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Ultimate Travel Guide to Norway's Lofoten Islands

Your complete guide to Norway’s Lofoten Islands and surrounding Archipelago — when to visit, how to get there, and the best walks and hotels.

By Walk into Luxury

Drone nar scaled

The Lofoten Islands are one of Norway’s most captivating bucket‑list destinations, where dramatic peaks rise from the sea, fjords cut through the landscape, and white‑sand beaches fringe the Arctic coast. Colourful fishing villages with traditional rorbu cabins on stilts add heritage charm to the rugged scenery. Each season brings its own spectacle — from the glow of the midnight sun in summer to the dance of the Northern Lights in winter. For outdoor lovers, world‑class hikes lead to panoramic viewpoints and hidden coves, with routes for both thrill‑seekers and those who prefer a gentler pace. A journey to Lofoten is as much about slowing down and reconnecting with nature as it is about experiencing the raw beauty of Norway.

Read on for everything you need to know about travelling to the Lofoten Islands and the surrounding Archipelago, including how to get there, the best time to visit, highlights and experiences, accommodation, and insider tips.

Main image: Nusfjord Arctic Resort

Where are the Lofoten Islands?

The Lofoten Islands are a remote archipelago in Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. Stretching into the Norwegian Sea, the islands are known for their dramatic peaks, sheltered bays and colourful fishing villages perched on stilts over the water. Surrounding the main islands and towns of the Lofoten Islands are a number of other traditional fishing villages and islands dotted along the coast from Bodo and Tromso, including the Steigen Archipelago - home to Insta-worthy Manshausen.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

      How to get to Lofoten Islands

      • Leknes Airport is the main airport within the islands, located in the central Lofoten town of Leknes. It is accessible by a short 40 minute flight from Bodø and is the most convenient option for reaching the heart of the archipelago.
      • Svolvær Airport is a smaller regional airport serving the eastern part of Lofoten, near the lively town of Svolvær. Like Leknes, it is primarily accessed via Bodø, with frequent short flights.
      • Another key gateway is via Bodø Airport, on mainland Norway. Daily flights connect Oslo to Bodø,with onward connections to Lofoten by plane or ferry.
      • If you are incorporating Manshausen Island, there is a ferry service from Svolvær to Bodø that stops in Steigen, or we can arrange a fast private Rib boat transfer from Nusfjord or Henningsvaer on Lofoten Islands direct to Manshausen.

      Most international travellers will fly via Oslo, connecting through to Bodø before continuing to Leknes or Svolvær.

        When to visit Lofoten Islands

        • For hiking: The hiking season tends to run from May to October, when the snow begins to melt and temperatures are milder and more comfortable for getting out on the trails. Some trails are accessible in shoulder months, while others become unsafe due to snow and ice.
        • To see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): September to March offers the best chance of witnessing this natural wonder, with September and early October a good overlap with hiking season.
        • To experience the midnight sun: From late May to mid-July, the sun never sets below the horizon, bathing Lofoten in golden light around the clock. For hikers, this means endless opportunities to walk into the evening, with mountains and fjords glowing under surreal skies - it’s one of the defining experiences of travelling to Norway in summer.

        For more detail on conditions throughout the year, see our guide to weather in the Lofoten Islands.

          Northern lights adrien giret
          Nordskot rib steigen
          View over Lofoten

          Images (L-R): Northern lights at Manshausen Island, Nordskot, View over Lofoten Islands

          INSIDER TIP

          Pack for all weather: Even in summer, conditions can change quickly. Layered clothing, waterproofs, and sturdy hiking boots are essential.

          What are the Best Hikes on Lofoten Islands

          The Lofoten Islands are a hiker’s paradise, offering a mix of challenging peaks, coastal trails, and unforgettable fjord adventures. Here are some of the top walks and experiences we recommend on Lofoten Islands:

          • Reinebringen Hike: A steep but rewarding trail leading to one of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints over the village of Reine and its surrounding peaks and fjords.
          • Kvalvika Beach Hike: A rolling coastal trail descending to a pristine sandy cove and turquoise waters, accessible only on foot.
          • Festvågtind Hike: A short but demanding climb just north of Henningsvær, with sweeping summit views over the village’s rocky islets, the Vestfjord, and the Norwegian mainland.
          • Nordskot Traverse: A thrilling day hike in the nearby Steigen Archipelago combining a mountain ascent, rope‑secured ridgeline traverse, and breathtaking sea‑to‑summit panoramas.
          • Nusfjord to Nesland Coastal Walk: A leisurely trail linking two historic fishing villages, with insights into the cultural heritage of Lofoten’s coastline.

