The Lofoten Islands are a stunning archipelago known for their dramatic landscapes, quaint fishing villages, and the captivating play of light over the Arctic scenery. If you’re wondering if the Lofoten Islands live up to all the hype they’ve been receiving on social media, I’m going to go ahead and tell you this – they 10000% do. I’ve visited a lot of places in my life (over 60 countries, if we’re keeping track), and the Lofoten Islands are damn near the top of my list in terms of natural scenery.

I dare say that the Lofoten Islands might be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

This destination is a paradise for nature lovers, offering rugged mountains, deep fjords, and pristine beaches. In this blog post, I am covering everything you need to know to plan the perfect road trip in the Lofoten Islands. Lofoten is accessible to all sorts of travelers, so don’t fret if you aren’t super outdoorsy. Whether you're an avid hiker, an aspiring photographer, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking views, the Lofoten Islands promise an unforgettable experience.

Lofoten Islands | How to Plan an Epic Road Trip

Travel Logistics for Lofoten Islands

How to Get to Lofoten

Option 1: Flight to Bodø and Ferry to Moskenes 

One of the most popular ways to reach Lofoten is to fly to Bodø from Oslo, Ålesund, Bergen, or Trondheim, and then take a ferry to Moskenes. This option is ideal if you're combining your trip with a visit to southern Norway. The 3-4 hour ferry ride offers stunning views of the coastline. There is a different schedule for the summer months (June 1 – September 1, 2024) and the rest of the year when there are fewer departures.

Option 2: Fly to Leknes 

To save yourself some time, you can fly straight to Leknes (LKN), the largest town on Vestvågøy Island, from Bodø. Widerøe is the main Norwegian airline that services this area of the country. It offers direct flights several times daily from Bodø (BOO) to Leknes (LKN). This is the option I did, and you can see how gorgeous the views from the plane are! If you go with this option, then you will follow my below itinerary going from south to north.

Option 3: Fly to Harstad/Narvik Airport

Flying into Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) is becoming increasingly popular. Starting this year, accessing Lofoten by air will be easier, because there are a number of new flight connections to Harstad/Narvik Airport at the north end of the Lofoten Islands. If you opt for this flight, then you will do my itinerary below in the opposite direction, driving from north to south. 

Renting a Car

Honestly, the only real way to see and enjoy the stunning scenery of Lofoten is by car. I would say that renting a car is essential in Lofoten. As in a lot of remote places in Norway, public transport on Lofoten isn’t great, and I think it would be fairly frustrating not to be able to explore all the far corners of these gorgeous islands. 

Driving gives you the freedom to visit remote areas and take in the stunning scenery at your own pace. Where else in the world can you drive along empty roads from fjord to fjord over countless bridges all with views that get better and better behind every curve? It’s the perfect place to do a road trip! 

Renting a car at Harstad/Narvik Airport or Leknes Airport directly allows you to start exploring the islands immediately. You could also rent a car in Bodø and then take the ferry. Ensure you book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The supply is quite limited, and prices will increase significantly. It is the first thing that you should do when planning your trip.

Taking the Scenic Route

Driving up and down the E10 is going to be your main route. The south end of the Lofoten Islands is definitely the most beautiful, so if you don’t have the time to see all of Lofoten, I recommend focusing on the south. This is where you can find some of the most famous villages and viewpoints in the Lofoten Islands. I have designed my itinerary below to highlight the top attractions in 3-4 days, with the option to add on the remaining attractions on a longer stay. 

If you do have a full week of vacation available though, I would recommend taking it. Lofoten is totally worth it! It is honestly the perfect destination for a slow paced road trip. I found the Norwegian Scenic Routes map especially helpful for choosing our route and beautiful detours along the drive. This map was developed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

To be honest, I didn’t book one single activity during our stay in the Lofoten Islands, because just driving around to marvel at the landscapes was enough of an experience for me. I knew I wanted to spend most of my time photographing beautiful vistas and enjoying the road trip experience with my husband.

Best Time to Visit

While Lofoten is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Many people have discovered that Lofoten is at least as beautiful in winter as in summer. Here are some key things to consider when choosing the time of your trip:

• Mid to Late August: Ideal for fewer crowds, summer-like weather, and comfortable conditions.
• September: Weather isn’t super harsh yet, and offers even darker nights for potential northern lights viewing and fewer tourists.
• February to Late March: Great for winter activities and snow-covered landscapes, with daylight returning after the polar night. Best chances for northern lights.
• June & July: Midnight sun, perfect for hiking & camping in mild weather. However, be prepared for crowds and a lack of night skies.

