LOFOTEN

Wild and wonderful

Discover the incredible islands of Lofoten – world famous for their wild and breathtaking nature.

But it's the people, food, art, and culture that will make you want to stay longer (and even much longer, for many!).

Enjoy some of the most stunning surroundings in the world, but please do so with care. These Arctic landscapes are vulnerable, and your visit has an impact.

The Lofoten Islands are spread across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea, above the Arctic Circle. This rare wilderness outpost offers a landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, long windswept beaches, and quaint fishing villages.

Lofoten has deep roots in the Viking Age and a long maritime history shaped by fishing. For centuries, fishermen from all over Norway have travelled to Lofoten to take part in the country’s largest seasonal fishery. Every winter, the Northeast Atlantic cod, known as Skrei, migrates to the waters around Lofoten to spawn. This rich and reliable natural resource is one of the main reasons people have lived in these islands for thousands of years.

Thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude.

Dried cod in the midnight sun in Røst, Lofoten

Travel back in time at the Lofotr Viking Museum where you can learn about the first skilled craftsmen to settle in Lofoten. You can also row a Viking ship!

The Vikings started a tradition that is carried out in much the same way today …

… what is that scent? It’s the smell of stockfish (and money)!

Archeological findings indicate that stockfish, made mostly of dried skrei (the Northeast Atlantic cod that migrates to Lofoten to spawn every winter) was first traded by the Vikings some 1,000 years ago.

It's still one of the most important exports of the region.

13 fun facts about stockfish

Is it your lucky day?

A visit to Lofoten isn't complete without a fishing trip! Who will end up catching today’s dinner?

Go fishing

Join a fun fishing trip!

Red and yellow fisherman cabins below a mountain, by the sea.

Fishing village at the foot of a big mountain.

Lighthouse in the midnight sun at Værøy, Lofoten

Skrei is the fish that Norway was built on! It led to the settlement of numerous small, cosy fishing villages, including Reine, Ballstad, Stamsund, Kabelvåg and Nusfjord, where you can learn all about the fish.

You'll find local fishermen alongside hipsters, climbers, foodies, and art lovers in the buzzing fishing village of Henningsvær.

Local guide to Henningsvær

For an adventure in truly pristine surroundings, take the ferry to fishing villages and dramatic landscapes in Værøy (pictured) or the 'opera island', Røst.

More fishing villages

… and small islands, all worth a visit!

Kayaking in the midnight sun at Eggum in Lofoten, Northern Norway

During the summer, beaches like Hauklandstranden, Rørvika, Rambergstranden, Bunesstranden, and Uttakleiv attract many visitors.

Learn to surf at Unstad Arctic Surf (pictured) or Lofoten Beach Camp in Flakstad.

Or join a wildlife safari to watch other creatures play in the waves!

In the summertime, you can go kayaking with a local guide, or have fun with your friends all day under the midnight sun.

Find new ways to ride through the waves on horseback at Hov Hestegård!

You can even play golf there, all night long, on one of the world's most unique and acclaimed golf courses.

Fun activities

Surfing, kayaking, horse riding, golfing, eagle safaris, and much more!

See all the things you can do in Lofoten

Climb the famous Svolværgeita mountain with a local guide, or try one of the many recommended hikes in the area.

Remember to stay on the trails – don't make new ones!

Remember: the view from less strenuous coastal trails and wild valleys can be equally rewarding!

Go hiking or climbing

… along the sea, or up the mountains. 24 hours a day.

The tourist town and fishing village of Svolvær in Lofoten below tall mountains.

An electrical boat in the narrow Trollfjord in Lofoten under huge mountains.

Svolvær, the biggest town in Lofoten, is the perfect base for exploration. It's home to great galleries, hotels, restaurants, shops, and hiking.

From here, you can take a day cruise or a sea eagle safari to the famous Trollfjord (pictured).

Or take the ferry to the 'sunshine island', Skrova.

Explore Svolvær

Combine nature experiences with urban vibes and great food.

A craftsman performing the art of glassblowing at Vikten in Lofoten

Lofoten has a vibrant art scene. In almost every village you'll find a gallery or an artisan, experimenting with …

… colours and shapes inspired by Lofoten.

