a red fire hydrant in front of a large body of water

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Traveling to Lofoten is increasingly popular. On an annual basis, the number of tourists who travel to this archipelago in northern Norway seeking the supernatural Arctic landscapes increases.

a large body of water with mountains

Inside the Lofoten Islands, one finds otherworldly steep fjords, turquoise waters, a wide diversity of cetacean species, and an unfussy lifestyle that steals the heart.

a mountain range with mountains in the distance

During the warm season, the vast bulk of visitors travel to the Lofoten islands by recreational vehicle or motorhome as wild sleeping is one of the main attractions on the location. However, the typical plan in winter is to schedule a trip to witness the Northern Lights in Lofoten. Following the high latitude where these group of islands are situated, noticing this phenomenon is relatively simple.

Regardless of when one travels or the means of transportation utilized, taking a road journey to Lofoten is an experience that will never be forgotten and with this Lofoten travel blog we hope to help plan the perfect travel itinerary.

Throughout this article, we will see all the activities in detail. Primarily, and to summarize, these are the main ones:

The 10 best things to do in the Lofoten Islands
  1. Drive across the Lofoten King’s Road to enjoy the impressive fjords.
  2. Tour the fishing villages of HamnΓΈy and Reine.
  3. View the Northern Lights over the incredible landscapes of Lofoten.
  4. Stroll along the arctic beaches of Skagsanden, Haukland, and Uttakleiv.
  5. Enjoy the midnight sun in summer from the top of a mountain.
  6. Photograph the picturesque Nordic churches such as the Red Church of Flakstad present on the islands.
  7. Go to the Viking Museum of Lofoten to learn more about the initial settlers of the islands.
  8. Participate in a winter whale watching tour.
  9. Kayak among the towering Norwegian fjords of the Arctic region.
  10. Visit Γ…, the community known for having the shortest place name globally.

a large body of water surrounded by mountains

We took a 10-day trip around the Lofoten islands by Camper Van in November, to view the Northern Lights and were able to see them seven nights out of the 10 we spent on the islands. If your purpose for this trip is to witness the Aurora Borealis over the Lofoten islands do not miss our article to see the Northern Lights in Norway.

On the other hand, if photography of the Northern Lights and Lofoten landscapes is an interest, I encourage joining our Lofoten photography tour where the techniques for capturing images of the Aurora Borealis will be demonstrated in detail, as described in this article.

Travel to Lofoten Islands, Norway

The archipelago of Lofoten is formed by a group of islands located in the region of Nordland, just above the Arctic Circle. The primary islands (AustvΓ₯gΓΈya, GimsΓΈya, VestvΓ₯gΓΈya, FlakstadΓΈya, and MoskenesΓΈya) are connected by the popularly known as King Olav V route, road E10. This 186-mile road links the archipelago with the mainland. However, there are still other smaller islands that are only accessible by ferry.

This road is possibly one of the most photogenic places on Earth, with scenes like picturesque fishermen`s wooden cabins and steep fjords over impressive turquoise waters.

Therefore, it is no surprise that more and more individuals opt to go sightseeing in Lofoten.

a red and white boat sitting in the middle of a lake

Our travel itinerary for Lofoten contains:

We hope you find this Guide to Lofoten of any use and do not hesitate to leave us a comment if you need more information about Lofoten.

What to do in the Lofoten Islands

Depending on the time of year when you travel, the top things to do in Lofoten Islands change drastically.

While winter presents the best opportunity to see the spectacular Northern Lights illuminating the landscapes of Lofoten covered in snow, summer allows us to enjoy the finest hiking routes in Lofoten beneath the stunning perpetual daylight.

a church with a clock on the top of it

The days are brief during the winter, so we will have less time to partake in some of the activities of Lofoten. Therefore, in this segment, we will cover initially the things to do if you travel to Lofoten in winter.

Best things to do in Lofoten in Winter

Given the limited hours of daylight during winter, visitors should familiarize themselves in advance with the premier attractions to visit in Lofoten. Some of the fundamental islands to explore in Lofoten are MoskenesΓΈya, FlakstadΓΈya, and VestvΓ₯gΓΈya, located in the southern region of the archipelago where the principal draws are found. For this reason, touring these islands should be among the initial activities undertaken when visiting Lofoten in winter.

