From the dramatic strait of Raftsundet in the north to the remote fishing village of Å in the south, the Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten is one of Norway's most breathtaking roads.
Scenic Route Lofoten
A drive along one of the world's most dramatic coastlines
Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten runs between Å and Raftsundet, with detours to Nusfjord, Vikten, Utakleiv, Unstad, Eggum, Henningsvær and Grunnfør. Winding along fjords, across narrow headlands and between the crashing Atlantic surf and near-vertical mountain walls, featuring rest stops and art installations carefully designed to give you the best possible experience of this unique coastal landscape.
The full route is around 230 kilometres long, though detours and stops probably will make you spend at least two days, or even a full week, exploring the area.
Driving from Oslo takes 18–20 hours with no stops. We recommend planning 2-3 days for this trip to make the most out of it.
Driving from Trondheim takes approximately 13–14 hours.
The journey begins at the wild Raftsundet strait.
Take the exit from the main E10 road, and follow the outer, and less travelled coastal road for about 20 kilometres, until you stop at the cyclists' shelter at Grunnfør. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama view.
Cross the bridge over the shallow Grunnførfjord and take a coffee break at the local roastery in Laukvik, before heading back to the E10.
Here, a wooden boardwalk seemingly floats across the headland south of Sildpollen, leading up viewpoint with a sweeping view of the dramatic Austnesfjord and the serene Sildpollneset chapel.
Continue on to Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær. All of these places deserve more than a quick stop!
Between them, you will find great restaurants and galleries, as well as the excellent Skrei Museum. You can also go kayaking, climbing, go on great hikes, or and take fishing trips and boat trips to the Trollfjord.
Spend a night or three exploring before heading south.
Top things to do
See some of the top attractions and things to do in Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær.
Book nowSvolværMagic Ice Lofoten
Discover Lofoten and its tradition – crystal clear in the ice gallery Magic Ice Magic Ice, in the capital of Lofoten, offers you the pleasure of browsing ice art and coastal culture while enjoying a variety of refreshments. Sculptures and installations made of ice, dramatically lit and presented together with sound, music and images, tell the story of nature, traditions and the life of the fisherman in this abundant island realm.
About 25 kilometres on from Svolvær, you will reach Gimsøystraumen, the strong tidal current that runs between the islands. Here, you will find a very pleasant rest area, with toilet facilities.
Next up along the route are three 6.5-metre-tall birdwatching towers at Gårdsvatnet, Skjærpvatnet, and Storeidvatnet, which allows you to experience some of Norway's finest wetland birdlife, without disturbing the birds. Remember to bring your binoculars! The spring and autumn migration periods are especially spectacular.
The rest area at Torvdalshalsen offers the best view of Vestvågøya, looking out across the farmland, towards the fascinating Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg. A long windbreak wall with benches makes this one of the best lunch spots on the route.
About 12 kilometres from Torvdalshalsen, a detour to the west brings you to Eggum, which faces the open ocean and has a rest stop shaped like an amphitheatre.
And don't miss the iconic optical illusion sculpture "The Head" by Swiss artist Markus Raetz. It changes shape when you move around it!
Speaking of toilets…
Lofoten receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, putting pressure on the landscape. The rest stops along this route have toilets to help keep nature unspoiled. Please use them!
Continue your detour for another 15 kilometres to stop by Unstad, the surfing capital of Lofoten, where waves roll in from the Atlantic all year round beneath snow-capped peaks.
10 kilometres from Unstad, back on the main route, Hauklandstranda is one of Norway's finest beaches, boasting white sand and turquoise water framed by steep mountains.
There's also a splendid, modern café and toilet facilities here. Perfect for indoor days!
Back on the main route, the rest stop Skreda, close to Leknes, sits at the water's edge, roughly halfway along the full route. The view across the fjord towards Nappstraumen is magnificent.
Note that you are not allowed to camp at rest stops. Many tourists, like yourself, want to enjoy the nice view, so make quick stops and use proper camping sites for overnight stays.
Things to do
… at Vestvågøy, in the middle of Lofoten.
Book nowBallstadHalf-Day Kayak Tour Ballstad
<strong>Sea Kayaking in Ballstad – Paddle Through Arctic Paradise!</strong> Lofoten’s wild beauty isn’t just something to be seen—it’s something to be experienced! Sea kayaking in Ballstad is the ultimate way to connect with this Arctic wonderland, letting you glide through crystal-clear waters, beneath towering fjords, and along rugged coastlines teeming with life. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned adventurer, this beginner-friendly journey is a must-do experience that belongs on your bucket list!
