18 Activities to Do Absolutely in the Lofoten Islands

Yes, the Lofoten Islands are popular! And for good reason. They are genuinely beautiful. Typical, breathtaking scenery and a huge playground — outstanding hikes, typical fishing villages and paradisiacal beaches (yes, really!).

But in the Lofoten Islands there is so much more to do, in every season — I explain it all below. Let’s go!

1. Enjoy the most stunning scenery in Norway

When I say these are Norway’s most beautiful landscapes, I mean it. Every single road will blow you away: black mountains rising sheer out of the sea, surrounding paradisiacal beaches. It sounds strange put like that, almost unreal. And that’s exactly it. Unreal, and yet true. That’s what makes Lofoten unique!

So my first big recommendation is to hire a car and simply wander. Further down I list the beaches and villages, but I also suggest taking these roads:

• Route 815 via Valberg
• Stamsund
• the road to Nusfjord
• Fredvang towards Selfjord

The most spectacular scenery is really on Moskenesøya island. The mountains rise sheer from the sea — it’s extraordinary. There’s only one road so it’s nearly impossible to get lost. You’ll inevitably pass through the must-sees: Hamnøy, Reine, Å. And insane scenery all along.

On Flakstad you’ll find several beaches including the unmissable Ramberg and Skagsanden, plus a superb loop road. You’ll pass through it anyway but plan plenty of stops.

On Vestvågøy you have all the beaches and spectacular roads. Unstad is an absolute must — the place itself is great but the road to get there is jaw-dropping! There’s the trio of Vik, Haukland and Uttakleiv — three well-known, beautiful and very different beaches. Eggum is also lovely. The Valberg road has almost no traffic and gorgeous views.

In short, there aren’t many roads but they’re all spectacular. You can literally point the car and say “where does that go?” and just go. You won’t be disappointed.

I mention it further down, but if you don’t drive, you can discover Lofoten with a guide.

2. Go on incredible hikes

What Lofoten is famous for above all else is its hiking, which is simply incredible. It’s a vast playground with trails everywhere, each one more beautiful than the last.

Avoid hiking in winter — it’s dangerous due to ice and snowfall. Every winter tourists get stuck at the top and have to be airlifted out.

The hikes that immediately spring to mind are:

• Reinebringen — obviously. The view is insane, the ascent is brutal on the thighs
• Ryten and Kvalvika — several routes lead to the superb Kvalvika beach
• Himmeltinden — for a stunning view over the beaches
• Justadtinden — a must for hikers visiting Lofoten
• Unstad to Eggum — a lovely walk along the sea

3. See the northern lights

I often say that among the best places to see the northern lights, the Lofoten Islands are not right at the top of the list.

Tricky weather, lots of cloud, significant light pollution — it’s not the easiest. But it’s far from impossible! In the following article I share several tips for seeing the northern lights in Lofoten, but here’s the quick summary:

• you need to be mobile
• track where the clouds are to avoid them (the ventusky website for example)
• get away from city lights and street lamps
• find an open sky with no obstructions

The classic spots are beaches like Uttakleiv, Vik and Haukland. I also love Eggum and Gimsøya.

Seeing the northern lights is an unforgettable spectacle — it takes a bit of preparation but it is absolutely worth it!

If you’re struggling with the weather, don’t want to drive, or would rather let someone else handle it, book a guided aurora tour:

• Svinoya Rorbuer
• Lofoten Lights
• Discover Lofoten
• Lofoten Aktiv

4. Go kayaking in exceptional surroundings

Yes, I’m talking about the beaches and magnificent waters of Lofoten again. But this time for a different reason. One of the main activities in the Lofoten Islands, summer and winter alike, is kayaking. Crystal-clear water, incredible scenery — it’s hard to resist! And since it’s a touch chilly, kayaking suits the setting perfectly.

There are plenty of options, mostly departing from Svolvær towards Skrova island or from Eggum beach.

