A postcard from Norway - Visit the Lofoten islands in Norway

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.

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Tours & activities in Lofoten

Whale tail emerging from the sea during a whale watching tour in northern Norway

Whale-Watching at Andenes

14 hours

07:35

Svolvær

Join us on an Arctic Whale Watching Safari, in Andenes, with bus transport from Svolvær, and watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales, above the Arctic Circle, in Norway.

From 3630 NOK per person

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What you need to know

What to do in Lofoten, Norway in the summer

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The 5 best spots for hiking in Lofoten, Norway, accessible by the Arctic Route buses

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How to get to Lofoten?

From Tromsø:

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 31th of August, during 2024,  and between Tromsø and Svolvær 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.

Getting to Lofoten from Tromsø

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 or explore Nusfjord village.

You can also join a hybrid-electric cruise to Trollfjord.

 

Summer activities from 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
  • 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.

 

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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.

Map of Northern Europe highlighting the Lofoten archipelago in Norway

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.

Whatever your style, Lofoten offers accommodation for all tastes and styles:

Where to stay in Lofoten?

Å Rorbuer

Eliassen Rorbuer

Svinøya Rorbuer

Skårungen Base Camp

Thon Hotel Svolvær

Nyvgår Lodge

Reine Rorbuer