My Favorite Stops in The Lofoten Islands | Norway
Lofoten, Norway has been on my bucket list for years, and I can finally say I’ve crossed it off! From snow-capped mountains rising dramatically above the sea to the captivating Northern Lights dancing in the sky, every moment in Lofoten absolutely blew me away. My winter road trip was all about chasing the dramatic landscapes—because let’s face it, winter is the best time to explore the mountains.
Along the way, I discovered some truly special towns, each with its own unique charm and beauty. So, grab a cup of something warm, and join me as I take you through the Lofoten Islands, sharing my favorite stops along this unforgettable adventure: Svolvær | Ballstad | Henningsvær | Nusfjord | Reine | Å.
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 is rich with 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 one of the most popular spots in Lofoten. The top things to do here include hiking to the summit of Reinebringen (don’t attempt in the winter) for breathtaking views, exploring the towns around, taking a boat tour to explore the surrounding fjords, or enjoying other outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
We had the chance to stay in these charming, traditional fisherman’s huts, and it was amazing! This is where we got to witness the Northern Lights for the second time on the trip. If you’re visiting Lofoten, I highly recommend Eliassen Rorbuer for the ultimate experience. The views are stunning, the accommodations cozy, and staying in one of these historic huts is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Kvalvika Overlook Hike
We drove from Eliassen Rorbuer to hike Ryten/Kvalvika Hike, a 25 minute drive. This hike was definitely a challenge, especially in winter! Not only was there a serious elevation gain, but the snow was relentless too. If you’re tackling this trail, make sure to rent snowshoes and poles. It’s an out-and-back trail with a 1,922 ft elevation gain and 4.5 miles in total. But trust me, the views at the top were absolutely worth every step!
A place you should check out near 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 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.
Overall the Lofoten Islands will forever have a piece of my heart. Whether you're wandering through the charming streets of Svolvær, chasing the aurora borealis in Reine, or stepping back in time in the historic village of Nusfjord, each town has something unique to offer. The Lofoten Islands will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the stunning landscapes of Norway’s Arctic. If you ever have the chance to visit, make sure to explore these incredible spots – they are the heart and soul of this magical archipelago.