23 AMAZING Things to Do in Lofoten | Hikes, Museums, & More!

After living in Norway for nearly a year, I can tell you from personal experience that there is truly an endless list of things to do in Lofoten.

The beautiful mountains of the Lofoten Islands entice hikers from all around the world, and while they were the reason that I ventured to the Arctic myself, there are so many great activities here besides hiking.

In this article, I am going to give you all the details you need with this comprehensive list of things to do in the Lofoten Islands. I’ve included everything from hiking and skiing to art galleries, Lofoten food, museums and tours so I’m sure you’ll be able to plan an epic trip for yourself.

Make sure you scroll down to the bottom if you’re looking for a more specific list for visiting in winter, with kids, when it’s raining or without a car.

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. ♡

Quick Summary

For a quick list of the absolute best of the best things to do in Lofoten, check out the table below or my Lofoten map above. I’ve included all the best Lofoten activities in an easy-to-use way so you can quickly find exactly what you’re looking for.

There is so much more to Lofoten than just hiking (although that is an incredible part of it). In this guide, you’ll find all the best photo spots, restaurants and cafes, tours, museums, art and much more!

🥾 Best Hike:	Ryten
📍 Best Village:	Henningsvær
🏛️ Best Museum:	Å Fishing Village Museum
🛥️ Best Activity:	Trollfjord Cruise

1. Explore Lofoten’s Quaint Villages

There are so many outdoor adventures waiting to be had in the Lofoten Islands but while you’re here, make sure you don’t miss out on the island’s picture-perfect villages.

You’ll most likely be staying in one of the main villages below, but I always recommend taking some time to visit each of them as they all offer something unique. If you’ve got even more time, there are plenty more for you to explore, just take a drive on any of Lofoten’s scenic roads!

Reine

If you’re arriving by ferry, Reine is most likely going to be the first village you come across as it’s located just a 5-minute drive north of the Moskenes ferry terminal.

This quaint village is almost an island of its own as it’s connected to the main island chain by a small land strip of land and surrounded by endless stunning peaks and vast fjords.

As one of the most popular stops in Lofoten, there are endless things to do in Reine, Lofoten, but you absolutely cannot miss the famous Reinebringen hike ( I’ll give you more details on that in my hiking section below).

For the rest of your time here, grab a kayak and paddle the stunning Reinefjorden, wander around the colourful buildings, snap postcard-worthy pictures from one of the many viewpoints or grab a coffee at Bringen.

Å

Located right at the southern tip of the main Lofoten Island chain, Å (pronounced ‘au’) is a traditional fishing village made up mainly of rorbuer (red fishing cabins on stilts).

As you can probably imagine, this village is incredibly picturesque and a must-stop on any Lofoten itinerary. Here you’ll find fishing museums, a great bakery (Bakerit på Å / Gammelgården), a beautiful coastal walk and of course, endless unbeatable photo spots.

Henningsvær

Henningsvær is my absolute favourite town in Lofoten! No matter what season you’ve visited Lofoten in, you absolutely have to make a stop here!

Connected by endless bridges and known as “Venice of the North”, this collection of tiny islands makes up the beautiful village of Henningsvær, which I would say is the cultural heart of Lofoten. Throughout the summer, plenty of festivals, live music and events light up this tiny town, but it’s also the best place to grab a coffee in one of the MANY cozy cafes (Trevarefabrikken, Klatrekaféen and Henningsvær Lysstøperi are my favourite.)

While you’re here, make sure to wander the unique local shops, look out for Orca whales that frequent the area and of course, venture into the mountains.

If you don’t have a rental car, the best way to explore all these great spots is to join a tour that will take you straight to all the best places so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery!

Svolvær

Svolvær is the biggest town in Lofoten and has more modern architecture sprinkled amongst the traditional facades.

There’s no shortage of fancy restaurants, tour operators, art galleries, museums and other unique activities here so it’s likely that something on your chosen list of things to do will bring you to Svolvær.

As Svolvaer is the biggest town here (despite being significantly smaller than what most people are used to), I much preferred visiting the smaller alternatives when I was living in Lofoten.

This of course all comes down to personal preference, but if you’re short on time and don’t have anything of specific interest here, I would skip it in favour of Henninsvaer.

2. Visit the Historic Nusfjord

While Nusfjord is a village like the ones above, I thought it deserved its own section as this special spot is more than just a historical village, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This collection of stunning rorbuer stands on tall stills above a calm fjord surrounded by some of the most majestic peaks in all of Lofoten. Not only that but the rorbuer here have been restored to their former glory making it one of the best preserved fishing villages in Norway.

A handful of rorbuer are open for overnight stays but the main draw here is the Nusfjord Museum. For a small fee, you can visit many of these traditional fishing cabins, some of which have been set up as traditional shops including a blacksmith and an old-school bakery.