          One additional experience we highly recommend is the Silent Trollfjord Cruise which is accessed from Svolvaer and - other than a very long ard hike - is the only way to access this pristine wilderness area. Journey aboard a hybrid‑electric vessel into one of Lofoten’s most dramatic fjords, where towering cliffs, abundant birdlife, and underwater footage reveal another world. This half-day experience is well-worth the time and is a great way to break up a hiking journey of the Lofoten Islands.

          These experiences capture the essence of the Lofotens and it's surrounding islands — wild beauty, great hiking and immersive adventure.

            Reinebriggen Arctic Guides cropped
            Kvalvika Beach Hike Wi L
            Festvagtind hike Wi L
            Nordskot Traverse Adrien Giret
            Nesland Village Hike Nusfjord
            STC 01 Albert Bjørnerem 1

            Images (L-R): View from Reinebringen, Kvalvika Beach, Festvågtind hike, Nordskot Traverse, Nesland Village, Trollfjord

            INSIDER TIP

            Look beyond the hotspots: Villages like Nusfjord, Sakrisøya, and the coastal walk to Nesland reveal a quieter, authentic side of Lofoten away from the crowds.

            Lofoten Islands Best Accommodation

            From beautifully restored Rorbu cabins in Norway’s oldest fishing villages to the best boutique luxury hotels, here are our favourite Lofoten Islands' luxury accommodation options chosen for their location, quality and service.

            • Nusfjord Arctic Resort, where heritage charm meets modern comforts, this Small Luxury Hotel of the World features two great restaurants and a traditional Norwegian spa overlooking the water. The location is great for accessing Leknes and bucket-list hikes like Reinebringen and Kvalvika while being based in one of the best historic fishing villages.
            • Henningsvær Bryggehotell, spread across multiple historic buildings with suites overlooking the harbour and the mountains as a backdrop, we love the setting of Henningsvaer and the quality of the rooms. It's also well-positioned between Nusfjord and Svolvaer.
            • Nearby in Norway’s Steigen Archipelago, just beyond the Lofoten Islands, lies Manshausen, a private island where striking sea cabins are suspended over the water with floor‑to‑ceiling glass walls framing uninterrupted fjord views and, in winter, the Northern Lights. Manshausen is chosen for its proximty to Nordskot Traverse and as a great way to break up the transfer from the Lofotens back to Bodo.

            Each stay offers its own unique way to experience the wild beauty of the islands blending tradition, nature, and contemporary style.

            Nusfjord Arctic Resort Afficiandos
            Henningsvaer Hotel from above
            Kayakers sea cabin lars ebbesen kan
            Sauna hot tub nusfjord

            Images (L-R): Nusfjord Arctic Resort, Henningsvær Bryggehotell, Manshausen, Spa at Nusfjord Arctic Resort

            INSIDER TIP

            Book early: Accommodation is limited and boutique properties like Nusfjord Arctic Resort and Henningsvær Bryggehotell often sell out months in advance.

            Luxury Journeys to the Lofoten Islands

            Whether you’re drawn by the midnight glow of summer or the aurora-filled skies of autumn, the Lofoten Islands promise an unforgettable adventure. Walk into Luxury offers two Lofoten Islands trip options combining the best walks and experiences with luxury accommodation on a private journey:

            • 8 Day Lofoten Islands Luxury Hike combines the region’s most iconic trails, fjord experiences, and boutique accommodations into an immersive 7 night journey.
            • If you want to experience the best of Norway combining the Fjords and Lofotens in one journey, the 14 Day Best of Norway’s Fjords & Lofoten Islands pairs a Lofoten Islands walking adventure with time exploring Norway’s fjords from Bergen to Alesund - a great way to experience two of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes in one private journey.

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            FAQ

            Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway?

            For the best chance of seeing the aurora, head north of the Arctic Circle to destinations like Tromsø, Alta, or the Lofoten Islands—where clear skies and high auroral activity increase your chances

            FAQ

            Weather in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

            The Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle, enjoy a surprisingly mild climate due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. Though winters are long and dark, temperatures remain moderate for their latitude. Summers are cool and bright, with long daylight hours and dramatic coastal beauty, making them the most popular time for visitors.