The Lofoten Islands are one of the most beautiful places in the world: hundreds of islands scattered along the coasts of Northern Norway, jutting out into the ocean over 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. The main islands – nowadays connected by road bridges and underwater tunnels – are draped with tiny, quaint fishing villages overlooking one of the most fruitful fishing grounds in the North Atlantic.
The Lofoten Islands are the ideal destination for a memorable road trip, capable of enchanting and moving even the most seasoned travelers. In this guide you will find all the best things to do in the Lofoten Islands, the best places to see, the best hikes and all the best tips from the locals to better plan your trip. You’ll find a curated selection of the best places to stay – including traditional rorbuers, wooden fishermen’s lodges – and all the activities and tours you can’t miss, such as boat tours to the Trollfjord and Reinefjord.
What you will find in this guide to the Lofoten Islands:
Lofoten Islands: Things to Know Before You Go
The Lofoten Islands are one of the most beautiful places in the world: a handful of large islands covered by green grasslands, remote valleys and over 160km of rugged mountains, the so-called Lofotenveggen (Lofoten Wall). Approaching from the south with the ferry from Bodø you will be left speechless. These islands seem straight out of a fairytale, with its tiny fishing villages, jagged high peaks – snow capped until early summer – and dozens of hidden bays and heavenly beaches.
The mountainous Lofoten Islands are set so close together that it is possible to drive continuously from northeast to southwest: the islands are crossed by the E10 – which here is called Lofoten Scenic Road – a wide and excellent panoramic road. The islands are connected by road bridges and underwater tunnels, with the exception of some small, remote islands, such as Værøy and Røst, located at the southwestern end of the archipelago.
This makes the Lofoten Islands the ideal destination for a road trip, which is why most visitors choose to fly and drive from the nearby airports of Bodø or Narvik, or from the small airports of Svolvær and Leknes, located on the archipelago.
The Lofoten Islands hide hundreds of breathtaking straits, sounds and fjords, dotted with charming fishing villages, most memorably Reine, Å, Nusfjord and Henningsvær, as well as the towns of Svolvær and Kabelvåg. Even today you can be enchanted by the fascinating local culture, linked to fishing and crafts. You will be able to stay in one of the quaint wooden fishermen’s cottages, the so-called rorbuer, try delicious pastries freshly baked from old stone ovens, taste the renowned Lofoten fish oil, as well as enjoy the best of regional cuisine.
In winter, cod migrates from the Barents Sea to spawn around the Lofoten Islands, attracted by the waters mitigated by the Gulf Stream. The main fishing season lasts from February to April, when hundreds of fishing boats can be seen around the Lofoten Islands. Villages teem with fishermen and the wooden racks used to dry the cod are filled with odiferous fish. This is the stockfish of the Lofoten Islands, among the finest in the world!
Local culture is closely linked to cod fishing, and the Lofoten Islands boast some of the best museums dedicated to traditional fisheries. However, Lofoten is also a paradise for hikers, cyclists, climbers and surfers. You will enjoy hundreds of miles of amazing hiking trails, as well as some of Norway’s best boat trips, such as those to the breathtaking Trollfjord and those in the fjords around Reine. You can join a traditional fishing trip or reach the more remote islands of Værøy and Røst, home to some of Norway’s most important puffin and seabird colonies.
Lofoten Islands Location and Practical Facts
The Lofoten Islands are located in Northern Norway, in the Norwegian Sea, about 200 km above the Arctic Circle. The archipelago includes hundreds of small islands and uninhabited islets, as well as 7 main islands. From the northeast to the southwest we find the islands of Austvågøy, Gimsøya, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøya and Moskenesøya, connected by road bridges or underwater tunnels. By ferry you can reach the two most remote islands, Værøy and Røst. Another smaller island – Skrova – can be reached by ferry from the town of Svolvær on the island of Austvågøy. The island of Austvågøy is connected with a road bridge to the island of Hinnøya, which is part of the neighboring Vesterålen Islands. From there a road bridge leads to the mainland near Narvik.
