8 Things to Know about Lofoten Winter + Why You Should Visit
The Lofoten Islands truly turn into a winter wonderland during the winter. After living here for a year, I can confidently say that this is without a doubt the prettiest time of year. There’s simply something special about the snow-covered peaks and cotton candy skies that create a sense of magic.
However, if you’re thinking of planning a trip during the Lofoten winter, there are some things you need to know as it’s not quite as straightforward as travelling during the summer months.
I’ve combined everything you need to know about when, where and how to visit the Lofoten Islands in winter in this article. Keep a look out for all my extra tips too, there are some quirks about winter in the Arctic that you’ll be glad you knew in advance!
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
Winter in Lofoten runs from November to March but the best time to visit Lofoten for a winter getaway is February or March. This is when you will have the most activities available to you with plenty of daylight hours to enjoy these incredible mountains. During these months you also have the best chance of seeing the northern lights.
By visiting during the snowy season you’ll get to enjoy plenty of space to yourself, a slower pace of life, fewer crowds and the unmatched views of a Lofoten winter. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of things to do during the wintertime. Get ready for an adventure-packed vacation full of surfing, hiking, skiing, and even whale watching!
| 📆Winter Months: | Nov – Mar |
| ⛄Best Activity: | Snowshoeing |
| 🚌Best Tour: | Southern Lofoten |
| 🛏️Where to Stay: | Anker Brygge |
1. Why Visit Lofoten in Winter?
While the Lofoten Islands are mainly known for their incredible hiking, visiting Lofoten in Winter is just as special, if not more!
I’ve already talked about how the snow-covered mountains are at their picture-perfect peak, but not only this, there are also far fewer people in Lofoten in winter. The summers here can get quite hectic and a little bit stressful as there are so many people all trying to do the same thing. In winter, the locals take this downtown to hibernate, taking the time to enjoy slow mornings, and early nights with plenty of hygge vibes (a word for the feeling of being cozy and content).
But don’t let that fool you into thinking there is nothing to do. The Lofoten winter brings lots of exciting activities. Winter is prime whale watching season in Lofoten, you can go ski touring or snowshoeing straight from the fjords, join in with unique holiday festivities, experience the polar night and even have the incredible chance to witness the magic of the northern lights.
2. When is Winter in Lofoten?
Winter in the Lofoten Islands spans from November to March, but you can often experience winter-like conditions for even longer on either side of this period.
Yep, Lofoten Winter is long! But I also feel like there are two distinct periods within the winter season that need explaining.
The first part of winter from November to early January is the darkest part of the year. During this time you can experience polar nights where the sun does not rise for around 5 weeks straight. While there is usually an hour or two of “blue light” each day where it’s not entirely pitch black, officially you would be experiencing 24 hours of darkness.
This is also a relatively warm part of the winter season with little snow, so skiing and snowboarding are not usually a possibility until the new year.
TOP TIP: I don’t recommend visiting during the start of winter unless you specifically want to say you’ve lived through a polar night.
February and March are the best months to visit Lofoten in winter. During this time you will have plenty of daylight to explore this magical area while also enjoying the snow-covered mountains and long sunsets and sunrises. Seriously, a large part of your daylight hours will include pink and purple skies, it’s nothing short of incredible.
3. What to Expect when Visiting Lofoten in Winter
Of course, visiting Lofoten in winter isn’t without its challenges. Here are a few things you should consider before planning a Lofoten winter trip.
Polar Nights
As I already mentioned, for around 5 weeks a year from December to January, you can experience 24 hours of total darkness per day when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon.
The specific dates change each year but are generally from the second week in December to the first week of January. You can check the sunrise and set times here, just scroll to the correct months and look for when it says “down all day” instead of a sunrise time.
During the polar nights, you will still have an hour or two of blue light in Lofoten, even on the darkest of days. This is similar to the light you have just after sunset, so while it is usable light to get outside, you will still be limited in what activities you can do.
The weeks on either side of the polar night period are also quite dark, however, the change in daylight hours is quite rapid. On average you will gain between 10-20 mins of daylight every day.
During this time the shops and some activities also usually have limited opening hours of around 5 hours per day
Northern Lights
While you would expect the polar night period to be the best time to see the northern lights in Lofoten, it’s not.
