Lofoten Travel Guide / Exciting recommendations for the rough holiday paradise

Lofoten Travel Guide / Are you longing for an original and untouched travel destination? If you’ve always wanted to explore the fascination of Norway, then you shouldn’t wait any longer.

Above all, the spectacular Lofoten Islands are a real dream destination and exude an incomparable charm with their incredible landscape. The typical wooden houses form breathtaking scenery with the rugged, rough mountain landscapes, picturesque beaches and fjords.

In the following, you will learn from the Lofoten tips on how to plan your vacation in the most sensible way and which magical natural spectacles you should not miss.

General information about Lofoten

The Lofoten are an archipelago in northern Norway and belong to the province of Nordland. The 80 islands lie in the Atlantic and are located about 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.

The largest islands include Austvågsøya, Skrova, Gimsøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy, Moskenesøy, Væroy and Røst. These are separated from mainland Norway by the Vestfjord.

Many of you usually also associate the Vesterålen archipelago with Lofoten. However, that is wrong, because the islands are in the immediate vicinity of the Lofoten, but do not belong to them.

During your stay, you should definitely think about combining a stay in Lofoten with a stopover in Vesterålen. True natural paradises await you there too.

On your journey through the land of the Vikings you can look forward to untouched natural landscapes and remote fishing villages. In addition, there are few better ways than to experience the sparkling natural spectacle of the Northern Lights in Lofoten – simply fascinating.

You must also have on your bucket list to watch a whale up close, right? And yes, you read that right, with a bit of luck you can also admire these gigantic marine mammals up close on a trip to the Lofoten Islands.

Do you know the feeling of being so enthusiastic about a scenic region that your whole body literally starts to tingle? If not, then you will definitely feel it in Lofoten.

Arrival in Lofoten / Lofoten Travel Guide

How do you make your journey to Lofoten most relaxed? A question that should not remain unanswered on the list of Lofoten tips.

The quickest way to get to the Norwegian capital Oslo from numerous German airports is within 2 to 3 hours. In short: You usually have to expect a stopover in any case.

But to be honest, this is the best way to combine your stay in Lofoten with a city trip to Oslo. After exploring the city, you can fly from there to Harstad/Narvik Airport.

Another option is to land at Leknes Airport. Alternatively, you can also fly to the city of Tromsø. This unique place north of the Arctic Circle is not only famous for the magical Northern Lights, but also for a picturesque town center with a captivating architecture of wooden houses.

What do you think of the idea of ​​flying to Tromsø and making a stopover first? There you can then book a rental car and start your journey to Lofoten.

Or you can drive to the picturesque coastal town of Bodø, from where you can take the car ferry to Moskenes. If you are planning a round trip through Norway or have traveled to Sweden beforehand, you can take the train from Oslo via Trondheim or from the Swedish cities of Stockholm and Kiruna to Bodø.

If you decide to travel by car, not only are you incredibly flexible in your planning, but you can also easily explore the islands over a distance of 150 kilometers via the E10 European route.

If you want to observe the incredible landscapes from the water, you should consider a holiday with the traditional mail service, the Hurtigruten.

Best travel time for Lofoten

Before you embark on your adventure, you should be aware of what time of year you want to travel to Lofoten. In the following, the Lofoten tips show you the advantages of each month of the year – so pay attention!

Have you ever experienced the fascination of midsummer in Norway? If not, the time is right now. Because around the summer solstice it doesn’t get dark, the days are long and the landscapes are bathed in a red sea of ​​colour.

You can experience this natural spectacle in Lofoten between the months of May and July. Then a true phenomenon awaits you.

In addition to pleasant temperatures of around 13 °C, you can expect mostly dry days, even if you should always have weatherproof clothing with you. During these months you have the opportunity to go on endless hikes, go fishing or camp in the wilderness. A true outdoor holiday awaits you.

Winter also exudes its very own charm. Due to the Gulf Stream, the Lofoten benefit from a maritime climate, which is characterized by relatively mild winters – a real special feature for the location north of the Arctic Circle.

Above all, you should note that in the months of December and January it remains completely dark during the day. But when can you see the northern lights in Lofoten?

The best time to see the sparkling colors of the Northern Lights is from the end of September to the end of March. I promise you, this unique spectacle will captivate you in no time.

Of course, there is no guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights during this time. But on clear, cold and dry nights your chances are relatively good.

Destinations in Lofoten

Svolvær

It starts with the town of Svolvær, one of the top Lofoten tips. The largest city in the archipelago is on the east coast, by the Vestfjord. In the midst of picturesque landscapes, the cute wooden houses create a unique atmosphere.

If you’re looking for some excitement during your trip, then Svolvær is the place to stop. The coastal town has some cute cafes and restaurants where you can indulge yourself.

You can also make interesting observations at the port of the city. Svolvær is one of the fishing centers in Lofoten and is best known for cod fishing.

