The Lofoten in Norway has been voted one of the most beautiful destinations in the world several times. Rightly so! It is therefore not surprising that the Lofoten now attracts many tourists. But what exactly can you see in Lofoten and when is the best time to go? In this blog we share our tips.
What is the best time to go to the Lofoten?
The Lofoten is an archipelago located in the north of Norway and is located above the Arctic Circle. Because of this location it is endlessly light here in the summer and you can enjoy the midsummer night sun, while it is dark in the winter and therefore you have the best chance of spotting the northern lights. Both seasons are therefore a good time to go to the Lofoten, but you can actually visit the Lofoten all year round. Because of its location on the coast, it gets less cold here in the winter than you might think at first. But it is certainly not warm there and the weather can also be very changeable with lots of snow and rain. Most tourists therefore visit Lofoten in the summer during the months of June, July and August. The popularity of the archipelago and the choice of many tourists to go in the summer also makes this the busiest period, while the weather can also be very changeable. In that respect, you have to be a bit lucky with the weather in Lofoten anyway.
As far as we are concerned, the best time to go to the Lofoten is not the summer, but the intermediate season from mid-February to mid-June or otherwise at the end of August/beginning of September. This way you avoid the large hordes of tourists while you can enjoy yourself to the maximum (if the weather is a bit with you). From mid-February it will be longer light outside, while the archipelago is still covered with a beautiful white blanket of snow and it is still dark enough in the evening to spot the northern lights. The chance of seeing the Northern Lights decreases rapidly during April as spring arrives later in May (or even as late as June) and it no longer gets dark at some point. The snow then disappears and makes way for more greenery and, as said, suddenly many more tourists.
Do you want a little more certainty about the weather, but want to avoid the worst crowds? Then the months of August and possibly September are also suitable to visit the Lofoten. Especially if you choose to go a little later in August. You then avoid the worst crowds, while autumn has only just started and the temperatures are therefore still quite ok. Moreover, it is still long enough light and nature colors beautifully in autumn colors.
What to see and do in Lofoten?
Depending on your plans, a week is enough to see most of Lofoten, but with 10 days you have just a little more time to make some nice hikes or to skip a day if the weather is bad. Below we share some of our best tips on what to see and do in Lofoten.
Svolvær and Trollfjord
Svolvær is the largest city in Lofoten and is therefore considered the capital. Svolvær is a harbor town that is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea. In the center you will find a number of nice restaurants, bars and art galleries. Svolvær is also the base for various boat excursions, including whale watching trips and an excursion to the famous Trollfjord. This fjord bisects the island and ends in a narrow strait. The fjord is surrounded by impressive steep mountains and you can spot sea eagles. Do you suffer from seasickness? With a bit of luck, in some seasons it is also possible to spot the orca from the shore, for example.
Hiking tip: near Svolvær you will find the Devil’s Gate viewpoint. This walk takes you to a rock formation that is like a bridge between the mountains Frosken and Fløya.
Kabelvag
A few kilometers away is the village of Kabelvåg. Here you can take a look at the Lofoten Museum, Lofoten Aquarium and the art gallery Espolin, among other things. Also visit the Vågan Church known as the Lofoten Cathedral. Furthermore, Kabelvåg, together with Svolvær and Skrova, is known for the Lofotfiske. This is a seasonal fishing event centered around cod spawning. As in many other places in Lofoten, you will find a lot of dried cod hanging in large numbers from wooden racks (between March and June).
Henningsvaer
Henningsvær is one of those places in Lofoten that has retained its charm as an authentic fishing village. In small and picturesque Henningsvær you can still walk among the old warehouses, art galleries and other charming shops, while the fishermen are hard at work in the nearby small harbor. In the summer there are many tourists, but in the heart of the picturesque village you will not find any large hotel chains. Be sure to walk to the very tip of the village. This is where the most northerly (and perhaps also the most beautiful) football field in the world is located with a beautiful view of the sea!
