The Lofoten Islands in Norway are undoubtedly some of the lovely locations on the planet. There’s a lot to do and plenty of issues to see on the islands, so right here we’ve ready an introductory Lofoten journey information to the 5 islands that make up the Lofoten Islands.
It’s not attainable to cowl each vacation spot in Lofoten in a single article (that might be an epically lengthy publish), however right here we gives you a quick introduction to the most effective locations, views, hikes, and lodging on the islands. Dive in and uncover Norway’s spectacular Lofoten Islands!
Introduction to the Lofoten Islands
What are the Lofoten Islands?
The Lofoten Islands are a sequence of 5 Islands in Arctic Norway. The islands are the self-proclaimed “essentially the most lovely islands on the earth” and one go to to Lofoten will depart little doubt in your thoughts that they only is perhaps proper.
The islands are usually not big, however they’re extremely rugged and linked by just one most important street, making journey time a bit slower than driving down a motorway. The 5 islands are comparable, but totally different in their very own manner. When planning a visit to Lofoten you’ll should determine the place you wish to keep and what you wish to do. That’s the place this text is available in.
The place are the Lofoten Islands?
The Lofoten Islands are in Northern Norway on the North Atlantic coast. They begin on the village of Hanoy and run south from there to the top of the E10 street at A (that’s the identify of the village), masking about 180 km.
The closest cities of any form of appreciable inhabitants are Narvik and Harstad, dwelling to over 20,000 folks every. Whereas the closest notable metropolis is Tromso, about 380 km north of Hanoy.
The best way to get to the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are literally fairly simple to get to, because of quite a few regional airports on and close to the islands. Most individuals fly into one of many regional airports and hire a automobile.
For extra details about getting there, take a look at this detailed information on get to the Lofoten Islands.
Lofoten Islands climate
The climate within the Lofoten Islands is just not going to trick you into considering you’re within the Mediterranean. It’s chilly, cloudy, and gloomy more often than not, even in the summertime. Rain is widespread and seemingly falls with out finish.
The perfect time of 12 months to go to is June – early September, when summer season is in full swing, and you’ve got the most effective probability for clear skies. There’s additionally 24 hours of daylight beginning in mid-Might and lasting until late July.
The islands are distinctive for having a temperate Arctic local weather. The temperature solely varies by about 2-3 levels Celsius every day, it doesn’t matter what season. It infrequently will get scorching. And it doesn’t truly get too chilly, with the common January low being about -1 (30 F).
Transportation
You’ll wish to have a rental automobile or van to your journey to Lofoten. There’s a fairly good bus system, however you’ll really need the liberty of your personal wheels on this journey.
Now let’s get into the 5 islands of Lofoten. These are ordered from north to south within the following sections.
Austvågøy
Austvågøy is the northernmost and largest of the Lofoten Islands. It’s the second most populated island and residential to the most important city within the archipelago, Svolvaer.
Primary sights
Though it’s the most important island, guests to Lofoten normally spend much less time on Austvågøy than different islands. That doesn’t imply there aren’t wonderful issues to do on the island, although.
Henningsvaer
On the far southern tip of Austvågøy you’ll discover the attractive fishing village of Henningsvaer. The city is most notable for having most likely essentially the most picturesque soccer discipline on the planet. You’ve absolutely seen images of it taken from drones.
Henningsvaer is greater than only a soccer pitch although. The city has colourful wood buildings and options the towering peak of Festvågtind within the background.
Svolvaer
Svolvaer is just not the prettiest city in Lofoten by any stretch of the creativeness. Nevertheless it’s the primary inhabitants middle and the place you’ll discover essentially the most eating places, shops, and tour operators.
In Svolvaer you’ll additionally discover the Lofoten Warfare Memorial Museum, Magic Ice Lofoten (an ice sculpture museum), and the Lofotpils Brewery, the one craft brewery on the islands. There are massive inns in Svolvaer as nicely, however do your self a favor and keep away from these.
As an alternative keep in a rorbu – a conventional Lofoten fisherman’s cabin. They’re everywhere in the islands and most characteristic full kitchens and residing rooms.
Djevporten
Djevporten is a cool rock formation of a free rock mainly bridging between two cliffs. It’s the top level of a steep 2-mile spherical journey hike from the city.
Prime issues to do
There are a ton of issues to do on Austvågøy for the adventurous and the not so adventurous. If you wish to do all of the actions right here, higher plan on spending not less than 3 days on the island.
Trollfjord cruise
Probably the most in style actions in all of Lofoten is taking a fjord cruise. A number of outfitters primarily based out of Svolvaer provide quick cruises down the enduring fjord, which is barely reachable by sea. The cruises are both 2 or 3 hours and begin at NOK 1190 (about $110 USD).
Fishing charters
One other in style sea-based exercise goes out fishing. There are numerous choices for a half-day fishing constitution from Svolvaer. All fishing gear will probably be offered, and also you’ll be taught catch some cod if you happen to’re a newbie. Excursions begin at about NOK 1000 ($93 USD) and run year-round, even by the winter.
Climbing
Like anyplace in Lofoten, climbing is the go-to exercise on Austvågøy. With so many rugged peaks, there are limitless climbing alternatives on the island. A number of the hottest hikes are:
Djevporten: hike to a cool rock as mentioned above.
Festvagtinden: 1.6-mile spherical journey hike up almost 1700 toes for nice views of Henningsvaer.
Tjeldbergtinden: 2.5-mile spherical journey hike simply exterior of Svolvaer.
Museums
In Svolvaer you’ll discover the Lofoten Warfare Memorial Museum and the Magic Ice Lofoten (an ice sculpture museum). The Warfare Museum is devoted to the area’s WW2 historical past, whereas Magic Ice Lofoten is a group of implausible ice sculptures which are seen all 12 months spherical.
The place to remain
I like to recommend staying exterior of Svolvaer, both in Henningsvaer or Kabelvag, or in between these villages. Some suggestions for particular lodging could be discovered under.
Nyvagar Rorbuhotel: A ravishing lodge comprised of dozens of rorbus, full with a restaurant, bar, and reception space.
Tobiasbrygga: A small lodge with massive apartment-style rooms in central Henningsvaer.
Lofoten View Kabelvag: A vacation dwelling for hire in Kabelvag that includes a balcony with lovely views.
Gimsøya
By far the smallest of the Lofoten Islands, Gimsøya is mainly only a couple mountains popping out of the ocean. Most individuals completely skip Gimsøya, however they’re lacking out on a couple of attention-grabbing issues.
Primary sights
Gimsoy Kirke
Most likely essentially the most scenic cathedral in Lofoten, The Gimsoy Kirke is a white church constructed with conventional Nordic structure. It’s mainly in the midst of nowhere, proper on the northern coast of the island. It’s a few 10-minute drive down a decent one lane street to get there and you’ll’t truly go contained in the church, nevertheless it’s value a cease you probably have time.
Lofoten Hyperlinks Golf
Should you ever dreamed of teeing off on a spherical of golf at midnight then Lofoten Hyperlinks is for you. The lodge has an 18-hole golf course that’s open from early Might to mid October. You possibly can e book a spherical of Arctic golf on their web site.
Prime issues to do
As a tiny island, there may be not an entire lot to do if you happen to’re not going to play a spherical of golf. I hope you want climbing.
Hike Hoven Peak
The primary hike on the island is the Hoven Peak hike. It’s a significantly steep hike up the island’s second highest mountain. You’ll acquire almost 2000 ft (610m) in simply 1.5 miles on the best way to the highest.
The place to remain
There are very restricted lodging choices on Gimsøya. The primary lodge is Lofoten Hyperlinks, which options quite a few lodging sorts throughout the road from a rocky seaside. There are different choices, nonetheless, if you happen to’re seeking to keep at a vacation dwelling, like Lillevik Lofoten.
Vestvågøy
Vestvågøy is likely one of the extra in style islands in Lofoten, because of its wonderful seashores, scenic mountains, and restaurant choices. One factor to know earlier than visiting Lofoten is that there are far fewer eating places than most main vacationer locations. Keep on Vestvågøy, although, and also you’ll be effective!
Primary sights
Most individuals keep 2-3 days on Vestvågøy as a way to absolutely respect the island. There are a ton of issues to do and plenty of locations to see to maintain you busy.
Lofotr Viking Museum
The viking museum is positioned on the location the place the most important Viking long-house ever recognized to exist was discovered. An extended-house is mainly a conventional Viking dwelling. It’s lengthy and skinny, therefore the identify. The long-house has been rebuilt and become a museum.
Unstad Seaside
Unstad Seaside is a stupendous seaside that’s well-known regionally for being an ideal browsing spot. Most individuals come to Unstad to surf, nevertheless it’s additionally attainable to come back simply to understand the great thing about the scenic seaside between towering peaks.