PRICE: 100 NOK (€10)

3. Enjoy the Stunning Beaches

If there are three things that Lofoten is famous for it would be rorbuer, mountains and beaches, and let me tell you, the beaches in Lofoten are absolutely breathtaking!

Visiting the beaches is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Lofoten during summer and should be at the top of your list. But don’t be fooled by the pure white sands and clear blue waters, it may not look like it but this is the Arctic, not the Caribbean and the waters here are incredibly cold, even in the height of summer. In fact, in the year I lived here, I think I only fully swam in the sea one time!

There are countless hidden beaches in Lofoten (some of which you can find on my map above), but here are some of the best ones:

• Ramberg Beach – Here you will find the famous red hut that features in countless Instagram pictures.
• Haukland Beach – Long sandy beach with a small cafe and kayak/SUP rentals.
• Uttakleiv Beach – The quieter sister of Haukaldn Beach located on the other side of the tunnel.
• Horseid Beach – Stunning beach accessible by ferry from Reine.
• Bunes Beach – Another incredible beach only accessible by ferry with a 1-hour walk from Vindstad.
• Unstad Beach – Popular beach for surfing, especially in winter.
• Skagsanden / Flakstad Beach – Another popular surf spot with beachfront camping.
• Kvalvika – Accessible by hiking only, this stunning beach sits below the famous Ryten hike.

4. Go Hiking

We’ve already talked about rorbuer and beaches so next on our list is hiking of course! This is why I had always dreamt of visiting Norway and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

If you plan on hiking in Lofoten (or anywhere in Norway), make sure to check the forecast and don’t attempt to hike in less than favourable conditions as many of these trails are super exposed. People have died while taking selfies here, but even the best photo in the world isn’t worth your life.

Okay now that my little safety briefing is over, here are the best hikes in the Lofoten Islands! All of these are easily hiked on your own but if you’re looking for a guide, book a private tour and choose your favourite hike. Alternatively, this fishing, hiking and beach tour has a little bit of everything, or have the best chance of spotting Lofoten’s animals on this wildlife safari.

Ryten and Kvalvika Beach – This one is my personal favourite, I hiked it in summer and skied it in winter, and both trips were nothing short of magical. Known as Lofoten’s mini Trolltunga, you’ve probably seen pictures of people sitting on a large rock that sticks out over a picturesque beach here. Try to start the hike in the evening if you want to witness one of the most magical sunsets of your life!

Reinebringen – This is THE most popular hike in Lofoten so expect it to be busy. That being said, do not underestimate the endless sherpa steps it takes to scale this steep mountain. The trail goes straight up the side! But the reward is certainly worth the effort with spectacular views of Reine and the surrounding fjords.

Håen – Located on the Island of Væroy, you’ll need to take a 1.5-hour ferry to get to this hike but I can tell you it’s absolutely worth it! The hike itself is fairly easy as you are walking up a road for the majority of the time however the famous viewpoint at the end makes you forget the simplicity of the walk. You’ve probably seen pictures of this iconic unique green mountain peninsula and white sand beach before, but I can tell you it’s even more special in real life!

Djevelporten & Fløya – Located above Svolvær, Djevelporten (translates to Devil’s Gate) is Lofoten’s answer to Kjeragbolten, the famous hike which allows you to stand on a rock wedged between two cliffs. While Djevelporten is a little smaller than Kjeragbolten, the views are just as spectacular and continuing onto the peak of Fløya only tops off the experience.

Offersøykammen – This is another one of my favourite hikes in Lofoten, not only because I hiked it when the sun showed itself after 10 days of intense storms, but the 360-degree views of blue waters and green mountains dotted all around sure is something special.

Mannen – For a quick but rewarding hike, Manen is my go-to. Sitting above the stunning Haukland beach, this is another iconic view of the best Lofoten has to offer.

5. Take a Boat Trip down Trollfjord

You may have already been on many fjord boat tours in Norway but don’t count this one out just yet! Trollfjord is super narrow (minimum of 100m across) which makes the dramatically tall walls that stand up to 1,100 m tall on either side even more impressive.

Moreover, Trollfjord can only be accessed by boat which means this part of Lofoten is truly an unspoilt piece of paradise with plenty of wildlife to spot.

There are a few different types of boat tours you can take to Trollfjord and which one you choose really depends on the experience you want to have. It seems counterintuitive but many people say taking the huge Hurtigruten ship is an incredible experience as you can really get a feel for how narrow and tall this fjord is.

Alternatively, there are silent electric-powered boats for a more serene experience, dinner cruises on sailing boats or fast-paced RIB Safari looking for sea eagles. While you don’t have to specifically take a Sea Eagle Safari to find these majestic birds, these smaller boats are able to get much closer to the cliffs and waterfalls which can make them much easier to spot.

