9 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Lofoten Islands

Written byBryan Dearsley
Nov 17, 2020
We may earn a commission from affiliatelinks ()

Lofoten's four main islands ofAustvågøy,Vestvågøy,Moskenesøy, andFlakstadøy, together with a number of smaller islands, lie so close together that from a distance, they resemble a single mountain range. Surrounded by countless rocky islets, the islands are indented by numerous inlets and fjords with towering rock walls of up to 1,005 meters.

The mountains themselves, some as high as 1,266 meters, are alpine, with characteristic steep-sided, snowcapped summits. Lofoten's many cliffs are perfect for nesting seabirds and other wildlife, while abundant marine life, such as migrating killer whales, provide another great reason to visit.

Tourism makes a significant year-round contribution to the economy. In summer, the secluded beaches and snug fishing harbors draw sightseers, kayakers, and campers. Come winter, seeing the fantastic northern lights and skiing are popular things to do in the Lofoten Islands.

Despite being in theArctic Circle, Lofoten experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature variances relative to its latitude. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, this archipelago in Norway'sNordlandregion has mild winters and warm summers, with weather not as severe as other such northerly regions.

To learn more about this beautiful region of Norway, be sure to read through our list of the top tourist attractions on the Lofoten Islands.

1. Svolvaer

Lofoten's largest town, Svolvaer (population 4720), is located on the south coast ofAustvågøy。Well served by ferries and cruise ships from the mainland and elsewhere, this town is an important fishing port and is where most people begin their Lofoten adventure.

Svolvaer is a vibrant place to visit, especially around the harbor area with its many excellent cafés, bars, and restaurants. In addition to its shops and galleries, theLofoten War Memorial Museumis worth visiting for its collection of WWII-era uniforms and artifacts. This fascinating attraction also has numerous exhibits relating to Norwegian resistance and the German occupation.

Svolvaer is also home toMagic Ice, a unique space where Lofoten life is illustrated in ice sculptures, as well as the North Norwegian Artist's Centre, which has a continuously changing variety of artwork in varied media.

If you're a climber, check out the famousSvolvær Goat(Svolværgeita). This unusual twin-peaked rock outcrop is visible from the town and offers incredible views for those brave enough to perform the famous "Svolvær Goat leap."

Although the steep climb to the base of the peak takes less than an hour, the services of a professional guide are highly recommended for those wanting to make their way to the top.

Address: Fiskergata 3, 8300 Svolvær

Official site:www.lofotenkrigmus.no

Accommodation:Where to Stay inSvolvaer

2. Lofotr Viking Museum

The Lofotr Viking Museum(Lofotr Vikingmuseum) atBøstadon the island ofVestvågøyis a must-visit when in the Lofotens. The highlight is an authentic reconstruction of the 272-foot-long chieftain's house - the largest Viking-era building on record - that once stood on the site around 500 AD.

This excellent Viking adventure includes a superb short-film about the life of the chieftain and his family, as well as interpretive tours of the house and the numerous artifacts discovered on the site during archeological digs.

Afterwards, walk down to the adjoining lake to see the replica Viking vessels, including an impressive longship. If visiting in August, be sure to catch the Lofotr Viking Festival, which includes re-enactments and the chance to see these Viking vessels at sea. A café and museum shop are located on-site.

Address: Vikingveien 539, 8360 Bøstad

Official site:www.lofotr.no/en/

3. Trollfjord

From the straits ofRaftsund, a narrow, rocky opening gives access to the Trollfjord, one of Lofoten's most popular tour boat excursions. Towering over the fjord is the snowcappedHigravtinder(1,191 meters) and the jaggedTrolltinder(1,045 meters) mountains, rising high above theTrollfjord,]. This spectacular 3.2-kilometer-long mountain lake is usually frozen over.

Another popular day trip is by bus fromSvolvðrtoStokmarknesand back by the express boat, which sails via the Trollfjord. Only 800 meters at its widest, it is quite the sight to watch cruise ships squeeze through the narrow gap during the summer months.

4. Kabelvåg

Kabelvåg, a small fishing village onAustvågøy, is a great place to learn more about the importance of fishing in Lofoten. Start with theLofoten Museum (Lofotmuseet)with its displays of life in the 1800s, including the history of fishing on the islands, a collection of Nordland-type boats, and original fisherman's cabins.

TheLofoten Aquarium(Lofotakvariet) is also worth a visit. This popular attraction offers a chance to learn more about the area's marine life, including fish and sea mammals from Lofoten. Finally, be sure to also visitVågan Church, the largest wooden church north of Trondheim.

Address: Storvåganveien 28, 8310 Kabelvåg

Official site:www.lofotakvariet.no

5. Å

You could say all roads lead to Å, Lofoten's most westerly point. In addition to its spectacular views, this village on the island ofMoskenesøyis home to theNorwegian Fishing Village Museum(Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum).

Exhibits include a working forge and stone oven bakery, the typical home of a fisherman, and traditional boats, as well as a gift shop with locally made products, including cod liver oil produced right at the museum.

Afterwards, visit theLofoten Stockfish Museum(Lofoten Tørrfiskmuseum) dedicated to Lofoten's most famous, thousand-year-old export. Made from the plentiful cod that spawn around Lofoten's shallow waters, stockfish is everywhere on the islands, left to cure during the colder months on countless drying racks, and forming the basis for many of Lofoten's excellent fish dishes.

