10 Best Things to Do on The Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands are honestly one of the most incredible places we have ever been to in the whole world. As you drive through the islands the dramatic scenery is so out of this world it just doesn’t even seem real, we struggle to find words to describe it.

The Lofoten Islands really have the best of everything, the best scenery, the best mountains, the best beaches, the best hikes and the best activities to do.

We could have spent months here exploring these islands, there was so much more for us to see and do that we didn’t get the chance, so it’s high on our list to visit again.

We had the very best time in the 5 days that we spent on the Lofoten Islands, and we wanted to share with you what we thought were the best things to do in this spectacular little part of the world.

Svolvær

Svolvær is a town located in the Lofoten Islands, Norway, which is renowned for its stunning landscapes and seascapes and is one of the first cities that you will come across if you drive onto the Lofoten Islands like we did. It’s a fantastic place to start Lofoten adventures.

There are tonnes of activities to do here including kayaking, fishing and sea-eagle safaris and it is a great destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, rock climbing, and hiking.

The town of Svolvær is a popular tourist destination and is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets and charming wooden houses. From Svolvær, visitors can also take boat tours to nearby islands, such as Røst, Værøy, and Moskenes. These islands are known for their rugged beauty, and visitors can take in the stunning views of the Norwegian landscape.

You won’t be stuck for things to do in Svolvær and it’s also a really lovely city to walk around and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding scenery.

Lofoten Sauna

Saunas are a major part of life in Scandinavian culture, so we knew we had to try one out whilst we were in Norway. They are a fantastic way to relax with the added bonus of health benefits such as detoxification, skin rejuvenation and stress management.

Lofoten sauna is the first floating sauna on the Lofoten Islands, located in Svolvær harbour.

The views surrounding the sauna are absolutely incredible, some of the best we have seen.

The sauna is available for drop-in sessions or for pre-booking. The link to the booking website is – Lofoten SAUNA – Flytende Badstue i Svolvær havn – Svinøya Rorbuer (svinoya.no)

It cost around £35 in total for us both to attend the sauna for an hour and we thought it was well worth it, we really enjoyed it, it was so relaxing, and we felt so refreshed after.

The sauna has men’s and ladies changing rooms, a sauna room and then an outdoor deck where you have the possibility to swim in the Norwegian sea. You can even dive into the sea from the top deck!

Henningsvær

Henningsvær is a fishing village, with a very small population of around only 400 people, located on several small islands in the Lofoten archipelago. It is the most famous fishing village in the Lofoten Islands. Henningsvær is famous for its cod industry and in the Winter, it is right at the centre of the world’s greatest Cod industry.

Henningsvær is a picturesque settlement, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Lofoten archipelago. It’s known for its traditional rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) and colorful wooden buildings, as well as for its captivating nature.

The Lofoten Islands are an absolute paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning views and breathtaking landscapes. The islands are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway, with soaring mountains, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

Henningsvær is the perfect place to explore the islands, with a vast array of activities to enjoy. From kayaking, to fishing, to hiking, the possibilities are endless.

The village of Henningsvær is also home to a vibrant cultural scene. There are several galleries, museums, and art centers, as well as numerous restaurants and bars. The village also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including the popular Lofoten International Chamber Music Festival.

Henningsvær, located in the Lofoten Islands in Norway, is an idyllic fishing village and a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore the beauty of the Norwegian archipelago. With its stunning views, captivating landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s no wonder that Henningsvær is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Henningsvær Football Stadium

Henningsvær Football Stadium has to be the most spectacular football stadium in the world. It is something you just do not expect to find in this tiny fishing village and looks so out of place yet so amazing against the stunning natural backdrop.

The stadium is nestled in the small fishing village of Henningsvær, making it a great place to watch a game of football while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding area.

The stadium itself is a modern facility with a capacity of around 2,500 people, offering comfortable seating and excellent views of the action on the pitch. The unique beauty of the Lofoten Islands and the atmosphere of Henningsvær lends itself perfectly to football.

The stadium is surrounded by the ocean and towering mountains on all sides, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight. On matchdays, the stadium is filled with colour and energy, as fans come from far and wide to cheer on their team.

