Norway is such a bucket record vacation spot for lots of vacationers, and inside the nation there are such a lot of completely different bucket list-worthy areas and experiences. From seeing the Northern Lights within the north to sailing the fjords, there’s a lot right here so as to add to your to-do record.
After a number of journeys to Norway in numerous seasons, there was one area specifically that was nonetheless on my journey bucket record for years: the Lofoten Islands.
This area of Norway above the Arctic Circle is understood for its colourful fishing villages and dramatic mountains-meet-the-sea surroundings. And I lastly made it there! The truth is, I deliberate a complete journey to Norway round visiting the Lofoten Islands with my husband, Elliot.
Our time within the Lofoten Islands was equal elements unbelievable and difficult. Unbelievable as a result of it is really a ravishing a part of the world, however difficult as a result of the wild climate prevented our expectations from absolutely dwelling as much as actuality.
You will see a whole lot of pictures on-line from the Lofoten Islands both exhibiting off snowy landscapes and breathtaking skies stuffed with Northern Lights, or vibrant summer season sunshine turning clear water turquoise. However in actuality, you may expertise neither and each of these issues within the span of a day.
Should you’re planning a bucket record journey to the Lofoten Islands your self, listed below are the issues (weather-related and never) that it is advisable know earlier than you go.
When to go to the Lofoten Islands
First issues first: when must you go to the Lofoten Islands?
You may technically go to this a part of Norway year-round, however the expertise could be very completely different relying on once you go. Winter within the Lofotens could be magical with snowy landscapes and dancing Northern Lights, whereas summer season is characterised by turquoise waters and the Midnight Solar.
Visiting in winter is difficult, nonetheless. Roads get snowy and icy, and you will not discover as many sights and eating places open, as this is part of Norway that is fairly seasonal when it comes to tourism.
I due to this fact suggest visiting in late spring into summer season, when you’ve got a significantly better probability of nicer climate and issues being open. Most of my suggestions under assume that you’re going to be visiting from Could-September!
Lofoten Islands fast information
Lofoten Islands: Issues to know earlier than you go
1. The Lofoten Islands are above the Arctic Circle
The Lofoten Islands are waaaay up north in Norway – above the Arctic Circle, in reality, within the Norwegian area of Nordland. As a result of they’re above the Arctic Circle, because of this the islands expertise Polar Night time within the winter and the Midnight Solar in the summertime.
Since I like to recommend visiting these islands in summer season, you need to know that roughly from the top of Could by way of mid-July, the solar won’t set in any respect within the Lofoten Islands. The Midnight Solar might be shining vibrant 24 hours a day – so I positively suggest packing a watch masks for lodge rooms or cottages which may not have full black-out curtains. (I like this eye mask personally.)
2. They’re distant – however not that distant
The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago made up of seven foremost islands characterised by towering, wall-like mountains and small fishing villages. And whereas probably the most widespread methods to achieve the islands in the summertime months is by ferry (from Bodø to Moskenes), you do not *have* to reach by water.
The Lofoten Islands themselves are linked to 1 one other by a collection of bridges and tunnels, and the archipelago is linked to the mainland of Norway through bridges – so you’ll be able to truly drive there!
There are a number of completely different choices for attending to the Lofoten Islands. Most embody flying from Oslo to a smaller northern airport, although for those who’re spending an prolonged period of time in Norway you could possibly drive or get to a northern metropolis like Bodø or Narvik by practice after which drive from there.
Should you’re flying to the Lofotens, among the hottest methods to get there embody:
- Flying into Bodø, selecting up a automobile, and taking the automobile ferry to Moskenes. Draw back? The ferry takes about 3.5 hours and the crossing could be tough.
- Flying into the Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes, selecting up a automobile, and driving to the Lofotens. Draw back? It’s kind of of a drive – 2.5 hours to Svolvær, which is sort of the “begin” of the islands.
- Flying into Svolvær or Leknes, that are proper within the Lofoten Islands. Draw back? Direct flights to those small airports from Oslo solely function throughout the summer season, and never each day of the week.
Elliot and I did possibility quantity 2, getting direct flights between the Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes and Oslo on SAS. The flights had been quick (just a bit over an hour), and there are a number of rental automobile firms proper within the Evenes airport close to the singular baggage belt.
And the drive from Evenes to Svolvær? Beautiful!
3. Plan to lease a automobile
Talking of getting a automobile and driving from wherever you fly into… you actually do want a automobile within the Lofoten Islands. Are there technically public buses that run between the primary cities within the islands? Sure. However the bus schedules will not be nice, and I truly by no means noticed a public bus on the roads the entire time we had been there.
If you would like full freedom to go to seashores, go on hikes, and go to all of the small fishing villages, you really want to lease a automobile.
The excellent news for my fellow American drivers is that Norway drives on the suitable and maintains fairly good roads. And whereas there are a couple of locations the place you will encounter slim, one-lane roads with lay-by areas to facilitate 2-way visitors, the vast majority of roads you will journey on within the Lofoten Islands are two lanes and paved (together with all of the roads that cross by way of tunnels).
