Lofoten Islands, Norway: A Beginner’s Guide

Lofoten Islands is one of the distantly located islands in Norway. It is a lovely remote place and a classic location where you can see some of the most breathtaking scenes in the world. For photographers and adventurers, Lofoten Islands, Norway, is heaven on Earth.

With unique scenery, impressive mountains, lovely beaches, and natural settings, Lofoten Islands, Norway, is an archipelago that cannot be missed. Rich wildlife and fishing colonies are other unique features of this stunning location.

Where Are The Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands is a beautiful place in the Nordland county located west of northern Norway. It is the best place to visit in all of Scandinavia.

The Lofoten archipelago has many mountainous islands and beautiful beaches. It is often called the Lofoten Wall as, from one particular distance, it resembles a steep island. Most of the islands are beautifully interconnected with the help of bridges.

How to Get To The Lofoten Islands

The ferry crossing is the best way to get to remote locations in Lofoten Islands, Norway. You can get to the islands by plane and car as well. But you must understand that since the site is quite remote, travel delays are possible. 

You can drive to the Lofoten Islands on Road E10. Your road trip to mainland Norway has many interesting bridges and tunnels. They are a lot easier as well. 

6 Splendid Things To Do in Lofoten Islands

There are many things to see and do in the Lofoten islands. Rugged coastlines, stunning scenery, and jagged mountains are awe-inspiring sights your eyes will behold when you visit Lofoten.

Here are some splendid things to do in the Lofoten Islands, Norway.

1. Hiking

Lofoten Islands is an excellent place for hiking. The trail setting is gorgeous, with grand views of the mountain spires and the seas. The courses are accessible and challenging to suit any hiker. Easy hikes are along the beaches, and the challenging ones are found in the Lofoten backcountry. 

Points to Remember Before Hiking

1. Download digital maps to check the trail route.

2. Red dotted lines on the digital maps are a symbolic representation of a track.

3. The Norwegian Trekking Association sells maps through DNT. You can buy them from the local shops.

4. You can hire a local guide for hiking. 

5. Please check weather conditions before hiking. Rainy weather can hamper some of your plans. However, it is better to be prepared than to be caught off-guard.

2. Scenic Drives

Driving on the roads designed to explore the beautiful routes on Lofoten Island is quite breathtaking. They are exceptionally magnificent, with outstanding viewpoints, and taking a road trip around these places would be great.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has created these routes. So, take a bit of detour and enjoy the lovely landscapes of the Norwegian Scenic Routes.

3. Experience The Midnight Sun And The Northern Lights

A natural phenomenon wherein the sun never sets for a certain period is known as the midnight sun. It occurs in summer in specific places south of the Antarctic Circle and north of the Arctic Circle. Lofoten islands are called the place where you will find the midnight sun.

Another remarkable phenomenon to occur in the land of Norway is the mysterious Northern lights. Due to the proximity to the auroral oval, the Lofoten islands are the best place to view the northern lights.

4. Adventure Out Into The Fishing Villages

Lofoten Islands are famous for its colourful fishing villages. There is a lot of tangible proof to show that fishing has been practiced on Lofoten islands for thousands of years.

A great way to explore the Lofoten islands would be to adventure out into the colorful fishing villages of Svolvær, Henningsvær, Nusfjord, Hamnøy, and Sakrisøy. You will soon realize that each town is unique and absolutely out of the world.

5. Feast On the Local Cuisine

Lofoten islands have thrived on fishing for many generations. Many old wives’ tales confirm fishermen travelled on open rowing boats for months to fish on these waters.

Almost all fish caught on the Norwegian have used the waters surrounding the Lofoten Islands. Therefore. No doubt, fish dishes are found in all restaurants on the Lofoten islands.

Food lovers would love to spend the day feasting on the local cuisine found on the Lofoten Islands. Furthermore, they would not be disappointed due to the wide variety available to them.

6. Climb The Svolværgeita Or The Goat

Svolværgeita, a grand mountain close to Svolvær, is world-famous, and many wish to reach its pinnacle. Although there are many ways to reach the peak, climbing with a tour guide is immensely safe, a great way to spend a classic summer with your family, and getting to the top of the mountain would be exhilarating.

10 Excellent Reasons to Visit Lofoten Island

While there are plenty, here are some of the most significant reasons to visit the lovely location.

1. Breathtaking landscape.

2. Convenient location.

3. Land of the sunrise and sunset at the same time.

4. Mystical Northern Lights.

5. Fishing villages that are unique and colourful.

6. Majestic Fjords that rise as high as 3000 feet tall.

7. To Enjoy the finest hikes in the country.

8. Its beautiful beaches.

9. To surf on the best waves.

10. Affectionate and cordial Norwegian people.

Final Note

Lofoten Islands have a terrific history, and many visit the islands worldwide. Most visitors would find the trip fascinating due to the fabulous scenery that the breathtaking islands have to offer.

The islands have transformed themselves from the humble beginnings of fishing villages and the land of the Vikings to the most beautiful picturesque location in the world!