Book nowBøstadLofotr Vikingmuseum
An Impressive Reconstruction of the Largest Longhouse Found from the Viking Age. During the Iron Age, there were 10-15 chieftain seats in Northern Norway, and one of these was located at Borg in Lofoten. This is the only place where the actual chieftain’s farm has been confirmed. Today, you can experience a living Viking Age environment at the museum in Borg, offering wonderful experiences for the whole family. Learn about the Viking Age and test your Viking skills through games and activities. An impressive reconstruction of the largest longhouse ever found from the Viking Age stands tall at Borg, where the original discovery was made. The chieftain and his wife at Borg were wealthy and powerful, and their house was a staggering 83 meters long! Step inside—smell the tar and the fire, hear the sounds of craftsmen at work, and admire the beautiful decorations and architecture. Step inside—and join us on a journey back in time, more than 1,000 years into the past.
Book nowBøstadMidnight Sun kayak tour
Experience the magic of the Arctic summer with our Midnight Sun Kayaking tour in Lofoten. Paddle through calm, crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic mountains and golden light as the sun never sets. Located in the northern part of Lofoten, our tours offer uninterrupted midnight sun views, peaceful evening conditions, and unforgettable scenery. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers, this guided kayaking experience lets you explore sheltered bays, white-sand beaches, small islands and remote coastline while enjoying one of the most unique summer activities in Northern Norway.
Continuing on from Skreda for another 15 kilometres, through the Nappstraumen tunnel (no cycling), Vikten's traditional glassblowing studio is worth the detour. Here, you can see one of Lofoten's many skilled craftsmen at work and take home something handmade.
A few kilometres further along lies Nusfjord, one of Norway's best-preserved fishing villages. It has rorbu cabins, a great restaurant, spa, galleries and a very cosy café and restaurant.
Back on the main route south, the Brunstranda rest stop offers parking and toilet facilities while you stroll along the white sands of Skagsanden beach below Flakstad's dramatic ridges.
Check out the cool Lofoten Beach Bar, with great food, camping, wheelchair-friendly saunas and surfing lessons!
Just 5 kilometres further on, Rambergstranda is equally beautiful, with a narrow path of wooden sleepers that lead down to the white sand.
There's also an excellent camping site nearby, with a view of the midnight sun!
The road sweeps southwest across the wild Moskenesøya for about 19 kilometres before reaching the Akkarvikodden rest stop.
A little further along the route, few viewpoints match Reinehalsen, with panoramic views over the fishing village of Reine.
Parking is limited at both locations, so please keep your stay short.
The fishing village of Reine offers a lot of activities, galleries, and a Visitor Centre for the Lofotodden National Park. Stay in a traditional rorbu and buy local food and healthy "fast food" from the sea at Anitas Seafood.
In nearby Moskenes, you will find the ferry terminal linking Lofoten with Bodø several times a day. Remember to book your space on the ferry during the high season, when long queues can be a problem.
Finally, Å marks the end of the scenic route, but not necessarily the end of your journey. The Norwegian Fishing Village Museum brings the history of generations of fishermen to life through original buildings and interiors.
Not to mention the delicious homemade buns in the café!
Things to do
… in Flakstad, Moskenes, Reine and Å.
Book nowReineWedding & Couple Photoshoot in Lofoten Norway
Lofoten Weddings is a local wedding and elopement photographer based in the Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway. Kamila specialises in destination weddings, intimate elopements, surprise proposals, couple photoshoots and family photography in scenic outdoor locations across Lofoten. Photography sessions take place in iconic mountain viewpoints, coastal fishing villages and hidden beaches throughout the Lofoten Islands, including Reine, Hamnøy and Sakrisøy.
Book nowSørvågenKitchen On The Edge Of The World
An exceptional culinary adventure. We invite you to a four-day stay encompassing everything from foraging, fishing, and hiking in a truly unique landscape, to cooking, cocktail, and craft workshops, each evening culminating in world-class banquet meals.
Book nowReineAnita’s Seafood
Anita's Seafood is a delightful seafood bar and delicacy shop on Sakrisøy, Lofoten. Known for its grab-and-eat concept, the restaurant offers a variety of local seafood dishes, including their famous fish burgers. With a focus on local flavors and ingredients, Anita's Seafood provides a unique culinary experience in the beautiful setting of Lofoten.