Haukland Seaside
Haukland Seaside has been named by Lonely Planet as essentially the most lovely seaside in Europe. One go to and also you’ll see why. The white sand and turquoise water will idiot you into considering you’re within the Caribbean. The jacket that you just’re carrying will remind you, nonetheless, that you just’re not.
Leknes
Leknes is the second most populated city in Lofoten. There are usually not a ton of factors of curiosity within the city, nevertheless it does have loads of eating places, bakeries, outlets, and supermarkets.
Ballstad
Ballstad is a stupendous city by itself little island on the southern coast of Vestvågøy. There are tons of lodging choices on the base of the steep mountain, but few eating places. The view from the bridge to the island is unbeatable.
Lofoten Seafood Middle
The Lofoten Islands produce a whole lot of seafood, and you’ll be taught all about it at Lofoten Seafood Middle. It’s probably not a museum, however a personal seafood enterprise that has a showroom and a few reveals. It’s free to cease by and be taught all about how they farm salmon and catch cod.
Prime issues to do
There are a ton of issues to do on Vestvågøy. These are largely outdoor primarily based, however so is life in Lofoten. When the climate is poor – because it typically is – there isn’t an entire lot to do on the island aside from stress-free at your rorbu with a pleasant glass of wine.
Climbing
There are dozens of epic hikes on Vestvågøy. We are able to’t undergo all of them right here, however the most well-liked hike on the island is the Mannen Peak Hike. This quick hike takes you up a steep mountain excessive above Haukland Seaside for among the finest views in all of Europe.
Go to the seaside
It doesn’t get heat sufficient to lie on the seaside too typically in Lofoten. However do you have to get that uncommon occasion, a day at Haukland Seaside can’t be beat. There are a ton of seashores on the island, however Haukland and neighboring Vik are by far the most effective seashores to spend your time at.
Browsing
As talked about earlier than, browsing is a well-liked exercise at Unstad Seaside. You’ll want a full wetsuit for browsing within the Arctic, nevertheless it’s an expertise you received’t quickly overlook. Seek the advice of Unstad Arctic Surf for extra info.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a well-liked exercise at Haukland Seaside. Haukland Seaside’s tourism division manages kayak leases and can hook you up with a pleasant day on the ocean.
The place to remain
There are a whole lot of lodging choices on Vestvågøy. I like to recommend both of the 2 choices under, although there are lots of different implausible locations to remain on the island as nicely.
Statles Rorbu- og Konferansesenter AS: A big property with many several types of rorbus to remain in. The homeowners are extraordinarily pleasant and the views from the balconies are very good.
Lofoten Basecamp: A group of rorbus on the water. They face south, so that they get valuable daylight within the winter months when the Polar Evening ends.
Flakstadøya
Flakstadøya is a shocking island, full with towering peaks coming straight out of the ocean and charming fishing villages. It’s a much less crowded island, because it’s so rugged, however you’ll wish to spend not less than a day exploring the island.
Primary sights
Flakstadøya has various issues to do and see. We’ll undergo a couple of of them right here.
Ramstad Seaside
Ramstad Seaside is likely one of the most lovely seashores in Lofoten. An extended stretch of white sand with close by seaside cabins, it’s a well-liked seaside for day trippers and campers alike. No different seaside on the island even compares to Ramstad.
Nusfjord
Nusfjord might be essentially the most lovely and historic fishing village within the Lofoten Islands. Tucked away alongside a fjord on the southern aspect of the island, Nusfjord has been populated for generations. It’s tiny and straightforward to stroll round in an hour or two.
Storvarnet Viewpoint
Probably the most Instagrammable locations within the Lofoten Islands is a seemingly random spot within the street on the best way to Nusfjord. From right here you stare straight down a sheer cliff of granite. The street isn’t normally too busy so it’s attainable to cease on the street for loads of images.
Prime issues to do
Climbing
The hikes on Flakstadøya are usually not fairly as in style as the large hikes on Vestvågøy and Moskenesøya. This implies you’ll be capable to discover some solitude do you have to select to hike on the island. The perfect hike on the island is Volandstinden Peak path. It’s about 3 miles out and again and takes you up 1500 ft (457m).
Pictures
As talked about already, among the most photogenic locations in Lofoten could be discovered on Flakstadøya. The island is seemingly one large artwork canvas. Cease as typically as you may to {photograph} the implausible landscapes. Nusfjord additionally makes a shocking background for fjord images.