To see the northern lights, you need a combination of dark, clear skies, and high solar activity. Unfortunately, December and January can be quite stormy, with very few clear sky nights which means it’s not the best time for northern light hunting.
On average, March has the most solar activity and the weather is usually a lot more cooperative during this time. So if you are visiting Lofoten in winter with hopes of seeing the northern lights, I recommend you plan accordingly. I have put all the details about how to see the aurora borealis in Lofoten in the article linked above.
Snow in Lofoten
Even though it does snow on occasion throughout December, the main ski season doesn’t really start until February. At the beginning of winter, the temperatures fluctuate a lot bringing a little snow but lots of rain that immediately washes it away. That, plus the endless darkness means it’s not really optimal conditions for skiing yet.
If you’re planning a Lofoten winter just for the pretty views of snow-capped mountains, anytime from January onwards would work. However, if you planning a ski trip to the Lofoten Islands, the best time to come would be February or March.
But even if you visit during the best months, you’ve got to be really lucky to get fluffy pow. Due to its location sticking right out into the ocean, the snow in Lofoten tends to be a little heavier with a high moisture content. In the end, you don’t plan a ski trip to the Lofoten Islands for the snow conditions but for the unbeatable experience of skiing these incredible mountains, right down to the fjord.
Lofoten winter temperatures
Even though it’s located in the Arctic, the winter temperatures in Lofoten aren’t that bad. Most of the time, the temperatures in Lofoten hang around between 0°C / 32°F and -5°C / 23 °F, often with an absolute low of -15°C / 5°F. (As I write this, it’s currently -25°C / -13°F in Canada)
That being said, the wind and moisture content can be brutal. Winds often blow so strongly that bridges and roads are closed to traffic, plus it is very much a wet cold in the Lofoten Islands so the temperatures often feel colder than they are.
Christmas in the Lofoten Islands
Christmas (or Jul in Norwegian) falls during the middle of the polar nights, but Lofoten still manages to light up the place with cozy fairy lights and christmas displays all over creating a magical atmosphere for all.
As many of Lofoten’s residents are originally from elsewhere in Norway, many people actually leave to visit family down south. So this is an extra quiet time here. But don’t be dismayed, there’s still plenty to experience for your first Norwegian Christmas.
Lofoten has a few christmas markets for you to check out, the first of which is in Henningsvaer and is called Førjulseventyret or the pre-Christmas adventure. Førjulseventyret takes place every weekend from the beginning of November up until Christmas and the town comes alive with local vendors selling handcrafted gifts, plenty of cozy food and drinks, music, art, events and free kick sleds to get around town (this is a must try). While they don’t set up traditional “market” stalls, this is everything you’d normally get from a Christmas market, just using the existing businesses.
TOP TIP: One thing to know about Christmas in Lofoten is that all shops, businesses and public transport are closed from the 24th-26th of December and again on the 1st of January. So it’s best to book accommodation with an in-house restaurant or kitchen and make sure you’re stocked up on your favourites.
The other two Christmas Markets to check out are Nusfjord (the oldest fishing village in Norway) and Skårungen in Kabelvåg. Nusfjord puts on an old-fashioned christmas market in early December complete with the option to cut down your own Christmas Tree, whereas Skårungen’s market takes place every Sunday from mid-November with local crafts, ice skating and plenty of kids activities.
Other than the Christmas markets, there are usually lots of concerts, christmas food and the traditional midnight mass at one of Lofoten’s cute wooden churches. If you’re visiting with kids, you should also book in for the Christmas workshop at the Lofotr Viking museum where you can make crafts, take a horse ride, roast stick bread over the fire and dress up as a Viking.
Lastly, if you’re in Norway for Christmas, make sure to try some of their Christmas foods and drinks. You can try Ribbe (Pork Belly), Lutefisk (stockfish) and Julebrød (Christmas bread) at most restaurants around this time, but I recommend you also make a stop at the grocery store.
TOP TIP: Many of the big brands make a Christmas version of their products which is only available in December. Unlike in most countries where this is just about packaging, Norwegian brands actually make unique Christmas flavours. My partner thought the Christmas beer was actually the best local beer he had, I also recommend trying the Christmas flavours of the Freia chocolate bars.
