LOFOTEN

Come and play

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Hiking at Mannen Mountain Lofoten .
Photo: Alex Conu - Visitnorway.com

Play with your senses in some of the most stunning surroundings in the world.

Like here, in Henningsvær.

Bird's view of Henningsvær .
Photo: Christer Olsen Photo / Visitnorway.com

Play among the waves. They are all around.

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

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

Unstad Arctic Surf .
Photo: Unstad Arctic Surf

Play on the beaches.

Find new ways to ride through the waves. On horseback at Hov Hestegård! You can even play golf here (all night long).

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

Horseback riding at Hov Gård in Northern Norway .
Photo: Hov Gård

Riding at Hov Gård in Northern Norway .
Photo: Hov Gård

In Lofoten, you can have fun with your friends 24 hours a day in summer, under the midnight sun.

Kayaking in the midnight sun .
Photo: Northern Explorer / Visitnorway.com

Catch the northern lights from September to March.

Nordlys over Reine i Lofoten .
Photo: Alex Conu / Visitnorway.com

Elevate your play.

Climb the famous Svolværgeita mountain or try one of the many recommended hikes in the area.

A professional guide can share the best places and stories with you.

Don't forget that the view from less strenuous coastal trails and wild valleys can be just as rewarding!

Climbing Svolværgeita in Lofoten .
Photo: Destination Lofoten AS

Is today your lucky day?

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

Cod fishing in Lofoten .
Photo: Visitnorway.com

Cod fishing Lofoten .
Photo: Visit Lofoten

You will also find local fishermen alongside hipsters and art lovers in the idyllic fishing village of Henningsvær, where you can experience some early holiday spirit during the famous Førjulseventyret in November and December.

Christmas holiday in Henningsvær .
Photo: Visit Lofoten / Visitnorway.com

Førjulseventyret i Henningsvær .
Photo: Visit Lofoten / Visitnorway.com

Play with your creative mind.

What brings works by some of the world’s most renowned artists, like Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson, and Yoko Ono to Lofoten?

KaviarFactory, Lofoten’s unique venue for world class contemporary art!

Kaviar factory in Henningsvær .
Photo: Kristin Folsland Olsen

Lofoten has a vibrant art scene.

In almost every little village, you will find a gallery or an artisan, experimenting with the colours and shapes that Lofoten inspires. This includes glassblowing as seen in Glasshytta Vikten, pictured here.

Glassblowing at Vikten .
Photo: Dan Mariner

Play with time.

Get to know the first skilled craftsmen that settled in Lofoten.

Travel back in time at the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, where you also can try rowing a Viking ship.

The Vikings started another unique local tradition, that is still done in very much the same way today.

Viking ship, Lofotr Viking Museum .
Photo: Lofotr Viking Museum

Play with your senses.

What is that scent? It’s the smell of stockfish (and money)! Archeological findings indicate that stockfish was first traded by the Vikings some 1,000 years ago.

Dried fish at Røst .
Photo: Røst Sjømat / Visitnorway.com

Every year, between February and March, the migrating Atlantic cod, the skrei, comes to Lofoten to spawn.

This is the fish that built Norway, and that led to the settlement of numerous small, cosy fishing villages, including Reine, Nusfjord, Ballstad, Stamsund and Kabelvåg.

Ballstad village in Lofoten .
Photo: Christine Baglo / Visitnorway.com

Play with your taste buds.

Enjoy stockfish grilled, baked, cooked, as a dried snack, or even as a pizza topping! And don’t forget to try Lofotlam, traditional Norwegian lamb from Lofoten, which has its own European protected geographical indication (PGI).

True foodies will love to discover all the unique food delicacies from the Arctic kitchen.

Stockfish meal in Lofoten .
Photo: Hallvard Kolltveit

A visit to a farm shop, like Aalan Gård and Lofoten Gårdsysteri, to taste award-winning cheeses is also a must.

Aalan gård, farm cheese in Lofoten .
Photo: Christine Baglo / Visitnorway.com

Another must is to stay in a rorbu, a fisherman’s cabin right by the sea. Enjoy a hot sauna (maybe followed by an even hotter moment with someone special!).

Spa in Lofoten .
Photo: Visit Lofoten

Play it cool.

Lofoten in winter is a snowy paradise! You can try ski touring (always go with a local guide), or surf, go dog sledding, or simply stroll around in this otherworldly landscape.

Ski touring in Lofoten .
Photo: Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com