Vesterålen West Coast Expedition 

Day 1 – Stø and the Northern Islands

We meet mid-morning at Langenes near Stø to organise equipment, pack kayaks and prepare for the journey south. After launching around lunchtime, we spend the afternoon exploring the island group outside Stø, home to one of the region’s largest harbour seal populations. Camp will be either on Beinøya or at Skipssanden depending on weather and sea conditions.
Approx. 10 km

Day 2 – Nyksund and the Sea Cliffs of Skogsøya

Paddling south along Langøya’s rugged coast, we reach the historic fishing village of Nyksund before continuing toward Skogsøya. Here the coastline becomes more exposed, with dramatic cliffs and narrow gullies that can be explored in calmer conditions. Camp at Sørsand offers wide views toward the mountains that dominate the next stage of the journey.
Approx. 20 km

Day 3 – Tindsøya and Malnesfjorden

Continuing along Skogsøya’s coastline, we cross toward Tindsøya beneath the striking silhouette of Tindstinden, a 470-metre peak rising sharply from the sea. From there we round an exposed headland and cross Malnesfjorden to camp at Malnessanden near Hovden. Please note that there are no shops or resupply options here.
Approx. 21 km

Day 4 – Frugga and the Bird Islands of Nykvåg

From Malnessanden we paddle north toward the island of Frugga, known for its birdlife and frequent eagle sightings, before continuing toward Nykvåg. Offshore, stone-like island formations rise from the sea and host large seabird colonies. Although the main nesting season will be ending, we may still see puffins and auks. Camp at Åsand sits beneath one of the tallest mountains in the area.
Approx. 21 km

Day 5 – Bergodden and Gaukværøya

Leaving Åsand, we follow a coastline filled with reefs, cliffs and small islands, taking time to explore along the way. After rounding Bergodden, the island of Gaukværøya comes into view with distant Lofoten peaks forming the backdrop. Once an active fishing community, the island is now uninhabited and rich in wildlife, especially sea eagles. After setting camp, there is an opportunity to walk the old road that once connected the island’s settlements.
Approx. 17 km

Day 6 – Litløya and Journey’s End at Vinje

Our final day explores the west side of Gaukværøya before crossing to Litløya. Paddling around its southern tip reveals expansive views across Vestfjorden toward Lofoten. We then follow the sheltered eastern coastline north before making the final crossing to Nordahlstranda, just west of Vinje, where the expedition concludes.
Approx. 13 km

Experience required:
You need to be comfortable in 3 star conditions (about 1 meter waves and 5 meters a second wind). You have some experience with camping in the wild from other trips or activities.

Medical / health issues:
If you have any health issues affecting yourself or the group, please let us know in advance. You are responsible for qualifying yourself fit and healthy enough to participate.

Equipment required:
Dry suit
Paddle
Spray deck
Safety west
Helmet
Warm clothing, waterproof jacket
Hiking shoes or boots
Tow rope for sea kayaking
Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, a stove to cook food, gas or fuel can be bought in Lofoten)
Food for 5 days of camping (4 dinners, 4 breakfast, 5 lunches, minimum)
A map of the area
First aid kit
Sunscreen
A hat to protect yourself from the sun or a helmet for sea kayaking
Whatever else you require to be comfortable for 5 days in the wild

Expedition Notes

This is a self-sufficient journey with no opportunities to resupply food along the route. Fresh water can be limited, particularly after dry periods, so participants should be prepared to carry up to two days of water at a time.

Expect a varied and rewarding expedition that combines journeying, exploration and wildlife encounters along one of Vesterålen’s most spectacular coastlines.

The average temperature is about 14 degrees celsius in August. Bring an appropriate sleeping bag and clothes.

Safety procedures:
When planning a fairly challenging sea kayak trip such as this, we have to plan for the worst and hope for the best. 

If conditions are too rough the group may be forced to remain in camp until conditions improve.

If an emergency occurs and the group or part of the group has to cancel the guided trip, no refund will be given.

By joining this guided tour you accept the risks described in this document; the risks involved in sea kayaking and the risks of being on an isolated coastline over several days.

See here for our terms and conditions for joining this expedition.

Environmental considerations:
We like the term “leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs”. We will bring out all garbage with us. Campfires will be made on a bed of rocks to leave no trace. We will bring a small shovel to to dig small holes and cover any human waste.

Insurance:
Travel insurance is always recommended. You are responsible for having the appropriate accident and travel insurance for sea kayaking on a remote coastline for several days. Call your insurance agency if in doubt. We recommend booking a return flight from Lofoten which includes cancellation insurance.

Getting there:

The trip will start from Langenes church near Stø. The closest airports are Stokmarknes (1h15 by car), Andenes (2h20 by car) and Harstad/Narvik (3h by car).

Using public transport is possible from all three of the airports with Stokmarknes taking approx. 2h-2.5h, Andenes approx. 3.5h and Harstad/Narvik approx. 5h-6h. All of these routes include changes of busses.

From any direction you arrive you will travel through the towns of Sortland and Myre. These are bigger towns where there are opportunities for overnight stays and buying food for the trip. Sortland is the bigger of the two however, and is better for buying any camping supplies. There is a bus that leaves Sortland every weekday at 0830 and arrives 0945 at Langenes.