Lofoten Islands: Top Places to Visit
Svolvær
Svolvær is the largest town of the Lofoten Islands, located on Austvågøya Island, in the municipality of Vågan. For many travelers, Svolvær is the gateway to the Lofoten Islands, as there is a small airport with some flight connections to Oslo and Bodø and the remote island of Røst. The port of Svolvær is also one of the most important of the faroes, here is the ferry terminal for Skutvik – on the mainland halfway between Bodø and Narvik – and the small island of Skrova. Hurtigruten ships call the port of Svolvær once a day northbound and one southbound.
Svolvær is also an important stop for those on a road trip from Narvik, as it is located on the E10 – the main road of the Lofoten Islands – and is the gateway to the scenic southwestern part of the Lofoten Islands. Unsurprisingly, Svolvær has a wide range of good hotels and restaurants, mostly located within walking distance of the ferry terminal. But be warned, Svolvær is hugely popular in every season, so it’s best to book months in advance.
Around the harbor you can see dozens of traditional wooden houses, the characteristic rorbuer, which were once the fishermen’s houses. This type of house, usually built on water, is widespread in Northern Norway and especially in the Lofoten Islands, where you can see some of the oldest and most beautifully preserved. Some of these now house very characteristic hotels and guesthouses, such as Anker Brygge and Svinøya Rorbuer.
The area around the Hurtigruten terminal is the real heart of Svolvær: here are several restaurants, shops and pubs, as well as some of the most popular hotels, such as the Thon Hotel Svolvær, the Scandic Vestfjord Lofoten and the Thon Hotel Lofoten. Nearby you could visit the Magic Ice Lofoten, which is both an ice bar and a gallery displaying nice ice sculptures. Located in a former fish freezing warehouse, it boasts hundreds of ice sculptures, including furniture, tables and glasses. The entrance fee (NOK 250) includes a drink. Svolvær is also populated by artists and artisans, you can see and buy their works in the various art galleries around the Hurtigruten terminal.
Trollfjord
Svolvær’s main attraction, and one of the must-do on a trip to the Lofoten Islands, is a boat ride to the stunning Trollfjord. The large island of Austvågøya, which is the largest of the Lofoten Islands, is separated from the neighboring Vesterålen Islands only by the narrow Raftsundet strait. Here, in a rather remote and wild corner, is one of the most beautiful and famous fjords in Norway: the Trollfjord.
This narrow fjord – accessible only by boat – is 2 km long and just 100 meters wide. It is nestled between scenic mountains over 1000 meters high, and impressive rock faces that are home to a large number of rare seabirds. Sometimes the big Hurtigruten ships enter the fjord to allow travelers to admire it: the ship barely manages to pass through its narrow mouth.
However, the Trollfjord remains one of the most remote places in the Lofoten Islands: one of the best ways to explore it is by small RIB boats that allow small groups to admire the breathtaking landscapes and observe wildlife, including sea eagles – which boast the largest wingspan in the world, reaching a maximum length of 2.65 meters – and the swimming seals. Tours are very popular and only allow a small number of travelers per day, so booking well in advance is recommended.
Henningsvær
One of the most famous places in the Lofoten Islands is Henningsvær, located 25 km southwest of Svolvær. This town spans two small islands – Heimøya and Hellandsøya – connected by a road bridge to the island of Austvågøya. You have probably seen one of the most famous pictures of the Lofoten Islands showing a town spread over several islands, with a football field nestled on one of them: this is Henningsvær.
This quiet town boasts an old town and a small harbor featuring dozens of typical traditional fishermen’s cottages and several good cafes and restaurants. Take a break at Henningsvær Lysstøperi and Cafe for a coffee and a good freshly baked pastry. The town is renowned for its cod fishing and there are a couple of good restaurants serving excellent seafood, fish soups and great local cod specialties, such as Restaurant Lofotmat and Fiskekrogen Henningsvær.