As soon as you arrive in town, the imposing and prominent peak of Svolværgeita catches your eye. This spectacular panorama will take your breath away in no time.

Svolvær is a picturesque holiday resort from which you can take numerous excursions. Whether boat tours, hikes or kayaking, you can experience an exciting stay.

During your trip you should definitely plan hikes on the Tjeldbergtind and visit the neighboring town of Kabelvåg, one of the oldest fishing villages in Lofoten.

Henningsvaer / Lofoten Travel Guide

The fishing village of Henningsvær is one of the most famous destinations in Lofoten and a must-see during your round trip. As soon as you approach the enchanting place, you will forget everything around you and start dreaming.

One of the most beautiful Lofoten tips is also affectionately called “Venice of the North”. Now you’re wondering why? Quite simply, the numerous cute fishermen’s houses are spread over several small islands that you can reach via bridges.

This mesmerizing location creates incredible backdrops. On site you will find cute shops and delicious restaurants in the picturesque streets. Another special feature is the art gallery KaviarFactory, which you should especially visit if you love art.

If you are planning your trip in winter, there is a lot of hustle and bustle in the village and you should not miss a very special spectacle. Because at this time the famous cod fishing is the focus.

If you want to get closer to the overwhelming nature of this region, you should plan a hike to Festvågtind. Fascinating views await you that can hardly be described in words.

A highlight is the view of Henningsvær football pitch. This is surrounded by stormy landscapes, right on the water.

Nusfjord

Further south you reach the small fishing village of Nusfjord on the island of Flakstadøy. A true postcard backdrop awaits you there.

The small red and yellow houses, which refer to the long-standing tradition of fishing, will turn your imagination of the Norwegian landscape into an incredible reality.

During your journey through the paradisiacal areas you should definitely make a small stopover in the place. On site, you can stroll through the streets and satisfy your growling stomach in one of the restaurants.

Reine & Hamnoy

In addition to the village of Reine, you should not miss the fishing village of Hamnøy, which is a little further north. Especially the amateur photographers among you should not miss the rorbu of Hamnøy, the famous Norwegian fishing huts.

Built directly on rocks and located by the water, incredible atmospheres are created there that you absolutely must have seen. As soon as you continue to Reine, you can look forward to a village that is located directly on the clear water and surrounded by huge, snow-covered mountains.

Perhaps the most beautiful views of Lofoten await you in Reine – make your own judgement. These partly mystical landscapes are a true dream world of nature!

One of the top Lofoten tips is a hike up Reinebringen mountain above Reine. After the path to the well-known vantage point of the approximately 400-meter-high summit was temporarily closed for stabilization work and the installation of a staircase, it is now accessible to hikers again.

In order to be able to enjoy the incredible views, a rather demanding hiking trail awaits you, which you should definitely only master with the right equipment. An alternative is definitely the hike on the Veinestinden, where you can expect similarly impressive views.

An absolute highlight in Reine is Bunes Beach. Yes, you read that right, a beach. You can reach this breathtaking and completely untouched nature from Reine by ferry.

Å i Lofoten

During your journey past rugged mountain ranges, crystal clear water and enchanted landscapes, you will reach the small and tranquil village of Å i Lofoten in the south of the island of Moskenesøy.

The picturesque fishing village is not only the end point of the E10 road, but also the starting point for numerous hikes that take you past waterfalls and lakes and provide an incredible insight into Norway’s nature.

If you head north again, you should plan a small stop in the fishing village of Sørvågen. In general, you have complete freedom during your trip by car and you can simply stop at the places that immediately captivate you.

My tip: The hiking route of Lake Agvatnet.

Island of Vaeroy

If you have enough time and are looking for a relatively unknown place, you should plan a visit to the small, magical island of Væroy.

If you long for a deceleration from everyday life, the Lofoten are exactly the right travel destination for you. And on Væroy, the clocks tick even more slowly and things are even more tranquil.

The interplay of the vertically towering rocks and the clear water lets you start dreaming in no time. Here the landscapes unfold their complete beauty.

Gimsoy island / Lofoten Travel Guide

You should also pay a visit to the island of Gimsøy at the end of your round trip. Somewhat remote from the E10 road, the small island is not quite as touristy and is particularly impressive due to its slightly different scenic features.

Because of the location of the island, it is not so much characterized by rugged rocky landscapes. On Gimsøy there are above all tundra landscapes.

If you fancy easy hikes, you should pay a visit to the mountains to the south. In addition, the long sandy beaches with their unique dune landscapes invite you to take endless walks.

My tip: A real photo spot is the wooden church in Gimsøy.

Other travel destinations in Lofoten:

Laukvik
Skarisoy
Gravdal
Storvagan
Eggum
Ballstad
Stamsund
Leknes
unstad

Activities in Lofoten

Fjords in Lofoten

What would a trip to Norway be without experiencing the fascination of the fjords up close? That’s why the list of Lofoten tips presents you with some natural spectacles that you shouldn’t miss.