Fishing Villages in Lofoten

While numerous other fishing villages exist, as winter days are extremely brief, I will only recommend the two villages that you cannot fail to see in Lofoten.

HAMNØY

The most striking thing to behold in Lofoten is the picturesque fishing village of HamnΓΈy, located on MoskenesΓΈya island and from where hundreds of photographs have likely been taken, with the remarkable Reinefjord in the background.

The most iconic representation of the location is taken from the bridge connecting Hamnoy to Toppoya where old fishermen`s dwellings called “Rorbuers” (now changed into tourism lodging) are founded at the base of the rocky formation.

As we will discuss in the accommodation section, spending at least one night in one of the cabins is fundamental in Lofoten.

REINE

After another 3 minutes on King Road, you will arrive at Reine, where you can find a gas station, supermarket and some shops.

a large body of water with snow capped mountains

Here, a somewhat larger fishing village compared to the previous one can be found, with strikingly colored Rorbuer located beside flakes – wooden constructs that can be spotted all over which are employed for drying cod during the months of January to April.

a large body of water with a lighthouse

If you follow the King Road for another quarter hour, you will arrive at the village with the briefest name in the world, Γ…, where the E10 road concludes.

Seeing the Northern Lights in Lofoten Islands

There are many places to witness the Northern Lights. However, it is difficult to find conditions as comparable as in the Lofoten Islands.

a large body of water with a bridge over it

During the winter months, we can experience up to 20 hours of complete darkness, which is essential for appreciating the Northern Lights display. However, what makes Lofoten truly unique is its anomalous climate, a phenomenon unmatched anywhere else in the world. In similar latitudes, temperatures frequently plunge to -22Β°F in some areas during winter, whereas in Lofoten the mercury regularly remains above 23Β°F. This is owing to the warmth brought by currents from the Gulf of Mexico flowing along the coast of Lofoten, thus generating a microclimate.

If you are planning to travel to Lofoten in winter (the optimal period to view Northern Lights), I suggest you become knowledgeable in predicting them.

Here is an interesting link about some of the best locations to view the awe-inspiring Northern Lights phenomenon: prime spots for spotting the Aurora Borealis.

a scenic view of a city at night

The prime locales to view the Northern Lights in Lofoten are those beaches facing northward that will be described below:

SKAGSANDEN BEACH

The initial time we observed the Northern Lights in Lofoten was at Skagsanden beach, situated in the Northwest of the FlakstadΓΈya island, in the village of Flakstad.

a sunset on a cloudy day with a mountain

Cooking Apparatus Jetboil + Campingaz

a large body of water with mountains

Very near the beach you will also find the amazing church of Flakstad, the Flakstad Kirke with a vivid red color that looks as if it was taken from a fairytale.

STORSANDNES BEACH

Another beach for seeing the Northern Lights in Lofoten and, also, one of those must-do activities in the Lofoten Islands is visiting Storsandnes beach, also facing north so you can enjoy the amazing displays of green glow from the Arctic.

a sunset view of a large body of water

The coastline is impressive, not solely for viewing and photographing the Northern Lights, but I also recommend visiting during daylight hours because it constitutes one of the finest beaches in Lofoten.

a large body of water with a lighthouse

UTTAKLEIV BEACH

Uttakleiv beach, or the β€œbeach of the heart” is our preferred location to view the Aurora phenomenon.

This location has a huge sandy area and another rocky zone to the west, which may be your favorite if you enjoy photography.

a blurry picture of some water and mountains

However, experiencing it during daylight hours did not satisfy our expectations, owing to the blustery gusts of wind that sometimes struck this beach. Even so, we found the peculiar heart-shaped stone unique to this beach.

a beach with a bunch of rocks on top of it

MYRLAND

To arrive at the beach called Myrland, one must follow the trail leading to Storsandnes to its end. It was unfortunate we lacked the time to visit, as photographs depict an amazingly scenic shore also optimally positioned for Northern Lights viewing. Certainly, exploring this beach tops our itinerary for a future trip rediscovering the splendors of Lofoten.

