The wild and rugged beauty of the Lofoten Islands is a highlight of any trip to Norway. Yet due to its location in the far-reaching corners of the Arctic Circle, this rugged chain of islands is often missed off Norway travel itineraries.
Are you thinking of visiting Norway and wondering if the trip northbound is worth the extra effort? Speaking from personal experience, yes, it is absolutely is worth the extra effort. I’ve been twice, and would go another ten times if I could. The nature is pristine and landscape is beyond beautiful. Words can’t even begin to give it justice, but I’ll try anyway.
In this guide to the Lofoten Islands, I will highlight the best places to visit and what you can expect to see and do along the way.
Dramatic glacier-carved mountains soar straight out of the sea dwarfing tiny little fishing villages. Sheltered bays and fjords line the coast, and the smell of dried cod lingers ubiquitously in the cool air. There’s nowhere quite like the Lofoten Islands anywhere on earth.
Guide to the Lofoten Islands: a journey though pristine nature
Out of all the places I’ve been in Norway over the years, the Lofoten Islands has been my favourite place to explore inside mainland Norway (my favourite place is Svalbard, all the way up in the Arctic Ocean).
As I mentioned, I’ve been twice to the Lofoten Islands and both times I didn’t want to leave. Seriously, if there was a prison on the island, I would commit a crime if it meant I could stay and peer out at a fjord view all day.
The landscape is truly breathtaking, and the feeling of isolation and serenity that hits you once you arrive is like nothing else.
While this guide to the Lofoten Islands highlights some of the best places I think you should visit, it sort of doesn’t really matter what you end up doing. If all you want to do is just relax with a good book and an open view of nature, that would also be a trip well spent.
Some of my favourite moments where simply spent driving on the long swooping roads that skim past the sea and mountains and beaches. Yes, you really do get beaches this far up North!
How to get to the Lofoten Islands
The journey to Lofoten is an adventure in itself. Visitors can arrive by ferry from Bodø, fly into Leknes or Svolvær airports, or take a road trip along the scenic E10 highway, which connects the islands to the mainland.
The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of jagged peaks rising straight from the sea, turquoise bays, and charming red rorbuer (traditional fishermen’s cabins), many of which have been converted into cosy accommodations.
Svolvær
The ‘capital’ of the Lofotens is Svolvær. Just like most towns and cities in the Arctic, it’s relatively small but the largest town on Lofoten nonetheless.
You’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants and a couple of museums. For something a little different you could head to the Ice bar, visit the War Museum or check out what’s on offer at the activity centre at Lofoten Explorer.
The first time I visited during winter I went on a RIB Safari and saw lots of Arctic Wildlife, including Sea Eagles. If you’re extremely lucky, you might even spot orcas.
All in all, if you’re looking for a mixture of nature and things to do, Svolvær is the place you’ll want to stay. It’s also super photogenic due to the jagged peaks that enclose the town. For the best views, I recommend doing the Tjeldbergtind hike.
Read more ? Seeing the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands
Accommodation on Svolvær
Svinøya Rorbuer is easily my favourite place to stay in Svolvær. Considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the authenticity of the traditional rorbuer. Craftsmanship and exposed timber have been preserved to provide a feeling of what a rorbu cabin was like in the halcyon days when fishermen would harvest the seas of Lofoten.
If you prefer a spot of luxury and would prefer something bigger you could opt for the modernised cabins (pictured behind me in the photograph above).
Where to eat on Svolvær
Budget – If you’re looking for a place to have a drink I recommend bar & restaurant Bacalao, the atmosphere is nice and chilled and offers a beautiful view of the harbour. The food isn’t wow, but you’re sure to find something on the menu. It’s also a great place to socialise and meet locals and other travellers. During winter, be a bee-line toward to cosy fireplace.
Splurge – For somewhere more romantic and intimate in Svolvær, venture over to Borsen Spiseri tucked away inside the grounds of Svinøya Rorbuer. The genuine, tar-coated timber work, small windows and dimly lit atmosphere offers a truly memorable experience. But of course, the only thing topping the decor is the delicious food. To avoid disappointment I’d recommend booking.
Reine
Located on the island of Moskenesøya, Reine is perhaps considered the most beautiful place in the Lofoten Islands due to the towering God-like peak that eclipses everything in sight. The most famous photos of Lofoten are usually taken at Reine so that tells you everything you ought to know.
Must-do activity: The Reinebringen is perhaps the most famous hike in Lofoten and you’ll understand why once you see the panoramas. Though short, it is steep, but the reward is a panoramic view over Reinefjord, with the village of Reine and the surrounding islands spread out below.
It’s easily accessible on foot from Reine and takes about 2 hours to complete (there and back). The path is rocky and involves a steep climb, but stone steps have been installed to make the ascent easier. Make sure you pack hiking boots!
Accommodation on Reine
At the mouth of Reinefjord lies Reine Rorbuer where the majestic Lofoten peaks and the Arctic Ocean are its closest neighbours. Very similar to Svinøya Rorbuer, expect gorgeous little cabins all tastefully restored to preserve the atmosphere of their former use as fishermen’s dwellings with modern comfort.