Can you say exactly what makes fjords so special? These sea arms, which look like rivers, were formed by glaciers over thousands of years. Today they are mainly characterized by the steep and imposing rock faces.

The Trollfjord, which separates the Lofoten from the Vesterålen archipelago, is particularly worth seeing. This natural spectacle owes its name to Nordic mythology with its magical creatures.

If you have enough time, you should make a stop at Austnesfjord or Sløverfjord.

Hiking in Lofoten

Many of you are probably drawn to Lofoten for endless hikes through unspoiled nature. On site you can soak up the idyll and tranquility and learn to focus on the essentials.

During the hikes in Lofoten you are one with nature and can marvel at the incomparable play of light and color from special perspectives.

You really are spoiled for choice in Lofoten. You can spontaneously think about your hiking routes or plan them in advance. Therefore, a little inspiration should not be missing from the list of Lofoten tips.

Near the village of Ballstad you can climb the Ballstadheia peak. Arrived on the high plateau you have a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.

You should also immerse yourself in the enchanting mountain world of the Lofoten on the mountains Gylttinden, Merraflestinden or Kollfjellet.

The breathtaking views of the coast with its white beaches and crystal clear water add a touch of Caribbean flair. And with a bit of luck you can spot an impressive white-tailed eagle.

Beaches in Lofoten

Before reading the Lofoten Tips article, would you have thought that in addition to the fascinating mountain ranges, breathtaking beaches await you in Lofoten? Yes, true beach paradises also await you in the far north, which exude their very own charm both in summer and in winter.

One of the most beautiful beaches is definitely the famous Haukland Beach. In the summer months the water sparkles with the sun and in winter it is given a special glow by the Northern Lights.

During your stay you should definitely go on a hike to Mount Mannen directly from the beach. Continue with a visit to Kvalvika Bay.

This unique beach, located near Mount Ryten and the village of Ramberg, can only be reached by hiking. The sometimes really tedious ascent is rewarded – let yourself be surprised by one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Another paradise of unspoiled beauty is Flakstad Beach. You will be speechless when you see the endless sandy beach. With a bit of luck, you will have the entire beach section to yourself.

Other beaches in Lofoten:

Ramberg Beach
Storsandnes Beach
Bleik Beck
Unstad Beach
Uttakleiv Beach
Hov Beach
More activities in Lofoten

There are a number of activities you can do in Lofoten. You have a special perspective of the flora and fauna on a kayak tour through the numerous bodies of water.

If you are water mermaids, have no problem with wind and cold and love water sports, then you should definitely try surfing in Lofoten. The village of Unstad, in north-west Lofoten, offers you the best opportunities to get a taste of the rough water sports.

One of the most extraordinary surf camps is located here with the Unstad Arctic Surf. In short: Surfing in the Arctic Circle, who can claim to have done it once.

Golfing in Lofoten is a little more dignified. If you’ve always wanted to play a hole in incomparable landscapes, then let’s go.

The Lofoten Links golf course will get your heart racing and give you the chance to experience an unforgettable day in the glow of the Northern Lights.

In addition, many of you are of course also thinking of whale watching in Norway. Especially in the winter months you have the best chance of observing the giants of the oceans in their natural habitat.

If you have enough time, you can plan an onward journey to Andenes, on the neighboring Vesterålen archipelago. There you have the opportunity to marvel at sperm whales or humpback whales frolicking in the water – pure goosebumps.

Lofoten in bad weather

What can you do in Lofoten when the weather is bad? A legitimate question that should be answered on the list of Lofoten tips.

Even if you catch a completely rainy day, you can experience a lot. The Viking Museum in Borg is particularly worth a visit.

Here you can not only follow in the footsteps of the Vikings and learn more about Norway’s exciting past, but also feel like a real Viking.

If you want to learn more about fishing, the important industry in Lofoten, a visit to the Lofoten Museum near Kabelvåg is worthwhile.

During a stay in Svolvær you can admire the impressive ice sculptures in the Magic Ice gallery, which will tell you more about the Lofoten tradition.

Are you spending your family holiday in Lofoten? Then you have the opportunity to introduce the youngest members of the family to the incredible underwater world at the Lofoten Aquarium in Kabelvåg.

Accommodation in Lofoten

If you are spending your holiday in Lofoten and are not traveling with a camper, it makes sense to book accommodation in advance. So you can plan your route better, explore different places during the day without stress and look forward to your warm bed in the evening.

In the summer months in particular, it is advantageous to book your place to sleep before you start your journey, as the accommodations are usually fully booked in the high season or can only be obtained at expensive prices. In short: By booking in advance you also protect your travel budget.

Who of you doesn’t dream of staying in the famous red wooden houses? Above all, the Norwegian fisherman’s huts, the Robuer, right on the coast offer you an adventurous atmosphere and allow you to observe nature well even in the warmth.

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