A postcard from Norway
Lofoten
The Lofoten islands have become a world-famous destination. Some claim it is the most beautiful place in Norway! It’s hard to disagree as Lofoten offers spectacular landscapes like nowhere else on earth. You will feel like you are in one of the pictures from Norway we often see in travel guides. Read below to discover how you can visit this stunning archipelago.
Explore the Lofoten islands
Sharp mountains rising straight from the sea, white sandy beaches, turquoise Arctic waters, dramatic fjords and idyllic fishing villages: that’s the Lofoten islands in a nutshell!
Lofoten is an archipelago of seven main islands, five of which are connected by bridges, located above the Arctic Circle.
Lofoten has developed thanks to the production of stockfish and still has a vibrant coastal culture, as evidenced by the wooden drying racks and rorbu (traditional fishermen’s cabins) we can see along the road.
Explore the Lofoten islands
Sharp mountains rising straight from the sea, white sandy beaches, turquoise Arctic waters, dramatic fjords and idyllic fishing villages: that’s the Lofoten islands in a nutshell! Lofoten is an archipelago of seven main islands, five of which are connected by bridges, located above the Arctic Circle. Lofoten has developed thanks to the production of stockfish and still has a vibrant coastal culture, as evidenced by the wooden drying racks and rorbu (traditional fishermen’s cabins) we can see along the road.
A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts
Hiking, fishing, kayaking, climbing or even surfing (at Unstad beach!): there’s something for everyone. Lofoten is also a paradise for photographers as you will find a unique and special light all year round. Lofoten becomes even more magical during the Midnight Sun season from late May to mid-July. As the sun never sets below the horizon, the landscapes are lit up in a beautiful golden colour around midnight. From September to April, you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights illuminating the sky.
How to get there?
The best way to travel to the Lofoten islands is by bus! The Arctic Route offers two new summer routes, between 15th of June and 14th of August, during 2023, and between Tromsø and Kabelvåg (in Lofoten), via Senja and Vesterålen and between Narvik and Å (a village near the southern tip of the Lofoten). You can fly into the airport of Tromsø – get to the Arctic Route bus pick-up point by taking our Airport Express from the airport of Tromsø or Evenes (pick-up point on our Arctic Route Narvik – Å, route available during the summer).
You can also fly to one of the two main towns (Leknes or Svolvær) or take a ferry from Bodø or the Vesterålen islands.
You can also follow the E10 from Narvik and continue on one of the 18 National Scenic Routes. Driving in Lofoten between the jagged peaks and the open sea is the ultimate road trip!
During the summertime, you can discover Lofoten by bike, boat, or on foot! Asking us about the best places in the Lofoten islands is a tough question because the whole archipelago is amazing.
What do to in Lofoten?
When planning your holiday to the Lofoten islands, you will soon discover there are many things to do!
In summer, it’s best to discover Lofoten by sea. For instance, you can join a whale watching from Svolvær to Andenes, go on a round trip by bus and Hurtigruten ship into Trollfjord from Lofoten, visit the UNESCO Nusfjord village and the Lofotr Viking Museum, you can join a cruise to Trollfjord, by hybrid catamaran or by sailing boat: try fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, or swimming in one of Norway’s most beautiful and narrowest fjords.
If you are lucky, you might spot mighty see eagles hovering in the sky.
In the evening, a dinner cruise takes you along the coastline of Lofoten while you taste the Arctic cuisine. Other cruises take you to lovely places like Skrova, “the Hawaii of Lofoten”, with our Sailing, Hiking and Fishing Tour to Skrova and Litlmolla or Henningsvær with its famous football field.
On these tours, you can go ashore to explore the local villages. If you prefer exploring Lofoten by land, you can join a sightseeing tour by minibus taking you to must-see places like the beaches of Unstad and Haukland or the island of Gimsøya, home to a unique golf course.
Besides admiring the beautiful landscapes, the tours provide the opportunity to learn more about the local traditions, fishing culture and history of the Lofoten islands. Most of the activities depart from the town of Svolvær.
Where to stay in Lofoten?
When in Lofoten, stay in the authentic small fisher village of Hamnøy, located 15 minutes north of Reine village. The fully renovated cabins will cover your needs during your summer holiday stay in the Arctic in Norway.
- Hamnøy
- Transportation: Via the Arctic Route buses (Narvik – Lofoten – Narvik)
- Fishermen’s cabins
At Eliassen, you find the new restaurant Gadus, serving local dishes with a twist and, on walking distance, you will Anita’s Sjømat and Underhuset.
Go on a whale watching tour in Andenes
Vesterålen archipelago, known as one of the best places in the world to
observe fin whales, sperm whales, and orcas. The clear water and rugged
coastline provide ideal viewing conditions for observing these
magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Jump on a Rigid
Inflatable Boat and see these incredible creatures!
