Lofoten: Midnight Sun Kayak Tour with Tea & Local Guide

Summary

Kayak Lofoten’s coastline at midnight sun with tea and Viking tales

You’ll paddle Lofoten’s coastline beneath the midnight sun with a local guide, hear Viking stories as you glide past small islands, sip homemade tea on shore, and spot seabirds overhead. No kayaking experience needed — just bring your sense of wonder and let yourself get lost in that endless northern light.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the weird gold light on the water near Eggum — not quite sunset, not quite day. We met our guide at the harbor at 22:00, which felt way too late for starting anything (my body was confused), but everyone else seemed energized. The kayaks were all doubles, so I paired up with my friend — neither of us had ever paddled before. Our guide, Erik, just grinned and said most people don’t know what they’re doing at first. That helped.

Paddling out from shore was quieter than I expected — just the sound of water tapping against plastic and some distant seabirds. The air smelled salty and a little grassy, like summer trying to hang on. Erik started telling stories about the Vikings who used to live around these islands; he’d pause to point out shapes in the mountains or name birds swooping low over the water. At one point I tried to repeat a Norwegian word for “puffin” and got it so wrong he laughed for a full minute. The sky kept shifting colors — pinks and oranges that didn’t make sense at midnight.

We stopped by a tiny island and Erik poured us homemade tea from a battered thermos. It tasted herbal, maybe nettle? Not sure, but it warmed my hands. Someone passed around snacks while we listened to more stories — honestly, I could’ve stayed there longer but time felt slippery under that sun that never really set. On the way back I noticed how calm everyone got; even people who’d been nervous at first just drifted along quietly.

I still think about that strange light sometimes — how it made everything feel possible and a bit unreal. If you want to try kayaking in Lofoten under the midnight sun, you don’t need any experience (seriously). Just show up ready for something you probably haven’t felt before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Midnight sun kayaking experience

• Meet at Eggum Harbour at 22:00
• Kayak along coastline and islands
• Enjoy homemade tea and Viking stories
• Observe seabirds and colorful sky
• Return to harbour around 01:00

Top questions

What time does the midnight sun kayak tour in Lofoten start?

The tour usually starts at 22:00 from Eggum Harbour; after August 1st, start times adjust to sunset.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No previous kayaking experience is needed; most guests are beginners.

How long is the midnight sun kayak trip?

The tour lasts approximately three hours, returning around 01:00am.

Is food or drink included on this kayak tour?

Yes, homemade tea and snacks are included during the trip.

Are single or double kayaks used?

This tour uses only double kayaks for all participants.

Is there a guide on the midnight sun kayak trip?

Yes, a professional local guide leads every group.

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is Eggum Harbour in Lofoten.

Is this suitable for children or infants?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the activity.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup at Eggum Harbour, all kayaking equipment with double kayaks for extra fun (and less pressure if you’re new), guidance from a local expert who shares stories as you paddle along Lofoten’s coastlines and islands beneath the midnight sun, plus homemade tea and snacks served mid-trip before heading back after midnight.