Whichever Trollfjord cruise you choose, these are the best boat trips in Lofoten and are a must-do for sure!

PRICE: ~1400 NOK / €120

6. Go Kayaking in Lofoten

If you’re not keen to dive into the freezing Arctic water around Lofoten (I don’t blame you), another great way to enjoy the water is by kayak!

I’ve kayaked countless times but there’s something extra special about being surrounded by huge peaks that rise straight up from the water, it certainly makes you feel small.

You can rent kayaks practically anywhere in Lofoten as this is one of the most popular places to do so but I recommend joining a tour if you want to reach the most beautiful places. I found there is just so much water here that if you simply rent one and go by yourself it can be hard to know where to go.

The fjords of Reine is a great choice and kayaking under the midnight sun makes this experience even better, I highly recommend it if you’re staying in the area. Alternatively, this 3-hour kayak tour of Skrova Island is an incredible off-the-beaten-track part of Lofoten that most people never reach!

PRICE: ~1100 NOK / €100

7. Stay in a Traditional Rorbu

I’ve already mentioned Norway’s traditional fishing cabins (called Rorbuer) throughout this post but staying in one is certainly a quintessential Lofoten experience.

Long before Instagram shone a light on Lofoten’s beauty, fishermen were the original inhabitants of this beautiful place. In fact, evidence of fishing here dates back more than 6,000 years!

While Rorbuer haven’t been around quite that long, it’s believed the tradition is at least 1000 years old when up to 30,000 men were making the journey by boat each season to fish for Stockfish.

Back then, these cabins were extremely basic with minimal facilities and no insulation, some men even simply lived under upturned boats on the shore.

Today there are endless places to rent a Rorbu across the islands but that doesn’t mean they are all created equal. For the ultimate experience, I recommend looking for a traditional Rorbu that has been restored and upgraded with modern comforts.

Pay attention to what you are booking, some Rorbu that you will see advertised are not even close to the water and resemble more of a regular inland cabin. Others are modern builds with luxury facilities. While these won’t exactly provide the traditional experience, they can be a good choice if you’re looking for more space and modern living.

8. Try Surfing

Yep, you read that right, Lofoten is a surfing mecca in Norway, even in winter! Surfers flock to these beautiful islands year-round for a chance to surf in the Arctic. Plus, with a range of stunning beaches to choose from, there’s a wave for all abilities.

Summer surfers will be treated to 24 hours of daylight while if you visit in winter, you may even get the chance to surf under the northern lights (check out the video above).

While the beaches’ stunning blue water may look super inviting, don’t be fooled, even in summer these waters are incredibly cold so you will need a thick, full-body wetsuit. Luckily, these are generally included in your surfboard rental.

The most popular places to surf in Loftoen are Unstad Beach, Skagsanden Beach (Flakstad) and Kvalvika Beach (for more advanced surfers). Lofoten Beach Camp at Flakstad and Lofoten Surf Senter or Unstad Arctic Surf near Unstad are all great schools if you’re looking for lessons or rentals.

PRICE: ~990 NOK / €90

9. See the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun

Being so far north, no matter what season you visit Lofoten there is a chance of seeing something magical in the sky!

With 24 hours of sunlight in the peak of summer, there’s plenty of time to fit in your endless list of hikes. If you’re willing to sacrifice some sleep, many tours run in the late evening to give you a chance to experience the amazing phenomenon of the midnight sun. You can even go sailing to witness it over the sea.

If having sun all night long doesn’t sound particularly amazing to you, let me tell you about the sunsets! Because Lofoten is north enough to experience the midnight sun but not north enough to have it all summer long, you end up with incredibly long and vibrant sunsets which turn straight into equally amazing sunrises.

One of my favourite nights ever in Lofoten was hiking Ryten during sunset/sunrise where I had at least 4 hours of orange skies to enjoy.

June is the best time of year to visit Lofoten for the midnight sun as during this time the sun won’t set below the horizon. That being said, if you visit in May, July or early August you will still get to experience plenty of daylight along with those incredible sunsets I described. Check this website for sunset and rise times.

September to March is when you may be lucky enough to spot the northern lights (aurora borealis) in Lofoten. Many people think the best place to see them is from Tromsø but that’s simply not true, you can see them anywhere in the north if the conditions are right!

Lofoten doesn’t have much light pollution which means you could see the Northern Lights from anywhere at any time. Generally what prohibits you from seeing the Northern Lights in Lofoten is the weather (again). There are a high number of cloudy nights during the winter but this isn’t any different from Tromsø (or anywhere else in Northern Norway).

That being said, I remember one night when the lights were so strong we could see them through the clouds. Another day, we actually saw the northern lights at 4 pm after returning from ski touring, be prepared at any moment!

The best place to see the aurora borealis in the Lofoten Islands is from a mountaintop or beach. You don’t have to be facing north, they can come from any direction and we saw them from every part of the island chain.