You will need an overnight if you are coming from Tromsø, to join a Whale Watching tour at Andenes, during your Arctic summer holiday.
We offer you two options:
Sailing into Trollfjord via the iconic Hurtigruten
The iconic Hurtigruten ships sail during summer along the Norwegian coast, from south to north, and from north to south. Some say it is the world’s most beautiful coastal cruise trip. Don’t miss the chance to be able to join this ship in Stokmarknes, while sailing into one of Norway’s most majestic fjord: Trollfjorden.
With the Arctic Route, we bring you from Svolvær to Stokmarknes (two hours), where there is time to discover the Hurtigruten Museum and the hometown of Hurtigruten. In the early afternoon, you embark on the Hurtigruten ship, ready to sail into Trollfjorden, on your way back to Svolvær (three hours).
How to get there?
The best way to travel to the Lofoten islands is by bus! The Arctic Route offers two new summer routes, between 15th of June and 14th of August, during 2023, and between Tromsø and Kabelvåg (in Lofoten), via Senja and Vesterålen and between Narvik and Å (a village near the southern tip of the Lofoten). You can fly into the airport of Tromsø – get to the Arctic Route bus pick-up point by taking our Airport Express from the airport of Tromsø or Evenes (pick-up point on our Arctic Route Narvik – Å, route available during the summer).
You can also fly to one of the two main towns (Leknes or Svolvær) or take a ferry from Bodø or the Vesterålen islands.
You can also follow the E10 from Narvik and continue on one of the 18 National Scenic Routes. Driving in Lofoten between the jagged peaks and the open sea is the ultimate road trip!
During the summertime, you can discover Lofoten by bike, boat, or on foot! Asking us about the best places in the Lofoten islands is a tough question because the whole archipelago is amazing.
What do to in Lofoten?
When planning your holiday to the Lofoten islands, you will soon discover there are many things to do!
In summer, it’s best to discover Lofoten by sea. For instance, you can join a whale watching from Svolvær to Andenes, go on a round trip by bus and Hurtigruten ship into Trollfjord from Lofoten, visit the UNESCO Nusfjord village and the Lofotr Viking Museum, you can join a cruise to Trollfjord, by hybrid catamaran or by sailing boat: try fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, or swimming in one of Norway’s most beautiful and narrowest fjords.
If you are lucky, you might spot mighty see eagles hovering in the sky.
In the evening, a dinner cruise takes you along the coastline of Lofoten while you taste the Arctic cuisine. Other cruises take you to lovely places like Skrova, “the Hawaii of Lofoten”, with our Sailing, Hiking and Fishing Tour to Skrova and Litlmolla or Henningsvær with its famous football field.
On these tours, you can go ashore to explore the local villages. If you prefer exploring Lofoten by land, you can join a sightseeing tour by minibus taking you to must-see places like the beaches of Unstad and Haukland or the island of Gimsøya, home to a unique golf course.
Besides admiring the beautiful landscapes, the tours provide the opportunity to learn more about the local traditions, fishing culture and history of the Lofoten islands. Most of the activities depart from the town of Svolvær.
Where to stay in Lofoten?
When in Lofoten, stay in the authentic small fisher village of Hamnøy, located 15 minutes north of Reine village. The fully renovated cabins will cover your needs during your summer holiday stay in the Arctic in Norway.
- Hamnøy
- Transportation: Via the Arctic Route buses (Narvik – Lofoten – Narvik)
- Fishermen’s cabins
At Eliassen, you find the new restaurant Gadus, serving local dishes with a twist and, on walking distance, you will Anita’s Sjømat and Underhuset.
Go on a whale watching tour in Andenes
Vesterålen archipelago, known as one of the best places in the world to
observe fin whales, sperm whales, and orcas. The clear water and rugged
coastline provide ideal viewing conditions for observing these
magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Jump on a Rigid
Inflatable Boat and see these incredible creatures!
You will need an overnight if you are coming from Tromsø, to join a Whale Watching tour at Andenes, during your Arctic summer holiday.
We offer you two options:
Sailing into Trollfjord via the iconic Hurtigruten
The iconic Hurtigruten ships sail during summer along the Norwegian coast, from south to north, and from north to south. Some say it is the world’s most beautiful coastal cruise trip. Don’t miss the chance to be able to join this ship in Stokmarknes, while sailing into one of Norway’s most majestic fjord: Trollfjorden.
With the Arctic Route, we bring you from Svolvær to Stokmarknes (two hours), where there is time to discover the Hurtigruten Museum and the hometown of Hurtigruten. In the early afternoon, you embark on the Hurtigruten ship, ready to sail into Trollfjorden, on your way back to Svolvær.