Lofoten Islands, Norway Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip
This Lofoten Islands, Norway travel guide covers the best way to get there, where to stay, the top places to see, what to pack and more!
Easily one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Lofoten Islands in Norway are home to dramatic fjords, icy blue waters, scenic beaches, and quaint fishing towns. While trips to the islands are increasing in popularity every year, this otherworldly region is still home to pristine landscapes and extremely friendly locals.
The Lofoten Islands have been a dream destination of mine for as long as I can remember, and the magic I found there was unforgettable!
How to Get to the Lofoten Islands
Flying to Lofoten Islands
To get to the Lofoten Islands by flying, I recommend flying into Svolvaer as I did, which will give you the maximum amount of time in Lofoten. This small airport is a hub of the region, with direct flights from Bodo and Tromso year-round, plus seasonal flights from Oslo.
If you’re coming from elsewhere in Lofoten or Vesteralen, nearby regional airports like Leknes, Stokmarknes, and Rost can also get you closer.
Driving to Lofoten Islands
If you’re dreaming of seeing all the sights along the way to the Lofoten Islands, then renting a car and hitting the open road is the way to go. The Road E10 connects the Lofoten Islands to the mainland, and will allow you to see all the major islands.
Taking the Ferry to the Lofoten Islands
To get to the Lofoten Islands by ferry, your main point of departure will be Bodø, and the crossing takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours. If you opt for the ferry option, know that there are both passenger and car ferry options, so if you plan on renting a car, you can have the best of both worlds.
Renting a Car in Lofoten Islands
To rent a car in Lofoten, head to a hub city such as Svolvaer, Moskenes, Reine, or, for a cheaper option, nearby Bodo. Be sure to have your international drivers licence up-to-date!
Driving Tips for Lofoten Islands
Pay VERY close attention to speed limits in Norway! Getting a ticket for going 2km over the speed limit is common and there are speed cameras in many areas. Speeding tickets are extremely expensive and are given out depending on how many kilometers you were going over the speed limit.
Read more: Why The Lofoten Islands Should Be On Your Bucket List
Where to Stay in Lofoten Islands
Nusfjord Village & Resort
Located in Nusfjord, Nusfjord Village & Resort offers traditional cottages with stellar sea views. All cottages are equipped with wooden floors and refrigerators, and there is a wood-fired hot tub for use. I absolutely loved my stay here — everything from the cozy and tasteful decor to the huge home-made breakfast which is delivered every night.
Reine Rorbuer
While all the cabins, rooms, and apartments at the Reine Rorbuer have been newly renovated for comfort, they manage to maintain the atmosphere of their old use as fisherman’s lodgings. Reine Rorbuer, set directly in the village of Reine, offers wifi, traditional and international meals, and fjord views.
Eliassen Rorbuer
Located on the island of Hamnoy, Eliassen Rorbuer consists of 35 renovated cabins consisting of one or two bedrooms, private bathrooms, kitchens, and free wifi. In the summertime, take advantage of Eliassen’s free rowboat usage and explore the area from the water.
Read more: Norway Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know
Scandic Svolvaer
Located on the tiny island of Lamholmen in Svolvaer, Scandic Svolvaer is a gorgeous waterfront hotel offering lush accommodations, meeting rooms, free wifi and a restaurant with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. My favorite part of my stay was watching the birds fish in the calm water right outside my room with a private balcony.
Read more: What to Pack for a Trip to Norway
The Best Places to Visit in Lofoten Islands
Reine
A charming fishing village on the island of Moskenesoya, Reine is home to just 329 people and some incredible sites. A great place to go for outdoorsy types, Reine has some excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and, if it’s a clear night, Northern Light watching.
Hamnoy
Located on the east side of Moskenesoya, Hamnoy is about 2 kilometres east of Reine, and is the oldest fishing town in the Lofoten archipelago. While Hamnoy is an excellent place to visit most of the year, if you’re a jazz fan then plan to visit the area during May when the town hosts the Elijazzen Jazz Festival.
I recommend driving across the bridge to visit the tiny island of Sakrisøy and stop for a fresh fish burger at Anitas Sjømat.
