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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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 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)
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.
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.
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!
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
The weather is famously unpredictable in Lofoten, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket, and a raincover for your backpack.
Layering up with fleece-lined leggings, some thermal tops, and some sports socks will make sure you stay comfortable in the Lofoten Islands.
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.
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.
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.
Sign up for my travel newsletter here and be the first to get my best travel advice and secret finds — so you can discover hidden gems, and travel like an insider (not just a tourist).
Flights: Going is the first place I check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.
Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.
Travel Insurance: I never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! I use and trust Visitors Coverage, which I have used for the past 10 years.
Let me book your trip! Looking for a Travel Advisor to help you plan your trip? Learn more here!
The post Lofoten Islands, Norway Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.
Plan your trip to San Juan Island, Washington with our guide to the best things to do, top restaurants, and where to stay in Friday Harbor and beyond.
San Juan Island, the second largest of Washington’s San Juan Islands, is known for its temperate climate, easy-going island vibe, and multitude of outdoor recreation options.
A place where there’s seemingly an adventure around every corner, there is an activity here suited for almost every interest. Read below for our tips on where to stay and the best activities on San Juan Island, Washington.
Joining a kayaking tour with Discovery Sea Kayaks is one of San Juan Island’s most popular activities, and for good reason. Offering half day, full day, sunset, and overnight trips, the experience guarantees awesome wildlife viewing (including potential whale encounters), quality equipment, and highly-skilled guides.
I had a blast on my two-day tour with them. Spending two days in nature, with nothing but the sound of our paddles hitting the water is an experience I’ll never forget!
Read more: San Juan Islands Kayaking: A Multi-Day Trip for Spotting Whales
Lime Kiln State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, rests on the west side of San Juan Island and is known for its gorgeous sunsets, diving opportunities, and excellent bird-watching. Not to mention the abundance of Orcas who hang out in the waters of Haro Strait.
If Lime Kiln Point State Park has you wanting to get out on the water rather than just watch from shore, a guided kayak tour launches you right into the same prime whale-watching waters, paddling the west side coastline with views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island in the distance.
Speaking of whale watching, if you’re looking for an excellent experience, then a tour with Western Prince is the way to go. Their Western Explorer is an open-air, zodiac-style boat that gets you out fast to where the wildlife is, their tour sizes are kept small, and their captains and naturalists are very knowledgeable.
Known as “the gateway” to San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is a quaint town home to mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, museums, and tour headquarters. The beauty of Friday Harbor (besides visually of course) is that all the attractions in the town are within walking distance of the ferry landing.
Read more: Packing Light: How To Pack For Carry-On Only
Booking a seaplane tour to take you over San Juan Island will not only offer you an unbeatable bird’s eye view, it will also provide you a fun narration from very knowledgeable guides so that you can fully grasp what you’re looking at from your perch high in the sky.
For a completely different kind of kayaking experience, a nighttime paddle out of Friday Harbor (book here) lets you see the water come alive with bioluminescence. Launching at dusk from Jackson’s Beach into Griffin Bay, you’ll paddle out among harbor seals as the sky darkens, then watch the water light up with a natural blue-green glow as your paddle disturbs the tiny organisms below.
Easily reached from Friday Harbor, the lavender fields at Alchemy Art Center (formerly Pelindaba Organic Lavender Farm) are still open to the public and worth the short drive. It’s a perfect spot for photo opportunities!
Read more: Best Weekend Getaways In Washington State
Located on the south of the island in the National Historic Park, South Beach is a pebble beach perfect for relaxing, lighting up a fire pit, or having a picnic. The beach is a quick seven miles from Friday Harbor and, in the summertime, often hosts live music. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for the adorable wild foxes if you head this way!
Read more: The Ultimate Packing Guide for Travel Photographers
Resting on the southeastern tip of San Juan Island is Cattle Point Lighthouse, a 34-foot white tower that provides a pretty contrast to the surrounding natural scenery. While the lighthouse was built by the US Navy in 1935, there has been a navigation lantern in this spot from as early as 1888.
Do you have a love for great wine, or just love strolling around pretty grounds while taking in lush scenery? Then a visit to the award winning San Juan Vineyard is for you. In operation since 1996, the vineyards feature wine tastings, tours, and even different events throughout the year.
Located in Friday Harbor, The Whale Museum first opened to the public in 1979 and since has been “promoting stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.” A visit to the museum will teach you all about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and they even have an adopt-a-whale program.
Read more: The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Campers
Located four and a half miles from Friday Harbor, Duck Soup is a sophisticated restaurant that is out to give visitors a “sense of place” by procuring ingredients from local farms, fisheries and craft-makers. The space is beautifully styled in country décor making the atmosphere cozy and inviting.
San Juan Island Brewing Co., located in Friday Harbor, is an independent craft brewery that serves locally-brewed ales and lagers. In addition to their excellent beers, they also offer traditional pub fare such as burgers and pizza.
Located in downtown Friday Harbor, Mike’s Café & Wine Bar is a relaxing place to go for a locally sourced wine, beer, and healthy eats. The restaurant’s mission is to, and to help others, live sustainable, healthy lives with compassion for the planet, and so all their menu options are vegan.
The restaurant located in the Friday Harbor House Hotel is a favorite for local islanders and visitors alike. Their menu options are created with fresh, local ingredients, and their daily brunch can’t be missed.
Located right downtown in Friday Harbor, Bird Rock Hotel is a 15-room boutique location that features all kinds of rooms and amenities, including homemade scones in the morning, and access to their off-site indoor pool and fitness studio. The hotel even provides complimentary beach cruiser bikes!
Read more: Best Weekend Getaways in the USA
Located at Three Lakes rests Lakedale Resort, a destination that provides accommodations ranging from hotel rooms, log cabins, camping sites, to canvas-style “glamping” sites. Situated over 82 acres, Lakedale Resort is a haven for outdoorsy types, providing activities such as boat rentals, stand-up paddle boards, fishing opportunities, and so much more.
Sun Gear: A stay on San Juan Island basically means you’ll be spending much of your time outdoors, so make sure to pack sunglasses (these are my go-to budget sunglasses) and sunscreen (this is my absolute favorite daily sunblock).
Whale Watching Gear: While San Juan Island doesn’t get the amount of rain that Seattle gets, if you plan on going whale watching, you’re going to want to take a waterproof windbreaker and waterproof backpack cover. And don’t forget your binoculars!
Swim Gear: With so many water sports available, don’t forget to pack your favorite swimsuit and quick drying towel.
Sign up for my travel newsletter here and be the first to get my best travel advice and secret finds — so you can discover hidden gems, and travel like an insider (not just a tourist).
Flights: Going is the first place I check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.
Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.
Travel Insurance: I never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! I use and trust Visitors Coverage, which I have used for the past 10 years.
Let me book your trip! Looking for a Travel Advisor to help you plan your trip? Learn more here!
The post San Juan Island, Washington: Best Things to Do, Eat & Where to Stay appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.