The Henningsvær Football Stadium is an important part of the local community, as it is used as a gathering place for both locals and visitors alike. Games are often preceded by music, singing, and dancing, creating a festive atmosphere that is hard to beat.

The stadium also serves as a venue for festivals and events throughout the year, including traditional music and dance performances. The Henningsvær Football Stadium is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world and a must-visit for football fans.

Surrounded by mountains, islands and the blue Norwegian Sea, we couldn’t think of a better place to play football if we tried!

To get the best view of the football pitch and its gorgeous surroundings, it’s best to get a drone up for some photos and video footage if you can, as you don’t get the true feel of how great it actually looks when you stand on the pitch.

Haukland Beach – Uttakleiv Hike

Haukland Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach with bright blue crystal-clear sea, surrounded by rugged mountains. There is a wonderful family-friendly coastal loop walk that you can take from this beach around to Uttakleiv beach which is equally as beautiful.

We followed this All-Trails route – Haukland – Uttakleiv | Map, Guide – Nordland, Norway | AllTrails

it’s a just under 8km loop and takes roughly just over 2 hours to complete. There were some steep uphill parts after Uttakleiv but overall, it was generally a nice easy loop to do which makes a nice change from a lot of the challenging uphill hikes on the Lofoten Islands.

The beach is stunning, and it would be lovely to spend a day there on a warm summer’s day.

The scenery along the route is simply breath-taking. You’ll be able to see jagged mountains, ridges, and open views of the ocean. The route also passes by sand dunes and grassy hills, making it a great place for a picnic.

The Haukland Beach – Uttakleiv Hike offers some of the best views in the Lofoten Islands. The hike is a great way to experience the area’s unique landscape. As you make your way up the path, you’ll be able to experience the true beauty of Norway.

So if you’re looking for a great way to explore Norway’s stunning landscape, the Haukland Beach – Uttakleiv Hike in the Lofoten Islands is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great way to experience the true beauty of this region and to witness some of the best views in the area.

Kvalvika Beach – Ryten hike

Kvalvika Beach – Ryten hike in the Lofoten Islands of Norway is one of the most spectacular hikes in the world. It is a must-do experience for any hiker and nature lover.

Kvalvika Beach is a secluded bay only reachable by foot, and the Ryten Hike gives an amazing view of the beach from high above.

We followed the following 7.4km hike on our favourite hiking app, All Trails – Topptur til Ryten | Map, Guide – Nordland, Norway | AllTrails

The views on this hike are spectacular and Kvalvika Beach looks like paradise from the viewpoint of Ryten.

The Kvalvika Beach – Ryten hike is made up of several steep climbs and descents, with a total elevation gain of about 360 meters. The hike offers some of the most stunning views in the world, including the majestic mountain peaks of the Lofoten Islands, the sparkling turquoise waters of the fjords, and the rolling hillsides of the archipelago.

The Kvalvika Beach – Ryten hike begins from the popular beach at Kvalvika. The hike takes you up the steep slopes of the mountain before you reach the summit at Ryten. From the summit, you have an amazing view of the fjords, mountains, and the nearby islands.

The hike also offers great opportunities for wildlife spotting, with eagles, reindeers, and other birds of prey.

It’s a steep hike and it was extremely muddy when we did it in September. There are some rocky parts that require a little scrambling too, so this hike may not be for everybody, but if you do think that you can manage it, then the views are extremely rewarding.

The hike typically takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your skill level and fitness. It is important to bring enough food and water, as well as appropriate clothing and footwear.

The Kvalvika Beach – Ryten hike is an unforgettable experience and a must-do for anyone visiting the Lofoten Islands. The hike offers stunning views of the fjords, mountains, and the unique terrain of the archipelago.

It is a great way to explore the beauty of the Lofoten Islands and get some exercise at the same time. So don’t miss out on this incredible hike and experience the Lofoten Islands in all their glory.

Reinefjorden Kayaking

Reine is one of the most photographed villages in all of Norway. With the famous red fishing huts and the picturesque harbour against the rugged mountains in the background, it’s easy to see why.

The Reinefjorden is one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway and kayaking is one of the very best ways to see the best of it.

