How you can Plan an Epic Lofoten Street Journey

I’m all the time saying that the easiest way to discover Norway is by automotive, and that particularly applies to Lofoten – in reality once I began planning my first journey to Lofoten my associates and I had been considering of solely renting a automotive in Lofoten for a number of days of our week there and my Norwegian associates simply silently shook their heads at me.

You see, as in a variety of distant locations in Norway, public transport on Lofoten isn’t nice, and I feel it will be pretty irritating not to have the ability to discover all of the far corners of those beautiful islands. 

So a Lofoten street journey it’s!

And guys, when you’re questioning if the Lofoten Islands stay as much as all of the hype they’ve been receiving over the previous few years (thanks, social media) I’m going to go forward and assure that it’s. 

In actual fact, since my first go to in March I’ve now returned to Lofoten in January, Could, June, July, September, October, December, and December once more – perhaps at some point I’ll have seen Lofoten in each month!

And if you’d like extra in depth Norway recommendation, I’ve additionally gathered all my greatest suggestions for planning an unimaginable journey by means of each Southern and Northern Norway in two 95-page ebooks that cowl every little thing you’ll must know to plan a Norway journey that you’ll love. You possibly can buy my Norway journey guides right here. 

Renting a automotive in Lofoten: discovering the most effective Lofoten or Bodø automotive rental

Oh that’s proper, you’ll be able to’t do an epic Lofoten street journey when you don’t have a automotive!

You possibly can both fly to Svolvær and hire a automotive from there, or fly into Bodø and get the ferry throughout to Moskenes within the south of Lofoten.

Typically flights to Bodø are cheaper, however then relying on the ferry schedule you’ll have to spend an evening in Bodø. If you wish to begin your journey in Svolvær it will make sense to fly there, whereas if you wish to begin within the south of Lofoten then the ferry would possibly make extra sense, as Svolvær is a two hour drive from the ferry terminal within the south.

The south of Lofoten is certainly probably the most stunning, so when you don’t have time to see all of Lofoten I like to recommend specializing in the south. 

Automotive leases in Bodø and Svolvær are often about the identical worth, beginning round $100/day for the summer season, whereas within the autumn they drop to $60/day. Should you’re visiting in the summertime, e book as early as attainable, as the costs will go up! You possibly can examine the costs right here

And do not forget that you’ll must drop off your rental automotive on the similar place you decide it up. So your Lofoten street journey must be a loop. 

Attending to Lofoten from Bodø by ferry (with a automotive)

Should you do select to get your automotive in Bodø don’t fear, you’ll be able to completely take it on the ferry – it can simply value additional. The ferry from Bodø to Moskenes takes between 3 and 4 hours. This ferry typically does make me fairly queasy (take into account bringing drugs with you when you get seasick!) however I get seasick actually simply.

The ferry timetable varies primarily based on the time of 12 months, however you’ll be able to examine the present occasions and costs right here.

The perfect time of 12 months to go to Lofoten

Nusfjord

I’ve written an entire information to the greatest time to go to Norway right here. However I do have some particular ideas about the most effective time to go to Lofoten.

I requested a good friend who grew up in Lofoten what occasions of 12 months she’d suggest visiting, and she or he stated mid to late August is very nice, as a result of the summer season crowds from July are gone, the nights are darkish sufficient for an opportunity to see the northern lights, and the climate nonetheless looks like summer season and is heat sufficient for tenting.

That is additionally true of September, which is even darker so that you’ll have a greater probability to see the northern lights.

If you wish to expertise winter on Lofoten, February to late March is a superb time as a result of there’s typically snow however polar night time (when the solar doesn’t rise) is over, so it’s lots lighter.

June can also be a pleasant time to go to, as after an extended winter you’ll be able to lastly go mountaineering once more within the mountains (there may be some snow left although), it’s heat sufficient to camp in a tent, and when you come early sufficient the summer season crowds received’t have arrived but.

In June you too can expertise the midnight solar – although bear in mind that this could mess along with your inside clock (in a enjoyable approach!) and also you received’t be seeing any starry night time skies.

Should you do come in the summertime, you could like this tour or this images tour.

The worst time of 12 months to go to Lofoten

I’m a giant fan of touring within the off-season, however I assume there are some fairly good arguments towards visiting Lofoten throughout some months.

