Norway – Source to Sea

The essence of Norway’s appeal is remarkably simple. It’s one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Impossibly steep-sided Norwegian fjords of extraordinary beauty cut gashes from a jagged coastline deep into the interior. Glaciers, grand and glorious, snake down from ice fields that rank among Europe’s largest. Elsewhere, the mountainous terrain of Norway’s interior resembles the ramparts of so many natural fortresses, and yields to rocky coastal islands that rise improbably from the waters like apparitions. Then, of course, there’s the primeval appeal, the spare and staggering beauty of the Arctic. And wherever you find yourself in this most extraordinary country, these landscapes serve as a backdrop for some of Europe’s prettiest villages.

Enjoying nature in Norway is very much an active pursuit and this is arguably Europe’s most exciting and varied adventure-tourism destination. This trip offers seemingly endless opportunities as all of the activities we offer are geared towards anyone of reasonable fitness. Rafting, hiking, kayaking and exploring the Norwegian countryside literally from “Source to Sea” will be a soul stirring experience for certain. The counterpoint to Norway’s ever-present natural beauty is found in its vibrant cultural life. Norwegian cities are cosmopolitan and showcase the famous Scandinavian flair for design through the ages. Food in Norway is a cultural passion through which Norwegians push the boundaries of innovation even as they draw deeply on a heartfelt love of tradition.

When it comes to wildlife, Norway has few peers in Europe. Here you can watch whales – humpback, sperm and orca, depending on the season, while the interior offers up wild reindeer, prehistoric musk oxen, ponderous elk (moose) or beguiling Arctic foxes. Birdwatching is a highlight, from the puffins of Bleik to the migratory seabirds of Runde and Varanger. But the real prizes inhabit Norway’s high Arctic, where polar bears and walruses are the poster species for a wilderness of rare, dramatic and precarious beauty.

Itinerary at a Glance

• Fly into Mosjøen Airport in Kjærstad where a ROAM representative will meet you
• Explore the historic Sjøgata in the center of Mosjøen and zip line across the Vefsna River
• Hike three miles into the famous Rabot Cabin, located next to Okstindan Glacier
• Stop at the breathtaking Laksforsen Waterfall before continuing on to Trofors
• Raft the Auster-Vefsna River to our wilderness camp and overnight under the stars
• Continue rafting through a remote canyon and nature reserve before transferring to Brønnøysund on the coast
• Hike magical Torghatten Mountain up through its remarkable keyhole and discover the ancient stories of the Sami people
• Explore the lush garden at Hildurs Urterarium before catching a ferry to Vega, a UNESCO World Heritage Area
• Ascend the famous Vega stairs or challenge yourself on the via ferrata up Ravnfloget
• Sea kayak around the many islets and coves of Vega before overnighting in the remarkable Vega Havotell
• Return to Sandnessjøen (or Mosjøen) airport for flights home

What’s Included:

• Experienced professional guides
• Chartered transportation between destinations
• Expedition equipment
• All meals and accommodations
• Taxes and permits

What to Expect on the Norway Source to Sea Adventure

The region of Helgeland is celebrated for its stunning wilderness. Located only a short distance from the mountains and the sea, the spectacular sights are easy to come by.  The midnight sun shines constantly over the region and there is indeed something very special with the summer light in the north –it simply has to be experienced. Helgeland is also a growing tourist destination, but for now it lacks the crowds of tourists finding their way to the Lofoten islands or the fjords of the west coast. The nomadic Sami culture is also very present here, providing an authentic glimpse into a fascinatingly different world where nature, family and reindeers are the most important elements. Helgeland´s spectacular mountains, glaciers, rivers and sea welcome you to an arctic summer adventure like no other.

Working closely with our friends Mariann Saether and Ron Fischer, we are providing ROAM participants an insider’s perspective to a spectacular region less traveled. Mariann is a professor and world class kayaker. Ron is a former Red Bull athlete, Swiss national team snow boarder and general badass athlete. Almost as badass as Mariann.

Sample Itinerary

Day One

Guests will fly into Mosjøen Kjærstad airport, which has domestic connections from all major airports in Norway. We will be teaming up in the late afternoon for a cultural and historical city wandering. Sjøgata, in the centre of Mosjøen, is in an area where history is very much alive. The old 19th century buildings are well preserved, forming a colourful backdrop to the little town’s vibrant urban life. If you are feeling adventurous, we’ll try the most northern zip line in Norway, sliding across the mighty Vefsna river and straight into the hotel garden for an aperitif.

Accommodations and Dinner: We will enjoy a good night´s sleep in Fru Haugans Hotel, which is Norway´s oldest hotel, with a history from 1794. Located in Norway’s largest concentration of restored wooden houses, the congenial lounges and buildings offer a special atmosphere. The hotel now stands fully restored with modern amenities but there is salmon and trout fishing right on the spacious grounds.

Day Two

After a hearty breakfast we will drive one hour north to the start of the trail into the famous Rabot Cabin. Situated at nearly 4000 feet (1200m) above sea level and right next to the Okstindan Glacier, the peculiar name of the cabin is a tribute to the French geologist who mapped the area in the late 1800’s. The hike itself is 3 miles (5km) and straightforward. We will trek about 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable pace to reach our destination. Once there, we will settle into one of the more spectacular places in Norway. The Rabot Cabin offers simplistic lodgings, world class views and great traditional meals utilizing local produce.