4. Getting Around the Lofoten Islands in Winter
Public transport in the Lofoten Islands is quite limited all year round, but even more so in the winter. I’m talking about one bus in each direction per day… so it’s really not possible to rely on public transport to see the sites of Lofoten.
I highly recommend renting a car in Lofoten if you’re visiting during the winter. Realistically, there’s no other option to get around in an efficient way unless you plan on taking tours every day.
TOP TIP: You can rent a car from Leknes or Svolvær, but if you’re flying up North, it’s actually significantly cheaper to pick up and drop off your rental car at Bodø. Just note that you will need to take a ferry and if it’s cancelled, you’ll need to drive an extra 6 hours to get to Lofoten.
Driving in Lofoten in winter
Even though driving is the best way to get around the Lofoten Islands in winter, it isn’t without its challenges. The roads are quite narrow, very windy and are often covered in snow.
While the plows do a great job of clearing the roads as much as possible, due to the constant wind and moderate temperatures that melt and freeze the snow each day, the roads are most often compacted snow or ice. They don’t salt the roads in Lofoten but they do add gravel for some extra grip. Needless to say, take your time and make sure you’re comfortable driving in those conditions.
No one is in a rush here so it’s safer to go at a lower speed than try to keep up with the limits.
I already mentioned the winds but it’s important to explain that Lofoten’s winds can be wild, particularly in winter. You may notice that each of the arched bridges connecting the islands shows the wind speed on each side, this is because the bridges are closed when the winds become too dangerous to cross.
TOP TIP: You can check the Vegvesen road map for closures and road status or to check the webcams, however, the map is only in Norwegian. If you open the map in Chrome, Google Translate should automatically offer to translate it into English.
The last winter danger to consider when driving in Lofoten is the potential for avalanches. Lofoten’s roads are built through the valleys, but due to the nature of these beautifully dramatic fjords, there are many steep mountains that come right up to the roads. Thankfully, the roads are rarely in avalanche danger zones, however, when they are, this is another potential reason for road closures.
I’m not trying to scare you off driving in Lofoten but it’s important that you understand what it may be like before committing. I recommend building extra days into your schedule in case you encounter any road closures that halt your plans, especially if you plan on taking the ferry. The Bodø to Moskenes ferry runs year-round, but it can be cancelled due to strong weather as it does cross the open ocean.
5. Things to Do in Winter in Lofoten
I already talked a little bit about what you can do in Lofoten winter, but I thought I’d go into a bit more detail for you here.
Arctic Surfing
Yes, surfing is not only a summer sport in the Lofoten Islands! In fact, many pro athletes come up here in winter to surf some of the bigger winter waves that roll in.
It was super cool to watch the Red Bull athletes do their thing surrounded by snow-capped peaks when I lived in Lofoten!
If you want to give it a go yourself, head to Unstad Beach where you can rent gear or take a lesson with either Lofoten Surf Senter or Unstad Arctic Surf. Don’t worry, you will be provided with a thick, full wetsuit including booties and a hood.
TOP TIP: Tuck in all your hair (and beard if possible), otherwise you’ll come out with icicles! Check out this video to see what it’s like at Unstad.
Skiing
Of course, one of the main things to do in the snow is to ski and snowboard! While I wouldn’t recommend Lofoten as the best place to learn to ski, if you’re already a confident intermediate to advanced skier, this is a backcountry paradise!
Skiing was one of the main reasons we decided to continue living in Lofoten for the winter and ski we did.
I’ll never forget one particular day when we skinned and skied with gorgeous pink skies, all the way down to the ocean. On the way home we even saw the northern lights come out! Simply magic!
If you haven’t skied in Lofoten before, I recommend hiring a guide with Northern Alpine Guides or Fjellkompaniet. I’ve put all the details you need in this post including the best routes, when to go and where to stay.
Fishing
This is another one you may not expect but winter is actually the main season for fishing in Lofoten. During this time of year, fishermen can hang the famous stockfish out on the drying racks dotted around the island without them going mouldy, so expect to see a lot of fish during this trip!
If you want to try and catch some of the best fish in Norway, book a fishing tour from Svolvaer where you will go out on a boat with a local fisherman who will teach you to fish, tell you stories, and even package up what you catch so you can take it home for dinner!
