The Lofoten Islands in Norway are one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Trust me, they’ve now made it into our top 5 most beautiful trips! Known for their dramatic mountains, sparkling fjords, and white sandy beaches, the Lofoten Islands offer a breathtaking landscape.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the best things to do in the Lofoten Islands for an unforgettable stay. Discover scenic hikes, charming fishing villages, Arctic beaches, and stunning fjords. Get ready to explore one of Norway’s most breathtaking and wild regions!
Useful links
Before starting, here are a few useful links to help you plan your trip to Lofoten:
- ✈️ Compare flights
- 🚘 Find a car rental at the best price
- 🏩 Our favorite accommodations :
Solsiden Brygge Rorbuer cosy rooms and breakfast
Lofotlove Apartments like at home - ❤️ Our favorite activities in Lofoten : Sea eagle watching boat tour
Table of contents
Hiking in the Lofoten Islands: the best panoramas
The Lofoten Islands are a true paradise for hikers, offering incredible panoramas of fjords, mountains, and the ocean. The hiking trails, often quite steep, lead you to spectacular views where every effort is rewarded with unique and breathtaking landscapes.
Here are three must-do hikes, short in distance but packed with intensity.
Reinebringen
Reinebringen is one of the most popular hikes in the Lofoten Islands. After a short walk along the road to reach the trailhead, you’ll face 1,978 steps and an elevation gain of 448 meters over just 1.1 km to reach the summit. The climb is steep, but it rewards you with breathtaking views of the village of Reine and the surrounding fjords.
And that stunning view? You only get to see it once you reach the summit, making the surprise even more magical! It’s the perfect spot for postcard-worthy photos, especially if a rainbow decides to make an appearance in the landscape!
To find out more about this hike, read my blog post Reinebringen: a unique hike and the most beautiful panorama in Lofoten.
Offersøykammen
The Offersøykammen hike is a short but intense trail that leads to an exceptional panorama. At the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding mountains, fjords and ocean, creating a spectacular contrast between sea and mountains.
Kvalvika Beach
The trail to Kvalvika Beach takes you to a secluded beach surrounded by mountains. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a day of hiking and relaxing by the water.
Here’s a little secret: you can find a hidden cabin on this beach. Known as the Kvalvika Cabin, it has a fascinating story tied to two surfers who sought to live in harmony with nature. The cabin was built as part of a project to embrace a simple, eco-friendly lifestyle while enjoying the region’s wild beauty and waves.
The surfers spent nine months in this cabin, which they built using materials washed ashore by the sea. Their goal was to prove that it was possible to live without relying on modern resources, using only salvaged materials and minimizing their ecological footprint.
Tips for hiking in Lofoten
The best time to hike in the Lofoten Islands is from June to September. Once the snow begins to fall, some trails become impassable. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes, bring a waterproof jacket, and always check the weather forecast before setting out.
Visit fishing villages
The fishing villages of Lofoten are a blend of charm and authenticity. These small villages, with their colorful wooden houses and fish dryers, transport you to a traditional Norway where time seems to stand still.
Reine
Reine is one of the most charming villages in the Lofoten Islands. Its fishermen’s cabins, known as rorbuer, line the fjords and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are several scenic viewpoints to enjoy, with one of the best located at the entrance of the village on the bridge.
Nusfjord
Nusfjord is one of the oldest and most beautiful fishing villages on the Lofoten Islands. Nestled between steep mountains and calm waters, this small village is a true immersion in traditional Norway, with its rorbuer lining the fjord.
The beauty of Nusfjord lies in its preserved atmosphere, where time seems to have stood still, and every corner looks like a postcard. Additionally, the road leading to Nusfjord is incredibly scenic. It winds through mountains and lakes, setting the tone for the village’s unique charm from the very first kilometers.
To preserve this unique heritage, entrance to Nusfjord is subject to a fee, offering access to the village and its museums dedicated to the life of the fishermen.
To find out more, read the article Nusfjord: a journey through time in the heart of Lofoten.
Å
Å, the village with the shortest name in Norway, is a historic site where you can discover the way of life of the fishermen and visit a museum dedicated to fishing. It’s the last village accessible by car, marking the end of the famous E10 road. This small fishing village, with a name as short as it is charming, is surrounded by spectacular scenery of towering mountains and crystal-clear fjords.
Embarking on a boat tour in the Lofoten Islands to observe sea eagles
The Lofoten Islands, seen from the sea, offer a unique and fascinating perspective. By boat, you can navigate through the fjords and admire steep cliffs and picturesque villages from a different angle. One of the best ways to explore these fjords is by taking a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) safari
We were lucky enough to see many eagles in their natural habitat and to sail in a magnificent fjord surrounded by majestic peaks.
GetYourGuide, our trusted partner, offers this activity: you can book easily via their platform by clicking here or by checking availability below. After booking, you’ll receive a QR code to present on the day of the activity. And then… off you go for a unique adventure! A must for nature lovers and thrill-seekers…
To find out more, read my article Trollfjord: eagle-watching boat safari in Lofoten.
