Lofoten Islands Guide: Attractions, Accommodation & Restaurants

Svinoya Rorbuer (fisherman's cabins) in the Svolvaer the Lofoten Islands

A journey through the Lofoten Islands

The wild and rugged beauty of the Lofoten Islands is a highlight of any trip to Norway. Dramatic glacier-carved mountains soar straight out of the sea dwarfing tiny little fishing villages. Sheltered bays and fjords line the coast, and the smell of dried cod lingers ubiquitously in the cool air.

Cod racks at Nusfjord in the Lofoten Islands

Out of all the places I’ve been in Norway over the years, the Lofoten Islands has been my favourite place to explore inside mainland Norway (my favourite place is Svalbard, all the way up in the Arctic Ocean).

I’ve been twice to the Lofoten Islands and both times I didn’t want to leave. The landscape is truly breath-taking, and the feeling of isolation and serenity that hits you once you arrive is like nothing else.

Though this post highlights some of the best places I think you should visit on this stunning archipelago, I’d also like to say that it doesn’t really matter what you end up doing here because the scenery is unlike anywhere else.

You’d be crazy not to appreciate simply driving along the many roads that skim past the sea and mountains and beaches. Yes, you really do get beaches this far up North!

Svolvær

Svolvaer town centre - the Lofoten Islands, Norway

The ‘capital’ of the Lofotens is Svolvær. Just like most towns and cities in the Arctic, it’s relatively small but the largest town on Lofoten nonetheless.

You’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants and a couple of museums. For something a little different you could head to the Ice bar, visit the War Museum or check out what’s on offer at the activity centre at Lofoten Explorer.

The first time I visited during winter I went on a RIB Safari and saw lots of Arctic Wildlife, including Sea Eagles. If you’re extremely lucky, you might even spot orcas.

All in all, if you’re looking for a mixture of nature and things to do, Svolvær is the place you’ll want to stay. It’s also super photogenic due to the jagged peaks that enclose the town. For the best views, I recommend doing the Tjeldbergtind hike.

Read more → Seeing the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands

Svinoya Rorbuer, gorgeous modernised fisherman cabins in the Lofoten Islands

Accommodation on Svolvær

Svinøya Rorbuer is easily my favourite place to stay in Svolvær.

Considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the authenticity of the traditional rorbuer (former fisherman cabins). Craftsmanship and exposed timber have been preserved to provide a feeling of what a rorbu cabin was like in the halcyon days when fishermen would harvest the seas of Lofoten.

If you prefer a spot of luxury and would prefer something bigger you could opt for the modernised cabins (pictured behind me in the photograph above).

Svolvaer, capital of the Lofoten Islands

Where to eat on Svolvær

Budget  If you’re looking for a place to have a drink and log into Wifi I recommend bar & restaurant Bacalao, the atmosphere is nice and chilled and offers a beautiful view of the harbour. The food isn’t wow, but you’re sure to find something on the menu for you. It’s also a great place to socialise and meet locals and other travellers.

Splurge  For somewhere more romantic and intimate to eat in Svolvær, venture over to Borsen Spiseri tucked away inside the grounds of Svinøya Rorbuer. The genuine, tar-coated timber work, small windows and dimly lit atmosphere offers a truly memorable experience. But of course, the only thing topping the decor is the delicious food. To avoid disappointment I’d recommend booking.

Reine

Reine in the Lofoten Islands, surrounded by towering peaks.

Located on the island of Moskenesøya, Reine is perhaps considered the most beautiful place in the Lofoten Islands due to the towering God-like peak that eclipses everything in sight. The most famous photos of Lofoten are usually taken at Reine so that tells you everything you ought to know.

Accommodation on Reine

At the mouth of Reinefjord lies Reine Rorbuer where the majestic Lofoten peaks and the Arctic Ocean are its closest neighbours. Very similar to Svinøya Rorbuer, expect gorgeous little cabins all tastefully restored to preserve the atmosphere of their former use as fishermen’s dwellings with modern comfort.

Where to eat in Reine

There are a few places to eat in Reine, but I’d recommend Gammelbua, the restaurant and bar which belongs to Reine Rorbuer. The dining area is super cosy with open timber work and quirky little vintage photos and fishing paraphernalia adding a storm of character.

