It's evident that Lofoten Islands is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its hiking, romance, food, and beaches.
The various wilderness outposts of the area offer an untrammeled landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, squawking seabird colonies and long, surf-swept beaches. Between late May and mid July you can experience the midnight sun, while the northern lights can be viewed from September to mid April.
The midnight sun, the day that never ends, is a popular reason for many tourists to visit Lofoten. The earth is rotating at a tilted axis relative to the sun, and during the summer months the North Pole is angled towards our star. That's why, for several weeks, the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle. Like a prolonged sunset and sunrise all at once, the midnight sun colors heaven and earth in a reddish yellow light.
The northern lights are why many visitors make the journey to Lofoten in the colder months. Winter in the Lofoten Islands comes in thousands of colors that present a visual enjoyment of contrasts, hues and tones. The experience is even stronger at night, when the flickering northern lights in the sky are reflected in the sea.
The Region
Reine is one of the main towns in the Lofoten islands. It has been a commercial center since 1743. Today tourism is important, and despite its remote location, many thousands of people visit annually. The village is situated on a promontory just off the European route E10 highway, which passes through the village.
Another popular town, Kabelvag, was founded as Vagan in the early 12th century by King Oystein Magnusson, who built a church and a fishermen's hostel there. According to Heimskringla, there was something resembling a town there several centuries earlier - the first known town in North Norway, known as Vagar. The Lofoten Museum, as well as the Lofoten Aquarium and the Espolin Gallery, are all located in Kabelvag. It is Lofotens oldest fishing village with great food and small shops.
Due to the area's diverse landscape, you can go hiking, skiing, fishing, ocean rafting or scuba diving. Lofoten is also one of Norway's best sites for surfing, and one of the world's northernmost.
Lofoten has a strong connection to the Viking Age, and at Lofotr Viking Museum you can experience the Viking Age as it really was. At Borg, archaeologists have discovered the largest Viking longhouse ever found from this era. The building is 83 meters long and has been reconstructed as a living museum.
Take a boat trip to the trollfjorden. The rich wildlife in the Lofoten Islands have fascinated visitors for centuries, if you are lucky, you can see both eagles and seals, and a great variation of bird life on a trip to the Trollfjord.
Go for a round of golf at a golf course beautifully located by the ocean, facing the north and the midnight sun. The golf clubhouse has a cafe, bar, pro shop, golf equipment hire facilities and meeting rooms. Apartments and cabins are available for hire. The club has golf courses and activities for groups and individuals throughout the season. The season runs from April to October.
Beaches:
Many visitors come to Lofoten Islands to relax at the beach. Most people don't think of the Arctic when they think about beaches, but these islands have long sandy beaches that meet blue waters. They're tucked in between valleys and mountains and offer a surreal Arctic landscape.
Historical Sights:
A significant number of visitors flock to the historic old town. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Lofoten Islands. It's remote setting and dramatic scenery lead to some truly breathtaking hikes. You'll find trails that pass by beautiful beaches, climb spectacular peaks, and wander through the beautiful countryside. Reinebringen, Horseid Beach, and Bunes Beach are among the favorite hikes in the area.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lofoten Islands is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Lofoten Unique Snorkeling Experience in Dry Suit for $163 details
- Lofoten Grand Canyon Snorkeling Tour for $163 details
- Guided Snowshoeing Tour - Uphill version for $134 details