I really believe that Lofoten in winter is an incredible place to relax and spend a week amongst the most incredible landscapes. You can pack a board games, rent a cozy cabin and cuddle up next to the fire.

4 to 7 Day Lofoten Islands Itinerary

Itinerary Overview

One of my biggest concerns when planning our trip to Lofoten was the amount of physical activity we would need to do, in March remind you, in order to see the beautiful views. Hiking is not really my thing. I am outside girlie, not an outdoors girlie. So if hiking isn't your thing, don't worry. Me neither! I have designed this itinerary to be friendly to non-hikers. 

Lofoten is one of those unique destinations where you don’t have to trek for miles to get to stunning scenery.

The scenery is all right there, directly next to the road – with little parking spots at every corner. Lofoten Islands offers plenty of activities and sights that don't require hitting the trails. The southern part of Lofoten, in particular, is incredibly beautiful and can be enjoyed without strenuous activity. Focus on the picturesque fishing villages, scenic drives, and cultural experiences that make Lofoten so unique.

Driving up and down the E10 is going to be your main route. The south end of the Lofoten Islands is definitely the most beautiful, so if you don’t have the time to see all of Lofoten, I recommend focusing on the south. Basically, if you only have 3-4 days, then you should do a southern loop circuit from Leknes. But if you had a full week to dedicate, then you would drive from south to north arriving in Leknes and departing from Narvik. 

Day 1: Village Hopping in Southern Lofoten

Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hour from Leknes to Å, 25 minutes from Å to Hamnøy

Å

The furthest point you can drive on the Lofoten Islands is the village of Å. It is the southernmost village in Lofoten. If you walk to the edge of the town, there is an amazing view over the southern mountains in the archipelago (see photo below).

I think Å feels like a place preserved in time, showcasing its traditional focus on stockfish and housing Europe's oldest fish oil factory. The Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, open year-round, highlights Lofoten's rich fishing history with a modest entrance fee of 100 NOK (approximately 12 USD). This museum recreates the daily life of 20th-century fishermen and their families using historical fishing houses. 

Reine

Often considered the crown jewel of Lofoten, Reine is arguably the most well-known village on the Lofoten Islands. This UNESCO-listed site offers a glimpse into the traditional fishing culture of Lofoten. Seeing a picture of this town basically inspired my entire trip to Lofoten! The picturesque harbor filled with red houses flanked by the stunning backdrop of Reinebringen mountain is truly gorgeous.

Strolling around Reine, you can enjoy a few little shops and restaurants, as well as the sight of fishing boats and seagulls diving for fish.

Because Reine is quite popular, especially on the large bus tours, parking is more challenging here than other towns in Lofoten. For parking, there are two main options: a small lot just off E10, offering what many consider the best parking lot view in the world, and a larger, more expensive lot further into town. Both parking lots are paid. 

Sakrisøya

The next village you'll encounter driving south to north along the E10 is Sakrisøya, distinctively marked by its yellow Rorbuer (fishing houses) instead of the traditional red. This picturesque fishing village, situated on a small island connected by two bridges, is definitely worth a stop. Sakrisøya is renowned for its yellow fishing huts and stunning mountain views. Plus, it has a number of good restaurant options, making it a great choice for lunch on your road trip.

Day 2: Hamnøy to Nusfjord

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Begin your day with some intense cardio by hiking up to the Reinebringen viewpoint. This hike is not for people scared of heights because – it is literally STRAIGHT UP. You’ll ascend almost 2,000 stairs (1978 steps to the summit if we’re being exact) up 1600 feet (484 meters). The hike will take around 1 hour up, and then around 30 minutes down, so I would plan to budget around 2-3 hours in total depending on how quickly you can hike and long you want to enjoy the view.

To start the hike, park your car in the Reine parking lot right off E10. From the Reine parking lot, you can walk along the side of the road on a designated path which will take you around the car tunnel. Don’t try to walk through the tunnel! The trailhead actually starts on top of the tunnel – you can find the official Reinebringen trail head here on Google Maps. The trail has stone steps the entire way up, so it is pretty clear which way to go.

After completing that strenuous hike, now you deserve some much needed rest! From Reine, it is about a one hour drive to Nusfjord Arctic Resort, where I recommend spending the next two nights. More on that in a minute though. 

On the drive to Nusfjord, stop for a scenic view in Hamnøy. It is home to probably the most famous view in all of Lofoten. This photo is published in magazines everywhere as the classic “Lofoten Islands” photo, featuring the Rorbuer and the mountains in the background. You get the view from the bridge, which conveniently has a parking lot right next to it for you to pull over. Admittedly there isn’t much to do in Hamnøy, but you simply can not drive past without stopping.

