Words from
the Arctic Sea

What to expect from a summer in the Lofoten Islands

Picture this: it's eleven o'clock at night, you're on a sailboat in the middle of an Arctic fjord, and the sun... is still there, hanging over the horizon as if it doesn't want to leave. 

Welcome to summer in the Lofoten Islands, where time takes a break, sunset stretches for hours, and darkness… well, plays an excellent game of hide and seek.

The star of the show: the Midnight Sun

Between late May and mid-July the Lofoten Islands, Norwegian islands beyond the Arctic Circle, offer a magic trick that seems to come from another planet: the Midnight Sun. The sky turns pink, gold and blue for hours, and every moment feels like a postcard. But beware: this is not the usual beach sunset with cocktails and warm sand! We are talking about sharp peaks, icy waters and a nature that does not need filters.

Weather and temperatures in the Lofoten Islands

Due to their latitude, you can enjoy a surprisingly mild summer climate in the Lofoten Islands. Daytime temperatures hover between 12°C and 23°C (57-73°F), with occasional spikes up to 25°C. Not bad for an archipelago this far north!  

Lofoten Islands are mitigated by the Gulf Current: that means it’s a little warmer compared to other zones on the same parallel, like Alaska.

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What about rain in the Lofoten Islands?

Don't be fooled by the Midnight Sun. The weather can change very quickly. Summer rainfall is moderate (about 60–100 mm/4 in per month) but frequent, especially towards the end of the season. A whole week of gray clouds and rain is not uncommon, but it only takes a few days of serenity to repay patience with breathtaking landscapes.

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One single boat, a thousand perspectives: best things to do in the Lofoten Islands 

The Lofoten Islands showcase their beauty from every angle, but experiencing the Midnight Sun from a sailboat is an entirely different story! At sea, life slows down, and every day (or should we say night?) you can choose how to live it. So if you're ready to embark on a wild Arctic adventure, make sure you find the best one for you:

- Trollfjord day trip: a very narrow fjord nestled between high mountain peaks, sea eagles overhead and silence that tastes of adventure.

- Lofoten fishing trip: no fish markets here. It's just you, the sea, and perhaps a dinner caught with your own hands.

- Lofoten Camping & Sail: anchor on a secluded beach, pitch your tent and sleep lulled by the sound of waves.

- Lofoten Hike & Sail: climb a summit at dinnertime and, by the time you get back on board, you get to toast to midnight.

- Skrova day trip & Midnight Sun: Skrova is an artistic and bathing island, where you can kayak among the golden reflections and chat on the beach until 2am (fair, we thought it was the afternoon too!)

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Freedom has no timetable: 24-hour daylight in the Lofoten Islands

When the sun doesn't set, time becomes elastic. Trek at 11pm, fish at midnight, sail at 3am… Or cuddle with a blanket, a good book and a cup of hot tea to enjoy the silence of the sea. There are no clocks on board, just a desire to be in the moment.

You don't need to be an expert sailor, the crew is there to guide you, tell you stories, cook fresh meals and, when needed, make you laugh with some artichokes… Pardon, Arctic jokes!

“What if I don't see any animals?”

Spoiler: You may encounter orcas, whales, seals, and a couple of sea eagles. But nothing is guaranteed, and that's okay. Nature is in control here: you have to learn to abide by its rules.

What we can promise you 

We will do everything in our power to make your adventure feel as complete, conscious, and out of the ordinary as possible.

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Recommended clothing for summer in the Lofoten Islands

1. Dress in layers: start with a technical t-shirt, add a light fleece and complete with a waterproof windproof jacket.
   
   
2. Never say no to synthetic: avoid cotton, which retains moisture and cools you down; better use materials such as gore-tex or similar.
   
   
3. Multipurpose trousers: choose resistant and waterproof models, which will serve you both during hikes and kayaking excursions.
     
4. Sturdy shoes: waterproof hiking boots are the best choice, given the possibility of muddy terrain and wet trails.
   
   
5. Accessories not to be forgotten: light hat, thin gloves, sunglasses and SPF. The light reflected on the water is more intense than you think.

On board, you are not a tourist, you are part of the crew. We cook together, chat below deck, and wonder while watching the mountains reflect on the water. Each person brings a different story: one of you might be sailing for the first time, one has spent the entire year backpacking, one is there to disconnect from coworkers and reconnect with nature, someone else might want to find love.

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Are you ready to experience this magical light?

Choose your formula: Trollfjord day trip, Skrova, Arctic fishing experience, camping or hiking in the Lofoten Islands and get ready to set sail.

With Nunatak, every experience is designed to be respectful of the environment but intense for the heart.

Imagine climbing to the top of Reinebringen at 11pm or eating fish & chips on the beach at 2am. In summer, the continuous light gives you energy and a sense of total freedom. You can experience everything at any time. And don't worry about getting to sleep early: an eye mask (or a darkening curtain) is enough to rest, even if the sky remains clear.

The Midnight Sun awaits. And no, it's in no hurry.