Aside from a clear night and a location with minimal light, you also need the atmospheric conditions to line up for you. You can check the KP index to get an idea of how strong they may be (I like this app), but even this isn’t super Accurate. I’ve seen northern lights in Lofoten when the KPindex was 2 and other times it’s been rated 9 with “100%” probability and nothing appeared.

So as you can see, spotting the northern lights can be as simple as looking up but it can also be quite complex. Photographing the lights can be even harder so I recommend booking a tour to make the most out of your time. Your guide will find the best viewing spots for that particular night and help you sort out your camera settings to capture the moment.

10. Endulge in Local Cuisine

With a rich fishing tradition that continues today, there’s no better place to try the famous Stockfish than Lofoten. Nearly all restaurants in Lofoten will have stockfish on the menu in some variety but for some seafood-specific options try Lofoten Seafood Center or Brygga Restaurant.

11. Climb Svolværgeita

If you’re a climber or have been into any of the outdoor stores in Norway, you’ve probably seen the infamous Svolværgeita or “the goat”. This huge rock pillar stands tall near the Fløya hike and got its name because of the two “horns” that top the tower.

It’s the horns of this climb that bring people from all over the world as the challenge is to jump between the two (hence the popular photos in outdoor shops).

Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced rock climber, you too can attempt this climb with a guide but you won’t be able to try the jump. The climb itself is fairly easy (grade 5), although be prepared that it is very exposed. This means great views, but not great if you’re scared of heights.

Alternatively, if you would like the chance to experience Lofoten’s rocks without going to the extreme, this unique tour combines rappelling with kayaking for a fun day out.

12. Enjoy the Gorgeous Views

Even if you’re not a hiker, chances are that you’re going to Lofoten at least in part for the incredible views.

Essentially, everywhere you look in this beautiful destination has a great view, but if you’re looking to find some of the most iconic Instagram spots or even discover some hidden gems, I recommend joining a photography tour.

There are many different types to choose from including winter photo tours, multiday photography tours and private half-day tours with a photographer.

If you prefer to go on your own, here are the most beautiful places in Lofoten you should not miss!

• Fredvang Bridges – Pretty bridges that line up with the pointy Volandstind mountain.
• Hamnøy Photo – Iconic photo of Eliassen Rorbuer taken from the Hamnøy Bridge.
• Sakrisøya Yellow Rorbu – Famous yellow Rorbu that lines up with Olstind peak.
• Reine Viewpoint – Another great photo spot of Reinfjorden
• Hammerskaft – Bridge that lines up with point of Reinebringen
• Ramberg Red Hut – Red Hut on a white sand beach in Ramberg
• Reinebringen – Hike above Reinfjord with beautiful mountain views
• Ryten – Mini Trolltunga hike above Kvalvika beach.
• Festvågtind – Beautiful hike with a unique view over Henningsvær.
• Heningsvær stadium – The famous photo was taken on a drone but it is now illegal to fly drones here. You can walk up the rocks next to the field to get a slightly elevated view of the field but it won’t look like the images.

13. Fish for Your Dinner

For those of you who want to get back to the traditional routes of Lofoten, the best way to do this is to join a fishing trip!

Still to this day, the region produces some of the best fish in Norway which is then sold all over the world so why not try to catch your own?

During the tour, you’ll head out to sea on a fishing boat equipped with everything you need to catch a big one. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before, the team will coach you through it and the fish are pretty abundant here!

Afterwards, you even get to take your freshly caught fish home for dinner!

14. Learn at the Lofoten Museums

If you thought Lofoten was all about the outdoors, think again, there are lots of places to exercise your brain too (or get away from the rain). Unlike other places in Norway, you don’t need to buy tickets in advance for any of these museums.

Lofotr Viking Museum

This fun and interactive museum is home to the longest reconstructed longhouse in the world and hosts fun events throughout the summer like axe throwing and Viking ship trips. Note that while the inside exhibits of the Lofotr Viking Museum is open throughout the winter, it is in a reduced capacity which means you may have a very different experience than those visiting in the summer.

PRICE: Adults 200 NOK / €17.50, Kids (6-15yo) 150 NOK / €13

Å Folk Museum / Norwegian Fishing Village Museum

This one is a bit confusing as the entire village of Å makes up the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. You can indeed walk around this historic village for free, but if you want to learn more there are a handful of buildings accessible with a museum ticket.

After buying your tickets at the “old shop” where the museum reception is located, there are 6 additional buildings open to the public including the post office, boathouse, bakery, blacksmith, a fisherman’s house and the fish oil factory. You’ll learn about the history of fishing in Lofoten and how these villages were owned and run back in the day with local guides to answer your questions along the way.

