During breakfast, we arrived at the innermost point of Hellemofjorden. From there it is only about 3.7 miles (6 km) from the border with Sweden! Snugged into the steep mountain walls lies a tiny summer settlement called Hellemobotn, which is only accessible by boat and temporarily used by Sámi reindeer herders. Many of us hiked through a primeval temperate Norwegian rain forest of pine and birch, alongside a river towards a waterfall that looked like a huge water slide. The sun made an appearance, and the day turned out to be extremely warm and beautiful!
Outside the fjord, winds were raging, which is why the ship stayed put. After lunch, our guests were able to explore either by kayak or Zodiac cruise in order to experience this beautiful place at water level.
And last but not least, a few dared to face the clear, cold water of the fjord for a “Norwegian fjord plunge”! The day was rounded out with another fantastic dinner as we sailed silently through the fjords of Vesterålen to our next destination on our way north towards Svalbard.
When most people had already retired to their cabins, the bridge crew spotted orcas! In the rainy Tjeldsundet strait, a group of at least 9 killer whales surfaced several times! It was a great ending to an amazing day.
