Is there any place on earth that can compare to the enchantment of the Lofoten Islands? An archipelago of wind-hewn valleys and striking landscapes can be found in Lofoten, which is cozily ensconced in Norway’s Arctic Circle. Snow-capped mountains rise directly from the sea in this region of Norway, which verges on the unbelievable. It should come as no surprise that it is rapidly turning into something of a playground for photographers.
After returning from the Lofoten Islands, which I visited for the second time, I cannot speak highly enough of this destination. If you are considering making travel plans, you should go ahead and do it. If you aren’t already considering making travel plans, you really ought to start doing so right away.
In the midst of it all, the E10 Highway winds its way from island to island, with the promise of discovery around every turn. Colorful fishing communities spring out against the backdrop of granite and snow, and wildlife gets closer than you’d think possible.
A Brief Introduction to the Lofoten Islands
- Where to stay; In a classic rorbuer (converted fishing hut).
- Consume; A dish that is prepared with stockfish, which has been the foundation of the Lofoten Islands’ economy ever since the time of the Vikings. Visit Rambergstranda, a breathtaking Arctic beach with water that is a light turquoise color.
- Treat; Yourself to a meal at Lofoten Food Studio, where chef Roy Berglund prepares outstanding meals using regional ingredients and serves them at an intimate chef’s table in the comfort of his own house.
Even though traveling to the Lofoten Islands is now simpler than it was in the past, getting there still requires careful preparation and organization on your part. So, don’t worry about it since I’m going to guide you through everything you need to think about with these Lofoten pointers.
Should You Go on a Tour or Explore on Your Own?
First things first, if you are thinking of going to Lofoten, you need to decide whether you want to go on your own or with the assistance of a tour operator when you get there. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
The most convenient choice is to make use of a tour operator such as Original Travel, whose Lofoten itineraries highlight the very best that the islands have to offer. You won’t have to lift a finger because they’ll create a tailor-made strategy for you depending on your input.
You also have the option of booking your own travel, which can save you money but take more time than using a travel agency. If you have the time and the patience, this is the best option.
The Best Time to Go to the Lofoten Islands
Do you want to increase your chances of viewing the Northern Lights? Come between late September and mid-April. You will need to visit between the end of May and the middle of July in order to witness the phenomenon of the midnight sun. Searching for a place that really captures the spirit of winter? Visit the location between the months of January and March. On the other hand, summer is the best season to visit the islands if you want to go trekking and experience the great outdoors, especially on one of the many hiking paths that connect all of the islands together.
It is important to keep in mind that the summertime is, without a shadow of a doubt, the busiest season for tourism in the Lofoten Islands.
Instructions on How to Reach the Lofoten Islands
There are many routes that can be taken to reach the Lofoten Islands, and each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. I’ve summarized some of the more well-known ones in the following list. When taking into account the amount of money you will spend, the amount of time it will take you, and how convenient it will be, I believe that flying to Harstad or Evenes and then renting a car to drive to Lofoten is the best alternative.
Travel to the Lofoten Islands by airplane.
There are two tiny airports in Lofoten, one in Svolvr and the other in Leknes. You may travel to both of these airports from Oslo Airport. Although this is without a doubt the most convenient option, it is not usually the best because flights are typically somewhat pricey. In addition to this, the selection of vehicles available for rental at these airports is typically not very extensive.
Budget carrier Svolvr is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from the Harstad/Evenes Airport, which is served by Norwegian flights departing from Oslo (the first and biggest town in Lofoten).
It is simple to rent a car at Harstad from companies such as Avis, Sixt, Hertz, or Budget, and then drive to the islands from there. There are numerous buses run by the public transportation system that make the same trip.
Fly to Bod, then get the ferry from there
You can also choose to take a flight to Bod and then take a ferry from Bod to Lofoten, Svolvr, and Moskenes. This is another alternative available to you. You are constrained to the times that the ferry operates, and during the hot season, there is no availability on the ferry. Although this alternative is not particularly challenging,
Rent a Vehicle
To get around the Lofoten Islands quickly and easily, renting a car is your best bet, unless you intend to make your home base in one of the larger towns, such as Svolvr, and arrange your day trips and excursions from there.
Cars can be rented from local and international firms such as Avis, Sixt, Hertz, and Budget at Harstad/Evenes Airport; Sixt and Europcar at Svolvr; and Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar at Leknes. These hubs are located across Lofoten.
