Mar 26, 2023

The list: 10 things to do when visiting Lofoten, Norway

Henningsvær, Lofoten. Photo by Tetiana Grypachevska

Get ready to be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Lofoten, Norway! Every corner of this Arctic paradise is a sight, from majestic mountains to picturesque fishing villages.

1. Visit village of Reine

Visit the picturesque fishing village of Reine, known for its stunning landscapes, red-painted fishing huts called rorbuer in Norwegian, and panoramic views of the Lofoten Wall.

2. Go hiking

Embark on a hiking adventure along one of the many scenic trails in Lofoten. Popular hikes include Reinebringen, Munkebu Hut, and the famous Kvalvika Beach hike.

3. Go boating or kayaking

Take a boat tour or kayak through the narrow and dramatic Trollfjord, surrounded by towering mountains and steep cliffs. Keep an eye out for wildlife like sea eagles and seals.

4. Northern Lights

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights during the winter months. Lofoten offers excellent opportunities to witness this mesmerizing natural phenomenon due to its dark skies and ideal location within the Arctic Circle.

5. Go fishing Engage in a traditional fishing experience by joining a local fishing excursion. Learn about the region's fishing heritage, try your hand at catching fish, and even taste freshly prepared seafood.

6. Visit the charming village of Å

The village of Å showcases the cultural heritage of Lofoten's fishing industry. Explore the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum (Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum) and stroll through the authentic wooden buildings.

7. Go tot the beach

Explore the stunning beaches of Lofoten, known for their white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Haukland Beach, Uttakleiv Beach, and Ramberg Beach are magnificent and offer fantastic photo opportunities.

8. Go wildlife safari

Embark on a wildlife safari to spot sea eagles, seals, whales, and puffins. Various boat tours and safaris operate in Lofoten, allowing you to observe and photograph the rich marine and birdlife.

9. Stay at a fisherman's cabin

Experience the unique atmosphere of Lofoten by staying in a traditional fisherman's cabin called a rorbu. These cosy cabins offer a glimpse into the local way of life and often provide stunning waterfront views.

10. Learn about the Vikings

Immerse yourself in Viking history at the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg. Explore the reconstructed Chieftain's House, participate in interactive exhibits, and learn about Viking culture and traditions.

Opening hours: Varies depending on the season (check their website for the most up-to-date information)
Website: www.lofotr.no
Phone: +47 7606 8900
Email: post@lofotr.no

How to get here:

Lofoten is a long stretch of islands; depending on where you want to go, there are different alternatives. To ensure you find the best route, check with the accommodation you are staying with.

By car:

Driving to Lofoten is a popular choice. The journey takes around 20 hours from Oslo, with the scenic E6 and E10 routes offering breathtaking views of Norway's fjords and mountains. From Bodø the ride will take five to six hours, depending on your choice of route. The shortest is with ferry Bodø - Moskenes. The longer do not include any ferries.

By plane:

Norwegian air carrier Widerøe offers direct flights from Oslo Airport Gardermoen to Lofoten. Widerøe also offers several flights daily from Bodø and Tromsø to Lofoten's two airports Svolvær (SVJ) and Leknes (LKN). Widerøe also operates flights between Bodø and Røst (RET) and between Røst and Svolvær. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.wideroe.no.

A cheaper alternative is heading to the Harstad-Narvik Airport and jumping on the airport bus to Svolvær. The ride is a 170 km journey with spectacular views of the Norwegian landscape.

By train:

Taking the train to Bodø and catching a ferry to Lofoten is an excellent choice. The train ride takes about 17 hours from Oslo or 10 hours from Trondheim.Wherer to stay: