Scattered off the northwest coast of mainland Norway, around 200 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, are the Lofoten Islands – a chain of jagged, mountainous islands rising dramatically from the frigid waters of the Norwegian Sea. This wild, windswept archipelago boasts some of Scandinavia’s most sublime landscapes, with awe-inspiring views at virtually every turn, while traditional, timber-clad fishing villages add splashes of colour along the rugged coastline. Whether you’re looking to hunt the Northern Lights, experience the Midnight Sun, go hiking or try your hand at sea kayaking, there’s endless scope for adventures throughout all four seasons. Here’s all you need to know if you’re considering a trip to the Lofoten Islands.
How to get to the Lofoten Islands
There are several different routes to reach the Lofoten Islands by air, land and sea. The most direct option involves three flights from the UK: first to Oslo, then on to Bodø, and finally a short flight by propeller plane to Svolvaer or Leknes. It’s also possible to fly to Harstad-Narvik airport on the mainland and drive from there to Svolvaer – a scenic journey of two-and-a-half hours. The Arctic Route, meanwhile, offers a hop-on, hop-off bus service between Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands in the summer months.
There are also regular ferry connections between Bodø and Moskenes (three-and-a-half hours), and many Norwegian coastal cruises operated by the likes of Havila Voyages and Hurtigruten make stops in the Lofoten Islands.
When to visit the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are a true year-round destination, but at such northerly latitudes, there are sharp contrasts in temperatures and daylight hours throughout the seasons which dictate the kind of activities and experiences on offer. Here’s what to expect throughout each season.
Summer
Reine, Lofoten Islands, in summer
With mild weather, 24/7 daylight (the sun doesn’t set from late May to mid-July) and lush, green landscapes, summer is the most popular time of year to visit the Lofoten Islands. This is prime time for all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, swimming and cycling. Temperatures tend to hover between 10-15°C, sometimes rising above 20°C on warmer days. Do bear in mind that some of the most popular spots can get somewhat crowded at this time of year, especially in July and August, while increased demand means accommodation and car rental prices are at their highest.
Autumn
Autumn is an excellent time to chase the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands
Autumn marks the beginning of the Northern Lights season in the Lofoten Islands, with the first displays visible even as early as late August. September tends to be a particularly excellent month to visit, as there’s plenty of daylight, hiking trails are still accessible, temperatures remain relatively comfortable and there’s sufficient darkness to go aurora hunting at night. There’s still much to see and do in October and November, but daylight hours rapidly diminish and the possibility of early snowfall can limit hiking opportunities. The weather is notoriously unpredictable and extremely changeable at this time of year – so it’s quite possible to experience snow, sunshine, heavy winds and rain all within the space of a few hours. Visitor numbers, meanwhile, are noticeably lower than in the summer months.
Winter
Winter in Hamnøy, Lofoten Islands
Owing to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, the Lofoten Islands tend to experience significantly milder winter temperatures than other places at similar latitudes, typically ranging from -5°C to 5°C. Snow cover is usually at its thickest between January and March, remaining on the mountaintops well into spring and even summer, but rain and sleet are not uncommon on milder winter days. When snow does fall, the landscapes take on a truly otherworldly quality. From early December to early January, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon as the Lofoten Islands are plunged into Polar Night. However, it’s not completely pitch black throughout this period; there’s a soft, pastel-hued twilight for several hours around the middle of the day.
Snowshoe hiking, skiing and Northern Lights hunting are all popular winter activities, but in contrast to mainland Norway, don’t expect to go husky sledding or snowmobiling in the Lofoten Islands. While the roads are generally well-maintained, ice and snow conditions can change rapidly, so it’s imperative to take extra care when driving in the Lofoten Islands in winter.