Once I determined to go to Lofoten in October I used to be but once more met with silent head shakes from my Norwegian associates. Apparently, the climate from October to November is usually actually, actually wet. Nonetheless, I used to be fortunate with the climate and actually beloved my October journey to Lofoten! The reality is, the climate right here will all the time be a little bit of a chance, so when you can solely go to throughout a sure time of 12 months, I say go for it. 

And naturally, December to late January goes to be actually darkish, which makes it troublesome to discover the islands. Although the sunshine throughout December and January is SO stunning. The solar doesn’t rise, however as a substitute the sky stays pink like a dawn/sundown all day lengthy. I’ve visited Lofoten twice in December and as soon as in January, and whereas I had much less time to discover with daylight, I did love how quiet the islands had been and I even acquired to see the northern lights!

Talking of which, when you do go to Lofoten to see the northern lights, I’d suggest this tour with a photographer who is aware of the place to get to clear skies, or you may even go horseback driving below the northern lights like I did in December. Nonetheless, Lofoten has fairly unpredictable coastal climate, so ensure you pack in a variety of different enjoyable actions so that you aren’t upset when you don’t see them.

I additionally don’t love Lofoten in April and Could, because it’s nonetheless too snowy and chilly for lots of outside actions, however not snowy sufficient to be a winter wonderland. Although once more, this implies you’ll see fewer vacationers and costs are sometimes cheaper!

And whereas July is kind of the proper time of 12 months to go to Lofoten, it’s additionally type of turning into the worst because the islands have gotten common. I imply, very, very, extremely popular.

However when you aren’t afraid of crowds and might e book your lodging waaaay prematurely (significantly, I’ve even heard that it’s onerous to camp in July as a result of there are such a lot of folks!) then July in Lofoten is fairly magical.

The place to Keep in Lofoten

When planning your Lofoten street journey, it’s in all probability best to e book your lodging after which fill in your days primarily based on the place you’ll be staying. Lofoten is lengthy, however north of Svolvær isn’t so attention-grabbing, so I like to recommend sticking to Svolvær and south.

It takes about 2.5 hours to drive instantly from Svolvær to Å within the far south, so you may merely base your self within the center someplace, or you may break up your time between Svolvær within the north and someplace within the south. 

I often prefer to spend a few nights in Svolvær after which the remainder of my time close to Reine within the south. Different choices beneath Svolvær embrace Henningsvær, Gimsøy (nice for northern lights!), Unstad (Arctic browsing!), Leknes, Nusfjord, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy, and Å.

It’s often greatest to seek out lodging with a kitchen, particularly within the winter when many eating places are closed for the season.

Svolvær

Svolvær is the principle city in Lofoten, house to about 5,000 folks. That is additionally the place the airport is, so when you plan on flying into Lofoten, you’ll fly into Svolvær. I like to recommend spending a few nights right here, as there are many eating places, cafés and retailers on the town, and from right here you too can discover the encircling space. 

My favourite place I’ve stayed in Svolvær is Svinøya Rorbuer, which has authentic previous fishing cabins which have their very own kitchens. There’s simply a lot character right here, and Svolvær is an efficient base from which to discover the islands. 

My second favourite place I’ve stayed in Svolvær is Anker Brygge, which additionally is correct on the water and consists of a superb breakfast. These cabins are extra conventional Norwegian luxurious, versus the country vibes of Svinøya.

After which I’ve additionally stayed on the Scandic Svolvær, which once more is correct on the water. That is extra of a conventional resort however the rooms are nonetheless on the water, and it’s proper by the harbor so it’s particularly handy when you’ll be doing any excursions leaving from Svolvær harbor. The breakfast right here is incredible!

And if you wish to keep someplace actually particular, the Lofoten Arctic Dome is a couple of 40-minute drive north from Svolvær, additionally close to the attractive Vesterålen Islands. The views from the dome are stunning, and within the winter you’ll have the possibility to identify the northern lights from the consolation (and heat!) of your mattress. 

Henningsvær

A few 30 minute drive from Svolvær, Henningsvær is an lovable little fishing village on the coast. It may be most well-known for it’s scenic soccer pitch proper on the water. You’ll see a lot of drone photographs of this soccer pitch, although bear in mind that it’s unlawful to fly a drone in Norway and not using a legitimate EASA certificates, and vacationers get hefty fines for this on a regular basis! 

Henningsvær is tiny, so that you don’t must spend a lot time right here – you’ll be able to simply see the village in an hour or so. It is a great spot to cease for lunch in your street journey when heading south from Svolvær. My favourite lunch spot in Henningsvær is Henningsvær Lysstøperi & Café. 