Read more: The Best Photo Locations in Norway’s Lofoten Islands
Henningsvaer
Set on a few tiny islands off the coast of Austvagoya, Henningsvaer is a picture-perfect destination in both its landscape and its art. To get to the islands, there is a narrow road to drive along that seems to burst from the mountains; and trust me, this view alone will make it worth visiting Henningsvaer. While you’re there, be sure to visit Galleri Lofotens Hus, a museum that doubles as an art gallery.
Nusfjord
One of Lofoten’s best-preserved fishing villages, Nusfjord is a great place to go if you want to take in excellent scenery and traditional culture of the area. If you visit from June to August, make sure to visit the outdoor spa and observe how the locals refine the traditional cod liver oil of the area.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Norway’s Fjord Region
Unstad Beach
Unstad Beach in Vestvagoy is not only one of Lofoten’s most frequented beaches, it is also a surfing hotspot and home to the most northern surfing school in the world. With its icy waters and fjords jutting up into the sky, this beach is not to be missed.
Read more: The Best Travel Cameras (And How to Choose One)
Ramberg Beach
Located on the island of Flakstadoya, Ramberg Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that, in the summertime, practically dares you to take a dip in its waters. While still colder than a tropical paradise, the waters in Ramberg Beach are warmer than expected due to the Gulf Stream.
Fredvang
While once only accessible by boat, Fredvang is now connected to its neighbor island by two spectacular, and photogenic, bridges. In Fredvang, sheep dot the landscape while the harbor buzzes with activity. While getting to Fredvang is relatively easy, leaving will prove to be the challenge as the town’s laid back fishing and farming lifestyles beckon to be enjoyed.
Kvalvika Beach
Just a one-hour hike from Fredvang sits Kvalvika Beach, a gorgeous spot with stunning views. This spot is great for beach bums and also a must for photographers!
Vaeroy
Characterized by its gorgeous, yet harsh, scenery, Vaeroy and is home to colorful houses scattered across its landscape, turquoise Breivika beach, and awesome hiking trails. Speaking of hiking, be sure to head on up the trail to Mastadfjellet to experience one of Vaeroy’s most iconic views.
Read more: How to Travel in Norway on a Budget
Lofoten Islands Packing Guide
Rain Gear
The weather is famously unpredictable in Lofoten, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket, and a raincover for your backpack.
Layers
Layering up with fleece-lined leggings, some thermal tops, and some sports socks will make sure you stay comfortable in the Lofoten Islands.
Winter Gear
To prepare yourself for the cold weather, make sure to bring along some snow pants, a down jacket, a beanie, a scarf, and some snow boots.
Beach Attire
If you plan on hitting up a spa, beach, or surfing hotspot, be sure to bring along a swimsuit or wetsuit (I’d bring a 4.3mm or warmer), as well as a quick drying towel.
Lofoten Islands, Norway FAQ
It really depends on what you’re after. If you want long daylight hours, milder weather, and the magic of the midnight sun, aim for June through August. If the Northern Lights are your priority, you’ll want to visit sometime between September and April, when the nights are dark enough to see them.
I’d recommend at least five to seven days if you want to actually relax into the pace of the islands rather than rush between villages. You could see the highlights in three or four days, but Lofoten rewards slowing down — the weather alone can shift your plans, so building in buffer time makes for a much better trip.
I’d say yes. Public transportation exists but is limited, and so much of what makes Lofoten special (the tiny fishing villages, remote beaches, and scenic pullouts along the E10) is easiest to reach with your own car. If you’re not driving, you’ll want to plan carefully around bus schedules or lean on organized tours.
Yes — Lofoten is actually one of the more accessible places in Norway to see them, with a season that runs roughly September through April. Just know that sightings depend entirely on clear skies and solar activity, so there are no guarantees on any single night.
Like most of Norway, Lofoten isn’t a budget destination — accommodations, food, and rental cars all come at a premium compared to much of Europe. That said, you can manage costs by traveling in the shoulder season, cooking some of your own meals, and booking rorbuer (traditional fishing cabins) that include a kitchen.
Svolvaer Airport is the most convenient option if you’re flying directly into Lofoten, with routes from Bodo, Tromso, and seasonally Oslo. Some travelers also fly into Evenes Airport near Narvik or Harstad and drive in via the Lofoten Mainland Connection, which can offer more flight options depending on where you’re coming from.
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