Accommodations: The Rabot Cabin

Day Three

Today we will wake up in the heart of the mountains and enjoy the incredible views over a delightful breakfast. Soon after, we will go for a glacier exploration and adventure. We’ll enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before hiking back down to our shuttle. Later, in the day we will stop at a famous waterfall, Laksforsen, before continuing on to the small town of Trofors. This waterfall is often described as the most spectacular waterfall in Europe and is famous for the salmon trying to jump up it. In Norwegian “laks” means “salmon.”

Accommodations: Tonight, night will overnight in the peaceful Vefsna Lodge and/or the Utpå Neset Lodge, both situated on the shores of the Vefsna river. The entire group will rendezvous for a wonderful dinner at Vefsna Lodge, which are a leisurely 15 minutes apart.

Day Four

Today, it’s time for a whitewater rafting adventure! The Auster-Vefsna River provides beautiful rapids, silent virgin forest and an untouched, raw nature. Your very experienced guides will take you safely down through it all. Today’s adventure will culminate with a riverside meal and then we will settle in to our wilderness camp for the evening. You will arrive to comfortable expedition tents set up in a magical forest with the sound of the river flowing by. A night under the stars would not be complete without a camp fire and plenty of drink.

Accommodations: Riverside camping

Day Five

Our second day of rafting features a descent through a remote canyon and a protected nature reserve. The surrounding forest and trees are hundreds of years old and many eagles and salmon accompany us down the river. We will paddle through countless rapids and waves and enjoy an untouched piece of very pristine wilderness. A riverside lunch will be prepared along the way.

At the take-out we will enjoy a refreshment and shuttle 2 hours to the beautiful coastal town of Brønnøysund where we will overnight close to Torghatten Mountain. Tonight, we will enjoy a fine dinner overlooking the sea and mountains.

Accommodations: Torgarhaugen Lodge

Day Six

After breakfast we’ll go and explore Torghatten Mountain, which is only 258 meters high (856 feet) but is famous because it has a hole pierced right through it. You’ll need to see it to believe it, as the hole is 20 meters wide and 35 meters long, formed naturally by very powerful forces during the Ice Age. The first part of the hike is an easy 45-minute walk on a trail up to the hole. Everyone will be rewarded with views of the Seven Sisters mountain range in the distance. There’s an option to extend your hike through the hole and do a circuit to view the incredible coastline and its hundreds of tiny islands. This mountain also plays an important part in a local tale told by the Samiis – and you will hear all about it as we reach this magical place.

After a refreshment and a snack, we pack our bags and head to Hildurs Urterarium, a special place with amazing food and a lush, unusual garden by the northern sea. Here we enjoy a late lunch, before getting on the ferry to Vega, a world heritage location famous for its rugged beauty and lively community.

Accommodations: Vega Havhotell

Day Seven

The Vega Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Area and has a lot on offer. Today you can choose to ascend the famous Vega stairs, or to do the more challenging via ferrata up Ravnfloget (4 hours). A via ferrata is a mountain scramble and climb while you are attached to a cable that is fixed to the rock. This amazing network of cables allows people to safely experience climbing a mountain using ladders along the route. Professional guides will teach you all you need to know to enjoy this!

We will have lunch together, before we embark on a two-hour sea kayaking adventure through the many islets and coves. This evening we will stay at the Vega Havhotell. This accommodation is very unique as it features traditional architecture set in the spectacular island scenery in Vega. The hotel is also famous for its culinary specialties and we will celebrate our last night in style with a feast from local produce.

Accommodations: Vega Havhotell

Day Eight

After a delicious breakfast it is time to say good-bye and drive to Sandnessjøen (or Mosjøen) airport to fly home.

Accommodations

Fru Haugans Hotel

Since 1794, Fru Haugans Hotel has been renowned for its hospitality. The hotel and its restaurants have been owned and operated by the same family for 130 years.

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Vefsna river, the hotel offers 129 rooms, has two restaurants and two bars. Outdoor tables offer great views of the river and the hotel’s spacious gardens.

Rabot Cabin

Perched by the edge of a glacier, Rabot Cabin was designed for the Norwegian Trekking Association by internationally-renowned architects, Jarmund/Vigsnæs. It was built using locally-sourced materials which were pre-assembled in a local factory and then flown in by helicopter. The cabin has 6 bedrooms and can sleep up to 30 guests.

Vefsna Lodge/Utpå Neset Lodge

Vefsna Lodge is beautifully situated on the Vefsna river in the village of Grane. It is a converted farm house which dates back to 1661 and has a restaurant and can accommodate up to 7 guests.

Utpå Neset Lodge, also in Grane, was built in 1860 and can accommodate up to 6 guests.

Torgarhaugen Lodge

Torgarhaugen Lodge sits at the foot of Torghatten, one of Norway’s most fascinating attractions and offers ample hiking options within the Trollfjell Geopark. Torgarhaugen’s sparse yet modern design belies the warmth of your hosts and the superb dining within.

Vega Havhotell

Situated on the World Heritage island of Vega, this charming, sod-roofed hotel offers 23 rooms and breathtaking vistas. Chef Jon Aga’s delicious fare is inspired by continental and Norwegian food traditions with many ingredients sourced locally.