Norway · Arctic Norway
The Lofoten Islands travel guide
Jagged peaks, fishing villages and red cabins
Reine in the Lofoten Islands. Photo: Lukas Beck, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Lofoten Islands are a chain of jagged mountains rising from the sea in Arctic Norway, with fishing villages of red rorbuer cabins, white-sand beaches and some of the world's most northerly surfing.
In summer, hike under the midnight sun. In winter, watch the northern lights over the peaks.
What The Lofoten Islands is known for
- Reinebringen
A famous viewpoint.
- Rorbuer
Red fishing cabins.
- Arctic beaches
White sand and surf.
- Northern lights
Over the mountains.
Top things to do in The Lofoten Islands
Where to stay in The Lofoten Islands
Best time to visit The Lofoten Islands
Best value: Oct. June to August for hiking; September to March for the northern lights.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 3h from London to BOO, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Fly to Bodø, Svolvær or Leknes, or take the ferry from Bodø. A car is best.
Car hire in The Lofoten Islands Airport transfer to The Lofoten Islands
Good to know
- Book cabins and hire cars early for summer.
- Winter driving needs care.
- Stockfish dries on racks from February to June.
The Lofoten Islands FAQ
How many days in Lofoten?
Four or five days.
Can I see the northern lights in Lofoten?
Yes, from September to March.
More places in Norway
BergenCity · Western Norway
The western fjordsNature · Western Norway
TromsøCity · Arctic Norway
OsloCity · Eastern Norway
StavangerNature · Western Norway
Back to the Norway travel guide + Add The Lofoten Islands to your bucket list