PRICE: 100 NOK / €9

Lofoten Stockfish Museum / Tørrfiskmuseum

Whilst you’re in Å, don’t miss visiting the only Stockfish Museum in the world! Much like how champagne is only champagne if it comes from the correct region, Stockfish is a protected class.

This means that fish products can only be called Stockfish (or Tørrfisk in Norwegian) if it is arctic cod that has been dried in winter climates of places such as Lofoten. You can learn all about this unique and tedious process at the Tørrfiskmuseum in Å where every step of the process is on display.

The owner of the museum is also a super friendly local who is happy to answer any and all of your questions about this unique food.

PRICE: Unknown

Lofoten Cathedral

While the Vågan Church isn’t actually a cathedral, it gets the nickname due to its un-proportionately large size for the location.

Back in 1898, there was a rule that new churches must be able to hold at least a third of the people living in the parish. Since Lofoten’s seasonal population grew so much, there was an exception made for Vågan Church to lower this number, however, the wooden structure can still hold 1200 people plus another 800 standing, making it feel more like a cathedral.

While Vågan Church isn’t as extravagant as the Viking stave churches that you can find elsewhere in Norway, it is the largest church in Northern Norway and worth a look, especially if you can catch one of the classical concerts which are held here.

PRICE: Adults 40 NOK / €3.50, Kids free

Lofoten Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about all aspects of how Lofoten’s fishing villages were run back in their heyday, the Lofoten Museum gives you a unique insight into how the “king of the village” lived.

As these villages were generally owned by one person who rented out rorbuer and organized the processing and export of the stockfish. So as you can imagine, these families generally lived quite a wealthy lifestyle. Here you can see the contrast between the inside of a “king’s” manor house and that of a rorbuer along with wooden fishing boats and other aspects of local life.

PRICE: Adult 120 NOK / €10.50, Kids (5-15yo) 60 NOK / €5.25

15. Visit the Lofoten Aquarium

This small aquarium focuses on local animals like skrei cod, sea otters, seals and small marine critters, allowing you to get up close and personal without battling crowds.

Set in a beautiful location by the sea, here you can learn about sea life with videos, interactive displays, live tanks and even VR, so there are plenty of ways to keep your youngsters entertained.

Visiting the whole thing will only take you an hour or two but make sure to stop by the great cafe for ice cream or waffles before you leave!

PRICE: Adult 150 NOK / €13, Kids (3–15 years) 95 NOK / €9

16. Explore the Art Scene in Lofoten

In more modern years, the beautiful scenery of Lofoten’s dramatic peaks has inspired countless artists and cultivated quite the art scene here.

Each of the villages have quaint shops featuring locally made arts and crafts, you’ll also find some great murals scattered across the islands, but check out the list below for some of the best art in Lofoten.

If you want a great souvenir to take home from Lofoten you can even participate in a glass jewelry workshop in Kabelvåg where you get to make your own beads.

The Glass Hut In Vikten

In this quiet part of Lofoten, you will find a unique building filled with beautiful hand-blown glassware. As the first glassblower in northern Norway, Åsvar Tangrand brought the art form to the islands and has since grown quite a reputation all over the country. Glasshytta is certainly worth a stop as it stands in a beautiful part of Lofoten, right by the water and the iconic building harmoniously mixes glass, wood and grass to blend in with the landscape.

Galleri Espolin in Kabelvåg

The Espolin Gallery showcases the works of Norwegian artist Kaare Espolin Johnson who depicted life in northern Norway with a unique technique. Utilizing soot, he constructed black-and-white images by scraping and layering on his canvas.

PRICE: 120 NOK / €10.50

Kaviar Factory Art Gallery in Henningsvær

It can be said that Henningsvaer is really the heart of the art scene in Lofoten and Kaviar Factory is the star of the show. It’s hard to miss this white restored factory when arriving in Henningsvær as it sits in a stunning location between the road and the water.

The exhibits here change yearly but often include a mix of Norwegian and foreign artists’ works of Photography, painting, prints and sculptures focusing on contemporary art.

PRICE: 120 NOK / €10.50

Gallery Lofoten in Henningsvær

While in Henningsvær, don’t miss a visit to Galleri Lofoten which is home to Norway’s largest collection of Northern Norwegian paintings from the beginning of the 20th century. Here you’ll find two floors full of art plus a 10-minute video depicting the history of art in the Lofoten Islands.

PRICE: 60 NOK / €5.25

Art Gallery Harr in Reine

Stop by the culture centre in Rein to see a special exhibit of Eva Harr’s works. This pictorial artist was born in the northern Lofoten Islands and draws inspiration directly from the nature that has surrounded her life.

Salteriet Gallery at Nusfjord

Housed in the historic village of Nusfjord you’ll find the beautiful Salteriet Gallery. The gallery is found in the former salt house where the famous stockfish were prepared in the past. Today it’s home to an eclectic collection of artworks including a collaborative exhibit with the Queen Sonja Print Award.

