Lofoten
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The wild, raw nature of the Lofoten Islands makes this a picture-perfect place to hunt the northern lights. Stay in a rorbu (fisherman's cabin), and explore cool museums, loads of outdoor activities, and cosy fishing villages.
For a thousand years, fishermen have flocked to Lofoten to take part in the renowned skrei winter fishery in Northern Norway between February and April. Foodies are now following in their footsteps.
Experience living history in the small, picturesque fishing villages scattered around the islands. You can even get to watch the aurora from your own balcony if you stay in a traditional rorbu, a fisherman's cabin, right on the sea shore.
Lofoten is situated just beneath the auroral oval, a belt of light that encircles the geomagnetic poles and provides some of the best chances in the world of seeing the northern lights. You can go fishing, ski touring, alpine skiing, horse riding, hiking, kayaking, and dog sledding under the northern lights or the equally beautiful starry sky. Or how about enjoying the show from a steaming hot tub or one of the many new panoramic saunas in the area?
Due to the northern latitude, the sun remains completely below the horizon for about five weeks in mid winter in this area. The darkness is truly unforgettable. But you can still experience daylight in most of the winter, increasing gradually to the midnight sun in summer. And we promise you that the unique winter light and the flaming skies will give your Insta account a big boost too! Go on a fishing trip or a RIB boat safari, and be sure to count eagles on your way.
Bad weather? No worries! You have plenty of excellent galleries, museums, historic Viking sites, and cosy eateries to explore! There are many excellent restaurants and resorts that are open year round in Lofoten.
The city of Svolvær is the area's main hub, offering a wide range of hotels, shops, as well as a cultural centre and several bars and eateries.
The best places to see the lights
- Visit one of the many remote, white sand beaches that face north, like Uttakleiv, Gimsøystranda or Rambergstranda.
- Spend the night in a rorbu (a fisherman's cabin).
- Go horseback riding on Icelandic horses.
- Enjoy the show from a steaming hot tub or a modern sauna.
By plane
There are frequent flights to regional airports, including Bodø Airport and Lofoten/Harstad/Narvik Airport, and to local airports in Svolvær, Leknes, and Røst.
The flight from Oslo to Bodø takes 1.5 hours and an additional 20–30 minute flight or approximately 3–4 hour boat ride from there to Lofoten. From Lofoten/Harstad/Evenes it's a 2.5-4 hour drive or bus ride to Lofoten.
There is also a helicopter service between Bodø and Værøy.
By boat
There are daily express boat services operating year round between Bodø, Svolvær, and Skrova.
There are car ferries from Bodø to Røst, Værøy and Moskenes in Lofoten year round, and between Hamarøy and Svolvær in summer, and between Lofoten and Melbu in Vesterålen.
The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls at daily Stamsund and Svolvær in Lofoten, while Havila Voyages calls at the same ports two days a week. You can also sail shorter distances between Bodø, Tromsø, and Lofoten, for example.
Ad: Hurtigruten – the world’s most beautiful sea voyage
By bus
There are daily public bus services from Narvik and the airport at Lofoten/Harstad/Narvik to Svolvær, Leknes and Å (route 300). There are also bus connections from Svolvær to Sortland in Vesterålen.
For tickets and timetables, visit Entur
By car
If you choose to go by car, there are several options for getting to and from Lofoten. Take one of the car ferries from Bodø (year round) or Skutvik in Hamarøy (summer).
A boat-free connection from the north of Lofoten, or from Sweden, takes you between the mainland and Lofoten.
Local travel
The E10 (King Olav V’s road) is the main motorway connecting the Lofoten archipelago from west to east. Travelling by public transport requires some planning, especially if you want to go anywhere off the E10, so check the timetables carefully.
For tickets and timetables, visit Entur
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