Best Beaches in Lofoten Islands

Beyond those referred to in the prior section, you must visit other shores in Lofoten, though they are not best for seeing Northern Lights.

Nevertheless, visiting them during the lovely and fleeting winter light is worth it, as you can enjoy from them remarkable sunrises and sunsets.

HAUKLAND BEACH

A must experience in Lofoten is to visit Haukland beach. Its calm, light blue waters and fine white sand surrounded by sharp, vertical rock faces will leave you speechless. From this beach, we witnessed a spectacular sunset with the sun hiding in the space between the vertical rock walls.

We could also see the Northern Lights from here. However, it is not the ideal location since it faces west instead of north.

an aerial view of a sunset on a cloudy day

VIK BEACH

As an extension of Haukland, the small cove of Vik is also an amazing place that needs to be seen in Lofoten. The waters also demonstrate a distinctive color but the extension of the white sand beach is much smaller.

a large body of water surrounded by mountains

UNSTAD

Another thing you must do in Lofoten in winter is to visit Unstad beach, with a particular azure hue and extensive white sand.

Due to the limited hours of daylight, it was impossible to visit it but it remains on our list for a future arctic adventure. Check the beautiful scenery!

whale watching tour in Lofoten islands

One of the most popular activities to engage in in Lofoten during winter is the Whale Safari in VesterΓ₯len.

From November to March, various types of whales including killer whales, humpback whales, fin whales, and sperm whales can frequently be seen off the coast of this archipelago, located north of the Lofoten Islands, as they follow the migratory paths of herring.

It is undeniably the optimum place to view whales in Norway and also to swim with them, as numerous companies, besides proposing boat trips to observe whales in Lofoten, also offer the activity of snorkeling with killer whales. This was a goal that I was unable to achieve in November – even though the whales are already present, companies do not commence furnishing services until the beginning of the high season in December.

Some of the companies that organize whale safaris in Lofoten are Sea Safari and Whale Safari. Most of them are situated in the area of Andenes, so if you travel during the Whale season, do not hesitate to see orcas in Lofoten booking any of these tours.

What to do in Lofoten in Summer

Summer offers the prime time to visit Lofoten by campervan or to revel in the amazing hiking routes along the fjords.

a car parked on the side of a road near a mountain

While there are insufficient hours of night to view the Aurora Borealis, all locations proposed in the prior segment are fantastic places to visit year-round and you can utilize planning your next Lofoten vacation regardless of the season.

In this section, we will provide information about things to do in the Lofoten Islands during the summer that would not be done during a winter trip around Lofoten.

Best hikes in Lofoten

The ideal thing to do in the Lofoten Islands in summer is to track down those views and paths that are impossible to hike during the coldest months.

REINEBRINGEN

Reinebringen is undoubtedly the most scenic viewpoint within all of the Lofoten Islands. However, accessing it still presents risks even in summertime. The trail lacks stability and the smallest misstep here wouldn`t provide a second chance. In fact, there have unfortunately been fatalities that have occurred at Reinebringen. After viewing this image, do you think braving the journey is worthwhile?

Thankfully, after trying to close the route, they opted to make it safer for walkers instead. Currently, the trail remains under lengthy construction.

The next picture was captured with our drone so we could observe part of the view without the hiking.

a large body of water surrounded by mountains

KVALVIKA

Kvalvikacoastline is fairly accessible but not so during winter. The hike takes around 45 minutes along a 1.2-mile route. This small beach is well known for scenic views from one of the surrounding mountains, Ryten, standing at 1640 feet. Here is a photograph captured from there.

There are also regions where you can camp, which makes it a favorite beach destination to enjoy the midnight sun in Lofoten.

BUNES

Bunes beach is one of the remotest and most spectacular beaches, surrounded by cliffs that were carved by ancient glaciers. Reaching there requires a ferry trip from Reine to the village of Vindstad, then it’s a straightforward 1.5-mile hike taking about an hour.

a man riding a wave on top of a surfboard Picture of Bunes Beach:

It is one of the most popular places to visit as a day trip in the summer and not many people opt to camp here. After viewing this image though, we would not mind an overnight stay!

