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.

How to get there?

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.

From Evenes Airport/ Narvik train station:

Take the Airport Transfer between Evenes Airport and Svolvær (Lofoten) available during the summer, connecting with direct flights from Zurich, Frankfurt and Paris.

From Summer 2024, Discover Airlines will be flying from Frankfurt to Evenes Airport, where you can be picked up by our summer bus route between Narvik and Svolvær.

The Arctic Route buses connect with the Narvik trains (departures and arrivals). Read more here.

From Bodø:

You can take a ferry from Bodø (Moskenes ferry). The Arctic Route connects with the 14:15 arrival from Bodø and 14:45 departure to Bodø. The ferry ride takes 3,15 hours, crossing a distance of 88,90 km. Read more information here.

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, explore Nusfjord village or go on a fishing trip in Nusfjord, from Svolvær.

You can also join a hybrid-electric cruise to Trollfjord. If you are lucky, you might spot mighty sea eagles hovering in the sky.

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.

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

Whale watching in Andenes, Norway, is unique due to its location on the
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!

We have daily departures by bus, from Tromsø and Svolvær, with our daily Arctic Route buses: this gives you every day the possibility to experience this, between the 15th of June and the 31st of August.

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 these 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).

Explore the unique Nusfjord village, from Svolvær

Visit Henningsvær (60 minutes) and Nusfjord by bus on a day trip, by Svolvær and join a 3-hour fishing trip.

You can also join a unique full-day tour with a 1-hour guided historical walk in Nusfjord, with lunch, and a 60-minute visit to Henningsvær included.

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.