Reinefjorden Kayaking in the Lofoten Islands of Norway is an experience like no other. The Reinefjorden fjord is the second longest fjord in the Lofoten Islands of Norway and is known for its stunning beauty.

The fjord is surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, making it a picturesque place to kayak. The best way to experience the beauty of the Reinefjorden is by taking a kayaking tour. You can rent a kayak from a local outfitter and spend the day exploring the fjord and the surrounding area.

We booked our kayak guided tour through Reine Paddling and it was absolutely fantastic, one of our favourite things that we did on the Lofoten Islands. The scenery was just amazing, and our guide was so lovely and friendly and had great knowledge of the area. We even got to try some truffle seaweed!

You’ll get to paddle past the towering mountains and experience the stunning views of the Lofoten Islands. The waters are calm and the scenery is breath-taking, making it a perfect place for a day of kayaking. Kayaking in the Reinefjorden is a great way to get close to nature and experience the beauty of Norway.

You’ll be able to take in the stunning scenery as you paddle around the fjord, and you may even get to spot some wildlife along the way. You’ll be able to explore the hidden coves and inlets of the fjord, giving you an up close and personal view of the area.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the fjord and taking in the views of the Lofoten Islands.

Reinefjorden Kayaking in the Lofoten Islands of Norway is an unforgettable experience. We couldn’t recommend this kayak tour enough. It’s a must-do if you visit Reine – Summer Kayaking in Reine – Explore kayaking in Reine Lofoten (trekksoft.com)

Northern Lights

Norway is one of the best places in the whole world to see the Northern Lights, and the Lofoten Islands are up there as one of the best places to see them in Norway.

We saw the Northern Lights several times whilst we were in the Lofoten Islands in September, they never ever get less special when you see them.

The further north you are, the better chance you have of seeing the incredible phenomenon that is the aurora borealis. Some of the very best spots in Norway to see the Northern Lights are –

1. Tromso
2. Lofoten
3. Svalbard
4. Kirkenes
5. Bodo

The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Norway is September – March. There are several conditions that you need in order to get a good view of the Northern Lights. You need dark clear skies and high solar activity to get the best chance.

Where are the Lofoten Islands in Norway?

The Lofoten archipelago is located in the North of Norway, north of the Arctic Circle. The archipelago consists of 7 main islands.

Are the Lofoten Islands worth visiting?

The Lofoten Islands are absolutely worth visiting, yes. We loved it here and had the very best time, we didn’t want to leave. It’s one of our favourite places we’ve been to in the whole world and we couldn’t recommend a trip to the Lofoten Islands enough.

What is the best time to visit the Lofoten Islands?

We visited the Lofoten Islands in late September, and we thought this was a great time to visit. Autumn has begun which generally brings with it rainy weather; however, we were so lucky to have lovely sunshine for the whole 5 days we were there.

Also, because the main summer season was over, nowhere was too busy and we managed to get parked anywhere we wanted to in our motorhome.

We also were not having to queue on any hikes that we did to get the perfect Instagram shots, which does happen in the busy summer season!

The Lofoten Islands become more and more popular all the time due to the increased exposure they get on social media, and with good reason, they are simply one of the most stunning places in the whole world! This does however bring many tourists in the summer and the islands can be extremely busy.

It really depends what you want to do on the Lofoten Islands also. Summer is the best time to get out exploring and hiking. The winter brings lots of snow which can make hiking impossible, however, everywhere looks like a complete winter wonderland, so all seasons have their pros and cons.

What are the Lofoten Islands famous for?

If you have seen photos of the Lofoten Islands on social media, then you will no doubt have seen how absolutely out of this world the dramatic scenery is, and this is by far the thing that the Lofoten Islands are most famous for. With colourful fishing villages, mighty mountains, arctic fjords and pristine beaches, the scenery is unbeatable in our opinion.

They are also famous for their midnight sun in the summer months between May and July. In the winter, the Lofoten Islands are famous for their spectacular Norther Light displays, some of the very best in the world.

The Lofoten Islands are famous in the fishing industry and in the Winter, they are right at the centre of the biggest cod fishery in the whole world.

The Lofoten Islands are also famous for all of the exciting activities on offer such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, fishing and many more. There is something for everybody.

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