However when you do need to spend the night time in Henningsvær, I like to recommend Henningsvær Rorbuer, the place you’ll be able to keep in a cute purple fisherman’s cabin on the water, or Henningsvær Guesthouse, proper within the village heart. 

Gimsøy (Northern Lights) 

After which when you’re visiting Lofoten for the northern lights, then fingers down your best option is Lofoten Hyperlinks Lodges, which is on Gimsøy, with actually darkish, unobstructed views north. The cabins even have north-facing home windows so that you can watch the aurora from inside. They usually have a incredible restaurant. 

That is additionally close to the horse heart, if you wish to go driving. I’ve written about horseback driving on Gimsøy right here. 

Unstad (Arctic Browsing)

Unstad Seashore is most well-known for Arctic browsing. You possibly can even watch surfers right here within the lifeless of winter, or attempt it out your self! 

Right here you’ll be able to keep at Unstad Surfpacker, which has each personal rooms and finances dorm rooms. 

Leknes

Leknes is an efficient halfway level between Svolvær within the north and Reine within the south. And really, you’ll be able to fly into Leknes Airport as properly, nevertheless it’s a smaller airport than Svolvær and flights listed below are fairly costly. Automotive leases are additionally dearer from Leknes Airport than they’re at Svolvær Airport. 

Leknes is a superb base from which to discover a few of Lofoten’s most stunning seashores, together with Unstad Seashore, Haukland Seashore, and Uttakleiv Seashore. 

In Leknes I’ve stayed at and beloved the Scandic Leknes, which has an unimaginable breakfast! 

Ramberg

Ramberg Seashore is considered one of my favourite spots in Lofoten, so I used to be so excited after they put up some glamping domes right here! These Arctic Domes would possibly simply have the most effective view in all of Norway. Examine present charges and availability at Ramberg Glamping right here.

Nusfjord

If you wish to keep within the prettiest little village in Lofoten, Nusfjord is a superb possibility! This tiny fishing village is a little bit of a detour off the principle freeway, but it surely’s properly value the additional drive. 

The nicest resort in Nusfjord – and presumably all of Lofoten – is fingers down Nusfjord Arctic Resort, which even has out of doors sizzling tubs proper on the water! 

Or a less expensive possibility is the Lofoten Cottages in Nusfjord, that are additionally pretty and have a lot native character. 

Hamnøy

On my very first go to to Lofoten a few years in the past, my associates and I spent our first three nights close to Reine on Hamnøy, which is arguably probably the most photogenic place in Lofoten. At the very least I’m fairly positive it’s probably the most well-known – have you ever seen this view earlier than?

We stayed at Eliassen Rorbuer, in a kind of little purple cabins! Our cabin had two twin bedrooms and a comfy lounge with a kitchen. 

And the enjoyable factor about staying right here was that I might see a bunch of various variations of that well-known view:

Have I already talked about that the climate in Lofoten adjustments lots?

Hamnøy can also be proper by two of my favourite locations in Lofoten: Sakrisøy and Reine. 

Sakrisøy & Reine Lodging

I you need to keep someplace a bit quieter than Hamnøy, I really choose the neighboring island of Sakrisøy, which is only a quick stroll from the village of Reine. Sakrisøy Rorbuer is a superb possibility right here, and I spent an evening at Rostad Retro Rorbuer and completely beloved the view out my window!

On my most up-to-date journey to Lofoten, my associates and I stayed on the Madelhea Cabin in Reine, which can also be proper on the water with unimaginable views. I particularly beloved that we had our personal balcony right here with a desk in order that we might eat outdoors. As of now, this might be my best choice for the Reine space. However you’ll want to e book it now, because it books out months prematurely! 

Madelhea Cabin

Å

Å is the final letter of the Norwegian alphabet, which is becoming as Å marks the top of the E10 freeway that runs down Lofoten. This small fishing village is a superb place to spend the night time earlier than or after getting the Bodø ferry, because it’s only a ten minute drive from the Moskenes ferry port. 

The nicest lodging in Å is Å Rorbuer, the place you’ll be able to keep in cosy purple fisherman cabins on the water. In addition they have a superb restaurant right here. One other barely cheaper possibility is Å Hamna Rorbuer, that are additionally cute little fisherman cabins on the water. 

For finances lodging in Å, I like to recommend Salteriet and Lofoten Å HI Hostel.