Winter Hikes & Snowshoeing
Even in winter, Lofoten is a hikers paradise but it’s important to point out that not all of the famous Lofoten hikes are accessible in winter (Reinebringen is actually quite dangerous in winter).
Depending on the levels of snow, you may need to go snowshoeing or you might be okay with regular hiking boots. But be prepared for a little snow either way!
If you’ve never snowshoed before or if there is a lot of snow, I highly recommend taking a guided snowshoe tour. This way you can enjoy the experience and focus on walking, rather than having to worry about avalanche danger and route finding (which can be quite difficult if you don’t know the area).
Ryten is my favourite winter hike (I recommend this route) but you can also usually reach Kvalvika Beach, Offersoykammen and most of the coastal walks in winter.
Kayaking
Luckily, the open ocean doesn’t freeze in winter so winter kayaking is absolutely an option!
You’ll get to enjoy one of the most serene activities possible if you take to the water as the snow blankets sound, making everything around you practically silent. It’s a super unique experience, especially if you have some ice patches on the surface which make a cool noise when broken with your paddle.
In Norway, you need to join a tour to use closed kayaks (if you don’t have a kayak license), but I also think it’s a good idea since the water temperatures are very cold and it’s always safest to have someone experienced with you.
Photography
You probably want me to shut up about how gorgeous the scenery is in Lofoten during the winter, but I seriously think it’s the best time of year for photographers. There’s just so much to capture; the dramatic snow-covered peaks, cotton candy sunsets, northern lights, wildlife and the harsh reality of living in the Arctic.
If you’ve rented a car, you can drive yourself around to all the regular photo locations (and scout out some new ones). Another thing that’s great about winter is that you won’t be fighting for parking! Alternatively, take a photography tour with a local who will find you the best spots for the season.
The best photography tours of Lofoten are broken into two different tours with one focusing on the northern island and a second on the southern islands. This gives you a lot more time to properly explore the locations and get the shots you’re after. The tours which combine the entirety of the Lofoten Islands into one trip will feel a bit rushed for photography.
If you only have time for one tour, I recommend the southern tour as southern Lofoten has more dramatic, tall mountains and a large proportion of famous locations, whereas the north is a little more mellow but still beautiful.
Whale Watching
Whale watching in Lofoten is at its peak in the winter months as this is when many of the migratory whales come down from further north seeking slightly warmer waters and sheltered bays.
During the winter, killer whales (orcas) are frequently spotted off the short of Henningsvaer and other villages around Lofoten but there are so many more species to look out for. So if you’re staying somewhere with a coastal view, keep an eye out your windows at all times!
If you want an almost guaranteed chance of seeing whales, it’s best to take a tour. Unfortunately, there are no whale-watching boat tours that set sail directly from Lofoten, but this tour takes you by bus from Svolvær to the whale capital of northern Europe, Andenes, where there is a 95% chance of seeing whales.
In December and January, the whale tours depart from Skjervøy due to the migratory patterns of the herring but during this time, you also have the chance to swim with orcas if you dare! Check out all the details here.
Lofoten Winter Tours
Lastly, if you want to learn a bit about the history and culture of the Lofoten Islands while seeing all the main sites, you can of course take a full island tour. Due to the limited daylight during the Lofoten winter, most of these tours only cover half the islands at a time to ensure you can see everything.
TOP TIP: For the northern part of the islands, I recommend this tour which covers all the best sites from Svolvaer to Haukland Beach. If you combine that with this southern Lofoten tour, you’ll pretty much cover everything!
If you really want to squeeze everything into a day tour, it’s best to take a private tour like this one. That way you can customize your itinerary to prioritize the things you specifically want to see.
6. What to Pack for Winter in the Lofoten Islands
When packing for a Lofoten winter, there are a few extra items that can really make or break your trip.
I’m not going to itemize every piece of clothing you should bring because that varies wildly depending on who you are and how long you’re visiting for. But to help you out, here are some essentials that I would always bring to the Lofoten Islands in winter. I’ve also linked all my favourite brands for each item, the things I actually use myself.
✅Thermal top & leggings – Having a good base layer is one of the most important parts of winter layering as thermals help regulate your body temperature. Merino wool thermals are the best at this.
✅Puffer jacket – A warm puffer jacket is going to be your best friend. For Lofoten, I would opt for a thick puffer as, despite the mild temperatures, the wind and rain can make it feel way colder.