HORSEID

Horseid beach is the least visited of the three beaches discussed. To arrive here requires taking a ferry and then a 2.7-mile hike from KjerkfjΓΈrd that takes a little over two hours. It provides the ideal excursion to sleep camping on the beach for at least one night, before taking the ferry back to the main islands the following day.

VIKING MUSEUM

Another component of Lofoten travel packages worth exploring is the Viking Museum, an excellent place to learn about the ancient ways of Viking societies. Notably, the museum building itself is considered the largest Viking structure identified so far at 270 feet high.

We missed the chance to explore the museum during winter due to the limited daylight hours and extended darkness caused by the Northern Lights, but we have plans for a return trip in summer to do so! One of the most intriguing aspects of the Viking museum is that it serves as a living exhibit, entirely decorated representing the Viking era. There, you can enjoy dance presentations, peruse a marketplace, sample typical Nordic fare, and participate in Viking festival activities. You can check the schedule here.

KAYAKING AMONG FJORDS

Another summertime activity in Lofoten involves kayaking through the fjords. While doable in winter as well, the longer daylight hours make this an excellent original choice for a Lofoten day excursion during a future summer trip.

a mountain range with snow capped mountains

VISIT THE PICTURESQUE FISHING villageS OF LOFOTEN

While touring the fishing villages of Lofoten is an year-round activity, the summer months are best, when there will be more hours of daylight.

The primary villages you should visit in the Lofoten Islands are SvolvΓ¦r (the capital), Sund, where you can enjoy bird watching tours, Nusfjord with its peculiar Storvatnet Lake and KabelvΓ₯g where you will find the second largest wooden church in Norway, the VΓ₯gan Kirke.

How to get to Lofoten Islands

There exist several means to reach the Lofoten Islands. However, the majority of trips pass through Oslo.

Once on the islands, the optimum way to access Lofoten is by flying directly to one of the airports in this archipelago. Additionally, it is also possible to fly to nearby airports and drive from there or even arrive at the Lofoten Islands by ferry.

a bus that is parked on the side of the road

Airports in the Lofoten Islands

There are various airports situated in or near Lofoten. Here are the primary ones:

Getting to Lofoten from Leknes

Leknes represents the closest airport to the Lofoten Islands. This airfield is located just a brief distance from some of the most popular beaches and only about an hour from one of the primary visitor attractions in the Lofoten Islands; the fishing community of Reine.

If planning to travel to Lofoten during peak season, checking flights to this airport first is recommended, since being more frequent during summer, the prices are not as steep as other months throughout the year.

Getting to Lofoten from Svolvær

Svolvær airport, located in the capital of the Lofoten Islands, offers another option to fly to Lofoten. Regrettably, we could not find any good deal at the time of our trip to Lofoten.

Getting to Lofoten from Harstad/Narvik-Evenes

Harstad / Narvik-Evenes Airport is one of the simplest ways to arrive at the Lofoten Islands. Even though territorially it is located in the Ofoten region, it is among the closest airports to the Lofoten Islands, only a couple hours away.

If getting affordable flights to Lofoten, scheduling them a minimum of three months prematurely is most advantageous. You can likewise locate here the optimal strategies for locating low-cost flights anyplace.

Travel from Bodo to Lofoten islands

To reach Lofoten from Bodo airport, you must take a ferry. The Ferry Bodo-Lofoten takes around 4 hours and leaves you at Moskenes.

Flights to Bodo occur with greater regularity than to airports serving Lofoten, so costs tend to be lower normally. However, if one aims to journey throughout Lofoten while preserving funds, the most suitable choice is to fly into Tromso then travel from that city. This would represent our final option, which is what we opted to do.

How to get from Tromso to Lofoten by car

Tromso is regarded as the Arctic Capital. Its airport, although small, is the largest airport in Northern Norway and offers the most affordable and frequent flight alternatives.

However, it is the airport located farthest from Lofoten, so you will essentially lose one full day in travel both to and from transporting yourself from Tromso to Lofoten via automobile.

