Lofoten Islands Norway: An Awesome Guide!

Lofoten Islands is one of the distantly located islands in Norway. It is a lovely remote place and is a classic location to 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.

You can experience spectacular seasonal changes here at the Lofoten archipelago, too. The midnight sun in summer and the mysterious Northern Lights in Winter are two of the most distinguished encounters you would have in Lofoten Islands.

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 the whole of Scandinavia.

Lofoten Islands has two significant towns, Svolvær and Leknes. The lovely Norwegian location is situated on the north of the Arctic Circle. They are made up of seven main islands, and you will find the fjords and narrow straits lie in between the islands.

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?

Oh yes! 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. Whatever mode you travel, you will find it takes a long time to get to Lofoten Islands.

Travel To Lofoten Islands By An Aeroplane

Three main airports usually have daily flights to and from Oslo. In addition, some of the flights have a layover in Bodo.

1. Harstad Airport – Direct flights from Oslo are available, but it will take three hours to reach the archipelago by car from Svolvaer

2. Svolvær Airport – An accessible airport on the Lofoten Islands, but rental cars are expensive.

3. Leknes Airport – Although the airport is located centrally on the island, there are no interesting places to visit from this location. All flights are similarly priced to that of Harstad and Svolvær.

Ferry Travel

All ferry schedule begins from Bodo. It remains the central place to depart to the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Driving may take much longer than a ferry. You can arrive at Moskenes port, less than 11 kilometers from Reine.

Types of Ferry Travel

1. Car Ferry – Sails from Bodo to Moskenes.

2. Passenger Ferry – Sails for more than three hours from Bodo to Svolvær.

3. Hurtigruten – Two stops are available here. Stamsund and Svolvær. It is advised to book in advance.

Driving

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. Many prefer road travel to that to ferry travel.

Splendid Things To Do

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.

Many believe that although it is not a prominent place, you can spend many weeks exploring the length and breadth of the islands. On the other hand, if you are hard-pressed for time, you can drive through the entire place within a few hours.

Tourists come to the Lofoten Islands to enjoy a host of culinary specialties. Lofoten is famous for its cafes and restaurants that serve many signature and local cuisines.

And then, of course, is the visit to Svolvær. The capital of Lofoten Islands, Svolvær, is a great place to enjoy the Trollford Cruise, a fishing trip or watch sea eagles.

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

1. Hiking

Lofoten Islands, Norway, is an excellent place for hiking. The setting of trails 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 route of the trail.

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. More information on local guides is available with Reine Adventure.

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.

With essential facilities like car parking, outdoor furniture, and great paths, taking scenic drives in Lofoten is a great attraction for all island tourists.

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.

Northern Norway in the summer months is perfect for seeing the Midnight sun. While some may not want to spend chilly summer nights in the north, most would like to take a midnight swim or try to pitch a tent in the wild.

Other activities under the midnight sun are midnight golfing, cycling, river paddling, or going on a kayak trip.

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.

Encounter the beautiful Northern lights in winter while you fish, ski, go horseback riding, go sledding, or watch them from the traditional rorbu (traditional fisherman’s cabin) balcony. The starry sky will become a spectacular masterpiece that only the great master of the universe can reproduce.

4. Adventure Out Into The Fishing Villages

Lofoten Islands, Norway, is famous for its colorful fishing villages. There are many tangible proofs to state that fishing has been practiced in Lofoten islands for thousands of years.

The Norwegian arctic cod is the main fish in Lofoten, and the fish product found here is the stockfish (made from Codfish). Some exciting features of the fishing villages in Lofoten islands are its “rorbu,” or the traditional fisherman’s cabins, and the wooden racks lined up with dried cold stockfish. Local fishermen used the houses whenever they ventured out for fishing.

The cabins have existed for nearly thousands of years in these small villages, and when you take a journey into the villages, you will still see them all around the islands. It would be an exhilarating experience to view the magnificent fjords and mountains surrounding the pretty villages.

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. Enjoy The Seaside

Lofoten Islands, Norway, is where majestic mountains rise above the sea to form deep fjords. There are many spectacular fjords all over Norway. Many are encouraged to visit Lofoten to experience grand scenery rarely seen in many countries.

And within the tall mountains and lush green valleys, you will find the most beautiful beaches that you have ever seen in your entire life. The sand is white, and the Arctic Ocean waters are crystal clear. It is impressive and rewarding to view the beauty and splendor of the vast sea.

Lofoten islands cannot be called tropical islands, but due to the Gulf Stream, you will realize it is much warmer. Moreover, the temperatures are generally moderate, allowing tourists to surf throughout the year.

Seaside by the beaches of Lofoten islands is a great way to spend your ideal vacation. Honestly, tourists may be unable to decide on the best beach among the many beaches on the islands. Nevertheless, each has a distinctive feature of its own.

