Plan your trip to Lofoten

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 been certified as a Sustainable Destination, a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism and increase the positive impacts.

If you are seeking unforgettable 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.

lofoten.info

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Things to do | Where to stay | Food and drink | Getting here and around

Attractions in Lofoten

Historical sites and cultural gems – explore some of the highlights.

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

From comfy hotels to cosy cabins. Find your home away from home in Lofoten.

Food and drink

From local food gems to high-end restaurants. Get a taste of what Lofoten offers.

Get inspired

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Lofoten’s official website.

Featured

Attractions in Lofoten

Lofotr Vikingmuseum

An impressive reconstruction of the largest house that has been found dating back to the Viking Age. Read more

Lofotr Vikingmuseum

KaviarFactory

The KaviarFactory is an international venue for contemporary art. Located in Henningsvær, in the middle of the archipelago of Lofoten, Norway, it… Read more

KaviarFactory

The Lofoten Museum

Experience the history of the Lofoten Fishery at one of the best preserved squires in Lofoten. Read more

The Lofoten Museum

Lofoten Gårdsysteri - Farmshop and Farmcafe

Farm and cheese factory in a fabulous location between fjord and mountains at Saupstad on the north of Vestvågøy, on the road to Unstad. Read more

Lofoten Gårdsysteri - Farmshop and Farmcafe

The Lofoten Aquarium

The Lofoten Aquarium shows marine life from the beaches to the great depths of the ocean. Read more

The Lofoten Aquarium

Gallery Espolin

Kaare Espolin Johnson was known for his distinctive depiction of Northern Norwegian coastal culture. At Galleri Espolin you can immerse yourself in… Read more

Gallery Espolin

Norwegian Fishing Village Museum Å

Welcome to Å at the end of road E10. Here you find the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, one of the best preserved fishing villages in Northen Norway. Read more

Norwegian Fishing Village Museum Å

The Blacksmith of sund / Sund Fisherymuseum - Entrance

There is something reminiscent of a fairy tale about the story of one of Lofoten's oldest tourist attractions. Operations at the museum and the smithy… Read more

The Blacksmith of sund / Sund Fisherymuseum - Entrance

North Norwegian Art Centre

North Norwegian Art Centre (NNKS) is a centre for visual art working throughout the region of northern Norway. The art centre has a gallery and art… Read more

North Norwegian Art Centre

Top activities in Lofoten

Snowshoeing halfday with Lofoten Aktiv

Snowshoeing is the best way to enjoy nature up close in the wintertime. Much easier than skies and accessible for most people Read more

Snowshoeing halfday with Lofoten Aktiv

Lofoten by Horse - Horsebackriding on Icelandic Horses in Lofoten

This is our most popular tour. This is a remarkable nature experience for both beginners and experienced riders. We ride along sandy beaches, past… Read more

Lofoten by Horse - Horsebackriding on Icelandic Horses in Lofoten

Midnight sun kayak - Northern Explorer

Paddling with the midnight sun is an unique experience that we can only do inside the polar circle. This gives us the chance to go kayaking in the… Read more

Midnight sun kayak - Northern Explorer

Arctic Snorkeling from Ballstad

Snorkeling within the Arctic Circle with Lofoten Diving - PADI 5 Star Diving Resort. Read more

Arctic Snorkeling from Ballstad

Trolllfjord & 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… Read more

Trolllfjord & Sea Eagle RIB Safari - Lofoten Explorer

Lofoten Opplevelser

Good local knowledge and 10 years of experience provide us with the necessary expertise to tailor fantastic adventures in Lofoten. Read more

Lofoten Opplevelser

Ski Guiding - Northern Alpine Guides

Ski touring in Lofoten Read more

Ski Guiding - Northern Alpine Guides

Fishing trip from Svolvær

Experience fishing in Lofoten on board our authentic fishing boat. Our professional crew will provide the best guidance on our 4 hour fishing trip… Read more

Fishing trip from Svolvær

Røst Rib

RIB tour with good stories and beautiful scenery with rich bird life. Read more

Røst Rib

Surf rentals and surf courses - Lofoten Beach Camp

Surfing with all gear and instructions included, in the middle of Lofoten! Read more

Surf rentals and surf courses - Lofoten Beach Camp

Sea Eagle Safari RIB to Trollfjord with Go2Lofoten - 100% Local family business!