The coolest place to stay and go for a drink or a bite is the Trevarefabrikken which is a fusion of an eclectic hotel, restaurant, bar and cultural and arts center, very popular with locals. This place embodies the essence of Henningsvær: it is an old fish factory, artistically renovated, preserving some of its old industrial charm.
Reine
The most iconic place in the Lofoten Islands is Reine, a small village located on Moskenesøya Island, at the southern end of the Lofoten Islands. Reine is a tiny fishing village with a picturesque harbor lined with dozens of rorbuer, located about 5km north of the town of Moskenes.
The enchanting picture of the red wooden houses scattered on a maze of small islands, overlooking the turquoise sea and dominated by high snow-capped mountains has become synonymous with the breathtaking landscapes of the Lofoten Islands. Unsurprisingly, Reine is also one of the most famous and touristic places in the archipelago.
The most beautiful places to stay in Reine and Hamnøy: stay in the most iconic place in the Lofoten Islands
Reine and Hamnøy‘s rorbuers are authentic and finely restored, they are set in one of the most scenic corners of Norway and keep their old charm practically intact. What was once a remote Arctic fishing village, today is the ideal place for a dream stay, to enjoy unforgettable landscapes in the summer and, perhaps, the Northern Lights in the winter.
One of our favorite places is Reine Rorbuer by Classic Norway Hotels. Also fabulous are the rorbuer of Valen Cabins in Reine and the iconic orange Sakrisøy Rorbuer. These places boast cozy rooms, in traditional wooden houses, with stunning views.
Other great alternatives can be Olstind in Sakrisøy, Rostad Retro Rorbuer, Eliassen Rorbuer and Toppøy Rorbuer. If you are looking for a luxurious stay, then you should check out Lofoten luxury home with sauna: a fabulous modern Scandinavian-style villa, equipped with every amenity and a mind-blowing view.
Hamnøy – Moskenesøya Island
Another popular view of the Lofoten Islands is from Hamnøy, a small fishing village located just north of Reine. In fact, from Hamnøy you will be able to see Reine in the background and vice versa, however the view is amazing!
Located right along the E10 road, Hamnøy sits right on the Reinefjorden and is connected to the other small surrounding islands by road bridges. For the best view, walk a few hundred meters over the road bridge to nearby Toppøya Island. You can stop here and take one of the most iconic pictures of the Lofoten Islands, with the traditional red houses of Hamnøy at the foot of the mountain. You will have to walk there, as it is not possible to stop by car. Another good viewpoint is just after the bridge, there is a space on the right where you can park and enjoy the view.
Å – Moskenesøya Island
World famous for being the town with the shortest name, the village of Å – often also referred to as Å i Lofoten, to distinguish it from the homonyms – is at the southern end of the Lofoten Islands, about 5 km south of Moskenes (where ferries arrive from Bodø) and 10 km south of Reine.
Å is the end of the E10, the road that runs through all the Lofoten Islands. The E10 will be the cornerstone of your Lofoten Islands road trip, as most of the attractions are along it. You could drive non-stop from the mainland – from Narvik, for example – to Å, passing from one island to another in the archipelago thanks to dozens of road bridges. In fact, this scenic road – which is among the most beautiful in the world – starts in Sweden, in the town of Luleå, and runs 850 km to Å, passing through Kiruna, Abisko and Narvik. Incidentally, Å is also the last letter in the Norwegian alphabet.
The small and peaceful village of Å may be the beginning or the end of your road trip to the Lofoten Islands, however you will be delighted by the beautiful landscapes you will enjoy along the way. Its relaxed and old-fashioned atmosphere, with its red wooden houses, the small harbor and the dozens of fish drying racks, make Å one of the most authentic and remote destinations of the Lofoten Islands.
