12 Best Lofoten Rorbuer → Traditional Fisherman Cabins for All Budgets
It’s hard to ignore the traditional red fishing cabins called rorbuer (or rorbu for a single cabin) that dot the landscape of the incredibly beautiful Lofoten Islands.
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, there’s no doubt you’ve seen countless stunning pictures of these cosy rorbuer standing strong against the elements in some of the most dramatic fjords. I know that soaking up this unique part of Norway was certainly one of the reasons I spent nearly a year in Lofoten!
So it goes without saying that staying in a traditional fisherman’s cabin is absolutely a must-do during your visit to the Lofoten Islands. With so many Lofoten rorbuer to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to find the perfect cabin for you. So to help you out, I’ve put together this list of my favourite rorbuer for each budget and also included my recommendations for family-friendly and pet-friendly rorbuer as well.
PS: I’ve given you some info about the locations of each rorbu in this post but if you haven’t yet got a lay of the land, make sure to check out my post on the best places to stay in Lofoten where I go into much more detail about each village.
Bags Always Packed is a reader-supported site which means some of the links on this page may be affiliates. I spend a lot of time researching these hotels, tours and products and only recommend those which I would use myself. Booking your trip through my links is a great way for you to support my work for free, as I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ♡
Contents
Quick Summary
To make it even easier, I’ve included all these Lofoten rorbuer (and much more) in my handy travel planning map above. You can also find a quick overview of my top picks below in case you don’t have time to read the whole post!
Just remember that these are the best of the best rorbuer in Lofoten and they are much more limited in number than hotel rooms. This means that they will book out quite far in advance (particularly those that have great value for money) so you should be booking at least 6 months to a year ahead.
| 💲💲💲Best Luxury: | Nusfjord Arctic Resort |
| 💲💲Best Mid-range: | Lofoten Basecamp |
| 💲Best Budget: | Salteriet |
| 📍Best Rorbuer in Svolvær: | Anker Brygge |
Best Luxury Rorbuer ~ €300+
You’re on holiday, why not treat yourself to one of the most beautiful luxury rorbuer in the Lofoten Islands?
The luxury rorbuer in Lofoten tends to be modern renovations of the most traditional cabins in iconic locations. Each of the options below has incredible facilities, unbeatable views and even better locations. You won’t be disappointed!
Reine Rorbuer – Best Lofoten Rorbuer
Location: Reine
Sleeps: 2/4/6 People
These iconic lofoten rorbuer are located right in the heart of the stunning Reine Fjord.
I love that the cabins are perfectly renovated to retain the cozy traditional charm without sacrificing any creature comforts. Plus, there’s an incredible local restaurant right on site!
Nusfjord Arctic Resort – Best Preserved Rorbuer
Location: Nusfjord
Sleeps: 2/4/6/10 People
If you’re looking for the most authentic fishing village experience you can find in Lofoten, this is your rorbu!
Nusfjord is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in Norway.
That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury, just look at the photos, these rorbuer are stunning!
Anker Brygge – Most Traditional Luxury Fisherman’s Cabins
Location: Svolvær
Sleeps: 2/4 People
For a central yet quiet location, you can’t pass up Anker Brygge. Located on a small island within walking distance of Svolvær, here you get the best of both worlds.
Unbeatable ocean and mountain views plus world-class facilities at your fingertips. Don’t miss the onsite restaurant!
Eliassen Rorbuer – Most Photographed Rorbuer in Lofoten
Location: Hamnøy
Sleeps: 2/4/6 People
One of the most famous spots in the Lofoten Islands, you will probably recognize Eliassen Rorbuer from the iconic photos of Hamnøy that constantly circle the internet!
While the waterfront location is undoubtedly stunning, it’s also just a 10-minute drive from the quaint Reine village and famous Reinebringen Hike.
Amazing Mid-Range Rorbuer ~ €150 to €300
For those of you who don’t want to splurge quite that much, don’t worry, there are plenty of incredible mid-range fisherman’s cabins in Lofoten to choose from.
The mid-range price point is mostly comprised of smaller or more recently built rorbuer which means you can get lots of space and resort-style amenities for a great price.
I’ve included 5 amazing options for you below, each of which is beautifully renovated for your comfort and some even have a guest sauna!
Lofoten Cabins – Most Central Lofoten Location
Location: Ramberg
Sleeps: 2/6 People
These modern waterfront rorbuer cabins have plenty of space both inside and outside for you to relax in your own slice of paradise.