You can choose the horseshoe-shaped Haukland beach or the pleasantly surprising Unstad beach, known for surfing. Although selecting the beach you cherish the most is pretty challenging, one must concede that the beauty of Lofoten Beaches is nothing short of spectacular.

6. Feast On the Local Cuisine

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

A prominent fish caught in Lofoten is the Codfish. Stockfish is a delicacy that is produced from cod—a thriving business venture whereby it is sold to many European countries.

Almost all fish caught on the Norwegian and Barents seas 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.

7. 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.

8. Wildlife On The Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands have extensive wildlife; watching them wander on the land is spectacular and magnificent. While land animals, such as the tall elks or a cunning fox, are sighted quite often, sea creatures, such as whales, are rare. To see the sea eagles soar high above would be a glorious adventure.

9. Animals On Lofoten Island

The Lofoten archipelago is home to many delightful animals. Many species thrive on the islands. You would love to see unique wild foxes moving up and about here.

Another exciting animal is the Elk or the Moose. The elks are unique creatures that often resemble deer. They are tall and quite bulky. They move around quite freely on the islands.

Reindeers are found in abundance, too, on the Lofoten islands. However, they are more often sighted in the northern part of Norway, which also happens to be the official residence of Santa Claus!

Seals can be seen on the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, whale and Orcas sightings are not quite ordinary. Although, many do venture out on Whale-Watching trips, it is not a guarantee to see the magnificent sea creature.

Birdwatching is another beautiful activity to pursue on the islands. With so many birds on the Lofoten islands, Norway, it has become a favorite hobby for many.

Puffins are quite often seen on the islands. Other sea birds include razorbills and the kittiwake. The cormorants and the guillemots are some of the other rare bird species that can be found on the islands.

Safaris are the best way to view the wildlife and nature on all the islands. Going on a safari with the help of a nature guide is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Lofoten islands. Photographers would love to shoot as many clicks of the gorgeous landscapes, glorious birds, and spectacular animals found in Lofoten Islands, Norway.

The main islands also feature a vast number of white-tailed eagles. They can be seen in almost all parts of the Lofoten islands. With wingspan as wide as a meter, you must realize that these eagles can be quite imposing to view from afar.

Many safari trips are arranged to see the magnificent wild creatures flying high up in the sky. Visitors to the Lofoten archipelago usually view them while riding on a boat on the islands.

Lofoten Islands Attractions

There are many excellent and exciting attractions on the Lofoten archipelago for everyone to enjoy. Your trip to the beautiful islands can never be complete without enjoying the following attractions.

1. Fishing on the Traditional Boat

One of the most traditional ways to experience the Lofoten islands would be to go on a fishing trip on a Norwegian boat called the MS Symra.

Each day, the traditional boat leaves the harbor at Svolvaer to go on a fishing expedition. It is a four-hour trip, and tourists are provided with all the essentials.

Furthermore, you will be guided by a tour operator who will help you understand the best ways to catch fish in these waters.

2. Enjoy A Kayaking Adventure

Lofoten Islands, Norway, has the best coastline in all of Europe. And kayaking is by far regarded as a terrific way to experience it.

Many tour operators offer kayaking tours in Lofoten Island, Norway. They usually last two hours and are accompanied by a tour guide who explains the islands’ culture by quoting some interesting anecdotes.

All equipment required for the trip is provided, and you do not need any experience in kayaking, as you will be trained before the tour.

3. Mountain Ski On the Best Mountains

Winter is beautiful in the Lofoten Islands, Norway, and skiing on the magnificent mountains is lovely.

Although the mountains are dangerous, if an experienced guide accompanies you, you will enjoy skiing on the islands.

4. Visit The Aquarium

The aquarium at Lofoten Islands has many exciting sea animals. The best of them all are the seals.

You will find them living beside the pool, and the feeding ritual is quite a sight for your kids.

5. Check Out The Glassblowers In Action

Glassblowing is a fantastic art that many families have carried on over many centuries. At Vikten in Lofoten Islands, Norway, you will find the oldest glassblowers location. It was set up nearly 20 years ago and has existed ever since.

It would be best to visit it to watch the glassblowers create some of the most impressive art pieces.

6. Enjoy Tasty Cheese Platter On the Farm

Visiting a farm in Lofoten Islands, Norway, is a great way to experience the island life. On the way to a small island, Unstad, you will find a delightful farm where you can shop and try a wide variety of cheese. All are locally produced and will taste divine.

Most Excellent Reasons to Visit Lofoten Island

As the world’s most extraordinary places to visit, the Lofoten Islands of Norway are the perfect example of “Natural Beauty” found on the face of the Earth.

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 colorful.

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.

Takeaway

Lofoten Islands, Norway, has 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.

The beautiful Lofoten Islands, Norway, are stunning in every aspect. With the Norwegian sea surrounding the archipelago and the majestic mountains making up most of the island, you should expect the best sights on all of Earth.