Book nowSørvågenRIB -Safari in the Maelstrom
We set off towards one of the world’s most perilous stretches of sea, infamous and feared by seafarers for thousands of years. Mentioned by Pytheas the Greek over 2000 years ago, and by world famous authors like Jules Verne, Herman Melville and Edgar Allan Poe. They write about the Great Maelstrom, a vortex that dragged anything that came too close down to the bottom of the darkest depths. Boats were smashed to smithereens, huge whales howled in fear as they met a terrible and violent end in the swirling waters of the Maelstrom. There were no limits to people’s imaginations in those days – yet, no smoke without fire, you might ask? We will take you out there so you can see for yourself!
Book nowReineReine Rorbuer - Classic Norway Hotels
Reine Rorbuer offers a unique experience of staying in traditional, historic fishermen's cabins in one of the most beautiful villages in the world- Reine. The hotel's restaurant Gammelbua serves delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Reine Rorbuer offers activities (sea kayaking and excursions). The hotel and restaurant are open from February to October.
Book nowReineKayaking in beautiful surroundings around Reine
Depending on the weather conditions and level of participants we'll cruise around nearby islands (Reine, Sakrisøy, Hamnøy) or inside the Reinefjord. You will see the Reine harbour, small islands with birds colonies, wild shores and beaches surrounded by majestic mountains.
Book nowSørvågenLofoten Planet Boutique Hotel
Discover Lofoten Planet Boutique Hotel – Your Home Away from Home Nestled at the entrance of Lofotodden National Park, you’ll find the perfect place to connect with like-minded travelers, immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Lofoten’s hiking paradise.
Some of the roads can be very narrow. Use the lay-bys when necessary, and remember that parking in them is prohibited.
Free camping puts considerable pressure on Lofoten during the busy summer months. For your comfort and safety, and out of consideration for local communities, please stay overnight at one of the many beautiful camping sites located across the islands.
Camping in Lofoten
There are several stunning camping sites in Lofoten. It's advisable to book beforehand in July and August.
Book nowBallstadReineholmen Motorhome Camp - Ballstad
Park your motorhome on an island built especially for you. You can't get any closer to the sea. And all this within walking distance to beautiful Ballstad with easy access to chalk-white beaches, fishing spots, sherpa stairs, museums, and exciting restaurants.
Nice to know before you go
The 230 km route along the E10 experiences heavy car and motorhome traffic during the peak summer season, from July to August 15th.
April, May, June, September and October are excellent months for a road trip, when there is less traffic. Snow and icy roads may occur.
If you plan to drive along the Scenic Route in winter, be aware that conditions can be challenging. This route is recommended only for drivers with experience of winter conditions.
Some of the roads are very narrow. Please use the lay-bys when necessary, drive considerately, and allow local traffic to pass.
Please note that the Nappstraum Tunnel is closed at night for maintenance in 2026, so it is advisable to check live traffic updates before setting out.
Camping rules
If you are travelling by motorhome, emptying chemical toilets at standard scenic rest areas is strictly prohibited. Instead, you must use the official, designated dump stations located in areas such as Reine, Leknes, and Svolvær.
Rest stops along the Norwegian Scenic Routes are intended for short breaks, not overnight camping.
Lofoten offers many beautiful camping sites for overnight stays, and we encourage visitors to use them, both when you travel with a tent and a motorhome.
If you are travelling in a motorhome, it's advisable to book camping stays ahead during peak season, especially in the areas around Reine, Moskenes, Sørvågen and Å, as parking space is limited.
Help us maintain good relations between visitors and local communities by using designated camping sites, public toilets and public parking whenever possible. Note that free camping is prohibited in many areas.
During the busy season, please allow local traffic to pass.
Rest stops are for short breaks
Also, please help fellow travellers enjoy the same views and make use of the facilities by limiting the length of your stay at popular rest stops. Take your rubbish with you and leave the area clean and undisturbed for those who come after you.
Cycling
The main E10 route can be challenging due to heavy summer traffic, and cycling here this time of year is not recommended. County roads 888 and 815 are quieter alternatives. Bicycles are not permitted inside the Nappstraumen Tunnel, so cyclists must use the local bike ferry between Nusfjord and Ballstad.
Source: Norwegian Scenic Routes and Visit Norway
Getting hungry?
There are plenty of spots to stop for a bite.
- Book nowReine
Anita’s Seafood
Anita's Seafood is a delightful seafood bar and delicacy shop on Sakrisøy, Lofoten. Known for its grab-and-eat concept, the restaurant offers a variety of local seafood dishes, including their famous fish burgers. With a focus on local flavors and ingredients, Anita's Seafood provides a unique culinary experience in the beautiful setting of Lofoten.
Explore Lofoten
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