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
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.
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 smallfishing 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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Things to do | Where to stay | Food and drink | Getting here and around
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Customize your own Lofoten Island in a nutshell round trip with Fjord Tours.
Top outdoor activities in Lofoten
Head out and enjoy Lofoten!
Popular hikes
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.
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.
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Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Lofoten’s official website.
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 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.
Ad: Hurtigruten – the world’s most beautiful sea voyage
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
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 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.
Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.
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.
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