The place to remain
There are many locations to remain on Flakstadøya, even when most individuals skip over the island in favor of its extra in style neighbors.
Ramberg Gjestegård: If you wish to keep instantly on the seaside, that is the place for you. In addition they have campsites and a scrumptious restaurant.
Nusfjord Arctic Resort: In order for you a little bit luxurious in Nusfjord, that is the right choice.
Moskenesøya
Lastly, we get to the southern finish of the Lofoten Islands. Moskenesøya is the most well-liked island and what most individuals consider once they assume “Lofoten Islands.” The village of Reine is considered essentially the most lovely city on the islands.
There’s a main ferry terminal within the tiny village of Moskenes that connects the southern tip of Lofoten again to Bodo on mainland Norway. Bodo additionally has a regional airport and many individuals visiting Lofoten select to fly to Bodo and take the ferry to Moskenes.
Primary sights
There are a ton of gorgeous locations to see on Moskenesøya. In actual fact, some individuals who go to Lofoten by no means even depart this one island. It’s acquired the whole lot you’d ever want for an incredible Arctic trip.
Reine
Reine is likely one of the most scenic villages you’ll ever see. Tucked in between towering peaks and with shoreline galore, it’s the most well-liked place in Lofoten. For as in style as it’s, there are minimal eating places and only some locations to remain.
Hamnoy
Hamnoy is mainly only a assortment of rorbus and homes on a tiny, rocky island on the freeway to Reine. However the backdrop of the steep mountainside behind the village makes it some of the photogenic locations in Norway.
Reinbringen
Essentially the most well-known view in all of Lofoten is from the highest of the Reinbringen mountain simply exterior of Reine. It’s about 1700 steps to the highest of the mountain. The steps had been constructed by Nepalese Sherpas in 2018, making the hike accessible to anybody who doesn’t thoughts climbing 1700 steps.
Kirkefjord
Kirkefjord is a deep fjord that nearly splits Moskenesøya in two. You possibly can take a ferry down the fjord to the dock to discover the pristine great thing about part of Lofoten not accessible by automobile.
Kvalvika Seaside and Ryten Peak
Kvalvika Seaside is likely one of the most scenic seashores in Lofoten. It’s solely accessible by a 1.5 mile hike every manner from the car parking zone. Above the seaside, Ryten peak rises into the sky. It’s in style to mix the seaside and the height into one wonderful hike.
Prime issues to do
Climbing
As common, climbing is the prime exercise on Moskenesøya. Other than the Reinebringen hike and the Kvalvika Seaside / Ryten hike, there are dozens of different epic hikes on the island. Should you’re up for an epic in a single day hike, head all the way down to the top of the E10 Freeway and stroll to the south tip of the island, up and down mountains with out one other soul in sight.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a extremely popular summer season exercise in Reine. There are a number of outfitters that can take you on a kayaking tour across the fjords. Simply be ready to pay high greenback although. 2-hour kayaking excursions begin at over $100 per particular person.
Pictures
Moskenesøya is a photographer’s dream. There are such a lot of photogenic spots on the island that it’s arduous to decide on a favourite. Actually anyplace you go round Reine is wonderful. But when I had to decide on, I’d say the view from the bridge to Hamnoy is the most effective!
The place to remain
Whereas Renie itself might not have as many lodging choices as you’d anticipate, exterior of the city there are many choices. Listed here are a couple of suggestions.
Rostad Retro Rorbuer: a quiet rorbu with an epic view of Hamnoy. It’s arduous to beat staying at Rostad!
Sakrisøy Gjestegård: some of the well-known lodging in Lofoten, the lodge is a group of yellow rorbus on the ocean with views of Reinebringen.
The Manor Home in Hamnoy: one of many top-rated inns within the area, there are a couple of rooms to remain at on this massive home within the tiny village of Hamnoy.
South of Moskenesøya
Whereas these 5 islands make up the Lofoten Islands, there may be one other beautiful island south of Moskenesøya that many individuals contemplate a part of Lofoten. Vaeroy is just not accessible by ferry, however the island options among the most splendid mountains in Norway. It’s a tiny island, mainly a mountain that got here out of the ocean. The ferry runs a number of occasions a day so it’s simple to go to as a day journey from Reine.
Remaining Phrase
The Lofoten Islands are some of the lovely locations on earth. After studying this Lofoten journey information, you’re now accustomed to all 5 of the Lofoten Islands and have a very good background for planning an superior journey to this wonderful a part of Norway!