You can view works by some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists at the KaviarFactory, and visit many other interesting museums.

Museums and art venues

Explore Lofoten for art and culture lovers!

Go shopping

… shop locally and support small businesses.

Are you a foodie? Then you'll love this!

Enjoy stockfish from Lofoten grilled, baked, cooked, or as a dried snack! And don’t forget to try Lofotlam, traditional lamb from Lofoten.

Both are labelled European protected geographical indication (PGI) for their unique quality.

Ask for cloudberries for dessert!

Stockfish is a favourite ingredient of award-winning local chef Mymint. Check out her guide to the best flavours in Lofoten!

Culinary guide to Lofoten

Where to eat

Here are some of the best restaurants and local food producers.

See all restaurants in Lofoten

Another must is to stay in a rorbu, a fisherman’s cabin by the sea.

Enjoy a relaxing spa or hot sauna. You can find them all over Lofoten! Perfect on a rainy day.

Unique places to stay

Check in at some of the best hotels and rorbus around the islands.

Get the best offers from our partners Scandic Hotels, Thon Hotels, Classic Norway and De Historiske.

Fisherman´s cabins on a small island below big montains.

A good way to avoid the summer crowds is to travel to Lofoten in the spring or autumn. Or try winter, when magical colours and the aurora borealis can be seen.

From September on, the nights finally get darker again, and the northern lights return!

The Green Diva can be visible until the end of March.

Winter in Lofoten

Lofoten has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Visit Lofoten

Camping in Lofoten

Lofoten has become very popular with campers, but there are several places where you are not allowed to pitch a tent or park a camper. Aim for a place with facilities for camping, or one of Lofoten’s many official campsites. Booking in advance is recommended during the high season!

Rules for camping in Lofoten

Vulnerable nature

Arctic nature is extremely vulnerable. Always stick to marked trails, and don't blaze new ones. Use public toilets when possible, and bring any rubbish with you.

In Norway, there is a general ban on open fires, known as bålforbud, from 15 April to 15 September. The lighting of bonfires, campfires, the use of disposable grills and other open flames – in or near forests and uncultivated areas – is then prohibited in order to prevent wildfires.

Read more about the right to roam

Please respect the locals

Lofoten is wonderful, but remember that is is also home to many locals. Don't take photos of people without asking permission, and try to buy local products and services to support the local community. Some roads are narrow and have pockets so cars can pass. Be aware when driving, and don't use the pockets for parking.

In order to fly a drone in Norway, your drone must be registered and you must abide by strict rules as to where you can fly. Flying a drone in a prohibited area can lead to your arrest.

Read the drone flying rules

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Lofoten with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By plane
There are frequent flights to regional airports, including Bodø Airport and Lofoten/Harstad/Narvik Airport, and to local airports in Svolvær, Leknes, and Røst.
The flight from Oslo to Bodø takes 1.5 hours and an additional 20–30 minute flight or approximately 3–4 hour boat ride from there to Lofoten. From Lofoten/Harstad/Evenes it's a 2.5-4 hour drive or bus ride to Lofoten.
There is also a helicopter service between Bodø and Værøy.
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By car
If you choose to go by car, there are several options for getting to and from Lofoten. Take one of the car ferries from Bodø (year round) or Skutvik in Hamarøy (summer).
A boat-free connection from the north of Lofoten, or from Sweden, takes you between the mainland and Lofoten.
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By bus
There are daily public bus services from Narvik and the airport at Lofoten/Harstad/Narvik to Svolvær, Leknes and Å (route 300). There are also bus connections from Svolvær to Sortland in Vesterålen.
For tickets and timetables, visit Entur
By train
There are daily train services all year between Narvik and Kiruna, and Stockholm. From Narvik, you can catch a bus to the Lofoten Islands.
You can also take the train from Oslo to Trondheim, and from Trondheim continue on to Bodø with the Nordland Railway. This latter stretch of the journey takes about 10 hours. From Bodø, you can take a ferry or express boat to Lofoten.
For tickets and timetables, visit Entur
By boat
There are daily express boat services operating year round between Bodø, Svolvær, and Skrova.
There are car ferries from Bodø to Røst, Værøy and Moskenes in Lofoten year round, and between Hamarøy and Svolvær in summer, and between Lofoten and Melbu in Vesterålen.
The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls at daily Stamsund and Svolvær in Lofoten, while Havila Voyages calls at the same ports two days a week. You can also sail shorter distances between Bodø, Tromsø, and Lofoten, for example.
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Local travel
The E10 (King Olav V’s road) is the main motorway connecting the Lofoten archipelago from west to east. Travelling by public transport requires some planning, especially if you want to go anywhere off the E10, so check the timetables carefully.
For tickets and timetables, visit Entur

