Overview
Fjord adventure
HMS Gåssten is an ex Swedish Navy minesweeper, now fully refitted as a handsome yacht for bespoke adventure charters in Norway’s always epic Western Fjords.
In the winters she is the perfect base for ski touring and snowboarding in the Sunmøre Alps and cruising under the Northern lights. In the summer, Gåssten can be chartered for fjord-hopping expeditions with days spent hiking, cycling, paddle boarding, fishing and wild swimming.
One of the last wooden naval ships ever built, she was expertly restored in 2019 for luxury and comfort while retaining her charm. Gåssten can sleep up to ten guests in a combination of double and twin berths, each with their own ensuite bathroom. And you'll be well looked after by an expert crew who can tailor each day, returning on board after days out to hearty meals of the freshest local produce.
Facts
At a glance
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Can sleep up to 10 guests
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Saloon
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Landing craft
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Expert crew
Experiences
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![HMS Gassten 2]()
Skiing and snowboarding
The Sunmøre Alps is a skier’s heaven for those who want to get after it. With no lift queues and no one else around, this is wild ski touring at its best. Internationally qualified guides are expert at planning routes appropriate to the group’s level of experience from relative novice to off-piste adrenalin junkies.
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![HMS Gassten 7]()
Mountain biking
The steep mountains surrounding the fjords are home to some of the best singletrack in the world. Long ascents are rewarded with fast flowing trails that descend through ancient forests. Steep technical slab rock glistens above the treeline, and endless views with no one around are at the top of every peak.
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![Gassten activities2]()
Road cycling
Experience big sky vistas and the smoothest tarmac as your peloton winds its way around, over and through these magnificent Fjords. Take on iconic climbs such as the ‘Trolls Staircase’ and venture deep into Hjorendfjord and beyond.
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![Gassten activities3]()
Hiking
The Western Fjords of Norway are home to some incredible hikes. Epic routes lead you from sea level up to summits with breathtaking panoramas of the Sunnmore Alps and the fjords below.
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![Gassten activities1]()
Paddleboarding
The SUPs allow you to hug the jagged coastline and get up close to the countless waterfalls that cascade into the fjords from the high mountains.
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![Gassten activities4]()
Northern lights
Winter charters offer the chance to see this atmospheric phenomenon whilst experiencing hygge and fine local food aboard the historic boat.
Footprint
Gåssten’s comprehensive 2019 not only brought her up to date in terms of luxury of comfort, but also efficiency and sustainability. This included new electric generator and a state-of-the-art battery bank and inverter, supplying the boat with her electricity requirements. This system means that the generator can be run for shorter periods of time and can be turned off completely during the night.
Other upgrades include LED lighting, double-glazed windows, ethically and sustainably sourced timber and 100% environmentally friendly water treatment facility.
While on charter they strive to source food and beverages with a low carbon footprint. All ingredients are locally sourced and purchased, with the aim to wild forage and fish where possible in a sustainable manner. The menu is typically Norwegian with European influences to keep the food air miles to a negligible level.
While the total elimination of plastic is near impossible when dealing with this sort of charter business, the crew are doing everything they can to reduce the plastic consumption on board.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