Discover the most beautiful beaches of the Lofoten Islands
The beaches of Lofoten are astonishingly beautiful, with striking contrasts between white sand and towering mountains. The beaches of the Lofoten Islands are astonishingly beautiful, with striking contrasts between white sand and towering mountains. Despite being located above the Arctic Circle, some of these beaches resemble tropical paradises.
Kvalvika Beach
Kvalvika Beach is perfect for a moment of contemplation after a hike. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers spectacular ocean views.
Haukland Beach
Haukland Beach is one of most famous beaches of the Lofoten Islands, with its white sand and turquoise waters. A true Arctic gem, ideal for a seaside stroll and a magnificent sunset.
Rambergstranda
Rambergstranda is located just off the E10 road. It’s easily accessible and impresses with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot for a photo break or even a picnic while enjoying the view. In summer, some even venture out for a refreshing swim!
The Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands
Watching the northern lights is undoubtedly one of the most magical experiences in the Lofoten Islands. Thanks to its remote location and low light pollution, the archipelago is the perfect spot to witness this natural spectacle in Norway.
The best times to see the Northern Lights are between September and March, when the nights are long and dark. To maximize your chances, keep an eye on solar activity forecasts and choose a spot away from artificial lights.
Northern light hunting tours with a guide are an excellent option, especially if it’s your first time visiting the region and you want to maximize your chances of witnessing this magical phenomenon. Guides know the best spots, monitor solar activity forecasts, and understand how to avoid light pollution to provide optimal viewing conditions. They also often share tips on camera settings to help you capture the northern lights perfectly. Plus, guided tours usually include extras like warm clothing and beverages to make the experience even more comfortable.
Explore the fjords by kayak
Paddling through the Lofoten fjords is an immersive way to discover the wilderness. Kayaking lets you navigate in silence, close to cliffs and immerse yourself in the serenity of the water.
Numerous guided excursions are available, perfect for exploring the fjords in complete safety and with professional advice. The calm fjords and clear waters offer ideal conditions for kayaking in complete tranquillity.
How to get to Lofoten
The Lofoten may seem isolated, but they are accessible from many points in Norway.
- Option 1: Flight to Bodø, then ferry to the Lofoten Islands.
- Option 2: Direct flight to Leknes or Svolvær.
- Option 3: Landing in Narvik, then car or bus trip to the Lofoten Islands.
Tip: Check ferry schedules, as some routes may vary according to weather conditions.
Where to sleep in Lofoten?
For an authentic stay, staying in rorbuer, traditional fishermen’s cabins, is a must in the Lofoten Islands. These wooden cabins, often on stilts, are typical of the region and offer a perfect setting overlooking the fjords.
Lofoten also has hostels, hotels and campsites to suit all budgets. The rorbuer are particularly popular, so book well in advance!
Our selection of accommodation
To make the most of our stay in Lofoten, we took care to choose accommodations ideally located for exploring the islands. In order to cover the whole region, we divided our stay into two parts and chose two types of accommodation to suit our needs.
Solsiden Brygge Rorbuer in Ballstad
We spent a few nights in this charming rorbuer (fisherman’s cabin)! The rooms are warm and cozy, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration. Breakfast is included, which is a great bonus, and the on-site restaurant is both welcoming and serves excellent food with stunning views by the water. This place is ideal for a full immersion into the unique atmosphere of the Lofoten Islands. As an added treat, we spotted our first northern lights just near the accommodation!
Lofotlove Apartments in Sørvågen
We also chose to rent an apartment to have the flexibility to cook. Lofotlove Apartments was the perfect place for this! Well equipped, it allowed us to prepare our own meals, a great way to save money while enjoying a comfortable and welcoming space. It really felt like home, which made our stay even more enjoyable.
Budget and prices for a stay in the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are known for being a relatively expensive destination, but the experience is well worth it! Accommodation, meals, and activities can be more expensive than average, especially during the high season (June to August).
To save money, book in advance and budget for certain must-do activities such as boat safaris. Travelling out of season is also an option for reducing costs.
Conclusion and review on the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are an absolutely magical destination, a veritable natural treasure nestled beyond the Arctic Circle. The scenery looks straight out of a postcard, with rugged mountains, sparkling fjords and white sandy beaches contrasting with the deep blue of the ocean. Everywhere you look, nature is breathtaking and wild, transporting you into another world. At every turn, we’re captivated by a spectacular new panorama, making every moment unforgettable.
Of course, traveling to the Lofoten Islands requires preparation to face the often unpredictable weather: waterproof jackets, warm clothing, and sturdy hiking boots are essential. However, this preparation becomes secondary to the beauty and immensity of the area. The wind, rain, and even the cold are quickly forgotten when you’re watching the northern lights dance across the sky or standing atop a trail with a breathtaking view of the fjords.
Yes, the Lofoten Islands can seem like an expensive destination. Whether it’s for accommodation, meals, or certain activities, you’ll need to budget accordingly. But honestly, it’s so worth it. The raw beauty and tranquility of this place provide a truly unique experience that leaves a lasting impression and makes you want to come back.
For us, the Lofoten Islands were a true favorite. We loved every moment spent in this corner of Norway, and this destination has inspired us to return and explore more of this incredible country.
LAISSER UN COMMENTAIRE