Where to eat in Reine
There are a few places to eat in Reine, but I’d recommend Gammelbua, the restaurant and bar which belongs to Reine Rorbuer. The dining area is super cosy with open timber work and quirky little vintage photos and fishing paraphernalia adding a storm of character.
If you’re only doing a pit stop there’s also a convenience store to stock up on lots of Norwegian sweets and chocolate. What do I recommend? The Norwegian chocolate crisp called Smash! Be warned: they’re addictive!
Nusfjord
In the middle of the Lofoten Islands is a place called Nusfjord and it’s really, really, pretty. Honestly, I can’t emphasise this point enough. I stayed here for a night and I found the isolation of the area so appealing. It felt really cosy and special. If money were not a factor, I could easily have spent two weeks here with a good book, simply enjoying the remoteness and view of endless fjord.
It’s a protected area so the buildings have historical value. They have all retained many of their original features and you can walk around most of them from along a wooden broadway. In true post-card fashion, you’ll see cod drying on racks by the harbour and dangling around the buildings.
There’s also a really cute, non-tacky souvenir shop on site. As the heavens started to open, I managed to find myself a waterproof bucket hat that I purchased. I ended up looking like Paddington Bear which is never a bad thing.
Must-do activity: Staying in Nusfjord is the ideal base for enjoy the Kvalvika Beach hike. It is a favourite for its secluded golden sands surrounded by towering cliffs. For those interested in a more challenging adventure, Ryten Mountain offers a stunning hike with views over Kvalvika Beach and beyond. I
n the summer, the Midnight Sun shines nearly 24 hours a day, providing extended daylight for exploration. By the way, if you’re a big fan of hiking, summer is definitely the best time to go to Lofoten Islands.
Accommodation on Nusfjord
Across all the islands, Nusfjord Arctic Resort is probably my favourite. It’s like a little open-air museum, partly due to its status as being a heritage site so things have to be preserved in a very authentic way in Nusfjord. As soon as I headed into the small hamlet where it hides picturesquely down a winding road and towering mountain it gave me a tingling feeling all over.
The cabins are very eclectic – no two rorbuer are the same – and they vary in comfort levels so take this into consideration when booking.
Suzel basking in the morning sunshine flooding across Nusfjord (but true to form, the heavens opened only minutes later).
While we stayed in one of the modern cabins which is great for people who enjoy a touch of luxury. Guests also have the choice to stay in more traditional rorbuer which maintain authentic features, some with bunk beds and original wooden paneling.
Where to eat in Nusfjord
Nusfjord is only teeny tiny but there’s also a stunning restaurant on site offering freshly served catch-of-the-day straight from the fjord.
For a quirky touch they put the buffet breakfast across a refurbished wooden boat they’ve lugged inside from sea. You also have the pleasure of panoramic views overlooking the vast fjord and mountain range. Not even your imagination could muster up a landscape more beautiful.
Read More ? The Charming Fishing Village of Nusfjord
Henningsvær
The town of Henningsvær is filled with atmosphere, character and charm. Old wharf buildings that have been battered by the harsh elements dot the landscape along with the addition of a few craft shops and galleries.
Here, you can visit the KaviarFactory, a contemporary art gallery housed in a former caviar processing plant, or simply wander through the village’s art shops and cafes.
The town possesses an old-worlde vibe and it’s easy to see how that place was once a thriving fishing port, but no exists as a quaint, rather sleepy fishing village.
The drive to get into town is one of the best drives on the island (hopefully the weather is clear) as the road swoops low beside the sea. When we began exploring it seemed like we were the only tourists here; in fact, the whole town appeared deserted which gave it a strange, Twin Peaks vibe.
I wouldn’t call myself a football fanatic, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling inspired by what’s probably the world’s most beautiful football stadium located within the vicinity.
Accommodation on Henningsvær
This time I haven’t chosen a robu for accommodation, instead the waterfront Henningsvær Bryggehotel does the trick with its more conventional hotel offerings and comforts.
Where to eat in Henningsvær
There’s a surprising number of cafes on Henningsvær for its size, and a lot of people come here to try Fiskekrogen, a well-known restaurant in town specialising in fish and seafood.
Å
Just a single letter, surely Å must be the world’s shortest name for a town. Well, with a population of only approximately 150 people I think you could only call this place a village at best.
Besides the astonishingly short name (make sure you take a picture of the sign post as you enter this tiny fishing hamlet), it also has astonishing beauty and some stunning walking routes.
Located close to Reine, the drive heading into Å is incredibly atmospheric with re-painted rorbuer lining the shores, many of them sticking straight out from the sea or perched precariously on rocks connected by wooden footbridges.
Racks of dying cod lie adorn the landscape and provide picture-postcard scenes at every turn. It’s the ideal location for the Torresfiskmuseum where you can immerse yourself in the history of the stockfish industry.
Note that since this place is extremely small, I probably wouldn’t suggest staying here. However, it’s still an essential place to stop for exploration. It offers an arrange of stunning hiking routes too.
