Hi,

Myself and my brother will be in the Lofoten Islands from 27/12/15 to 04/01/16 wild camping, we are just wondering what to expect from the walks regarding snow and danger, are there any easier walks we could do without the need for bringing crampons and ice axes? We want to experience as much as possible without too much gear to carry.

Thanks,

Phil

Hi Phil,

The past years there hasn't been much snow in December or January, the snow comes often later in February.

In the case of snow, of course you sould be extra carefull, mainly because of avalanch risks (of snow and also of stones that the snow can drag on its way down). If there is no snow, but the temperatures are cold, you must be carefull of the ice you might find. For that I would recomend a pair of mini-crampons (you can have a look at the French "equipment" section, at the bottom of the page you can see how they look like: http://rando-lofoten.net/index.php/fr/destination-lofoten/infos-pratiques/quel-equipement).

These mini-crampons are very good, and are possible to buy in Leknes or Svolvaer and of course in Bodo (in any sport shop).

I would also trongly recomend, in case of ice, or snow a pair of hiking polls. In the case of thick snow; a pair of snowshoes, that you can buy in a sport shop once you are there or maybe rent somewhere (you could also bring your own, if you have some of course).

Check the webcams of the Lofoten (at the bottom of this page for ex: http://rando-lofoten.net/index.php/en/forecasts/weather), a few days before arriving, it will give you an idea if there is any snow or not.

Here are some walks that should be ok during the period you want to go:

Nesland-Nusfjord

Offeroyskammen

Slettheia

Justadtinden

Guratinden (at least to the ridge)

Breidtinden

Holandsmella....

There are many more