17. See Puffins in Værøy

Seeing puffins in the wild was one of the coolest things I did in Norway. While I was too early to see them in Værøy (I caught them in Runde later in the year), the island is insanely beautiful and I highly recommend making the trip.

You can generally see Puffins in Væroy from May to August as this is when they spend time on land to hatch their eggs. Head to the cliffs of Mostadfjell on the southwestern coast of the island and hike to Kalkomnan or Måstadheia (follow the signs to Lundeura) for the best chance of spotting them.

If you prefer not to hike, you can also join a boat trip to the base of the cliffs (Around 750 NOK / €65 pp), however, you won’t be able to see the Puffins as closely as you can from the top of the mountain.

Røst is another Lofoten island offering boat trips to see Puffins if you’re looking for a day trip from the mainland.

While in Væroy, don’t forget to hike another one of Lofoten’s famous viewpoints, Håen. This is a relatively easy hike, mostly on a road, that brings you to an incredible viewpoint over the island’s famous white sand beach.

18. Go Whale Watching or Swim with Orcas in Andenes

With the infamous whaling history of Northern Norway, it may be no surprise that the waters around the Lofoten Islands are a whale-watching hotspot!

You actually have a chance to see whales all year round up here as humpbacks are frequent visitors throughout the winter and orcas (killer whales) turn up throughout the summer. If you’re lucky, you may even spot them from Henningsvær as they like to swim right up to the town near Trevarefabrikken.

While it’s possible to see whales from the main part of Lofoten, if you want a higher chance of seeing them during your visit, I highly recommend you make the trip up to Andenes. Even though it’s still off the beaten track for the average Lofoten tourist, Andenes is known to be one of the best places to see whales in the whole of Norway.

The main season for whale watching is from the end of October to mid-January, however, humpback whales generally hang around until March, followed by the appearance of orcas and porpoises from May to September.

If you’re brave enough you can even join a tour that allows you to swim with Orcas! Don’t worry, the experience is safe and they provide a dry suit as well as all safety equipment needed.

19. Catch A Festival

Since becoming a tourist hot spot, Lofoten has also developed quite a cultural identity and today is home to some great Norwegian festivals.

20. Relax in a Sauna

There’s no better place to end a day of adventures than in a sauna or hot tub. Luckily, Norway has quite the affiliation with saunas and you’ll find them in nearly every town up here.

Most saunas are located at the edge of a lake or fjord with direct access to the freezing waters. Even in winter when the water is frozen, locals will cut a hole in the ice which allows them to cold plunge before and/or after a steamy sauna.

Even if you don’t want to participate in the cold plunge (I find it impossible to get in past my ankles), you’re still guaranteed a great view!

If your hotel doesn’t have its own, I recommend booking a spot at Skårungen where you will get the sauna and wood-fired hot tub to yourself, the floating sauna at Svinøya Rorbuer or the beautiful Lyst Lofoten Sauna in Svolvaer.

21. See the Fish Drying Racks

Okay, I will admit that this one isn’t very hard and may not be super exciting to everyone. That being said, fish drying racks are an iconic part of Lofoten and worth snapping a picture of.

Fish are dried on these racks from around January to April as the temperatures are cold enough to prevent moulding yet not so cold that the fish will freeze. This allows them to naturally dry out over the course of a few months.

Seeing these racks up close and personal can be a bit gross for some people, but thankfully they don’t smell as much as you would expect! You’ll find fish racks all throughout Lofoten but some of the biggest are in Reine, Å and Væroy.

22. Go Skiing, Snowboarding or Snowshoeing

Winter in Lofoten can be a magical place and while many of the summer activities are inaccessible, there are still plenty of things to do in Lofoten in winter. The best way to get outside and explore the mountains in winter is by skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing!

If you’re looking for lift-assisted skiing, there are two small (I mean really small) ski areas that open when there is enough snow. These are at Stamsund (1 t-bar) and Kongstind (2 t-bars). While these ski areas are great for local children learning to ski, backcountry skiing is the real star of the show in Lofoten.

I mean there aren’t many places you can ski from the top of a mountain straight to the sea all under the midnight sun.

Something that surprised us is that the snow season in Lofoten doesn’t really start until February and runs all the way into April/May on a good year. While there is a lot of darkness at the beginning of this period, there is still just enough light to get out on an adventure. Otherwise, plan a trip for later in the season as skiing is one of the best things to do in Lofoten in March.

For intermediate+ skiers and snowboarders, I highly recommend booking a guided ski trip as having a local pick the best line for your abilities is invaluable here. If you don’t ski or snowboard, don’t worry you can still get out amongst the mountains on snowshoes!