Day 3: Nusfjord

Driving Time: Minimal (less than 30 minutes)

At the end of a secluded valley stretching toward the sea, Nusfjord is one of those special places that stays with you. I really fell in love with Nusfjord Arctic Resort, a 200-year-old fishermen’s village transformed into a luxurious hotel. Once home to 2,000 fishermen at its peak, the resort now boasts 20 beautifully renovated rooms in the original cabins, all paying homage to the heritage of the fishing village. It thoughtfully blends the past with the modern amenities of the present.

The real highlight is waking up to stunning views of the harbor each morning, whether from your bed or the breakfast table.

I would recommend spending an entire day soaking in the wonderful vibes of this hotel and taking advantage of all their amenities. The hotel offers excursions and day trips, including boat tours, fishing trips, historical walks, kayaking, guided hikes, and northern lights hunting. Additionally, the hotel has two delicious restaurants, a charming café with a gift shop, and a traditional spa with wood-fired hot tubs overlooking the ocean.

If you want to go out for a short drive today, I would recommend checking out a couple nearby view points. I thought the mountain views from Morpheus Beach were some of the best in all of Lofoten. I also loved a sunset walk on Ramberg Beach. 

Day 4: Nusfjord to Henningsvær

Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Depart from Nusfjord and drive to Henningsvær. The drive out to Henningsvær village was almost an activity on its own. We pulled over many times along the road to take photos. Take the journey slowly and really enjoy the views! 

One place worth stopping for an hour or two on the drive is the Lofotr Viking Museum. Here, you can explore traditional Viking longhouses, try your hand at axe throwing, and even sail on recreated Viking ships. Tickets don't need to be purchased in advance, but check the museum's seasonal hours and prices before you go.

Yes, Henningsvær is yet another picturesque fishing village. But this one is especially pretty! Sometimes referred to as the "Venice of Lofoten" due to its network of waterways and scenic harbor, Henningsvær is a place you’ve likely seen in pictures before. You'll pass over a series of bridges and oceanside highways to access Henningsvær. Once you reach town, there will be a big parking lot right as you pull in. The whole town is walking distance from the parking lot.

We spent the afternoon exploring Henningsvær's art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Of course, you can get absolutely delicious fresh seafood at the restaurants here. 

While you could certainly spend the night in Henningsvær, I would continue up the road just a little bit further to Svolvær. There are a number of hotel & restaurant options in Svolvær, but more importantly to me, there is a fabulous sauna in town. My obsession with saunas, especially floating saunas, is everlasting, and I will literally travel somewhere (like Svolvær) just to experience a cool sauna! In the evening, unwind at the floating LYST Lofoten Sauna, where you can relax in the warmth while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

Day 5: Svolvær to Trollfjord & Hanøy

Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours

Located near Svolvær, Trollfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in the Lofoten archipelago, with steep cliffs towering over its narrow, crystal-clear waters. Reflection photographs of this fjord, especially on a clear & still day, are absolutely beautiful! Trollfjord is steeped in Norwegian legends, with many varying stories associated with its name. 

The best way to experience Trollfjord is by taking a boat tour, where you can see breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and spot wildlife. Boat tours are available year-round, including winter, with options ranging from regular sightseeing boats to speedboat trips focused on wildlife. Most of the departures leave from Svolvær. One of the most popular is a sea eagle safari by speedboat, in which the guides feed the birds, bringing them impressively close to the boat.

From Svolvær, continue driving north along, you guessed it, E10. The scenery in northern Lofoten isn’t quite as dramatic or beautiful as what you’ve seen so far. But one place that is worth stopping is the Austnesfjorden Rest Stop (Google Maps link here). Perched on a small promontory, the rest stop has a series of wooden walkways hovering over the landscape. As you follow the pathways, you’ll be led to the top of Austneset promontory with panoramic views of the coastal alpine landscape and the chapel on the Sildpollneset headland.

Although the location is rather random, one of my favorite stays during our time in Lofoten was at the Lofoten Glamping Dome just outside of Hanøy. Located on a gorgeous fjord, the views from the dome are unparalleled. You can take a tour of the dome on my TikTok video about our stay. It was incredibly cozy and romantic inside the dome. The owners ensured we stayed super warm with heated floors, an electric heater, and a wood fired stove. Plus, other thoughtful touches like reclining chairs and soft blankets made the whole experience very comfortable. The couple who owns the property is SUPER sweet and attentive. You can tell opening this stay was a dream for them. 

