The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago off the coast of Norway. They consist of seven small islands surrounded by straits and fjords to the north of the Arctic Circle. This region is often considered a well-kept secret by avid travelers and adventurous explorers who love the peace, tranquillity, and landscapes in this incredible part of the world.

From soaring mountain peaks to tiny fishing villages, white sandy beaches, and deep, icy fjords, there is much to see and do. Accommodation ranges from comfortable, cozy hotels to charming rustic cabins, where you can get back to basics and enjoy time in nature.

The Baltic Travel Company, specialists in custom itineraries and holiday packages to destinations off the beaten track, has compiled this guide to explain why every traveler should visit the Lofoten Islands and clarify some of the must-see experiences to include in your holiday itinerary.

Why Visit the Lofoten Islands in Norway?

Guests are often keen to plan a tour to Lofoten for the fantastic experiences available in a remote and quiet island landscape packed with nature, outdoor excursions, and winter activities for families of every age. 

The islands may be small, but they have an abundance of culture. Numerous art galleries and museums are located on the islands, including the Lofotr Viking Museum, which provides information about the first settlements in the archipelago.

Although the rugged, wild beauty of the Lofoten Islands is unique, it’s also the warmth and hospitality of the people that make holidays here so special, with hosts who love to share stories and recommendations, answer questions about life in Lofoten, and introduce guests to some of the simple, yet delicious local cuisines.

Head outdoors, and you’ll find stunning sandy beaches, often with nobody else in sight, clean, blue waters, and enormous glaciers and mountains rising out of the sea, making the fishing villages at their feet look minute in comparison.

The islands are equally wonderful in the summer and winter, where the Midnight Sun shines all day long for weeks over the warmer seasons. In the winter, the Northern Lights appear in the dark skies and are best seen during a cruise along the spectacular coastlines, with the dramatic scenery as a backdrop.

Popular Activities, Attractions and Excursions During a Holiday in the Norwegian Lofoten Islands

Lofoten is a fantastic place to spend time in nature, with activities such as sea fishing, spotting eagles from a tour boat, and sea kayaking and hiking. There is something for everyone, with many guests including the following day trips and excursions in their holiday packages:

• Surfing is a popular option, with keen surfers often heading to the Lofoten Islands for a chance to surf on some of the world’s most northerly beaches—an experience not to be missed.

• Off-piste skiing down the steep Norwegian mountains. Note that there are no organized ski lifts, so these excursions involve walking up the mountain before skiing back down!

• Culinary dining, with preserved cod, also known as stockfish, is a local dish commonly served alongside fresh seafood.

• Northern lights tours allow visitors to see nature’s famous light show in the night sky far from light pollution. Most Northern Lights excursions are held close to Vågan, where the crystal clear sky provides a perfect viewing opportunity.

• Sea fishing, with friendly guides and boat crews who catch skrei in the spring, pollock, mackerel and haddock in the summer, and Arctic crab.

Another high-demand excursion is to try exploring Lofoten on horseback. Scenic hacks from local stables will take you around the coastline of Gimsøya Island, with gentle slopes and first-hand views of the fish-drying racks, ancient ruins, and local villages.

It is common to spot majestic sea eagles during guided horseback riding and guides welcome visitors of every age and ability. They offer slower, relaxed walks or faster-paced rides for experienced riders.

Trips and Holiday Packages to the Lofoten Islands

Hopefully, you’re inspired you to see Lofoten for yourself and experience an unforgettable holiday with Norwegian wildlife, outdoor adventures, cuisines and excursions you’ll find nowhere else!

Below, two popular Norwegian holidays are summarized, which include the Lofoten Islands, with a brief glimpse at the accommodation options, guided tours, and attractions included within each break. 

Fly-Drive Tours of Northern Norway

This holiday is suitable for independent travelers who want an authentic, first-hand experience. Over ten days, you can visit Lofoten via the ferry that crosses from Bodo to Vestfjord. It takes three hours to traverse the icy waters before you land in the archipelago’s beauty.

You’ll drive through fishing villages and fantastic sceneries and navigate the islands, with modern fairways that provide bridges and tunnels to connect with the mainland. Each day is carefully pre-planned according to your preferences, with stop-offs at ancient rock carvings, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a day in the North Cape—the most northernmost point in all of Europe.

During your experience, you’ll drive a reliable rental car suited to the landscape, with hotel accommodation at each stop-off point, Scandinavian breakfast buffets included, and a cruise between Hammerfest and Tromso, covering passengers and your vehicle.

Experiencing Lofoten in a Northern Lights Winter Adventure

This next recommendation is something different: visiting Lofoten and Northern Norway in the depths of winter, when the Aurora Borealis is often seen dancing across the night sky in the evening and throughout the night.

Travelling to Tromso, you’ll explore the Gateway to the Arctic onboard the Hurtigruten, which offers a private polar cabin. You’ll then arrive in Lofoten, with its striking seascapes. This itinerary includes a visit to Nusfjord, a heritage site with wooden structures dating back to the 18th century.

When the weather conditions are excellent, you’ll head out on a Northern Lights chase in a small group, experience a full-day tour of the archipelago, and experience a sea eagle safari onboard a small boat. Ferries, accommodation, and transfers are all included.

Published by: Nelly Chavez