With mountain views and a location right off the E10 just down the road from the beautiful Ramberg beach, this a great spot for anyone who wants a quieter stay while still being central to Lofoten’s best sights.
Henningsvær Rorbuer – Best Rorbuer in Henningsvær
Location: Henningsvær
Sleeps: 2/4/5/6/8 People
Henningsvaer is my favourite place to stay in Lofoten and this quaint village sure does deliver on the traditional side of things.
There’s a wide range of rorbuer to choose from here so you can easily find something to suit your group within walking distance of all the cute cafes and restaurants downtown.
Lofoten Basecamp – Best Value Mid Range Rorbuer
Location: Leknes
Sleeps: 2/3/6 People
If gazing upon turquoise waters from a blissful sauna fills your cup, Lofoten Basecamp has you covered.
These huge, modern rorbuer are located at the mid-way point between Svolvær and Å and are surrounded by great hikes. This quiet spot allows you to easily explore every inch of Lofoten while offering a sanctuary away from the crowds.
Å-Hamna Rorbuer – Best Location in a Traditional Fishing Village
Location: Å
Sleeps: 4/6 People
Å is another super well-preserved fishing village full of historic rorbuer. So for those of you looking for an authentic experience in the Lofoten Islands, look no further than Å-Hamna Rorbuer.
These simple fishermen’s cabins have everything you need for a cozy stay in a great location for an even better price.
Lofoten Cottages – Most Authentic Rorbuer in Lofoten
Location: Nusfjord
Sleeps: 3/4 People
While most rorbuer on this list gives you a great traditional experience, Lofoten Cottages are probably the most authentic option you can find.
Located just outside the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nusfjord, here you can pick from luxurious modern comforts with a private deck or real-life heritage cottages with an outside bathroom and water supply.
Top Budget Rorbuer ~ Under €150
Just because you’re a budget traveller doesn’t mean you have to miss out on staying in a Lofoten Rorbuer!
While there aren’t too many full cabins for under the €150 mark, there are a handful of affordable rorbuer hotels which allow you to experience living in a rorbuer by renting a room or bed. There’s even a great rorbuer hostel which is perfect for solo travellers.
Sjøstrand Rorbuer – Most Affordable Private Fisherman’s Cabin in Lofoten
Location: Ballstad
Sleeps: 2/3/6/7 People
If you’re looking for a rorbuer that you don’t have to share but don’t want to break the bank, this is a great option in a quiet location.
Sitting just off the beaten path in central Lofoten, you’ll have easy access to all the sights by car while enjoying a quiet retreat away from the crowds at night.
Salteriet – Best Overall Budget Rorbuer in the Lofoten Islands
Location: Å
Sleeps: Double or triple rooms
At Salteriet you may not get a private cabin but you do get incredible views, an unbeatable location, gorgeous modern facilities and much more.
With a cozy communal lounge and kitchen, here you can choose to socialize with other guests or dine at the onsite restaurant and bar.
Lofoten Å HI Hostel – Great Rorbuer Hostel for Solo Travellers
Location: Å
Sleeps: 4 bed dorms or double rooms
Even though this is the cheapest rorbu you will find in the Lofoten Islands, Lofoten Hi Hostel in Å is located right in the heart of one of the best-preserved fishing villages of Lofoten.
With dorms and private rooms available, you’re sure to find something to meet your budget and make some friends at the same time!
Best Rorbuer for Families
The great thing about rorbuer are that they are usually inherently family-friendly! Having an entire cabin to yourselves with bathroom and kitchen facilities means you can comfortably continue your family routine without having to search for kid-approved restaurants every meal.
Of course, something to consider if you have young children is that rorbuer are usually located on stilts above the ocean with only a simple fence at best to mark the boundary (some don’t even have a barrier).
Because of this, the most family-friendly rorbu in Lofoten is Henningsvær Rorbuer. Not only does it have fully fenced perimeters but there are plenty of rorbuer to choose from with cabins from 1 to 4 bedrooms. Plus, many of the rorbuer have great kitchens and lots of space for the little ones.
Some other family options with plenty of space include Nusfjord Arctic Resort (up to 10 people), Lofoten Basecamp (spacious 6 people cabins), and Sjøstrand Rorbuer (up to 7 people).
Dog-Friendly Rorbuer
Thankfully, a lot of Norwegian hotels are dog-friendly and rorbuer are no exception. Below is a list of all the pet-friendly rorbuer in the Lofoten Islands (including some I haven’t yet mentioned in the main part of this post).
Before you arrive, note that there may be an additional charge for bringing your fur babies, so make sure to contact the property to request pet accommodations in advance.