The weather in Lofoten can be unpredictable, so you need to wait for low wind (though it can be fun in a bit of chop!). Trips are easy to organise.

Tours run 2–3 hours as an introduction, or a full day if you want to make the most of it. A few recommendations:

• 3 hours from Eggum (spring, summer)
• Full day from Eggum (spring, summer)
• 3 hours around Skrova island (Svolvær, spring, summer)
• 3 hours from Reine (spring, summer)
• Winter kayaking from Eggum

5. Visit Norway’s most beautiful beaches

Yes, I really am talking about beaches — some of them ranked among the most beautiful in the world! Crystal-clear water, white sand, idyllic setting surrounded by mountains. The water is a tad chilly though, let’s be honest 😀

There are stunning beaches throughout the archipelago, but my top picks are:

• Bunes (accessible by boat)
• Kvalvika, arriving from above and looking down over the beach
• Uttakleiv, via Vik and Haukland
• Unstad, the surfers’ beach
• Eggum
• Ramberg — a must, with the mountains as a backdrop and its iconic little house

6. Discover the fishing villages

Several images spring instantly to mind when you think of the Lofoten Islands. And among them, inevitably, the little villages of red houses.

These villages are typical of Lofoten’s fishing heritage, each with its own personality and worth a visit, however brief. Beyond the red houses, every single one sits in an exceptional setting — real postcard views!

My recommendations:

• Henningsvær, not far from Svolvær. Made famous by its football pitch, but there’s far more to it — the harbour is wonderful, and so is the road to get there!
• Nusfjord, a tiny lost village of yellow houses. Some buildings have been restored into a small open-air museum. Note: the centre can charge an entry fee in high season. But very charming!
• Hamnøy, red houses with a hugely photogenic mountain behind. An absolute must — the classic view from the bridge speaks for itself!
• Sakrisøy, across the bridge, has a different mountain, a photogenic house and above all an entirely yellow village — quite unlike its neighbour
• Reine, supremely photogenic. The view from the walkway over the village and mountains is incredible — possibly the most beautiful view in the region!
• Å i Lofoten, the village at the end of the road. And the village at the end of the world. Very pretty, very typical — the real fishing village

♥ Top activity ♥

7. Sleep in a rorbu

See all those gorgeous fishermen’s houses? You can actually sleep in them! Not all of them, but many have been converted. Simple ones, hotel-style, or a touch more luxurious — there’s something for everyone and it’s lovely. I love the smell of old wood inside. The first time was at Anker Brygge, I think — and we’ve been hooked ever since!

You’ll find them all across the archipelago, so there’s plenty of choice. In my article on accommodation in the Lofoten Islands I list quite a few. But my personal picks:

• Anker Brygge, in Svolvær
• Hattvika Lodge, in Ballstad
• Å Rorbuer, in Å i Lofoten
• Eliassen Rorbuer, in Hamnøy

4 recommended rorbuer in Lofoten

8. Eat the world’s best kanelbolle

OK, it’s not exactly a traditional Lofoten activity, I’ll grant you that. But there is one place where you will be in absolute heaven eating a kanelbolle: Unstad Arctic Surf, right next to the surfers’ beach at Unstad.

I know, it sounds completely unrelated. My wife and I stumbled across it on the way to the beach and spotted a sign: “the world’s best cinnamon rolls.” Sure, sure. But we were a little hungry, so we went to investigate. And wow — what a treat!

Seriously, they are outrageously good. Go and try one! You can also get them to take away (I certainly did).

I’ve also heard great things about the kanelbolle from the bakery in Å i Lofoten. Haven’t tried them yet, but apparently they’re outstanding too.

And I’ve just realised I’ve written an entire section about a cinnamon roll. Bizarre.

