A Visit To The Lofoten Islands- Definitely Worth Your Time.

Everyone’s bucket list items are different. They can be monumental structures like the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, or the Colosseum in Rome. Most of bucket list destinations are natural wonders. I have been lucky enough to see some amazing places. One of those places that I would consider a bucket list place is a visit to the Lofoten Islands in Norway, which also just made the New York Times list of 52 places to go in 2025.

For me, the Lofoten Islands, was a bucket list trip for the natural beauty, the views, and the Norwegian culture.

Highlights:

  • Arctic Beaches
  • Mountain scenery
  • Fisherman huts
  • Midnight sun kayaking
  • Sea Eagle Rib Boat Tour
Reine, Lofoten Islands

Getting there: A trip to the Lofoten Islands requires more than just a whim. The islands are located about 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle, so it takes some planning to get there. The fastest way to get there is to fly from Oslo to Svolvear and begin your journey from there. There is also a ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, and take about 3-4 hours

Hvalvika Beach

Notable Arctic Beaches:

Haukland Beach and Kvalvika Beach are two notable arctic beaches for their white sands, blue waters, and mountain vistas. You can dip your toes in, or even go for a swim, but it’s pretty cold, even in the summer.

Haukland Beach is accessible by car and offers some nice hikes to a vista point above the beaches. There is also camping as a possibility here too.

Kvalvika Beach is only accessible by hiking in (or boat)visit the Lofoten Islands. It is about a 1.5 hour hike. Here

Fisherman Huts:

Cod fishing was central to the Norwegian economy in the past, and fishermen flocked to the Lofoten Islands in order make money and take advantage of the fishing season. The small huts housed about 12 fishermen. It created cramped conditions where they mostly slept and tried to keep warm. The rorbu (fisherman huts) are red from blood combined with fish, and was the cheapest way to provided color to the huts. They result is a striking contrast against the sea and the mountains. Most today, fortunately for us, have been transformed into charming hotels.

Wealthier people painted their homes yellow, which was a paint made from ocher and cod liver oil. White paint wa made with zinc and cod liver oil, and was the most expensive. So, when you see those, you know it was most likely the home of a merchant, rather than a fisherman.

Activities:

There many activities available when visiting the Lofoten Islands. There are places to hike everywhere you look, and can find all levels of hikes, either along the coast, to lakes, or up mountains. Of course, there are water activities as well. Swimming is a natural activity. It can be cold, but is especially nice after a sauna. There are places to surf as well. Other activities on the water include kayaking and exploration.

Midnight kayaking a great was to get a new perspective on the Lofoten Islands. While on the water, you can catch glimpses of the sun nearly setting You are surrounded by mountains, and fisherman huts as the tide comes in and out.

Mountain Scenery:

One of the best places to see the craggy mountain scenery is in and around the town of Reine. The views of these mountains are what truly make the Lofoten Islands a bucket list destination. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

Reine

Reinebringen: This is one of the most iconic hikes in the region. It consists of about 2,000 steps strait up the mountain for a spectacular view of the craggy mountains, islands and surrounding water.

View of Lofoten Islands from Reinebringen

Reinebringen

The Reinebringen hike is spectacular, but it is not for the faint of heart. Make sure you are physically ready for it. Be prepared for weather and potential crowds. Also it is fairly steep, there are though, a few places to pull off the steps and take a break.


If you are interested in a visit to the Lofoten Islands, here are some recommended places to eat and stay.

Places to eat:

  • Svolvær
    • Bacalao
    • Anker Brygge
  • Nusfjord
    • Karoline

Places to Stay:


I went on a trip led by Backroads, (not sponsored)so the hikes were expertly planned and every detail attended to. I highly recommend their trips. If you are interested in a Backroads trip, please contact me, and I can help arrange that for you.


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Happy Travels!

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