Every winter, huge numbers of the Barents Sea cod (skrei) migrate to the Norwegian coast and Lofoten to spawn. At the same time, fishing boats from all over Norway come to Lofoten to take part in the famous fisheries for these huge numbers of “skrei”.
The phenomenon is an important part of Norwegian coastal culture and has been a crusial part of our country’s economic history. Now you too can join this adventure, with our Sail & Fish-trip in Lofoten! Along the way, we will sail, fish, gut and eat fish in every way! Fresh cod, salted cod, bacalao, mølja, cod tongues, sushi and fish & chips – you name it!
From Svolvær to the fishing sites
The grandfather of SeilNorge-founder Emil, Asbjørn, sailed no less than 55 seasons from Ylvingen to Henningsvær for fishing. The dream of trying the life as a fisherman has been with us in SeilNorge for a long time. When the corona crisis hit us hard in the face in 2020, we had to rethink. As we had our skippers and guides ready at the pier in Svolvær, but without guests, it left us two choices. Sail home or sail out.
When we tried our luck as fishermen
We sailed out and tried our luck as fishermen. It was hard work, long days and sore hands. Yet also great nature experiences, fantastic food and an exciting deep dive into our coastal history. We learned a lot and felt a completely new sense of mastery! This year we want to bring you along to experience this wonderful fishery, history and food our coast is offering!
If you look at the map of Lofoten, you will see the fishing villages are situated all along the coast. There is no doubt where the fishermen and the fish live. On this trip, we will visit some of the fishing villages, such as Henningsvær, Kabelvåg and Svolvær, and perhaps we will make it all the way south to Ballstad. Around us we will have all types of fishing boats, from the small one-man show boats (sjark) to the larger vessels (skøyte). Fishing with nets, lines and lures. Perhaps there is the occasional sailboat in between, but these are rare. We will mainly fish with the classic lure line, but we will also try our hand at sea fishing rods.
Eagles, northern lights, sail & fish
Sail & Fish in Lofoten is for those who want to experience fishing, the northern lights, sailing, wildlife and all the magic Lofoten has to offer. At the most beautiful time of year. Perhaps we’ll have white tailed eagles circling around us for a bite to eat, whales blowing on the horizon, or the beautiful northern lights dancing in the sky.
With the Lofoten mountains plunging straight into the fjord and the sea boiling over with boats and fish, the stage is set for the roughest trip of the year! And who gets the first “Coffee Cod” in SeilNorge?
Be part of the crew on board
As on all our trips, you do not need to know how to sail to participate. Even though our winter sailings are of the rougher type. Regardless of whether you have a lot or little experience, we will challenge you and you will learn a lot. This is also an excellent opportunity for those who want to test out winter sailing, learn more about navigation in the dark, and sail in changing weather and wind under the conditions that the dark season offers. If you just want to take part in an unforgettable trip, you are also most welcome on board!
Our skilled skipper will take care of coaching and navigation on board. While the co-skipper/guide will assist with knowledge of the area and marine life. We bring you on board as part of our crew. In this way you get the opportunity to join in on all tasks: stand at the helm, hoist sails, cook, navigate, take a morning swim, gut fish, serve anchor dram, tie knots, etc.; the complete sailing experience!
Day 1: Meeting in Svolvær and first evening on board
Welcome on board! We meet at the quay in Svolvær at 16:00, check into the sailboat and get to know each other. We familiarize ourselves with the boat and go through safety routines on board, and we prepare the fishing equipment for the first day of fishing tomorrow! We prepare supper/dinner on board, but recommend that you have eaten dinner before we meet. This is because we want to spend time going through the boat and equipment so that we can get away and towards the fishing grounds already this first evening.
Day 1: Meeting in Svolvær and first evening on board
Day 2: What would we do without the sea? Carry the boats?
Day 3: Henningsværstraumen
Day 4: Enjoy the catch in Henningsvær and sail to Trollfjorden
Day 5: Trollfjorden and thanks for now!
Changes to the program
What is included?
• A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper/instructor with local knowledge on board
• All food we eat on board during the trip
• Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
• An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
• A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
• A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
• Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
• All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
• Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
• Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
• Fishing and sailing every day
• Use of our shared fishing equipment during the trip.
• All the self caught cod you manage bringing back home in your luggage!
What is not included?
• Travel to and from the start/end location
• Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
• Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
• Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
• Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
• Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)