9. Discover the Trollfjord, Norway’s narrowest fjord

A fjord in Norway — not exactly surprising, you might say. True! But this one is special. For a start, it’s the only fjord in the Lofoten Islands, so that alone makes it worth the attention. And it’s unique: just 100 metres wide and 2 km long — the narrowest in the country.

That narrowness creates a very particular atmosphere. No road, no inhabitants, not a sound. When I was there, there was a mist, not a breath of wind — a real end-of-the-world feeling. And if you visit aboard the electric Brim Explorer boat, you get complete silence!

The fjord can be visited year-round, departing from Svolvær. Your options:

• Comfortable electric boat cruise
• Trollfjord discovery by RIB

10. Watch white-tailed eagles from a boat

The white-tailed eagle is something of the king of Lofoten. A giant with a 2.6 m wingspan, a razor-sharp gaze and utterly silent flight. The good news is you’ll spot them often enough around here. The species is protected, the population is growing, and along the coastal road you’ll regularly catch one perched on a rock or soaring above the waves. But that’s just the appetiser.

To get the full experience, you need to board a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). The guides have a foolproof technique: they throw fish into the water, and the show begins. Eagles swoop down to hunt just a few metres from the boat. The kind of scene you’d only expect to see in a BBC documentary — except here, you’re right in the middle of it.

The great thing is it works year-round. In summer the light is superb. But in winter, watching these giants stand out against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and frozen fjords is something else entirely.

11. See the midnight sun

This is one of the quirks of northern Europe (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland) — the seasons are not quite the same as the rest of the continent. Well, they are, but more extreme.

In winter there’s very little light. For over two months you don’t see the sun at all — polar night.

But on the flip side, for four months there’s light around the clock! From late April to late August there’s no darkness. Even better: for over two months (mid-May to late July) you get the midnight sun, which is a genuinely astonishing experience.

Picture this: you’re having a drink at midnight and the sun is still out. You open an eye at 3 am, broad daylight, and your body feels strangely energised.

Best of all, it means you have all the time in the world to take in the scenery, wander, hike — no pressure to be done before dark.

In short, if you head to Lofoten in spring or summer, you won’t be able to avoid it! In the photo below it was exactly midnight, in July. So no, the sun doesn’t set at all 🙂

12. Go snowshoeing

A totally winter activity and genuinely great fun! It’s not the easiest thing to organise in Lofoten because you need some flat(ish) terrain and, of course, snow. Both of which are relatively rare here.

Snow in Lofoten is hit and miss. Climate change means less and less of it each winter, which makes typical winter activities harder. But around Svolvær there are options and it’s lovely!

Snowshoeing is a brilliant introduction to winter sports — very easy for beginners. If you’ve never done it, this is a great opportunity: the scenery is exceptional and you’d struggle to find a better setting.

• Info and booking from Svolvær

13. See reindeer at a Sami farm

This is something I only just discovered exists! I’ve seen plenty of moose in Lofoten but reindeer — never. There is, however, a Sami farm nearby, close to Sortland on the border between Lofoten and Vesterålen.

At Inga Sami Siida you’ll learn about Sami culture, see the reindeer, feed them, eat a traditional stew and chat with the family. It’s a small and wonderfully friendly setup 🙂

• Info and booking

14. Go surfing

You wouldn’t guess it, but there are several surf beaches in Lofoten! A wetsuit is non-negotiable, mind you. But at Unstad especially, and at Flakstad, there are great facilities, good waves and plenty of surfers.

Unstad is more for experienced surfers — there’s even an annual international competition, the Lofoten Masters. We stumbled across it last year — great atmosphere! You can bring your own gear, there’s parking. Or hire from Unstad Arctic Surf (yes, the kanelbolle place). The setting at Unstad is exceptional.

Flakstad is more for lessons and beginners, but it’s spacious enough for everyone. At Lofoten Beach Camp and Ramberg (just next door) you can hire equipment with no fuss.

For lessons, head to the Lofoten Surf Center at Unstad — you can book a lesson on their website. They also have a shop if you want to buy gear.

