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LOFOTEN

in winter

(check out its summer vibes too!)

It's all about the light.

Countless shades of blue…

…orange…

…and green.

Winter is aurora time, when the stunning lights are visible from September to March.

The rapidly changing weather and magnificent light conditions have drawn artists and outdoor enthusiasts to this area for decades. 

Winter is a great time to explore the tranquility of the many idyllic fishing villages, like Nusfjord, pictured here. 

Find a calm like no other. 

But winter is also a time for great fun!

Local fishermen rub shoulder with hipsters, families and art lovers in Henningsvær, where you can experience an early holiday spirit during the famous Førjulseventyret pre-Christmas celebrations in November and December.

Visit cosy cafés and hotels, including Trevarefabrikken, and…

…the artisans at Engelskmannsbrygga, one of many quirky shops and art galleries on the island. 

You should also visit Svolvær, the tiny, but always buzzing, 'capital' of Lofoten, and a great base for winter adventures, including boat trips to Trollfjorden. 

Famous fishing villages

All worth a visit!

Winter is also gourmet time!

Every year, between February and March, migrating Atlantic cod, called skrei, come to Lofoten to spawn.

This is the fish that built Norway, and led to numerous small settlements being established in this remote area.

If the weather is good, you can join a fishing trip and try your fishing luck (there's even a sexy little local tip for that!). 

There are daily trips from Svolvær and from other locations on request. 

Learn all about skrei

Most of the skrei is hung on racks, where the salty wind dries them, and they become stockfish. 

Enjoy it grilled, baked, cooked, as a dried snack, or even as a pizza topping!

But super fresh seafood is not the only treat after a full day outside. 

You should also try the famous Lofoten lamb, cloudberry delicacies and some wonderful, locally produced cheeses

Delicious! 

Fish & trips

& eats! Learn more about skrei and other tasty secrets from Lofoten.

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

Travel back in time at the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, one of several museums that are open throughout the winter. 

Cool indoor experiences

Note: some museums and galleries may be closed or have limited opening hours in winter. Always check the website before you go.

There are a lot of other winter activities available too.

Up your chances of seeing the auroras with a local guide. You can even try on horseback at Hov Hestegård!

Or go dog sledding through otherworldly landscapes. 

Winter activities

Hunt the northern lights or try dog sledding and snowshoeing.

Lofoten in winter is a snow-blanketed paradise!

It's a very popular spot for ski touring (always go with a local guide), year-round surfing, or simply strolling around in an unforgettable landscape.

Ski touring

Always go with a local guide for your safety and for the best runs!

Winter also means cold, stormy weather. 

Indulge with a hot sauna or spa! Aaah…

Warm up!

Ice and fire, combined. Nothing beats the sensation.

At the end of the day, climb into bed in a cosy rorbu, old fisherman's cabin by the edge of the sea.

It's just as magical with a storm blowing outside, as on a calm, sunny day. 

Places to stay

Stay in a cosy rorbu or book a hotel room with a view!

After a long winter, spring arrives!

Suddenly the nights are white and eternal. Spring is also a very tranquil and beautiful time of year to visit. 

What are you waiting for? 

Lofoten has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely 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.

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

What's the weather like? 

Winter in the Arctic can start as early as October and might last until almost the end of April.

Since the Lofoten Islands lie so far out in the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream, its climate is costal and much warmer than other Arctic destinations. The temperature often fluctuates between -5°C to 3°C.

The climate from October to December often brings both rain and snow. The mountains are often covered in snow, while more low-lying parts are free from snow. Winter is also high season for beautiful rainbows!

'Real' winter usually starts in January and lasts until mid March. During these months, you can usually expect to see more snow everywhere, including in low-lying areas. From February to April, the amount of daylight increases every day, and the temperatures on a calm, sunny day can be quite pleasant! 

The archipelago lies far out in the ocean, so storms occur quite frequently, causing disruptions to transport. Make sure to allow enough time for delays and do purchase good travel insurance. 

How dark does it get?

The days become shorter as early as in October, but Lofoten only has mørketid, 'the dark time', for 5-6 weeks, from the beginning of December until early January.

But it's not completely dark all day. You can have several hours of daylight, especially on clear days. The sun never disappears completely, it only dips below and hovers above the horizon, often lighting up the clouds from below, creating the wildest colours you've ever seen. Enjoy the beautiful 'blue hour' just before dusk and dawn every day.

Although the hours of daylight are scarce from mid-November until the end of January, it is also a very nice and tranquil period, with great opportunities to see the auroras!

In February, the days become longer, and the ski touring season and Lofoten seasonal fishery are on. By April 1, the sky is once again too bright to see the aurora until next season.

Top things to do

See our overview of top activities and attractions in Lofoten.

Getting here and around

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

Best holiday offers in Lofoten

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