23. Drive the Scenic Roads

When I say drive the scenic roads, I mean ALL of them! Every single road in Lofoten is extremely scenic and most of them loop back to the main road (E10). This makes it super easy to pick your own adventure and discover some of the quieter areas of Lofoten on your own.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that we drove every single road in the main part of Lofoten during our time living there and found some of our favourite camp spots far away from the tourists.

This is an especially great activity for when the weather isn’t cooperating and certainly a great activity if you’re looking for what to do in Lofoten in September, as the autumn colours will be showing up in full force.

If you don’t have a rental car you can try this hop-on hop-off bus. While it only follows the main tourist route around Lofoten, you’ll still get to see plenty of its beauty and have the flexibility to get off for pictures at every stop.

Things to Do in Lofoten Without a Car

If you can, I highly recommend renting a car in Lofoten, even if it’s just for one day, so you can get off the beaten path, take your time and really enjoy the beauty of this incredible place. But as a humble backpacker, I understand that that isn’t an option for everyone.

So, if you want to explore Lofoten without a car, the first thing I recommend is planning your trip for peak summer (July/August).

In July and August, the Arctic Hop-on Hop-Off bus is a great option as it stops at all the main towns, attractions and even hikes. Regular public buses are also a lot more frequent in the summertime but will require a little more planning. Last but not least, hitchhiking is super easy in summer as the roads are extremely busy and everyone is going to the same places.

Now to help you out with your planning, here is a list of things to do in Lofoten without a car that are accessible by bus.

• Hiking – The Floya and Reinebringen Hikes are both located within walking distance of their accessible towns (Svolvaer and Reine), but note that these hikes are not doable in winter due to the snow and avalanche risk.
• Visiting the towns – Svolvaer, Reine, Å, and Leknes are all easily accessible by public bus year round as they are located directly on the E10. Henningsvaer and Nusfjord are also accessible by public bus but may require changing busses during your journey.
• Flakstad and Ramburg Beaches – Flakstad and Ramburg are both located on the E10 and are very easy to access by bus, however, note that Unstad Beach is not.
• Art Galleries – Galleri Espolin, Kaviar Factory, Gallery Lofoten, Art Gallery Harr & Salteriet are all located in towns serviced by the busses.
• Museums – Buses go past Lofoten Viking Museum, Stockfish Museum and Norwegian Fishing Village Museum.
• Tours – Most tours will either pick you up in Svolvaer or Reine, I suggest staying in Svolvaer if you don’t have a car and taking an island tour to see all the sights.
• Viewpoints – Most of the viewpoints I listed above are accessible by bus.
• Trollfjord Boat trip – This Trollfjord tour picks you up from Svolvaer and takes you down the fjord for an unforgettable day out.
• Surfing – As I mentioned above, you can’t access the famous Unstad or Kvalvika beaches without a car, however, Flakstad Beach is on the E10 and has a great surf school/rental place.

Things to Do in Lofoten for Families

Each of the towns in Lofoten will have things to entertain the kids, so you can always add these to your itinerary (or follow my epic 7-day itinerary for a good balance). But if you’re looking for some specific activities you can enjoy as a family, here are my recommendations:

• Lofoten Viking Museum
• Lofoten Aquarium
• Kayaking
• Sea Eagle Safari or Trollfjord Cruise
• Beach days – Flakstad (the actual Flakstadstranda to the east of the surf center), Hovstranda and Rørvikstranda beaches are great for families.
• Whale watching
• Horse Riding on the beach
• Coffee at Gamle Skola, a cozy cafe with an indoor playground
• Farm Animal meet and greet
• Snorkelling with seals
• Indoor Bowling at Svolver or Gravdal

What to Do in Lofoten When it’s Raining

Yes, it rains a lot in Lofoten. If you haven’t already read my warning, make sure you’re prepared with some rainy-day activities up your sleeve when planning your trip as the chances are pretty high you’ll get at least one day with less than favourable conditions here.

That being said, there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in Lofoten! Here are some ideas:

• Enjoy a cozy cafe – Furu, Klatrekafeen, Henningsvaer Lysstøperi are my favourites.
• Visit a museum like the Viking Museum, Stockfish Museum or Lofoten War Memorial Museum.
• Try indoor bowling at Svolvaer Bowlingsenter or Gravdal Bowlingsenter
• Relax in a Sauna
• Visit the Lofoten Brewery, Lofotpils
• Explore the local art scene at Kaviar Factory, Galleri Espolin or Glass Hut in Vikten.
• Eat some delicious food at Lofoten Seafood Center or Brygga Restaurant
• Shop to your heart’s content in Svolver, Henningsvaer or Leknes
• Go indoor climbing at Lofothallen in Leknes or Kong Øysteins Hall in Kabelvåg
• Visit the Lofoten Aquarium
• Check out the Meieriet Kultursenter in Leknes for a show or film.
• Drop by Gårdsysteri’s Farm Shop
• Learn about seaweed at the Ocean Shop
• Go second-hand shopping – Vestvagoy Red Cross, Vestvågøy Asvo and Cirkulær Outdoor were my favourites,

Things to Do in Lofoten in Winter

Most of this list of things to do in Lofoten is targeted at summer visitors since this is the most popular time of year to visit Lofoten.