Address: Å vegen 5, 8392 Sørvågen

Official site:www.museumnord.no/en/norwegian-fishing-village-museum/

6. Røst Island

只能乘船,卓越的Rø圣Island (Røstlandet), located about 99 kilometers from the mainland, is home to a large colony of seabirds, including some three million puffins. Thanks to its remoteness, the island's high crags -Vedøy,Storfjell,Stavøy, andNykan- are perfect homes for many rare species, such as the greater and lesser storm petrels and fulmars.

All told, a quarter of Norway's seabird population lives on the island, a fact that makes the trip by boat fromRøstlandall the more worthwhile. As a result of this abundance of wildlife, much of the island has been designated a conservation area.

While there, be sure to also visit theSkomvær Lighthouse(Skomvær fyr). Built in 1887, it's considered to be the Lofoten's final Atlantic outpost.

7. Reine

Often cited as the most beautiful village in Norway, Reine - which translates as "Queen" - is a picturesque fishing community located onMoskenesøy。This popular tourist attraction has long been a favorite haunt of painters and climbers due to its spectacular fjord and mountain views.

The high ground above the village offers superb views of theMoskenesstrømmen, a maelstrom described by Jules Verne and Edgar Allan Poe and considered one of the strongest such whirlpools in the world. For a close-up view of the maelstrom, take one of the many exciting boat trips through Moskenstraumen.

Address: Reine, Moskenesøy

8. Rorbuer: Fishing Huts

For a truly unforgettable experience, treat yourself to a stay in one of Lofoten'siconic red fishinghuts。Perched high above the tidal waters in countless fishing villages around Lofoten, many of these "rorbuer" (or "sjøhus") have been converted into accommodations and are perfect for use as a base to explore the area.

Originally built to provide simple overnight shelter for fishermen, many of these wharf buildings, often two or three stories high, are now available for rent. Accommodations run from basic (a few bunks and a stove) to luxurious fully catered suites.

9. Glasshytta: The Glassblower at Vikten Leknes

Northern Norway's first glassblower, artist Åsvar Tangrand, began to create blown glass artwork and items after being inspired by the beautiful surrounding landscape ofVikten。Tangrand's work quickly became known throughout Norway for the techniques he developed and his trademark symbol "Lofotruna."

The studio, named Glasshytta, is a quirky group of attached buildings that are worth visiting even if you're not in the market for glassware. The studio is also home to a pottery workshop, as well as a cozy coffee shop, and visitors can tour the grounds.

Address: Gnr 34 Bnr 22, 8382 Napp

Official site:http://glasshyttavikten.no/english

Where to Stay in the Lofoten Islands for Sightseeing

Most of the accommodation on the remote Lofoten Islands consist of charmingly-restored fishermen's cabins called "Rorbu," and private vacation rentals. The port town of Svolvær, on the south side of Austvågøy, is the archipelago's largest town and home to the Lofoten War Memorial Museum and the distinctive twin-peaked rock outcrop called Svolvær Goat. This town is a great place to stay, as is picturesque Henningsvær, a fishing village known as the Venice of the Lofoten. Ballstad, on a small island off the southwestern tip of Vestvågøya is one of the archipelago's largest fishing villages and also makes a great base. Here are some hotels and specialty lodging options in theseconvenient locations:

On the waterfront inSvolvær, the pet-friendlyLofoten SuiteHotelfeatures gorgeous views of the islands and sea and it's only three minutes on foot from Magic Ice, a gallery with evocatively-lit ice sculptures. Amenities in the hotel include a hip restaurant, bakery, and cafe. The sleek and contemporary two-bedroom suites are great for families and longer stays, but note that the one-bedroom suites share a living area with guests in a bedroom on the other side.
About eight minutes by car from Svolvær, in the town ofKabelvåg, theLofotenRorbusuiteroffers delightful seaside apartments and cottages with fully-equipped kitchens.
InHenningsvær,Lofoten ArcticHoteloffers two locations: The first is the Lofoten Arctic Hotel Skata right on the waterfront in a restored fish landing station. From the sparkling clean, compact rooms, you can gaze out at the beautiful islands and watch fishing boats ply the waters. A quick stroll over the bridge here takes you into the village. The second location is the Lofoten Arctic Hotel Knusarn, on Henningsvær town square, in a newly renovated building dating from 1892.
Options for specialty lodging inBallstadinclude the budget-pricedVillaBallstad, a large, bright house with a shared kitchen and bathrooms, andSolsidenBrygge, which are modern apartments in restored fisherman's cottages with views of the sea and crags.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands in a Day:Those who only have a limited time in the area can see the highlights on afull-day guided tour of the LofotenIslands。在夏季,当光线nd temperature are more favorable, this small-group tour lasts five to six hours, exploring top attractions like the picturesque fishing villages of Kabelvåg and Henningsvær, Viking archaeological sites, and even the white beaches of Haukland.
The Photographer's Dream:The varied landscapes and cultural heritage of the Lofoten Islands make it a popular subject for both professional and amateur photographers.The Summer Photography Tour FromSvolvaerlets you take the guess work out of getting the right light in the right spot with the help of an expert English-speaking guide. This small-group tour is limited to six participants to ensure that you get the most personalized tour, and the itinerary is flexible depending on your interests.