Spring
Snow remains on the mountains well into spring
Spring is a time of stark transformation in the Lofoten Islands, as the snow gradually melts, the landscapes morph from brown to green, wildflowers begin to emerge and the days become ever brighter. Much like autumn, it can be an unpredictable time for weather, with snow still possible even as late as May, while temperatures can fluctuate significantly – so it’s important to pack suitable clothing for all eventualities. The roads are usually kept free of snow and ice, but as in winter, this can change at short notice.
All of March and the first half of April are still prime Northern Lights season, with the period around the spring equinox often associated with heightened geomagnetic activity and intense auroral displays. It’s possible to see the Northern Lights as late as 20 April in the Lofoten Islands, but after this, the lack of true darkness means they’re no longer visible.
How long to spend in the Lofoten Islands
Driving along the E10 road from the northeastern tip of the Lofoten Islands to the village of Å at the southernmost tip (a journey of 180 kilometres) would take around three hours without stopping. However, with so many extraordinary places to explore, you’ll ideally want at least four or five days to cover the highlights of the archipelago – though you could easily stretch it out to a full week and not even get close to running out of things to see and do.
If you’d prefer not to drive or you’re short on time, consider basing yourself in Svolvaer and planning organised excursions from there.
Where to stay in the Lofoten Islands
Traditional 'rorbu' cabins at Svinøya Rorbuer
The most authentic places to stay in the Lofoten Islands are ‘rorbuer’ – traditional fishermen’s cabins found throughout the archipelago, typically made of wood, painted red and built on stilts. Many of them have been converted into cosy hotel accommodation, such as Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvaer, which features on several of our Lofoten Islands itineraries. It’s akin to a miniature village on a small island connected to the town centre by a bridge, with a collection of beautifully furnished cabins, suites and historic houses, along with a floating sauna, a superb restaurant (Børsen Spiseri) serving local specialities and a plentiful range of activities bookable on-site.
Nusfjord Arctic Resort
Another standout choice is Nusfjord Arctic Resort, tucked away in a sheltered harbour surrounded by steep mountains on the island of Flakstadøya. As one of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in the Lofoten Islands, it’s akin to a living, open-air museum. Over 1,500 fishermen lived and worked here in its heyday, but only a handful of permanent residents remain. Today, Nusfjord is home to a variety of rorbu cabins and cottages, a couple of restaurants, a vintage cafe and general store, an art gallery and an outdoor wellness area where guests can soak in hot tubs, relax in the sauna and take invigorating cold water plunges.
A major advantage of staying in a rorbu cabin is that many of them have fully-equipped kitchens, giving you the flexibility to self-cater. The largest town in the Lofoten Islands, Svolvaer, also has several chain hotels, including a Thon Hotel and a Scandic.
Things to see & do in the Lofoten Islands
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights season lasts from late August to mid-April in the Lofoten Islands
At 67-68 °N, the Lofoten Islands lie directly beneath the auroral oval, making them an ideal place to see the Northern Lights from late August to mid-April. If the skies are clear and the geomagnetic activity is favourable, you may be able to see them simply by stepping outside and looking up. However, you can maximise your chances by booking a Northern Lights hunt, in which your guide will drive you away from artificial light pollution to the best viewing spots and take professional quality photographs to capture the spectacle.
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is present in the Lofoten Islands from around 25 May – 17 July, bathing the archipelago in 24/7 daylight. It can take a little getting used to, but it’s a majestic sight to behold and allows you to really make the most of your time in the great outdoors, whether it’s a hike, a kayaking adventure or perhaps a midnight dip in the sea.
Idyllic villages
The picturesque village of Henningsvær
Simply wandering through the plethora of photogenic villages is one of the most enjoyable things to do in the Lofoten Islands. Several of the most iconic spots – Reine, Sakrisøy and Hamnøy, as well as the succinctly-named Å – are clustered within a few minutes of each other towards the southern end of the archipelago. Although more of a holiday resort than an active village these days, Nusfjord (which requires a small entrance fee) is also well worth a visit for a unique insight into Lofoten’s rich fishing heritage. Ballstad, by contrast, is the largest active fishing village in the Lofoten Islands today. A little off the usual tourist trail, it makes a worthy detour with a vibrant harbour, a couple of highly-rated restaurants and a striking mountain backdrop.