If you’re only doing a pit stop there’s also a convenience store to stock up on lots of Norwegian sweets and chocolate. What do I recommend? The Norwegian chocolate crisp called Smash! Be warned: they’re addictive!

Nusfjord

Nusfjord, the Lofoten Islands

In the middle of the Lofoten Islands is a place called Nusfjord and it’s really, really, pretty. I stayed there for a night and the isolation of the area felt really cosy and special. It’s a protected area so the buildings have historical value and you’ll see cod drying on racks by the harbour and dangling around the buildings, and there’s a really cute and non-tacky souvenir shop on site too.

Accommodation on Nusford

Across all the islands, Nusfjord Arctic Resort is probably my favourite. It’s like a little open-air museum, partly due to its status as being a heritage site so things have to be preserved in a very authentic way in Nusfjord. As soon as I headed into the small hamlet where it hides picturesquely down a winding road and towering mountain it gave me a tingling feeling all over.

The cabins are very eclectic – no two rorbuer are the same – and they vary in comfort levels so take this into consideration when booking.

Suzel from Scandinavia Only exploring Nusfjord and the Lofoten Islands

Suzel basking in the morning sunshine flooding across Nusfjord (but true to form, the heavens opened only minutes later).

Inside one of the cabins at Nusfjord Rorbuer, Lofoten Islands

While we stayed in one of the modern cabins which is great for people who enjoy a touch of luxury. Guests also have the choice to stay in more traditional rorbuer which maintain authentic features, some with bunk beds and original wooden paneling.

Inside Nusfjord Rorbuer located in Nusfjord on the Lofoten Islands

Nusfjord restaurant in the Lofoten Islands

Where to eat in Nusfjord

Nusfjord is only teeny tiny but there’s a restaurant on site offering freshly served catch-of-the-day straight from the fjord.

For a quirky touch they put the buffet breakfast across a refurbished wooden boat they’ve lugged inside from sea. You also have the pleasure of panoramic views overlooking the vast fjord and mountain range. Not even your imagination could muster up a landscape more beautiful.

Read more about the charming fishing village of Nusfjord

Henningsvær

The charming little fishing harbour of Henningsvaer on the Lofoten Islands.

The town of Henningsvær is full of character and charm. Old wharf buildings that have been battered by the harsh elements dot the landscape along with the addition of a few craft shops, galleries and more unusual architecture.

It possesses an old-worlde vibe, and a pleasing touch of Bohemia.

The drive to get into town is one of the best drives on the island (hopefully the weather is clear) as the road swoops low beside the sea. When we began exploring it seemed like we were the only tourists here; in fact, the whole town appeared deserted which gave it a strange, Twin Peaks vibe.

I wouldn’t call myself a football fanatic, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling inspired by what’s probably the world’s most beautiful football stadium located within the vicinity.

Henningsvaer football stadium - guide to the Lofoten Islands

Accommodation on Henningsvær

This time I haven’t chosen a robu for accommodation, instead the waterfront Henningsvær Bryggehotel does the trick with its more conventional hotel offerings and comforts.

Where to eat in Henningsvær

There’s a surprising number of cafes on Henningsvær for its size, and a lot of people come here to try Fiskekrogen, a well-known restaurant in town specialising in fish and seafood.

Å

Å, also known as Å i Lofoten in the lofoten islands.

Just a single letter, surely Å must be the world’s shortest name for a town. Well, with a population of only approximately 150 people I think you could only call this place a village at best.

Besides the astonishingly short name (make sure you take a picture of the sign post as you enter this tiny fishing hamlet), it also has astonishing beauty and some stunning walking routes.

Guide to the Lofoten Islands.

Located close to Reine, the drive heading into Å is incredibly atmospheric with re-painted rorbuer lining the shores, many of them sticking straight out from the sea or perched precariously on rocks connected by wooden footbridges.

Racks of dying cod lie adorn the landscape and provide picture-postcard scenes  at every turn. It’s the ideal location for the Torresfiskmuseum where you can immerse yourself in the history of the stockfish industry.

Note that since this place is extremely small, I probably wouldn’t suggest staying here. However, it’s still an essential place to stop for exploration. It offers an arrange of stunning hiking routes too.

Lofoten Islands travel guide - accommodation, activities, sightseeing and restaurants

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