Best holiday offers in Lofoten

Book your next adventure from our partners.

2 Days ・ October - March
Photo tour of Lofoten
Explore Lofoten with a pro photographerVisit Gimsøya, Torvdalshalsen, Haukland, Eggum, Unstad, Henningsvær, the Lofoten Cathedral, Napp, Nusfjord, Flakstad Beach, Hamnøy, Reine, Sakrisøya, and more. Accommodation not included. / Booknordics.comPrice From 2 650 NOK
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3 Hours ・ January - October
Silent Trollfjord cruise
Enjoy Lofoten's most stunning fjord!A classic Lofoten adventure with a modern twist, experience Lofoten’s majestic Trollfjord and its white-tailed eagles in silence and comfort on board a panoramic & hybrid-electric boat. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
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12 Days ・ April - October
The Arctic circle region
Myths and Marvels in HelgelandOn this journey, you will immerse yourself in the mythical fairy tales of Norway, and become a part of the story of the eternally immortalised trolls in the peculiar mountains around you. / Up NorwayPrice From 53 100 NOK
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4 Days ・ November - March
Lofoten & northern lights
Lofoten archipelago experienceTrip with an aurora-chase guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 9 498 NOK
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8 Days ・ June - September
Bike the Lofoten Islands
Stunning nature and picturesque villagesSelf-guided tour from Svolvær to Reine. Includes accommodation, meals, luggage transfer, a boat transfer, and more. A cycling vacation in Lofoten is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! / Discover NorwayPrice From 19 550 NOK
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11 Days ・ April - September
Norwegian Havila voyage
Bergen to Tromsø with an overnight stay in LofotenThis Norwegian Coastal Voyage from Bergen stops in at Ålesund, Geirangerfjord, Trondheim, and Saltstraumen, then disembarks for an overnight stay in Lofoten before continuing to Tromsø. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 26 215 NOK
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7 Days ・ September - April
Lofoten Islands and Manshausen
The perfect autumn or spring adventureSteigen and the Lofoten Islands make up the perfect autumn or spring travel adventure for those seeking an authentic immersion in Norwegian culture, nature, architecture, art and design. / Up NorwayPrice From 47 850 NOK
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8 Days ・ June - September
The best of Lofoten
The land of the midnight sunWe've selected the best hikes and the most iconic viewpoints, as well as some hidden gems on our tour of Norway's most beautiful archipelago. Dramatic mountains, long white beaches, wild seas, and rich wildlife let you experience Norwegian nature at its very best! / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 33 500 NOK
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8 Days ・ May - July
Midnight sun tour
Group experience in Lofoten and SenjaIncludes sea eagle RIB safari, dining at award-winning Kvitnes Gård, visit to the Viking Museum, coastal cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila, tour to Hamn i Senja, and more. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 49 652 NOK
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7 Days ・ June - August
Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten
Arctic summer in Tromsø, Senja & SvolværEmbark on a self-guided bus tour of Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten. Visit charming villages off the beaten track and enjoy scenic backdrops of dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear bays and white sandy beaches. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 8 785 NOK
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6+ Days ・ April - September
Lofoten Summer Adventure
Svolvær, Reine and the midnight sunEmbark on a summer adventure to the stunning Lofoten Islands and experience the midnight sun. Journey by bus from Svolvær to Reine and spend three nights in an authentic fishermen’s cabin. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 6 835 NOK
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