Be sure that you have comprehensive insurance, regardless of where you rent from, and this is especially important if you are going to be traveling during the winter months in Lofoten. On days with high winds, it is not unheard of for the doors of cars to be blown off, and other accidents can take place due to the slick conditions.
Use the Public Transit System
Buses and boats are the only modes of public transportation available in the Lofoten Islands; despite this, there are sufficient options to allow traveling around the archipelago relying solely on public transportation possible, even though it might not be the most convenient option.
Using Travelpass Nordland, you may purchase a seven-day pass for public transportation for the low price of €99. (This does not cover the large ferries.)
Travels Through Literature
If you don’t want to use public transportation and you aren’t renting a car, your best bet is to make Svolvr your home base and arrange excursions from there. Don’t worry, you still have lots of options for activities, such as going on a sea eagle safari (which comes highly recommended), deep fjord fishing, hunting for the northern lights, or snowshoeing off the main road. These are just some of the possibilities.
Lofoten, Norway, Aurora Borealis Viewing
While being squarely within the Northern Lights zone, Lofoten is not always the greatest place to travel to observe the Northern Lights.
The aurora borealis occurs between 60 and 150 miles up in Earth’s atmosphere. Yet, clouds can obscure even the most spectacular displays of the Northern Lights because they develop only a few miles above the ground.
They’re like that awful stranger you keep running into at the club when you’re trying to make an impression on the person you’ve got a major crush on. You know the ones; who won’t let you escape and will keep trying to make superficial chat after superficial discussion.
In contrast to other popular Northern Lights viewing locations, such as Tromso and Abisko in Sweden, Lofoten tends to have more cloud cover.
Although it is possible to view the Aurora Borealis in Lofoten, I would not recommend doing so because of the region’s low probability of doing so. But, if you want to see the Northern Lights, you should definitely sign up for a Lofoten Northern Lights Tour with the best people in the business. Northern Lights hotels give guests the opportunity to view the phenomenon without leaving the comfort of their rooms.
Seeing the Lofoten Islands at the Midnight Sun
If you visit Lofoten between the end of May and the middle of July, you will see the midnight sun without a doubt, but your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are much lower.
I’ve never been to Lofoten in the summer, but I’ve heard that it’s a weird and wonderful place to visit, full of lengthy hikes and gorgeous light that really brings out the islands’ natural beauty.
Lofoten Lodging Options
Many visitors to Lofoten choose to lodge in one of the region’s famous rorbuer (formerly fishermen’s cottages that have since been renovated).
You can also choose from a number of comfortable hotels, especially in Svolvr. On visiting Svolvr, I stayed at both the Thon Hotel and the Scandic Hotel, both of which I highly suggest. The Scandic is less expensive, but the accommodations are barebones in comparison to those at the Thon, which are more luxurious despite being more expensive.
Destinations and Activities in the Lofoten Islands
Visit a Marine Bird Sanctuary
If you only have time for one wildlife-viewing experience in Lofoten, I recommend the Sea-Bird Safari so you can get up and personal with the largest birds in Europe—the sea eagles. You climb on a RIB and hang on tight as the captain speeds through the fjords, tossing out fish for the sea eagles to feast on.
I was excited about going on the safari, but not to the point that I couldn’t sleep the night before, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of my time in Lofoten. You shouldn’t miss out on seeing the eagles in their native environment, the breathtaking fjords.
Lofoten’s Best-Recommended Restaurants
Sjomat of Anita
Because Lofoten is never going to be called a cheap vacation spot, it’s worth taking notice of a restaurant that serves delicious food at reasonable costs. If you just sample one thing at Anita’s, make it the fish sandwich; the restaurant doubles as a deli and a hangout. A fish patty, some sauces, and some salads served hot in a bun, are a winning combination.
Restaurant Lofoten Studio
Lofoten Food Studio served me one of the best meals of my life; with no exaggeration. Ever. In a word, yes. Chef Roy Berglund sets up a chef’s table in a detached structure on his family’s property, far from any tourist hotspots. He prepares what is unquestionably the best food on the Lofoten Islands using only local ingredients and a lot of expertise and flair.
Enjoying a meal at Paleo Arctic
The Paleo Arctic restaurant in the Thon Hotel Svolvaer is the exception that proves my rule about not eating in hotel restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and updated versions of classic Norwegian meals.
Svolvaer Bacalao
Bacalao is a pub and restaurant in Svolvaer, and it’s one of the city’s best. The fish, as you might expect from the name, is excellent, and the restaurant’s welcoming service and lively ambiance make it a pleasant location to spend an evening.