We rented a automobile by way of Hertz in Evenes, and paid $335 to lease a compact 4WD automobile (with primary collision protection) for five days. (I like to recommend trying to find automobile rental choices in Norway via AutoEurope.)
Simply be ready to drive in principally any climate, and take note of whether or not you are renting a guide or computerized automobile (particularly for those who’re like me and may solely confidently drive an computerized).
4. You are going to be outdoor rather a lot
Norway general is a really outdoorsy sort of vacation spot, and that positively extends to the Lofoten Islands, too. The highest issues to do within the Lofoten Islands embody issues like climbing within the mountains, taking boat journeys, visiting seashores, strolling by way of fishing villages, and customarily simply being outdoor soaking in all of the epic surroundings.
Apart from a handful of very small museums, there’s not truly rather a lot to do indoors within the Lofoten Islands. So packing acceptable clothes for spending day out within the parts is significant to having fun with a visit right here.
5. Prep for actually any sort of climate
Even for those who go to the Lofoten Islands throughout the summer season months when the climate is usually extra settled, that does not imply that you simply should not pack for actually any climate eventuality.
In June, it might be 75 levels (F) and sunny, or a freak snow squall might blow by way of. You must also plan for rain. For the reason that Lofoten Islands sort of dangle off Norway into the Norwegian Sea, climate strikes in – and out – rapidly.
When Elliot and I visited in late Could into early June, it was sunny and heat down in Oslo, however truly freezing up within the Lofotens – we had snow on June 1st!
Norwegians love the saying “there is not any such factor as unhealthy climate, solely unhealthy clothes,” although, so take this to coronary heart! Pack clothes you’ll be able to layer, and do not depart behind a great rain coat, rain pants, and waterproof footwear/boots.
Listed below are some objects I am very glad we packed:
However you will additionally need sun shades and sunscreen, together with lighter layers in case it will get heat! (I do know it positively CAN get heat right here in the summertime, even when we did not expertise that.)
6. The climbing right here could be intense
Talking of climbing and being outdoor rather a lot, it is advisable know that a whole lot of the actually widespread hikes within the Lofoten Islands (those you have most likely seen Instagram pictures of) will not be simply straightforward little strolls.
The hike to the Reinebringen viewpoint, for instance, appears quick at simply 2 kilometers (1.25 miles), however it’s all steeply uphill and requires you to climb greater than 1500 stairs. The well-known Ryten viewpoint above Kvalvika Seashore can be fairly steep, strenuous, and uncovered in elements, and the Fløya hike in Svolvaer has a complete elevation achieve of 1900 ft.
Add in unpredictable climate and probably muddy trails, and you have got a recipe for some intense climbing.
Although hikes aren’t stunning, although, contemplating how mountainous the Lofoten Islands are. Simply do your analysis forward of time so that you could be ready for those who’re placing climbing in your to-do record. (Hiking poles and good climbing footwear/boots extremely really useful.)
7. Guide cozy lodging – prematurely
For the reason that climate could be hit and miss within the Lofoten Islands, reserving cozy lodging you will not thoughts spending time in is a should. You positively will not remorse this if you find yourself needing to spend extra time in doorways than you had been planning.
(Ask us how we all know this. Ha!)
And ensure to ebook nicely forward of time, particularly for those who’ll be visiting throughout the summer season. The very best locations to remain ebook up prematurely, and for those who wait till the final minute it’s possible you’ll find yourself paying a premium to remain wherever.
8. Staying in a rorbu is price it
And talking of cozy locations to remain, renovated fishing cottages referred to as rorbuer (rorbu when it is singular) are extremely popular lodging choices within the Lofoten Islands. And they’re 100% price it.
These brightly coloured cabins are often situated in scenic, waterfront spots with improbable views in small fishing villages. They’re renovated to incorporate every thing you want, and often encompass a bed room, seating space, and infrequently a kitchenette.
A few of the hottest rorbuer you’ll be able to keep in embody:
- Lofoten Basecamp in Leknes – A well-liked possibility between Svolvaer and Reine, with cabins set proper on the sting of a fairly fjord.
- Nusfjord Arctic Resort in Nusfjord – These restored rorbuer are in a historic village tucked right into a fjord. They’re tremendous excessive finish and delightful.
- Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy – The well-known crimson fishing cabins you have positively seen in pictures of the Lofoten Islands. There are a bunch of various cabin configurations with completely different views, together with an on-site restaurant referred to as Gadus that is superb.
- Reinefjorden Sjohus in Hamnøy – One other nice possibility with unbelievable views of mountains.
- Reine Rorbuer in Reine – These are tremendous cozy, having been restored to look as conventional as potential. The cabins are proper within the middle of Reine, and have nice views.
Elliot and I stayed in rorbuer at Eliassen Rorbuer and Nusfjord Arctic Resort, and cherished them each. Our cabin at Eliassen Rorbuer had probably the most unbelievable view – excellent for watching these snow storms rolling by way of. And our cabin at Nusfjord Arctic Resort was so cozy that we barely minded that it rained the entire time we had been there.
