Discover the incredible islands of Lofoten – world famous for its wild and breathtaking nature. But it is the people, food and the art and culture that make people want to stay longer – and longer.
The Lofoten Islands are draped across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle. This rare wilderness outpost offers an untrammelled landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, squawking seabirds, long, surf-swept beaches and small, interesting fishing villages.
“The beauty of this place is simply staggering.”
Lonely Planet
If you are seekingunforgettable nature experiences, Lofoten will definitely not let you down. Due to the area’s diverse landscape, you can go hiking, skiing, fishing, ocean rafting, riding or scuba diving. Lofoten is also one of the world’s northernmost sites for surfing.
Lofoten has a strong connection to the Viking Age, and at Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, you can explore how the Vikings used to live in a reconstruction of the largest Viking longhouse ever found from this era. The building is 83 meters long.
Due to the warm Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude. Between late May and mid July you can experience the midnight sun, whilst the northern lights can be viewed from September to mid April.
Fishing has been, and still is, the reason why people have lived here, and the region is known for its many small fishing villages. Stay in a Rorbu – an old fishermen’s cabin – and try eating skrei, the Arctic cod, and stockfish, dried cod.
The rapidly changing weather and magnificent light conditions have inspired artists and drawn them to this area for several decades, which is evident in the many art galleries and photo exhibitions.
Find more inspiration on Lofoten’s official website.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
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 nowSvolværTrollfjord & Sea Eagle RIB Safari - Lofoten Explorer
Explore Lofoten along the coast with us. We take you safely to the magical Trollfjord, where the mountains are stretching 1000 meters high. On the way you will get a chance to meet the sea eagles, hopefully just a few meters from the boat. We guarantee an experience close to the elements. This is a 2 hours tour that fits the whole family.
Check out some of the most beautiful hikes in Lofoten.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
KabelvågKabelvåg Feriehus & Camping
Book nowSvolværNordis Apartments
RambergNusfjord Village & Resort
Book nowSørvågenHolmen Lofoten
Book nowSvolværThon Hotel Lofoten
GimsøysandLofoten Links Lodges
Get the best offers from our partners Scandic Hotels, Thon Hotels, Classic Norway and De Historiske.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Book nowSvolværRestaurant Kjøkkenet - Anker Brygge
The feeling of your mother’s old kitchen is what greets you when you enter our restaurant. A delightful atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, serving traditional northern Norwegian dishes. Restaurant Kjøkkenet was an early pioneer in featuring boknafisk (semi-dried cod) and rhubarb on the menu — items that were once considered everyday fare in the North, rather than delicacies. Today, these have become quite common on menus across the region.
Book nowSvolværPaleo Arctic - Thon Hotel Lofoten
Food traditions in Lofoten has been passed from generation to generation. Exploiting marine resources and pastures in hillsides were once required to subsist. Today it is no longer about surviving, but to continue the traditions and create experiences and joy around the table. At Paleo Arctic we have chosen to take inspiration from the time the scenery was pristine and the people lived as hunters and fishermen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Towards sustainability
The certification Sustainable Destination is a label given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impacts of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with enjoyable experiences, the destination must strive to minimise its impact on local nature, culture and the environment, and support the local community and economy. The municipality and the travel industry shall cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place in which to live as well as visit.
Seasons and climate
Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland.
The coastal climate in Lofoten makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool.
January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of -1°C. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 12°C.
May and June are the driest months, with an average 40 milimetre of rainfall. October is the wettest month. Strong winds can occur in late autumn and winter.
Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.
Find more information about northern lights in the Lofoten Islands.
Get inspired
Best holiday offers in Lofoten
Book your next adventure from our partners.
2 Days ・ desember - marsBook nowPhoto tour of Lofoten
Explore Lofoten with a pro photographerPrice From 2 650 NOK
7 Days ・ mai - septemberBook nowLofoten culinary food week
Cooking classes and Lofoten adventurePrice From 57 075 NOK
8 Days ・ juni - septemberBook nowBike the Lofoten Islands
Stunning nature and picturesque villagesPrice From 19 550 NOK
12 Days ・ april - septemberBook nowLofoten Islands, Helgeland & Sognefjord
Extensive Train & Cruise round trip in NorwayPrice From 54 360 NOK
11 Days ・ mai - septemberBook nowNorwegian Havila voyage
Bergen to Tromsø with an overnight stay in LofotenPrice From 26 215 NOK
7 Days ・ august - aprilBook nowLofoten Islands and Manshausen
The perfect autumn or spring adventurePrice From 47 850 NOK
6 Days ・ februar - marsBook nowWinter adventure in Lofoten
Experience the unique archipelago in winterPrice From 32 900 NOK
7 Days ・ juli - augustBook nowLofoten, Værøy and Røst
Hike to the secrets of the Lofoten IslandsPrice From 29 900 NOK
8 Days ・ juni - augustBook nowSenja and Lofoten combined
Independent bus journey on the Arctic RoutePrice From 20 550 NOK
