Despite their location nearly 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Norway’s Lofoten Islands are remarkably accessible, and blessed with a climate that is quite different to other destinations at this Polar latitude. The warm currents of the Gulf Stream mean that – rather than a barren Polar wilderness – the archipelago flourishes in spring and summer with colourful flora, sea birds and enchanting marine life. This exceptional climate, along with the islands’ arresting natural beauty and intriguing cultural heritage make it a fabulous destination for Scandinavian summer adventures. The islands also come alive during the winter months, with classic Arctic adventures in the snow and opportunities to spot the Northern Lights providing an irresistible draw.
HOW TO GET TO THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS
The best way to get to the Lofoten Islands is to take a flight from either Oslo or Bergen to the gateway city of Bodø. From here, a 40-minute flight takes you to one of two main airports in Lofoten - Leknes or Svolvӕr. Schedules and connections are good, making it perfectly possible to reach Lofoten from Oslo in one day.
Photo by Tomasz Furmanek, Visit Norway
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS
The most popular times to visit the Lofoten Islands are at the opposite ends of the spectrum – during the heart of summer, when favourable weather conditions and plentiful daylight lend themselves to spending time outdoors, and in the winter months when Arctic adventures beckon as well as opportunities to glimpse the Northern Lights.
Photo by Asgeir Helgestad, Visit Norway
Lofoten Islands Summer
Though the season of midnight sun begins at the end of May, it is July and August when the crowds really flock to the islands. The advent of the European school holidays - as well as the best weather of the year – draws local and international visitors to Lofoten’s mountains, beaches and atmospheric fishing villages. And, while this is an undoubtedly busy time, it is popular for good reason as so much of the draw of Lofoten is about being outdoors – walking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife spotting – all made so much more enjoyable by the better weather. Those not tied to school holidays should also consider a September visit, when the weather is generally fair but the crowds are beginning to dissipate.
Photo by Terje Rakke, Visit Norway
Lofoten Islands Winter
Lofoten’s Arctic location makes the winter season another popular time to visit, with classic winter activities such as snow shoeing, fjord cruises and hunting the Northern Lights all on offer. If a winter visit does appeal, we suggest planning your timing carefully. November presents some of the wettest weather of the year, while the complete absence of daylight during December and early January can greatly limit what you will be able to do. By the middle of January onwards, daylight hours are slowly increasing and by February and March, winter activities can still be enjoyed against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Though glimpses of the Northern Lights have been recorded from late August through to the middle of April, the best time to visit the Lofoten Islands to see the Northern Lights is generally considered to be from January to March, due to the increased chances of clear skies.
THINGS TO DO IN LOFOTEN
Helicopter flight
The Lofoten archipelago expands across an area of nearly 100 miles and is comprised of some 80 islands, separated by straits and pierced with towering granite peaks. To fully appreciate the spectacular topography of the Lofoten Islands, we recommend taking a helicopter flight which delivers breathtaking vistas of this astounding natural wonder.
Lofoten Islands hiking
Studded with so many soaring peaks, the Lofoten Islands deliver a wealth of memorable walking and hiking and opportunities, no matter your age or ability. The fabulous trails around Nusfjord, for example, present a panorama of imposing mountains looking out over pristine bays pierced by rocky islets. Trollfjord is another hiker’s haven, only accessible by boat and presenting opportunities for memorable mountain ascents.
Photo by Christine Baglo, Visit Norway
Riding
Discover Lofoten’s pristine coastline at a leisurely pace on a scenic ride on an Icelandic horse. The white sands and turquoise waters of Hov beach on Gimsøy island provide a picturesque backdrop as you ride along a historic Viking trail through a pristine nature reserve and past an old Viking settlement.
Coastal safari
The mountains and coastline of Lofoten make the islands a natural playground for a plethora of marine life and birds. One of the best ways to appreciate the scenery and fauna of the archipelago is to take a coastal safari by RIB. Keep a lookout for sea eagles soaring overhead as you trace the pristine coastline and fjord waters.
Photo by Ismaele Tortella, Visit Norway
Adventures in the water
If a deeper immersion into the Norwegian Sea beckons, opportunities abound for water lovers visiting the Lofoten Islands. From scenic kayaking expeditions, fishing and wild swimming, there is a reason swimming pools are an unusual sight in Lofoten. What you may not expect is an opportunity to surf. At Unstad beach, beginners and experienced surfers alike can embark upon the bucket list experience of surfing above the Arctic Circle.
Photo by Alex Conu, Visit Norway
Culinary experiences
Though the image of lines of drying salted cod is an ubiquitous sight in the Lofoten Islands, there is far more to the culinary scene than just fish. Seafood is an obvious draw, but rich ingredients come from land as well as sea. A strong emphasis is placed on local ingredients, wherever you choose to eat, but for a truly outstanding experience there is nothing quite like a visit to the Kitchen On The Edge Of The World. Attached to the small family-run hotel of Holmen Lofoten, the Kitchen On The Edge Of The World is far more than just a restaurant. A collaborative labour of love between Holmen’s owners and chef in residence Valentine Warner, the restaurant offers intimate chef’s table dining experiences hosted by visiting culinary masters. And, if just one meal is not enough, those with a passion for food can arrange a three-day culinary journey based at Holmen during one of visiting chef’s residences.
Lofoten Islands culture
From Lofoten’s rich Viking heritage to a surprisingly vibrant contemporary art scene, there is plenty of historic and cultural interest to divert you during your time in the archipelago. Highlights include visiting the fascinating living Viking Museum in Bøstad, Henningsvӕr’s highly acclaimed art gallery KaviarFactory or simply settling in for a steaming coffee and cinnamon bun in a traditional fishing village to observe local life play out before you.
Photo by Frithjof Fure, Visit Norway
Sports at the end of the world
On the Lofoten Islands, two popular international sports can be played against one of the world's most spectacular backdrops. The small community of Henningsvær enjoys the unlikely fame of being the venue for one of the most breathtakingly beautiful football pitches in the world, located on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the Norwegian Sea. In a similar vein, golf enthusiasts are likely to have heard tales of Arctic Circle golf at Lofoten Links. This sensational 18-hole course is woven into the magnificent terrain, giving golfers the opportunity to drive and putt surrounded by otherworldly rock formations, picture-perfect coastline and perhaps even play a round under the glow of midnight sun or the Northern Lights.
WHERE TO STAY IN LOFOTEN
If you are looking for a hotel in Lofoten that is full of local charm and provides easy access to a range of adventures, the Nusfjord Arctic Resort is difficult to beat. Emblematic rorbu fisherman’s cabins face out to the sparkling waters of the fjord, while harbour and village cabins provide further accommodation in this most picturesque of Norwegian fishing villages. Those with a keen interest in food as well as the wilder side of Norway may also wish to consider a stay at Holmen Lofoten, with its setting of untamed Norwegian wilderness and one of the country’s most memorable dining experiences.
Lofoten Islands cruise
To access some of the hidden gems of the Lofoten archipelago, a Lofoten Islands cruise is well worth considering. For an experience like no other, a week-long private charter of the converted Swedish minesweeper HMS Gåssten delivers opportunities to discover areas of Lofoten experienced by very few. Go kayaking and paddle-boarding in mirror-like waters. Fish for King crab and have your private chef transform your catch into a delicious lunch on deck. Go hiking in Trollfjord at a time when no other visitors are present, and follow your lake swim with a bake in a sauna set in a private mountain hut. The possibilities are endless. READ MORE >