✅Waterproof shell jacket – You need a waterproof outer layer in Lofoten as the humidity is often quite high which means wet snow and rain. Make sure your waterproof shell fits over the top of your puffer jacket.
✅Winter gloves or mittens – As someone with Raynaud’s, warm gloves are essential for me. I actually have to wear mittens as my hands get too cold in gloves. Anyway, these have kept me warm in -30°C/32°F.
✅Shoe spikes – The wind, fluctuating temperatures, rain and snow make a super icy combo. Even if you’re not planning on hiking, these are a lifesaver for walking around the towns if you are not used to these conditions.
✅Hiking poles – Same as above, the slippery conditions and steep mountains can be quite a challenge if you want to hike in winter. If you’re not going to hike you can probably leave these out however it can still be helpful for anyone with mobility issues.
✅Headlamp – It’s dark in winter and realistically you should carry a headlight at all times as a precaution.
✅Hiking boots – Sturdy, warm hiking boots are essential if you plan on hiking in winter, alternatively, these winter boots are a great option if you are just going to be walking around the towns.
✅Merino Socks – Warm socks are another essential for me. If I don’t have good socks, my feet will freeze and or sweat at the same time which is a deadly combo.
7. Where to Stay in Winter in the Lofoten Islands
Choosing where to stay during the Lofoten winter is perhaps the most important part of booking your trip. Due to the limited daylight hours, lack of transport options and potential for disruptions, I recommend you pick a single focus and use that to decide where to stay.
If you have your heart set on seeing the northern lights, I recommend renting a place right on the beach around Flakstad or Ramburg. This area is known for its lights as it has uninterrupted views of the sky facing north and very little light pollution.
However, if you don’t plan on renting a car, it’s best to stay in Svolvær where all the tours depart from. Staying in a more isolated location without a car will be quite restrictive in winter.
Alternatively, if you do have a car, you may want to stay in a more central location around the Leknes area so you can easily explore both north and south Lofoten within the restricted daylight hours available during winter.
Below I’ve listed the best hotels for each category but I have more suggestions in these articles on where to stay in Lofoten, the best hotels in Lofoten & traditional rorbuer you can book.
For Northern Lights
Ramberg Beach House
This would be my absolute top choice if your main goal is to see the Northern Lights. I used to drive past it all the time and it looks incredible as it’s right on the beach facing towards the North with plenty of glass windows.
For Accessibility
Anker Brygge
For those of you who don’t want to rent a car, Anker Brygge has the perfect location in Svolvaer. While it’s within walking distance of the downtown area where all the tours depart, it’s actually located on a little island which gives you the wilderness feeling that many people seek in Lofoten.
For the Location
Lofoten Basecamp
Lofoten Basecamp has a great location just outside of Leknes while still giving you incredible views and a waterfront setting. Here you can book a luxury rorbu cabin with access to a sauna and kitchen, making it a great base for exploring every inch of the Lofoten Islands.
For Luxury
Thon Hotel
If you’re a luxury traveller or simply looking for a rejuvenating winter getaway, you can’t beat the Thon Hotel in Svolvaer. This modern, upscale hotel has incredible rooms with a delicious onsite restaurant, fitness center and floating sauna in the fjord just outside.
8. Lofoten Winter itinerary
Here is a quick overview of the perfect winter itinerary for the Lofoten Islands. This itinerary is designed for those who have a rental car and is based around staying in the Leknes area (I recommend Lofoten Basecamp).
As I’ve mentioned before, staying in central Lofoten is the best option for winter so you don’t lose too many hours each day driving top to bottom. Alternatively, you could spend a couple of nights in Reine and a few in Henningsvær while still following this itinerary. That is what I suggest for my summer Lofoten itinerary.
Day 1 – Å, Reine & Hamnoy
Arrival day! Whether you flew into Leknes or took the ferry from Bodø, today we explore the very southern end of the Lofoten Islands. Å and Reine are two adorable fishing villages with plenty to explore.
Here you can visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, the Lofoten Tørrfisk Museum (Stockfish Museum) and Gammelgården Bakery in Å. And don’t miss Art Gallery Harr at the cultural center in Reine.
