Notes to FKT reviewers: I started this as a N-S route, and then switched to S-N given the limited bus routes (one needs to take a bus to get through an underground tunnel where pedestrians are prohibited). This is why there is a long straight line on my Strava. Also note, my route ended up being 14 miles longer than the original route; in conversation with the original FKT establisher, it might be because I did not take the two bus routes mid-route that he did. Also, I'm not sure if this should be a standard route, or a route variation since it is 14 miles longer and didn't take the buses of the original poster.
Lofoten Long Crossing:
Excellent information on the route can be found on: https://rando-lofoten.net/en/the-long-crossing-from-north-to-south-on-t…
Did it North-South for the first half and S-N for the second; the route is a logistical nightmare, requiring hitting carefully times ferries and buses to make it between islands. Although I had planned a straight NS route, I had to adapt and flip flop to stay in line with an FKT attempt given bus schedules. Resupplied in Leknes when I took the bus to Å.
Approx 50% off trail, and the worst mud I have ever seen. My feet were wet and stayed wet the entire time, which ended up being one of the biggest hurdles. Went self supported and carried a pretty big pack. Weather conditions are notoriously dynamic and fast changing here, so brought along a bivy etc. Next time I’ll leave the DSLR and tripod at home.
Running with 24 hours of daylight was beyond surreal. I took 3-4 15 minute naps each day and felt surprisingly fine. A lot of strange hallucinations.
I think there is potential for a route that avoids public transport, which would be substantially simpler. One *may* be able to traverse from Vinstad via the coast without taking the ferry. It would be slow, but I don't think there are any cliffs to navigate. Similarly, while there is a tunnel at Leknes where pedestrians are supposedly prohibited (I never saw any signs) there is a large sidewalk in the tunnel. It is a long tunnel and if one tries this I would move quickly and with a flashing headlamp, but I believe it can be navigated without public transport. This would increase the mileage, but also greatly simplify the route logistics.