- Lofoten Basecamp
- Anker Brygge
- Eliassen Rorbuer
- The Tide
- Rostad Retro Rorbuer
- Å Rorbuer
- Lofoten Rorbu Lodge
Frequently Asked Questions about Lofoten Rorbuer
What is a Rorbuer?
A rorbu (or rorbuer in plural) is a traditional fishing cabin often found in Northern Norway. Rorbuer are particularly recognizable in the Lofoten Islands where these little red cabins often sit on stilts in incredibly scenic fjords.
What is the best Rorbuer on the beach in Lofoten?
Traditionally, rorbuer were not built on the beach as the fishermen needed to tie their boats directly to their cabin. While they aren’t traditional rorbuer, Lofoten Beach Eggum offers beautiful cabins on the beach in Lofoten.
Are there Rorbuer in Svolvaer, Lofoten?
Yes, Anker Brygge has great rorbuer located on a small island just a short walk from downtown Svolvær. The best part is that you get city-like amenities with seaside views.
Which is the best Rorbuer in Reine, Lofoten Islands?
Reine Rorbuer is the best rorbuer in the heart of Reine village itself, however, Eliassen Rorbuer is another popular option just a few minutes drive away in the village of Hamnøy.
Well, I hope you have found your perfect Lofoten Rorbuer and that it isn’t already booked out for your dates! My personal favourite is Nusfjord Arctic Resort because you can’t beat their mix of pure luxury, traditional charm and quiet location. Seriously, after the tourists leave when the museum closes, this place is so serene!
Remember to book ASAP if you’re hoping to stay in a beautiful fisherman’s cabin in Lofoten as these places fill up months in advance. But don’t worry if you’ve already left it too late (guilty last-minute planner over here), there are plenty of great Lofoten hotels to choose from.
I also have tons of another useful guide for planning your trip to Norway here, so make sure to check them out too!
Happy travels,
Kate
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Helpful Resources
Hotels.com - Another great place to find a hotel with specific requirements for your trip.
Agoda - Best for booking hotels in Asia. Has options worldwide however in Asia it seems to have the most options of all the booking sites.
Hostelworld - Perfect for backpackers, Hostelworld is my go-to to find dorm rooms and cheap, social accommodation options.
Rental Cars - Another option to compare rental car companies and providers worldwide.
Sixt - Previously “Thrifty” car rentals.
Europcar - Offers car and van hire around the world.
AutoEurope - Best place to find RV’s to rent for your trip.
Paul Camper - Rent campervans directly from their owners at reduced prices.
Viator - Preferred by US providers so sometimes has a bigger range of activities in select locations.
Klook - Most popular in Asia, you will find a bigger range of attractions and tours in the region of Asia on Klook.
Civitatis - Specializing in European Cities. Although it provides tours worldwide, always check here for additional options if visiting Europe.
HeadOut - Best place to find discounted attraction tickets.
Tiqets - Offers a lot of combo tickets. Make sure to visit if you are planning on visiting a few iconic attractions within a city.
Tripaneer - Where to go if you want to book retreats of any kind (yoga, cycling, outdoors etc).
Guru Walks - Book your spot on a free walking tour.
G Adventure - Lets you compare multi day tours around the world to pick the right itinerary for you.
Cruise Critic - Check out the different cruise options for long or short trips world wide.
Cruise Direct - Another option for comparing and booking cruises for your trip.
Helly Hanson - Norwegian based clothing brand which produces durable outdoor clothing, particularly ski gear.
The North Face - High quality clothing for all your outdoor adventure needs.
Decathlon - Has a great range of cheap equipment and clothing for a huge range of sports and outdoor activities.
Sport Chek - Everything you need for general sports and outdoor adventures under one roof (or website).
Kiwi - Best platform for comparing different routes and dates.
Flixbus - Cheapest bus service mostly serving Europe but available in a few other destinations.
Greyhound - US long distance bus transport service.
Busbud - Compare and find all the bus times and providers for your chosen route.
Trainline - Find train times and tickets for long distance travel around the world.
Save a train - Another place to get train tickets and compare services for your destination.
Welcome Pickups - Pre book your airport transfer to your hotel.
Get Transfer - Another option to find airport transfers within your destination city.
Kiwi Taxi - Find and pre-book a taxi service in your location (including airport transfers).
SafetyWing - Best for digital nomads, offers ongoing monthly travel insurance plans.
Bonzah - Rental car insurance. Cheaper plans than those offered by the rental car companies themselves.