Day 6: Hanøy to Narvik

Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours

If you want a scenic detour to start your day, drive from Hanøy to Sortland. The scenery in this area is quite dramatic, with several tunnel passes that open up into tight horseshoe bowls and dramatic facades. Once in Sortland, take the opportunity for another floating sauna at Pust floating sauna in the Sortland harbor! "Pust" in Norwegian means to take a deep breath, which is exactly what you’re going to do as you cycle between the sauna heat and frigid plunges into the fjord. 

One of the most surprising stops on our trip to Lofoten was Narvik, a city rich in history and natural beauty. Established in the early 20th century as an essential port for shipping iron ore from Kiruna Sweden, Narvik played a significant role during World War II. I recommend spending an hour or two visiting the Narvik War Museum, which does a great job educating visitors about the Battle of Narvik in 1940. It was a critical engagement where Allied and German forces fought fiercely for control of the city and its valuable port. 

If you are visiting Norway in the winter and have been missing the opportunity to hit the slopes, now is your chance at the Narvikfjellet Ski Resort. It has got to be one of the most scenic ski resorts I have ever visited, because the slopes face the fjord and it feels like you are practically skiing into the sea. The sunsets here are absolutely amazing!

If you want to stay at the resort itself, I can recommend one of the 10 cabins at Camp 291. The units remind me of shipping containers, but have been fully decked out and designed with thoughtful touches and a beautiful aesthetic. The bedroom has a huge skylight so you can sleep under the stars or maybe even the Northern Lights!

Day 7: Narvik Departure

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hours to Harstad/Narvik Airport.

Unfortunately this incredible vacation in the Lofoten Islands had to come to an end at some point. The Harstad/Narvik Airport is located about 1 hour outside of the city center. If you aren’t done with this trip yet, consider adding on a few extra days in Tromsø. It is well worth extending your trip, and I think it is one of the most surprising cities in Lapland. You could fly there from Harstad/Narvik Airport or you could keep the rental car and drive there. It is about 3.5 hours from Narvik to Tromsø.

Where to Stay in the Lofoten Islands

Accommodation in Lofoten ranges from charming rorbuer (traditional fisherman's cabins) to modern hotels and cozy guesthouses. There aren't many big hotels in Lofoten, and most of them have accommodation for 20-30 guests at a time. Here are some recommended places to stay:

• Eliassen Rorbuer (Hamnøy): Spectactular and iconic views directly from the comfortable cabins. Just off the main road, so not a ton of privacy during the day.
• Hattvika Lodge (Ballstad): cutest little cottages! small fishing village that is fully operational with kind-hearted residents and charismatic fishermen 
• Valen Cabins (Reine): Tiny family fun spot slightly outside of Reine, looking back on the village. Gorgeous backdrop & views. 
• Nusfjord Arctic Resort (Nusfjord): Favorite place we stayed. Combines history with luxury, amazing scenery and lovely restaurants.
• Henningsvær Bryggehotell (Henningsvær): offers waterfront views and easy access to local attractions. 
• Thon Hotel Lofoten (Svolvær): centrally located, spacious rooms and offers modern comforts. One of the few "big" hotel chains in Lofoten.
• Lofoten Glamping Dome (Hanøy): Cozy & romantic stay for a couple with INCREDIBLE views of a secluded fjord.
• Camp 291 (Narvik): 10 shipping container cabins fully decked out and designed with thoughtful touches and a beautiful aesthetic.

Where to Eat in the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Here are some must-try dining spots:

• The Bakery (Å): Only open in the summer (June 1st to August 31st). It was built in 1844, and is famous for its cinnamon buns.
• Anita’s Sjømat, (Sakrisøy): popular cafeteria style eatery with good fish sandwiches, seafood chowder or baked treats. There is an outside sitting area that overlooks the fjord. It can get very crowded with tour buses, especially around lunch time.
• Underhuset (Sakrisøy): cozy Mexican Norwegian fusion place that was shockingly good. Tacos and quesadillas adorn the menu, prepared in traditional mexican ways with Norwegian ingredients.
• Fiskekrogen (Henningsvær): Best seafood soup we had on the trip!! A bit pricey, but food is wonderful. Renowned for its seafood platters and beautiful harbor views.
• Børsen Spiseri (Svolvær) is set in a historic building and offers a unique dining experience with a focus on Arctic cuisine.

Have thoughts or questions about visiting Lofoten Islands? Tell me in the comments.