Nusfjord
Another harbor town is Nusfjord, again located in a beautiful spot and typical Lofoten. Nusfjord is one of the oldest and best preserved fishing villages in Norway. For that reason, it was designated by UNESCO in 1975 as a pilot project to preserve traditional Norwegian architecture. Yet it feels less authentic than Henningsvær, for example. That is because Nusfjord has become a museum village and it is no longer permanently inhabited. In the summer there is a lot of life and you can sleep in a traditional rorbuer, while in the winter there is little to do but you are quiet and alone (well alone, together with all the seagulls that have taken over the harbor town) can stroll through.
Reine
Reine is another well-known fishing village in the Lofoten. Thanks to the many red fishing huts along the coastline and the surrounding granite peaks that shoot out of the Reinefjorden, Reine was even voted the most beautiful place in the world. But although it can be pleasantly busy here – especially in the summer – Reine, unlike Nusfjord, for example, is still inhabited and there is a lot of activity in the harbor all year round around the local fishermen. You will also find the best rorbuer (traditional fishing huts that have been converted into accommodations) in Reine to spend the night as a tourist and you can take beautiful walks and other outdoor trips in the area. Including the walk to Reinebringen where you have an epic panoramic view of Reine and the surrounding area after a steep climb!
Note: the walk is steep and slippery. In winter, but also early and late in the season during the first and last snowfall/remains, this hiking trail is not or not easily accessible.
Hamnoy
One of the most famous photos of Lofoten was taken on the bridge overlooking the village of Hamnøy. This is another one of those picturesque fishing villages in the Lofoten, where it is always nice to stroll through. You also have beautiful views here and the Feelgood Jazzfest is held here annually around the end of April to celebrate the end of the long dark winter.
Stranden
You may not expect it so far north, but Lofoten has a lot of beautiful beaches. Our personal favorites are Haukland Beach, Unstad Beach and Kvalvika Beach. Previously voted Norway’s best beach is Haukland Beach. This beach is hidden between mountainous areas and is ideal for those who like to go supping, kayaking or swimming. You will also find several beautiful hiking trails in the area, including the one to Mount Mannen and Veggen whose starting point is next to the beach. The walk is tough, but the view is great!
The surfing beach of Lofoten is Unstad Beach. Surfers from all over the world come here to surf. Not only because it is so beautiful here, but also because you surf at a location above the Arctic Circle. Although this certainly does not apply to all days, there is usually more wind on Unstad Beach than, for example, on Haukland Beach. That is also why the waves here are usually higher and it is a suitable place for surfing. But also watching surfers brave the waves is a fun activity, especially because the beach is located in a super beautiful landscape!
The most popular beach in Lofoten is Kvalvika Beach. Via a not too easy walk of about 1 to 1.5 hours you reach the beach, which is located in a secluded bay on the north side of Moskenesøy. The beach is therefore only accessible on foot. With a beach surrounded by impressive cliffs, it makes sense that the beach is so popular. However, the crowds, especially in the summer, cause too many tourists. As a result, the area is full of tents, you sometimes walk in a line towards the beach and the road is a major traffic chaos because the small parking lot at the starting point cannot handle the crowds. Go in the winter and/or the mid-season and you only have to share this beautiful beach with a handful of other people.
What kind of transport in Lofoten?
The Lofoten is best explored with your own transport. This can be your own car or rental car, but also a camper, for example. Public transport is not yet well organized here, which makes it difficult to travel around if you do not have your own transport. Keep in mind that all options require quite a bit of budget. Rental cars are not cheap here, but with your own transport it is quickly about 5000 km from the Netherlands and back and that does not make it a cheap option. It is therefore best to visit the Lofoten with your own transport if you were already planning to travel around Norway. This way you can combine it nicely with the Lofoten.
The advantage is that you can reduce costs by camping wild. In Norway, everyone has the right to public access, which means that everyone has the right to enjoy the great outdoors and camp wild. Among other things, pitching your tent in the same place for one night is allowed. After 24 hours you have to look for a new place. Are you traveling to the Lofoten with the camper? Then keep in mind that many places are not or less accessible to campers (especially for larger campers and if there is snow) and you often depend on designated camper pitches that quickly fill up in the summer.
