We arrive in Harstad in the morning. Join us on one of our classic excursions, “A taste of Vesterålen”. The narrow channel Risøyrenna is only 7 m deep. It was built especially for Hurtigruten so the ships could sail between Harstad and Vesterålen. You can see the sand banks through the clear, green water.

The islands in Lofoten and Vesterålen may have the most spectacular nature you’ll see in the entire voyage. Risøyhamn is a small hamlet with only 200 inhabitants. Here we make a brief stop to deliver passengers, goods and post. As homage to Lofoten’s fishing history, the chefs will give a demonstration of how to fillet fish on deck in spring.

We then continue via Sortland to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded more than 120 years ago. When we continue south, it will look like we’re sailing straight into the side of the mountain. But don’t worry, the captain will find an opening where we can navigate through the narrow Raftsundet sound. This 26 km stretch between Vesterålen and Lofoten is surrounded by mountains rising 1000 m above sea level. Trollfjord is the sea eagles’ domain – and the next stop on the voyage. This tiny fjord is only 2 km long and 100 m wide, and is flanked by truly majestic mountains.

The captain often does a tour of the narrow fjord, where the mountainsides are almost within touching distance of the sides of the ship. Here you’ll get a chance to go on a sea eagle safari to see Northern Europe’s largest bird of prey up close. When we arrive in Svolvær you’ll get the chance to participate in excursions such as an RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) adventure, going hiking, fishing trips, fishing village walks or going horse riding. From Svolvær we continue to Stamsund, where Lofotveggen’s peaks tower above us. We then leave this beautiful archipelago during the evening and set our course across Vestfjorden to the mainland.