We opted for this alternative and the added time spent commuting did not bother us because there are numerous activities in Tromso and the scenery was breathtaking, especially along the King’s Route in Lofoten. Additionally, it helped stretch our travel budget for Lofoten.

a red fire hydrant sitting in the middle of a lake

Another advantage of flying to Tromso is the large number of companies that rent recreational vehicles and campervans. This makes the cost much more affordable compared to renting campervans in Lofoten. For us, it was a turning point to find the Norwagon company, which rents campers equipped for the cold winter weather at a great price.

While motorhome rentals in Norway are quite common, if searching for affordable campervans in Lofoten, checking offers in major cities is best.

WHAT TO DO IN TROMSO

If visiting Lofoten from Tromso, you may be interested to know about some of the most popular activities located near Tromso:

  • TromsΓΈ Fjord Excursion:Discover the striking fjords of the Northern Norwegian region through a boat trip along the coastline. Depending on the season, and with some luck, you may see killer whales and humpback whales.

Visits can be made to the Tromvik region, which is highlighted on the provided map, where sightings of whales occasionally occur from shorelines. This is uncommon, yet from December onwards it becomes possible as orcas swim into the fjords searching for herring.

an aerial view of a beach with a cloudy sky

  • Sled Ride:Husky sled rides and reindeer sled drives are very well-known in winter. I don`t especially like this kind of activities. If you choose to take a tour of this type, I would ask you to make certain in progress that the creatures are in good conditions

a herd of sheep standing on top of snow covered ground

Instead, I suggest you visit a reindeer farm during a Sami cultural tour.

If visiting the northernmost city of Norway, check this guide to the recommended places to lodging in Tromso.

Lofoten travel itinerary

I propose experiencing the Lofoten Islands over the course of one week. Yet understand that if embarking from Tromso or Bodo, it is advisable to add at minimum two additional days, taking a 10-day trip among the Lofoten Islands.

a person sitting on a beach next to the ocean

Additionally, when planning our road trip to Lofoten, it is essential to consider the period when we will be traveling.

If traveling to Lofoten in winter to see the Northern Lights, it is best to have a flexible travel plan and avoid a fixed itinerary for Lofoten. Keep in mind that snowstorms are frequent during that season, so you should expect potential delays with losing one or more days if weather becomes severe. Furthermore, the optimum way to view the Northern Lights in Lofoten is to go where they appear, making it difficult to predetermine locations until the day itself. I suggest learning how to see Northern Lights in Norway in advance of your trip.

a sunset on a cloudy day with a lighthouse

However, if we travel to the Lofoten Islands in summer, the days will be longer and we will be able to hike and enjoy wilderness camping activities in the most remote islands. It is advisable to have a marked schedule, since, as it is high season, most accommodation is quickly reserved.

The best travel itinerary to Lofoten in 7 days
  • Day 1: Arrival to the Lofoten Islands + Hamnoy + Reine + Γ…
  • Day 2: Reinebringen + Kvalvika
  • Day 3: Horseid
  • Day 4: Skagsanden + Storsandnes + Myrland
  • Day 5: Vik + Haukland + Uttakleiv
  • Day 6: Unstad + Viking Museum
  • Day 7: Bunes

Lofoten trip budget

If you are wondering if it is possible to travel across Lofoten with a limited budget, I suggest checking our expenses for a Lofoten trip lasting 10 days which provides a breakdown of costs to help plan your own visit without expensive tour packages.

In the article, we cover how much would a trip to Lofoten cost, the prices for lodging in Lofoten, meals, etc. so you can be aware in advance of the expense of visiting Lofoten. You can also check our guide on how to travel for cheap.

a fire hydrant in the middle of a foggy day

If you travel to Lofoten independently, keep in mind that renting a camper vehicle can be more cost-effective than sleeping in the limited fishermen`s huts on the islands. However, if you opt for an organized excursion to Lofoten, the standard approach is for agencies to obtain lower rates for groups allowing you to rest in hotels and cabins for a comparable cost.

If you are a photographer, you can check here the price of the Lofoten photo tourthat we organize.

Lofoten islands travel tips

In this section of our trip to the Lofoten Islandsguide, we provide some tips that will help you during the planning of your visit.