Join our Sea Eagel Safari to Trollfjord and experience the Lofoten archipelago with steep mountains, islets and reefs! Read more

Sea Eagle Safari RIB to Trollfjord with Go2Lofoten - 100% Local family business!

Northern Lights tour 3 hours - Lofoten Aktiv

The Northern light or The Aurora Borealis is an arctic experience not to be missed. It brings out spontaneous shouts of joy and excitement from… Read more

Northern Lights tour 3 hours - Lofoten Aktiv

Popular hikes in Lofoten

Hike to Reinebringen (448 m)

One of the most popular hiking trails in Norway, Reinebringen, is located in the municipality of Moskenes. Read more

Hike to Reinebringen (448 m)

The hike to Mannen (400 m)

The walk is short and exposed and it is one of the most popular mountain hikes in Lofoten with a faboulus view. Read more

The hike to Mannen (400 m)

Hike to Himmeltinden (931 m)

Himmeltinden is the highest mountain in Vestvågøy, measuring 962 metres above sea level. It is also one of the easiest mountain above 900 metres to… Read more

Hike to Himmeltinden (931 m)

Trip to Åndhammarn at Røst (11 m)

Røst consists of 365 islands and is located ca 100 km away from the mainland. The nearest island to Røst is Værøy. Røstlandet is the name of the… Read more

Trip to Åndhammarn at Røst (11 m)

Hike to Håheia at Værøy (438 m)

One of the gems at Værøy, Håheia - or Håen, is a very popular mountain hike on the island. Read more

Hike to Håheia at Værøy (438 m)

Hike to Linken in Svolvær (105 m)

Linken is a short and easy walk for both children and grown-ups. You can also follow this route on the way to Tjeldbergtinden in Svolvær. Read more

Hike to Linken in Svolvær (105 m)

Walk to the Fisherman’s Wife on the pier in Svolvær

The walk to the breakwater pier is an easy walk where you will come across some interesting cultural memories. When you reach the very end of the… Read more

Walk to the Fisherman’s Wife on the pier in Svolvær

Hike to Fløya and Djevelporten (590 m)

Fløya is a mountain, towering over Svolvær in Lofoten with the famous and characteristic Svolværgeita in front. On the hike up to this mountain you… Read more

Hike to Fløya and Djevelporten (590 m)

Hike to Kvalvika and Ryten (543 m)

Kvalvika and Ryten in Lofotenodden national park are some of the most popular hiking areas in Lofoten. And there is a good reason for that. The view… Read more

Hike to Kvalvika and Ryten (543 m)

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

By train

There are daily trains all year between Stockholm, Kiruna, and Narvik. From there, you can catch buses to the Lofoten Islands.

There are also trains from Oslo via Trondheim and Fauske to Bodø. From Trondheim, the train takes around 10 hours to Bodø. From Bodø, you can take a ferry or speedboat to Lofoten.
By bus

There are public buses every day from Narvik, Bodø, and Harstad to Svolvær.
By boat

There are daily scheduled express passenger boats operating all year between Bodø, Svolvær, and Værøy.

There are car ferries from Bodø to several places in Lofoten and between some of the islands in the archipelago.

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls at daily Stamsund and Svolvær in Lofoten.

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By car

If you choose to go by car, there are several options of getting to and from Lofoten.

A boat-free connection in the north of the archipelago takes you between the mainland and Lofoten.

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Local travel

The E10 (King Olav V’s road) is the main road 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.
By plane

There are frequent and regular flights to Bodø Airport, Harstad/Narvik Airport, Svolvær Airport, Leknes Airport, and Røst Airport.

Flight time from Oslo to Bodø is approximately 1,5 hours and an additional 20–30 minutes from there to Lofoten.

There is also a helicopter service between Bodø and Værøy.

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Towards sustainability

The certification Sustainable Destination is a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with enjoyable experiences, the destination must preserve the local nature, culture and environment, strengthen social values, and be economically viable. The municipality and the travel industry must cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place both to live in and to visit.

Find out more about sustainable destinations in Norway

Sustainable destination

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.

In the interest of the environment

Please be considerate of your surroundings by following these simple guidelines. This way, you can be sure that your visit doesn’t diminish other people’s experience.

Only camp in designated areas.
Leave no traces.
Do not create new paths.
Use the waste bins.
Use public toilets.
Respect private property.
Be considerate in traffic.
Respect the ban on fires.
Respect the wildlife.
Use tour operators.

Read the complete Lofoten code of conduct.

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