On your drive up to your accommodation, make sure to stop at all the famous viewpoints around Hamnoy including the yellow house, fish racks and Hamnoy bridge.
Day 2 – Kvalvika Beach hike, Nusfjord, Skagsanden beach
Today is a day of adventure. Drive yourself to Kvalvika Beach for a winter hike to this breathtaking place. If you’re an experienced hiker, you may want to take on Ryten too, but make sure to follow this route in the winter.
Afterwards, head a little north to the traditional fishing village of Nusfjord where you can enjoy the open-air museum and learn all about this local custom.
On the drive home, make sure to catch the sunset at Skagsanden/Flakstad Beach. This is where I saw some of the best sunsets of my life! If you’re driving back in the dark, it’s still worth a stop as this is a popular northern lights spotting location.
Day 3 – Haukland & Uttakleiv Beach, Unstad Surfing & Northern Lights Tour
It’s a beach day today! Head to enjoy the scenic Haukland and Uttakleiv Beaches, some of the best beaches in Lofoten for photographers. You may even spot some surfers here, but don’t worry, we’re going to surf at Unstad which has better conditions for beginners.
Book a lessons and board rental package from Unstad Arctic Surf located a short walk from the beach. After you’ve experienced the thrill of winter arctic surfing, you will have the chance to warm up in their sauna.
Last but not least, tonight we are ticking off a big one and going on a northern lights tour. I recommend taking this group tour as they have a northern lights guarantee, however, it departs from Svolvaer which may make your night a little long. If you prefer to be picked up from your accommodation, this private tour offers pick-up from the Leknes area.
Day 4 – Viking museum or snowshoe tour, Henningsvaer & Svolvaer
Heading north from Leknes, enjoy a guided snowshoe tour to climb an iconic Lofoten mountain. The meeting point for this tour is at the Gimsoy Bridge parking area, which is just a short drive from our next stop, Henningsvær.
Henningsvaer is my favourite village in the Lofoten Islands and is arguably the best village to experience in winter. There are plenty of cute shops, cafes and restaurants to explore and overall, this cozy town has the best atmosphere.
If you have time, continue onto Svolvaer to see the biggest town in Lofoten. In my opinion, if you don’t have time to include Svolvaer, you won’t be missing much. So if you want to spend more time in Henningsvaer, by all means, do that!
Optional day 5 – Whale tour in Andenes
For those of you who have an extra day, I recommend making the trek up to Andenes to do a whale-watching tour. There aren’t many places where you can see orcas, humpbacks and a whole variety of different whales on the same day so I wouldn’t miss this incredible opportunity you have during the Lofoten winter.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, this tour departs from Svolvær and takes you by bus up to the boat. Alternatively, you can drive yourself to Bleik (just south of Andenes) and take this boat tour to save a little money.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lofoten Winter
How many days should I stay in Lofoten in winter?
Stay 3-5 nights in Lofoten in winter. The longer you stay, the higher chance you have of seeing the northern lights and enjoying a good weather window.
How cold does Lofoten get?
The coldest that Lofoten gets is around -15°C / 5°F however this doesn’t happen very often. Generally, the temperatures hang around between 0°C / 32°F and -5°C / 23 °F.
Is it worth going to Lofoten in winter?
Yes! It is worth going to Lofoten in winter as this is the most beautiful time of year. During the winter, Lofoten’s famous mountains are covered in snow and there are endless hours of cotton candy skies.
What months does it snow in Lofoten?
It snows in Lofoten in January, February and March. If you’re coming for skiing, the best time to visit for good snow conditions is February.
What is Lofoten like in December?
In December, Lofoten is very dark but not too cold. During December, Lofoten experiences polar nights with 24 hours of darkness. The temperatures are usually between 0°C / 32°F and -5°C / 23 °F and many businesses have restricted opening hours.
I hope you’re not too cold reading about the Lofoten winter because trust me, visiting here in winter is 100% worth it! If you’ve made it this far, I don’t think I need to convince you any further but I truly believe that winter is the prettiest season in the Lofoten Islands.
Remember, many accommodations, tours and activities close during the winter which means your options can be a little more limited. I recommend booking your hotels and tours 6 months in advance in order to make sure you get your first pick for the best prices.
If you have any further questions about Lofoten, leave me a comment below or check out all my other guides to Norway here.
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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.
