A slot of a fjord, two kilometres long and barely a hundred metres wide at its mouth, with walls rising to a thousand metres. Sea eagles circle overhead the whole way in.
The Trollfjord branches off the Raftsundet, the strait between Austvågøy and Hinnøya. It is about 2 km long and roughly 100 m wide at the mouth, with walls up to 1,000 m.
Boats leave from Svolvær harbour, and the round trip takes about two hours. Fast RIBs run all year, and most stop to feed the white-tailed eagles that nest on the cliffs.
Slower, larger boats are warmer and steadier, and some serve fish soup on the way back. Hurtigruten coastal ships also nose into the mouth when conditions allow.
In winter, orcas and humpbacks follow the herring into the fjords nearby. It is the most worthwhile ticket in the islands.
About two hours from quay to quay.
RIB passengers get a full flotation suit, goggles and gloves at the quay.
Run north between the islands, past farms, skerries and fishing boats.
Eagles swoop for fish thrown by the crew, close enough to hear their wings.
The walls close in; engines cut to let the silence and waterfalls take over.
On the slow boats, fish soup on deck; on the RIB, a fast, cold ride home.
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Several operators sail from Svolvær harbour; book a day ahead in summer and check the weather the morning of.
RIBs are faster and closer to the eagles; slow boats suit children, cameras and cold days.
For orcas and humpbacks, look for dedicated winter whale safaris rather than the standard trip.
Lofoten practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
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