Rorbuer within the Lofoten Islands are typically costlier that staying in a lodge, however it’s price it for a pair nights!
9. Be versatile along with your journey plans
I most likely do not really want to reiterate this one, however I’ll anyway: the extra versatile you could be along with your journey plans within the Lofoten Islands, the higher. It is a good suggestion to have a Plan B for many days.
The excellent news is that you simply needn’t pre-book many actions right here, and every thing is pretty shut collectively (the drive from Svolvaer to Reine is just about 2 hours).
Elliot and I took our plans daily, usually pivoting based mostly on the climate forecast. We weren’t in a position to squeeze in any main climbing between rain showers, however we had been in a position to go to villages and fly our drone throughout temporary sunny spells, and be indoors when it was snowing.
The one exercise we deliberate and booked forward for was a ship cruise from Svolvaer to Trollfjord – and it did get canceled and rescheduled as soon as due to climate. Fortunately, we managed to shuffle another plans round and squeeze it in on our final afternoon.
10. Make a plan for meals
One factor you do need to plan forward for although? Meals! This is not essentially since you want reservations in all places, however extra as a result of there simply aren’t that many choices for consuming in a spot that is so small.
There are a handful of eating places in Svolvaer, however considerably fewer the additional south by way of the islands that you simply journey. I extremely suggest consulting a Google map and on the lookout for eating places close to the place you propose to be every day. Then double examine their opening days/hours.
Reservations for dinner are really useful at any eating places that take them, particularly in June, July, and August. And sure, you’ll be able to plan to pay fairly a bit for meals, as meals is without doubt one of the costlier issues on this a part of Norway.
(That is one other argument for staying in a rorbu with a kitchen, in case you need/have to cook dinner a meal or two for your self.)
11. Be ready to eat – and scent – numerous fish
Earlier than tourism was a factor within the Lofoten Islands, the primary business right here was fishing. The truth is, the Norse had been fishing for cod in these waters hundreds of years in the past. Stockfish (air-dried cod) remains to be the key export from this a part of Norway, and you will see (and possibly scent) cod drying on wood racks in each city and village you cross by way of.
You will additionally discover numerous seafood on the menu right here, which should not be stunning. I like to recommend attempting stockfish for those who get an opportunity – most eating places make cooked dishes with it, and it is price a style!
12. Depart the money at house
Like the remainder of the Nordic international locations, Norway is nearly solely cash-less as of late. And this extends to the Lofoten Islands, too. Contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay funds are the norm, even in tiny outlets and bakeries. (The truth is, many locations will not even settle for money!)
One factor Elliot and I seen is that bank card machines did not at all times like our American bank cards, although; we often wanted to insert the cardboard chip after which signal receipts to ensure that transactions to undergo at most eating places. (This wasn’t true in Oslo, the place we might faucet to pay in all places. It’d simply be barely older bank card machines up north.)
Simply make certain you’ve got a bank card that does not cost you overseas transaction charges!
13. Know that there is not a lot free parking
Talking of paying for issues, you will must pay for parking at many widespread websites within the Lofoten Islands like seashores, trailheads, and typically inside cities. That is principally a method to management free tenting (i.e. individuals touring round Norway in campervans), however you will probably run into paid parking heaps, too.
That is the one case the place carrying some money may come in useful – simply do not forget that Norway makes use of the Norwegian Krone (NOK) and never the Euro. In any other case you’ll be able to pay for parking by way of apps like Simple Park. (You might also see Vipps talked about as a cost possibility, however this can be a cellular cost app solely out there to Norwegians.)
14. The islands will not be a secret – however nonetheless quiet
The Lofoten Islands are positively not a secret in Norway any longer; numerous individuals have this area on their journey bucket record – and rightfully so!
And whereas the tourism business is booming and you will find full-up lodging within the Lofoten Islands within the excessive season, this does not essentially imply that you’re going to be working into visitors jams or huge crowds of individuals in all places. The Lofoten Islands are widespread, sure; however the restricted vacationer services sort of naturally controls the variety of individuals right here at any given time.
Elliot and I visited on the very starting of the summer season season, and located it extremely quiet. The truth is, there have been some situations the place we had viewpoints, parking areas, and seashores all to ourselves.
15. You want extra than simply 2 days
When you *can* technically simply go to the Lofoten Islands for a pair days (once more, driving distances aren’t too loopy right here), I extremely suggest longer for those who can handle it.
Elliot and I spent 5 days within the Lofoten Islands, and it was a great period of time to have the ability to see/do every thing with out speeding an excessive amount of. (Or, it could have been, had the climate been higher!)
And if you wish to lengthen a visit to the Lofoten Islands, you could possibly proceed additional north into the Vesterålen Islands and Senja, and even go all the best way to Tromsø.
Should you preferred this publish, you may additionally wish to examine visiting Northern Norway in winter!
What else do you need to learn about visiting the Lofoten Islands?
