The Lofoten Islands are a dream destination for many travelers from all over the world. This archipelago has one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe!
With dramatic, majestic beauty everywhere, Norway’s Lofoten Islands are like no other place on earth. Here’s everything you need to know about this paradise of the North.
Located far north of the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is a place where nature remains largely untouched by human hands. The granite mountains hide many surprises. From idyllic fishing villages to seemingly exotic beaches in Arctic Norway, the Lofoten Islands have it all.
The water is crystal clear – so soft and calm that you might mistake it for the Caribbean, not the snow on the mountaintops.
The Lofoten Islands are easy to spot on the map. The islands jut out from one of the narrowest parts of Norway all the way into the cold Norwegian Sea. The islands are the dream destination of many tourists from all over the world. It bears the name “Lofoten” from its shape, which is the footprint of a lynx. Step into the wild, get away from the busy cities, and explore the endless horizons of this paradise for yourself!
Why should you visit the Lofoten Islands?
Crystal clear water, beautiful sands, incredible granite peaks that look as if they were painted, hiking trails, sea kayaking, fishing… are enough to get you here. Not yet?
Hiking: From breathtaking panoramic viewpoints to remote beaches, few places on earth offer such a majestic nature stage for hiking enthusiasts. Whether you want to stroll along a beach or hit some of the most challenging hikes in Scandinavia, there’s a hike for you on these islands. The westernmost island, Moskenesoy – offers the most popular trails with several expedition and guide companies based in and around Reine.
Many of the best beaches in this part of Norway are only reachable on foot, a bonus for those willing to go hiking with some of the country’s beaches!
Photography: Lofoten’s ever-changing weather creates fascinating lighting opportunities for professional photographers as well as amateurs looking to take selfies. More and more people are discovering the magic of the islands and are choosing to set foot on the islands for weeks at a time to get the best photos and even 4k videos.
See the Northern Lights: While Tromso and Alta are the places to see the Northern Lights in Norway, the lack of artificial light makes the Lofoten Islands an attractive option. The only downside is that its coastal location means cloud cover is higher than in Tromso and Alta. But the islands are still an incredible place to visit and that hasn’t stopped photographers and aurora hunters from traveling to the Lofoten archipelago in the hope of catching a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.
Surfing: The deep sea surrounding Vestvagoy Island gradually slopes as it approaches Unstad Beach, making the bay a magnet for cold-water surfers. In the international surfing community, it is known as one of the best spots in Europe for surfing.
The waves are most consistent in fall and winter, but this is not the place for beginners. This is also the most likely time of year to see the Northern Lights, creating a truly unique aurora-hunting experience for all surfers!
Scenic car ride: You don’t have to try to go hiking, simply get in a car and enjoy the atmosphere. E10 is the road through the archipelago connecting the islands. The stretch from Svolvær to Å is one of Norway’s designated National Scenic Routes. Along the way, there are rest stops and picnic areas along with interesting architecture to complement the natural setting.