Best time to visit Lofoten

For those wondering what time of year offers best conditions to tour the Lofoten Islands, keep in mind fully exploring Lofoten requires multiple visits – once during winter and again in summer to make the most of all it has to offer.

Visiting Lofoten in the winter allows enjoying the Northern Lights and the beautiful ephemeral light at this latitude. Then, visit Lofoten in the summer to enjoy the many hiking trails among the sharp fjords, learn the history of the Sami people, and experience the midnight sun.

BEst TIME TO visit THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS IN WINTER

We consider winter from November to February. In theory, the most unfavourable month of the year to visit Lofoten is in November, as during this period statistically the rainfall events are very common, and the skies are usually covered which make it quite difficult to see the Aurora and the delicate light. Furthermore, with just a few daylight hours and icy roads, it is not possible to complete the main hikes.

Thankfully, our experience differed greatly. We were fortunate as 2017 saw atypical conditions, allowing us to enjoy the Northern Lights for seven nights of our ten-day road trip in November through the Lofoten Islands, as well as spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

However, looking at climate records, the period of time that would likely be best for traveling to the Lofoten Islands in winter would be during the latter half of February. The entire region would be covered in snow at that time, which would serve perfectly for photos taken during winter. Precipitation levels tend to be low, and there are often nights with clear skies making it an ideal time frame for seeing the Northern Lights in Lofoten.

a boat floating on top of a lush green field

Additionally, with more daylight hours compared to December and January, you can benefit from longer periods moving around and photographing throughout the island.

best TIME TO visit LOFOTEN IN SUMMER

May to September is the best time to visit Lofoten in the warm months.

You can take in extensive periods of daylight, particularly nearing June when the summer solstice occurs, allowing up to 21 hours of light each day.

The temperatures are pleasant considering Lofoten is located above the Arctic Circle, with maximum temperatures reaching 59Β°F. Of course, even in the summer months, it is essential to wear warm clothing as temperatures can be as low as 44Β°F with frequent rainfall and wind.

Lofoten essentials

The passage indicates that regardless of the season, it is crucial for visitors to Lofoten to consider appropriate clothing as temperatures can fluctuate rapidly between chilly and very cold conditions. Strong wind gusts also contribute to losing body heat quickly, highlighting the importance of dressing properly for the windchill factor in Lofoten

Especially throughout winter, you must clothe yourself having gear prepared for extreme cold climates. If you wish to delve farther into what to take to Lofoten, I advise not overlooking the portion of our article to gain understanding how to load a backpack for long journeys where we discuss preparing your equipment and clothing for cold areas.

Book the best travel insurance

It is absolutely essential to have good Schengen travel coverage during your visit to the Lofoten Islands. Some activities are hazardous, such as the hike to Reinebringen where some people have met their demise. However, even if your Lofoten travel itinerary doesn’t incorporate any hazardous walk, it is essential to be protected in case an accident arises.

We had lunch at La Cambusa del Capitano, a place where, although its specialty is aquatic and seafood, it was not complicated for me to find something suitable for a vegetarian diet. We accompany the food, as during the whole trip, with local white wine.

a street sign with graffiti on it

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Touring Lofoten by motorhome

Experiencing the Lofoten Islands by public transportation or bus is really testing, particularly in winter, so the best choices for this time of the year would be either by automobile or by Campervan/RV.

If you have experience traveling via RV or would like to attempt, there is nothing quite like traveling around Lofoten in Campervan.

Renting motorhomes in Norway is very common, and there are many facilities for those who opt to visit Lofoten in this way. However, the cost of renting a campervan in Lofoten is quite high, so if you decide to tour the archipelago by RV, it will be better to rent it outside of Lofoten (in Tromso or Bodo) and drive to the islands.

We traveled to Lofoten in winter and elected to hire a Norwagon in Tromso, with a rate of € 150 per day, quite reasonable compared to the rental campervans in Norway.

a truck parked in the middle of a field

Despite this being our initial trip traveling in this manner and considering the cold weather during our journey, I have to say we did not regret it since we could sleep most of the time on the same shores where the prior night we were photographing the Northern Lights.