Bodø

And if you want to spend an evening in Bodø, I all the time keep on the Thon Resort Nordlys, which no joke, has the greatest breakfast in all of Norway. They also have a chocolate fountain! 

I additionally suppose Bodø is value an additional day, you probably have the time. It’s fairly a unusual coastal metropolis with a variety of enjoyable retailers, eating places, and bars. The encompassing nature can also be beautiful. I’ve shared my Bodø journey information right here. 

Lofoten Scenic Spots

And now an important half: the place you need to go in Lofoten!

A great beginning place is to try which excursions or actions you’d love to do on the islands, after which work your schedule round that. You could find some nice journey actions on Lofoten right here, in addition to some extra excursions and actions right here.

I’ll share my favourite spots in Lofoten so that you can star on a map, however I additionally really feel that the most effective half about driving round Lofoten is taking random little roads, not understanding the place they’ll take you, and chasing any fleeting patches of blue sky or daylight. So don’t be afraid to discover!

Listed below are a few of my favourite scenic spots on Lofoten:

Svinøya in Svolvær

Considered one of my favourite views in Svolvær is on the bridge to Svinøya:

Oh and when you come right here, I also can extremely suggest taking a RIB safari to Trollfjord to see extra of the fjord and get to identify sea eagles! You possibly can examine my expertise with the safari right here and I’ve a video of the eagles right here:

Henningsvær

Henningsvær is among the cutest little villages in Lofoten – well-known for its stunning soccer pitch proper on the coast. As this village has gotten fairly touristy, you’ll discover a lot of cute cafés right here in the summertime (nevertheless once I’ve visited in December and January they had been all closed).

Gimsøy

As I stated earlier than, Gimsøy is among the greatest locations to see the northern lights in Lofoten. 

Unstad Arctic Surf Seashore

If you would like, you’ll be able to even log on your self right here! This Arctic browsing lesson is even acceptable for newbie surfers, and the way cool will it’s to say that you simply’ve been browsing within the Arctic?!

Haukland Seashore and Uttakleiv Seashore are two different stunning seashores within the space properly value visiting. 

Nusfjord

Ramberg Seashore

Fredvang

Hamnøy

Hamnøy is house to in all probability probably the most well-known view in all of Lofoten. You get the view from the bridge, which conveniently has a parking zone proper subsequent to it so that you can pull over.

Sakrisøy

Between Hamnøy and Reine, Sakrisøy is one other lovable island. I particularly suggest a cease right here for lunch at Anita’s Sjømat. The fish soup right here is scrumptious, however I’d most suggest the fish burger!

Reine

Reine might be probably the most well-known village in Lofoten, as a result of it’s so picturesque. And it truly is! Learn my full information to Reine, Norway right here. 

Reine can also be house to among the best eating places in Lofoten: Gammelbua. It’s a bit dear, however the decor is tremendous cosy previous Lofoten fashion, they usually serve all the most effective conventional Norwegian dishes, together with Lofoten stockfish, reindeer, and whale. 

Reinebringen hike

Reinebringen might be probably the most well-known hike in Lofoten – and for good motive. These are positively the most effective views I’ve ever seen right here. And there’s excellent news! The mountaineering path has been completely redone with giant stone steps laid by sherpas from Nepal, which makes this a a lot safer (and kinder to the setting) hike than it was earlier than. There are about 2,000 steps as much as the highest, which took my associates and me an hour and ten minutes to hike up, with many relaxation stops. We did this hike in June 2022. 

It is a very steep hike and considered one of my associates and I each acquired a little bit of vertigo on the way in which up. I used to be actually anxious about getting down, however mountaineering down was really simpler than it regarded – I simply made positive to maintain my eyes down on the steps and never look out on the drops. Nonetheless, if you’re very afraid of heights, I’d skip this one. 

Å

Driving safely in Lofoten

And eventually, to not be a complete mother, however can I simply say a number of issues about security in Lofoten?

The villages on these islands are small and tourism has type of exploded in Lofoten prior to now few years, so it’s not precisely arrange for tons of individuals. Among the roads are slender and windy, a variety of parking heaps are fairly small, and locals nonetheless aren’t completely used to folks establishing tripods on their entrance yards.

Simply bear in mind that this isn’t a vacationer park however in reality a small neighborhood. Don’t cease your automotive in the course of the street to take photographs or park on somebody’s garden if a parking zone is full. And drive rigorously within the winter, when the roads may be treacherous (particularly after they’re coated in slush!).