Further north, Henningsvær is perhaps the loveliest village in the Lofoten Islands, spread across several small islands and centered around a narrow harbour lined by colourful fishing boats. Its buildings are predominantly painted white, giving it a noticeably different character to most villages in the archipelago, while its streets are dotted with cosy cafes, boutique shops and art galleries. Svolvaer, meanwhile, is the largest town in the Lofoten Islands and almost feels like a bustling metropolis by comparison. Its harbour promenade is a pleasant spot for a stroll and a bite to eat, while the nearby islands of Svinøya and Austerøya offer all the charm that the modern town centre doesn’t quite have. Fløyfjellet mountain, at Svolvaer’s northern edge, provides a suitably dramatic backdrop.
Hiking
Summer is prime time for hiking in the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are home to some of Norway’s most spectacular hiking opportunities, ranging from easily accessible coastal trails to strenuous mountain ascents. Reinebringen, Tindstinden, Munken and Hermannsdalstinden are some of the most rewarding mountain hikes with stunning views from the top. The beaches of Kvalvika, Bunes, Haukland and Uttakleiv are also popular, less challenging hiking spots on the coast. It’s important to note that many trails (particularly in the mountains) are inaccessible for much of the year due to snow cover, so if hiking is high on your agenda, July to September is the best time to visit.
Spectacular beaches
Haukland Beach
All along the coastline of the Lofoten Islands are breathtaking beaches with epic mountain backdrops, pristine sands and vibrant, turquoise-hued water of the kind you’d usually associate with tropical destinations. They attract hikers, surfers, cold water swimmers and photographers alike. You may be surprised to find that in summer, it can occasionally get warm enough for a spot of sunbathing, while in winter, the beaches are a magnificent sight to behold when dusted in snow. Haukland, Uttakleiv, Ramberg, Eggum and Kvalvika are considered among the finest beaches in the Lofoten Islands.
RIB safaris
A RIB safari is an exhilarating way to explore the Lofoten Islands from the water, taking you to remote areas that cannot be accessed by land. One of the most popular adventures goes to Trollfjord, one of Norway’s shortest, narrowest and most dramatic fjords, flanked by mountains rising more than 1,000 metres on either side. It’s also a wonderful place to spot sea eagles up close.
Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking: one of the most popular year-round activities in the Lofoten Islands
A considerably calmer, more sedate experience than a RIB safari, sea kayaking is one of the most popular year-round activities in the Lofoten Islands, offering the chance to appreciate the archipelago’s natural splendour from a totally different perspective while paddling among crystal-clear waters.
What to eat in the Lofoten Islands
Dried stockfish: a Lofoten Islands culinary tradition
Unsurprisingly, seafood dominates the menus of most restaurants in the Lofoten Islands. From January to April, the waters around the archipelago are rich in Atlantic cod (krei), which migrate south from the Barents Sea to the Norwegian Sea. While these succulent, meaty fish are delicious when cooked and eaten fresh, it’s a Lofoten tradition to hang them on wooden racks to be dried and naturally preserved by the fresh sea breeze without using salt. If you’re in the Lofoten Islands between February and May, you’ll almost certainly notice the distinctive aroma. Its taste, rather fortunately, is rather mild, slightly sweet, and much more palatable than its scent. Stockfish can be eaten either in its dry form as a snack, or when re-hydrated and cooked.
Haddock, herring, salmon, crab and oysters are also widely eaten throughout the archipelago, while Lofoten lamb is renowned for its rich, gamey flavour and tenderness. Other prominent ingredients that find their way into many dishes include foraged mushrooms, wild berries and seaweed (which is rich in nutrients and umami flavour).
