2025 Dates: 9 – 15 August
Price: from £2,999pp
SWIMMING IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
This swimming vacation in the Arctic Circle is a completely unique experience. If you are a keen swimmer looking for something different then read on …
ABOUT LOFOTEN
A chain of mountainous outposts off the Arctic coast of Norway, the Lofoten islands are one of the world’s most spectacular archipelagos, with their jagged cliffs rising sheer from the sea. Despite Lofoten’s location, temperatures are not as bone-chilling as you might expect. The sea surface ranges from 11 to 15°C due to the Gulf Stream, which creates an accessible environment for some truly unique swims.
A refreshing plunge before lunch by the cabins!
Renowned for an abundance of wildlife including sea eagles, puffins, otters, seals and whales, these far-flung islands are ideal for anyone looking for a challenging and inspiring week of swimming. Lofoten’s underwater world is fascinating: floating above glossy, peaceful kelp will make you feel at one with nature – and with the sun on the water, it’s easy to fall in love with the landscape as you swim amongst shoals of fish. We are proud the partner with our friends at The Arctic Triple, who help us provide the safety cover to bring you this unique holiday.
AT A GLANCE:
- Places available from £2,999pp
- This trip is ideal for anyone looking for an adventurous week away, with a combination of swimming, wonderful food and time to relax.
- Swim distances from 1km -4km (adaptable, swim as much or as little as you like)
- This trip runs from Saturday – Friday (6 nights)
- Non-swimmers are welcome to join the trip and can be on the boat if space allows. A 10% discount is offered to non-swimmers.
- Max group size 12
- Water temperature in August is usually between 11oC and 15oC
- Everything included except transport to Svolvær airport, any alcohol purchases, and evening meals
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Accommodation at the seaside Nyvågar Rorbuhotell
- A full swimming itinerary, two swims a day
- Breakfasts and lunches
- Safety boat/s
- Swim guide/s
- Boat refreshments
- Transfers to and from Svolvær airport
- Transport as required during the week, between swims
- SwimQuest swim cap and gift
- VAT
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Travel to and from Svolvær airport
- Evening meals
- Any alcohol purchases
- Wetsuit hire / wetsuit
ITINERARY

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday
On the last day, you will have breakfast at the accommodation before departures.Nyvågar Rorbuhotell

A hot and cold breakfast buffet will be served in the hotel’s cosy dining room overlooking the bay - a perfect way to start a day of adventure in The Lofoten Islands.
ROOM OPTIONS
Each cabin sleeps 4 persons with two twin bedrooms plus a shared bathroom (shower, sink & toilet) and a shared lounge area (with small kitchenette - sink, cooker, microwave, kettle & coffee machine). Your room options are:- Twin share room within a two bedroom cabin £2,999
- Your own private room within a two bedroom cabin £3,819
- If you require your own 2 bedroom cabin please contact SwimQuest to discuss
GETTING THERE
TRIP START / FINISH TIMES
- Our accommodation is a 20 minute drive from Svolvaer. We will meet you at the airport and will take you to the hotel. We plan to have the safety briefing and acclimatisation swim at around 5pm on the Saturday. Do get in touch if you need to be flexible with your arrival / travel arrangements and we will do our very best to help you.
- The trip finishes after a sunrise swim and breakfast on the final day. Please note your guides will also be getting a morning flight on Friday so if you do plan to stay on you may need to book a taxi back to the airport via reception.
getting there

We recommend booking at least your original destination through to Bodø as one booking. You may wish to search for flights through a slight search engine such as www.skyscanner.net before booking to find your cheapest options.
By ferry from Bodø to Svolvaer
Bodø – Stamsund/Svolvær: The Hurtigruten coastal ferry proves a link from Bodø – Stamsund and Svolvær. The northbound Hurtigruten leaves Bodø at 15:00 – Arrives in Svolvær at 21:00. Southbound Hurtigruten leaves Svolvær at 20:30, Stamsund at 22:30 – Arrives in Bodø at 02:30.In Bodø, the Hurtigruten and Bodø-Moskenes ferry share the same terminal building and waiting room. The waiting room is open 24 hours, heated and contains toilets and luggage lockers. In summer there is a small cafe and gift shop also in operation.
If walking from the airport, it is a distance of roughly 2.5 kilometres. The train station is just around the corner.
Bodø – Svolvær: Operated by Torghatten Nord. This is a passenger only express boat connecting Bodø – Svolvær. The express ferry terminal is located at the tourist information centre/bus station in the centre of town.
What do I pack?

- At least three swimming costumes (putting on a wet cossie is never fun!)
- Wetsuit - our Partners at Zone3 offer a wide range of wetsuits, including the eco Yulex natural rubber range HERE and you get 20% OFF all full price Zone3 products with code : SWIMQUEST
- Two pairs of swim goggles – one clear and one tinted
- Tow float (required) - if you haven’t got one yet, you can purchase from our online shop here
- Rash vest (optional) - available from our online shop here
- Towel(s)
- Small daypack/rucksack to use for your personal equipment/clothing during the day (please note, you will receive a SwimQuest 10L dry bag)
- Sandals/aqua shoes/flip flops – for getting wet
- Warm clothes! Fleece or warm jumper, tracksuit trousers/sweat pants, warm coat, hat, gloves and warm shoes are essential
- Dryrobe / similar may be useful but thermal suits are provided which you can wear whilst travelling on the boat to/from swims
- Warm shoes for before and after your swim, preferable suitable for walking short distances
- Waterproof
- Sun hat, sun cream and glasses
- Waterproof watch (optional)
READY TO BOOK?
We’re excited about meeting you on tour. To book your trip, simply click 'BOOK NOW' for your chosen trip below. A deposit of 30% is required to secure your place, and the final payment is due 10 weeks prior to departure. Payments can be made by debit/credit card or by bank transfer. If you are not yet ready to book and require more information, please click 'ENQUIRE'. Once you have complete the form, Sarah (our bookings co-ordinator) will be in touch to help you with any additional requirements.LOFOTEN | 9-15 August 2025 | BOOK NOW | ENQUIRE

- Sarah Broadley | +44 7917 033670 | sarah@swimquest.uk.com
- Charlie Beere | +44 7563 389238 | charlotte@swimquest.uk.com
- Alice Todd | +44 7825 301443 | alice@swimquest.uk.com
Travel Insurance
As a SwimQuest guest, you are required to have in place travel insurance that covers you for all activities you will be taking part in during your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered for these activities.Whatever travel policy you decide on, you will need to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the start of your SwimQuest holiday. Your swim Guides will need to take a note of your insurer, policy number and the number to call in case of an emergency claim.
Please note, if you are a UK resident and eligible for free health cover via the NHS, you do not need to take our a travel insurance policy for our UK based trips. You may still wish to take out insurance to cover you for events such as trip cancellation, luggage and personal liability.
If you are travelling from the US or another country, we suggest you use a travel insurance comparison site based in your own country in order to decide on a suitable policy.
You can find more information on our Insurance page.
Columbus Direct offers three levels of cover Bronze, Silver and Gold, with differing levels of emergency medical, cancellation and baggage so you can choose the cover to suit your needs. All levels of cover include over 150 sports and activities covered as standard including open water swimming within 12 miles of shore (you will not be swimming more than 12 miles away from the shore on SwimQuest Holidays).
You will also benefit from free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for 1hr or more*. Optional cover is available including Gadget, Winter Sports and Cruise, along with cover for many pre-existing medical conditions subject to online screening. Columbus Direct offer single trip cover up to 85 years old and annual multi trip cover up to 74 years old.
*The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four additional travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay service. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for their flight. View terms and conditions here