My Favorite Stops in The Lofoten Islands | Norway

Lofoten, Norway has been on my bucket list for years. From the mountains by the sea to the mesmerizing Northern Lights and all the breathtaking natural beauty in between. It was seriously such an impressive country. My winter road trip was dedicated to chasing the Northern Lights, as the winter provides the best chance to see them. It was definitely an unforgettable adventure.

Svolvær

Svolvær | As the main hub of the Lofoten Islands, Svolvær offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. Don't miss the iconic Svolværgeita, a pair of towering peaks popular among climbers. Svolvaer also has The Lofoten Aquarium | Trollfjord Cruise | The Floating Fjord Sauna | Lofotpils Brewery.

Ballstad

Ballstad | Situated on the eastern shore of the island of Vestvågøy, Ballstad is a quaint fishing village with a vibrant harbor. Visitors can watch the daily life of fishermen, explore charming shops and restaurants, and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains and sea. Make sure to see the beautiful Ballstad Harbor. Restaurants that I highly recommend in Ballstad are Fangst and Heim. We also absolutely loved our stay at Hattvika Lodge, which is home to the delicious Fangst restaurant.

Henningsvær

Henningsvær is a charming fishing village also dotted with art galleries, cafes, and colorful wooden houses. Visitors can explore the vibrant local culture and enjoy fresh seafood by the waterfront. Places to check out here are Henningsvær Bridge, the Fishing Heritage Museum, Lille Kabelvåg Church which has a lot of historical significance. Most importantly Henningsvær holds the world famous football field, which is fun to walk on and take epic photos of! We grabbed a coffee and a bite to eat at Henningsvær Lysstøperi and Cafe before we headed to the next town.

Nusfjord

Nusfjord is a quaint charming village with a tranquil harbor. Nusfjord offers visitors a step back in time to experience the simple beauty of traditional island life. It is located near some pretty incredible hikes and beaches including: Rambergstranda Beach, Haukland Beach, Uttakleiv Beach, Volandstinden & Ryten/Kvalvika Hike.

I loved walking around the town and exploring the lovely shops filled with local art. We even stopped to grab coffee in this really cute nordic coffee shop Landhandleriet Café. Then we grabbed delicious baked goods at Hansines bakeri Veronica Olaisen before we went to Reine.

Reine

Reine is renowned for its iconic red, historic wooden huts known as Rorbuer, which have been thoughtfully transformed into charming accommodations for travelers. It is the perfect location for epic landscape photos as well. Reine is a picturesque village that offers a true taste of traditional Norwegian coastal life. The top things to do here include hiking to the summit of Reinebringen(don’t attempt in the winter) for breathtaking views, exploring the charming and picturesque fishing village, taking a boat tour to explore the surrounding fjords, or enjoying other outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking.

A place you should check out in Riene is Sakrisøy. Sakrisøy is a small island located at the foot of Olstind, one of Lofoten's most iconic mountains. The yellow house another photography favorite, is a traditional fishing cottage nestled in the town. While in Sakrisoya grab a bite at Anitas Seafood, a restaurant with spectacular mountain and ocean views.

Å

Aaaa time to end with Å. Å is the western most town in the Lofoten Islands, is renowned for being at the end of the European route E10, signifying its westernmost location in all of Europe. If you’re into history definitely check out the Fisherman's House. Which allows visitors to step into an authentic home and witness the way fishing families lived in the 1800s. Want to grab a bite to eat in Å? Check out Brygga Restaurant or Å Bakery.

Our primary motivation for visiting Å was to dine at the Kitchen on the Edge of the World at Holmen Lofoten, a restaurant that received a Green Michelin Star in 2020. Located five minutes from west of Å. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but we were certain that it would have been an exceptional experience. We recommend making a reservation well in advance to ensure you don't miss out.