the island chain is often called).
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                            [title] => Exploring Skrova
                            [content] => 
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: We walk from the hotel to the ferry terminal to catch the ferry across to the beautiful island of Skrova which is steeped in fishing and whaling history. After disembarking from the ferry we follow the road round the harbour lined with the traditional red 'rorbu' (fisherman's cabins), and boats to take a track leading to the fine white sandy beach at Hattvika. For those wanting to brave the cold sea waters there may be time for a swim. We retrace our steps along the track turning off before the road to take a path beneath the impressive bulk of Hogskrova Fell. We ascend the small hill of Litl Stappen with its superb views. Returning to the road we continue round by the fjord to an old tunnel, home to a remarkable collection of photos depicting Skrova life and people. We return by the road to the harbour to catch the ferry back to Svolvaer.
Highlight: Look out for sea eagles 
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                            [title] => Hogskrova and the coast of Skrova
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Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 1,100 feet (330m)
In summary: We take the same route as the easier walk to the base of Hogskrova where we begin our very steep and rocky ascent with a rope handrail to assist us all the way to the mast just below the summit. In clear weather the views from here, of white sandy bays, islets, coves, the Lofoten wall and the mainland mountains, are guaranteed to take your breath away. After drinking in the views we tear ourselves away to descend steeply down the other side of the mountain to the col between Hogskrova and Tuvene. From the col we continue around the island, descending towards the coast. This section of the path above the coast is an excellent place for spotting sea eagles. We follow the path above the coast to the beautiful Merrivika Bay. The path crosses the very rocky Merrivika bay and then ascends to pass beneath Stappen and continues back to the track and the road where we catch the ferry back to Svolvaer.
Highlight: The views from the summit of Hogskrova.
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    [title] => Departure Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
We hope to see you again soon. Early departures may have a packed breakfast from the hotel.
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