Around Å there are several good traditional rorbuer accommodations which are very popular with those arriving or departing from the Moskenes ferry terminal. Among the most popular are Å-Hamna Rorbuer, Å Rorbuer and Salteriet. The modern and comfortable rooms of the Lofoten Planet BaseCamp are also very good, as are the design rooms of the Holmen Lofoten, which also boasts a great restaurant serving regional cuisine.
Backpackers will appreciate the affordable dorm-beds accommodations (female-only or male-only) and basic private rooms with shared bathroom at the Lofoten Å HI hostel, which is one of the few hostels in the Lofoten Islands.
Lofoten Islands Best Tours and Activities
Lofoten Islands are full of things to do and see, but if you want to make the most of your trip then you should check out what are the most popular activities and tours.
TROLLFJORD BOAT TOUR (APPROX. 3.5 HOURS)
One of the must-do on the Lofoten Islands is the boat trip to the Trollfijord, the scenic fjord located in the most remote corner of Austvågsøya Island. Accessible only by boat, this breathtaking fjord is popular for its stunning scenery and seabirds, such as sea eagles.
REINEFJORDEN CRUISE (APPROX.1.5 HOURS)
Another unmissable thing to do in the Lofoten Islands is the sightseeing cruise on the Reinefjorden, the great and sublime fjord that surrounds the most scenic corner of the Lofoten Islands: the villages of Reine and Hamnøy. This boat trip will allow you to explore the fabulous surrounding fjords, including Kjerkfjorden and Bunesfjorden, and visit some of the most remote villages of the Lofoten Islands, such as Rostad, Vindstad and Forsfjorden, which can only be reached by boat.
You could also get off at Vindstad and continue on your own with the hike to Bunes Beach. In that case, you can return on one of later departures, with the same ticket.
LOFOTEN’S TRADITIONAL FISHING TRIP (APPROX. 4 HOURS)
If you like fishing, you can’t miss this boat tour! You will be able to set sail aboard an old traditional fishing boat and enjoy an authentic fishing experience in the Lofoten Islands. Depending on the season, you can fish coastal cod, skrei, coalfish, haddock, mackerel and much more.
Equipment is provided, as well as help and priceless advice from local expert fishermen. After having caught your fares, you’ll learn how to fillet the fish on board and feel free to take your catch home with you, if you wish. No fishing experience is required, as the tour is also suitable for beginners.
Lofoten Islands Northern Lights
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights on the Lofoten Islands? The short answer is yes, but the chances are not as high as in Tromsø, Abisko or other locations in Lapland. The Lofoten Islands are perfectly located in the Auroral Oval, which is the area where the probability of seeing an Aurora Borealis is quite high.
Not all regions of Norway are good for seeing the Northern Lights, but the Lofoten Islands are located about 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, making them a good area to see them. So, we are at the right latitude and within the Arctic Circle. What’s wrong?
The fact is that in the Lofoten Islands, being located right on the ocean, it can often be cloudy. And the best way to see the Northern Lights is with a clear sky. This is why in the inland or far north areas you have a better chance: there you will have a higher chance of clear skies.
Despite the rainy climate of the Lofoten Islands, if you are lucky you may see some mind-blowing Northern Lights. You’ll just have to hope it’s not too cloudy. January and February are usually good months, but it is difficult to predict. Sometimes it happened to see the best Northern Lights even in March, late August or September.
The general rule is that if it’s dark enough and it’s a cloudless night, you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands from late August to mid-April. You will not be able to see them from May to early August, due to the Midnight Sun.
You will be able to see the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands right from your accommodation, preferably in a small village, so as to have less light pollution. Some popular places to spot the Northern Lights are beaches, such as Uttakleiv Beach or Haukland Beach. There are also some tours led by expert local guides, which will allow you to spot the best Northern Lights, taking you to the best spots (which could change from night to night, depending on the forecast).