That being said, winter in Lofoten is also a magical place so I wanted to highlight some of the best winter activities here as well as give you the details of which summer activities are still doable in the colder months.

Snowshoeing

While many of the most popular summer hikes like Reinerbringen are not safe for snowshoeing, there are some great hikes you can still access with the right conditions.

I don’t recommend hiking any of Lofoten’s mountains in winter unless you have extensive experience and/or with a knowledgeable guide. This is because the trails are not marked in any way.

Some mountains that are great for snowshoeing in winter include:

• Ryten (Make sure to take this route in the link as this is the safest winter route).
• Kvalvika Beach
• Offersøykammen (Again, I recommend starting from the eastern entrance to the Nappstraum tunnel as this makes the beginning of the hike much less steep.)
• Eggum to Unstad
• Haukland to Uttakleiv

Back Country Skiing / Snowboarding

As I mentioned before, there are two tiny ski areas with 1-2 T-bars each if you really want a lift up the mountain, but truth be told you’re better off going to Narkiv if you want a proper ski resort.

Here are some of my favourite places to ski tour:

• Ryten (from Torsfjord)
• Kvittland
• Pilan
• Sautind
• Lauvdalen

Cross Country Skiing

XC skiing is a favourite winter activity all over Norway and if you’ve never tried it before, I highly recommend spending an afternoon hitting the trails!

Nearly every town in Norway will have access to some sort of cross-country ski trails and it’s no different in Lofoten. Since XC skiing is so popular, you can even expect well-maintained trails with freshly groomed tracks and lights!

My favourite places to go cross-country skiing in Lofoten are Leknes and Kabelvåg.

Surfing

Winter actually brings the best waves and many pro surfers make the trek to Lofoten specifically in the winter months. Unstad Arctic Surf offers rentals and lessons all year round, plus a sauna session is included in the price so you can warm up after braving the fridged waters!

Sea Kayaking

While many of the lakes and even some of the fjords will freeze over winter, the salty seas stay in great condition for kayaking. When everything is covered in snow and the water is still, you’ll get to experience a beautiful silence that you don’t get in the summer months. Also, it’s possible for the top layer of the water to freeze over which in turn creates cool sounds as your boat and ores break through.

Northern Lights

Of course one of the main reasons to visit Northern Norway in winter is to see the illustrious northern lights! I gave you all the details on this above so I won’t repeat myself here but I highly recommend checking the sky every night of your winter trip in Lofoten, you never know when they might appear!

Cod Fishing

From January to April the waters of Vestfjord become a breading pool for the famous Arctic Cod and fishermen from all around the country flock here to try their hand at a catch.

If you’re interested in fishing, taking a winter fishing tour is a great way to participate in a long-standing Lofoten tradition. In March there is even the world cod fishing championship if you’re feeling competitive.

Whale Tours

Catch a Christmas Market

While Christmas in Lofoten isn’t the biggest affair, if you’re visiting in December there are a couple of quaint markets you should absolutely check out.

Head to Nusfjord for an old-fashioned Christmas market in a gorgeous setting, or visit the Skårungen Market which is on every Sunday from November.

Take a Photography Tour

One thing about winter is that the colours of Lofoten really come to life.

I love seeing mountains blanketed by fresh white snow as it often gives a lot of dimension to the peaks. Plus, the colorful yellow and red rorbuer stand out in stark contrast along with the brillant blues of Lofoten’s waters, making for the perfect picture settings. And I mentioned earlier, don’t forget about breathtaking cotton candy sunsets of Lofoten’s winter days!

Relax

Honestly, one of the best things about Lofoten in winter is that it’s the perfect place to unwind in nature. There are barely any tourists, the roads and mountains are empty and the sun rises late, it’s hard not to slow down and hit reset here.

As with most of Norway, the short days mean it’s perfectly normal to sleep in, play games all day, take a hot sauna and spend a cosy night indoors. Luckily there’s plenty of spas for you to choose from here too!

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Lofoten

See? I told you there was an endless list of things to do in Lofoten! I absolutely loved my time living here and I cannot wait to go back and explore even more.

I hope my guide helped you plan an epic adventure that caters exactly to your personal interests. Let me know in the comments below if you have any suggestions to add to the list or any questions about your own trip, I am always happy to help!

Remember that the Lofoten Islands are a super popular destination and things do book out way ahead of time. I recommend booking your accommodation at least 6 months in advance and any tours 1-2 months ahead.

Happy hiking,

Kate

---

Save this post for later or share it with your friends!

Related Posts

Helpful Resources