The vehicles and campers usually have everything needed: a gas stove, cookware, cutlery, bed, table, trunks to store belongings, curtains, heating required for these months and insurance. The only thing brought is a winter sleeping bag like mentioned in this post to pack your backpack. Thanks to our Norwagon we were able to considerably lessen the travel budget to Lofoten, and, also, we could see Northern Lights seven of the ten days we traveled around Lofoten.

If you travel in summer, do not hesitate and travel around Lofoten by motorhome. If you travel in winter and have a good cold tolerance, we also suggest traveling by Campervan as there are many advantages.

However, if you prefer to travel around Lofoten by vehicle, here you can find a discount of up to 50% on rental cars.

Additionally, I suggest checking our cheap rental car recommendations.

Best places to stay in Lofoten Islands

Even if you are touring Lofoten in a campervan, spending at minimum one day in a fishers` cabin is something that must be done during your Lofoten holiday.

Best accommodation in Lofoten Islands

Among the most popular lodging options, which is where we stayed, were the Eliassen Rorbuer cabins, and it was certainly worth leaving our camper for a day to stay there. In addition, this is one of the highly recommended hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Norway.

The price of 120€ per night was reasonable mainly because many cabins were empty as we traveled during the low season.

a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Note, the cost does not include linens, towels, or cleaning services. You will be charged if the cabin is not left in the same condition upon departure.

Additional quality lodging in Lofoten:

  • SakrisΓΈy Rorbuer: These bright yellow cabins are also quite well-known in Lofoten. The perspectives from their windows are just incredible.
  • Kafe Friisgarden:I would recommend staying at this old renovated farm property when visiting the beaches of Skagsanden, Storsandnes, and Myrland in the area. If this accommodation is unavailable, I would consider Fredvang or Nusfjord as alternatives.
  • Unstad Arctic Surf: These contemporary cabins represent the finest lodging choice when touring the beaches at Unstad, Uttakleiv, and Vik.

boats floating on top of a body of water

Camping in the Lofoten Islands

Camping in the natural areas of Lofoten is permitted, as in all of Norway. This means that you are able to set up camp anywhere that is not considered private property, or locations that have been designated as unacceptable, such as cemeteries and certain beaches along the E10 coastal road. For instance, on the beaches at Eggum, Unstad, and Utakleiv, you need to pay a fee to camp there. However, wild camping on the beach is free at Bunes or Kvalvika.

Additionally, some campsites offer amenities like a kitchen or showers. These are considered some of the finest camping options in Lofoten:

  • Skagen Camping
  • Moskenes Camping
  • Lofoten Camping Storfjord
  • Ramberg Camping
  • Rystad Lofoten Camping
  • Lofoten Bobilcam ping

Best photo locations in Lofoten

If you enjoy taking pictures or have a passion for photography, I encourage you to join us on our upcoming photo tour of Lofoten, where we will reveal some unknown locations with spectacular scenery ideal for capturing award-winning photographs of Lofoten.

Some prime locations offering magnificent perspectives of the Lofoten Islands include:

  • Eliassen Rorbuer from the Hamnoy bridge in Reine at sunrise
  • Northern Lights on Uttakliev beach in the tidal pools.
  • Rorbuer in Reine at sunset
  • A bridge in Reine, Norway captured with the northern lights or during blue hour.
  • Rorbuer in Fredvang fjord in the blue hour

In this gallery of the Lofoten Islands, you can find some of our best photographs from Lofoten. I hope you enjoy them and they motivate you to plan your route to Lofoten.

Lofoten Islands Map

Below is a detailed Lofoten map, highlighting top spots to visit in Lofoten.

If you want to use this map of Lofoten Islands offline on your mobile device:

  • Download the Mapswithme app on your mobile device.
  • Access and save the subsequent KML file in your Dropbox.

a red and white drawing of a red and white fire hydrant

  • You can open the stored file from your mobile phone through Dropbox. A dialog box will appear where you need to select opening the file with the Mapswithme app (Maps.me).

Are you ready? You have everything to take a Lofoten road trip on your own. If you need more information about the Lofoten Islands, do not hesitate to leave a comment.

Raincoat

See you soon!