15. Discover the most beautiful spots with a photography guide

If you want to discover the most beautiful spots in the Lofoten Islands, going with a guide is a great option. Several reasons why:

• you don’t drive
• you want someone to show you the highlights
• you’d like to be with a local, a photographer
• you have limited time and want to make the most of every hour

Exploring Lofoten with a guide really can be a smart move. I’ve done it elsewhere (my first visit to Tromsø) and never regretted it — it gave me a solid overview and helped me know where to go when I came back with more time.

Guides will take you to the best spots: beaches like Uttakleiv, villages like Reine, iconic viewpoints like Hamnøy. If you don’t want to miss a thing, this could be your solution!

• 2-day photography tour
• Lofoten minibus tour
• 7-hour Lofoten discovery
• Southern Lofoten Islands tour

16. Go fishing with a local fisherman

This was probably the first activity I did on my very first trip to the Lofoten Islands. And it was wonderful!

From Svolvær we boarded a fishing boat — the classic white wooden kind — and off we went for several hours into the incredibly productive waters, catching pollock (they’re a good size). We got incredibly lucky with calm seas and fantastic weather, and that alone makes me wholeheartedly recommend this sea trip 🙂

One thing: don’t forget your seasickness tablets! They’re not allowed to provide them on board.

• Info and booking

17. Go horse riding on the beach

A newer activity that can be really enjoyable, especially if you like horses.

The Lofoten setting — beaches surrounded by mountains — lends itself perfectly to a horse ride. Hov Gard farm offers this lovely experience on Gimsøya island, with plenty of space to roam in a truly paradisiacal setting.

It’s a place I’m fond of — I go there sometimes at night to watch the northern lights since the view is so open. So I can personally confirm it’s the perfect spot for this activity 🙂

• Info and booking

18. Step back in time at the Lofotr Viking Museum

The Lofotr Museum, located in Borg (right next to Leknes), is a journey back to the Viking age. You’ll discover a reconstruction of an impressive longhouse — the largest ever found in Scandinavia, dating from 500 AD — which served as the home of a Viking chieftain and his community.

The museum features interactive exhibitions on Viking daily life, beliefs and voyages. Authentic objects — tools, weapons, jewellery — are on display. You can also take part in immersive activities: demonstrations of ancient crafts, archery, or a ride in a Viking boat.

The atmosphere is captivating, the staff wonderfully friendly, and the setting surrounded by mountains and fjords is breathtaking. A must? Absolutely!

Do check opening hours carefully — they vary a lot depending on the day and season, and it’s not open every day of the week.

• Information and opening hours

Activities you cannot do in the Lofoten Islands

Unfortunately, the following activities are no longer possible:

• Whale and orca watching. They do exist in the area, but there are no longer any tours because there’s no guarantee of a sighting — cetaceans pass through occasionally but unpredictably
• Dog sledding. There used to be someone with a kennel, but with less and less snow each winter and a shrinking winter season across the archipelago, it’s no longer viable — they closed up for this winter
• Snowmobiling. Partly the snow issue, but mainly because there’s no flat terrain — nowhere large enough to ride one properly

The Lofoten Islands map

To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a Lofoten Islands map on Google Maps with all the essentials in one place:

• most beautiful spots
• ferries and airports
• accommodation
• northern lights locations
• beaches
• hiking trails
• and much more!

⭐️ Click here to open the full map! ⭐️

In conclusion

I think that covers everything!

Yes, people mainly come to the Lofoten Islands for the scenery — and it really is simply incredible. The greatest pleasure is just wandering around. Enjoying nature is the main activity.

But there is a whole host of things to do! Magical hikes, superb beaches that are especially lovely in summer, kayaking — one of the region’s most popular activities!

In short, you won’t be bored up there. And since every season is completely different, you’ll be back — I’m sure of it 🙂

If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask me by clicking here 🙂How can I help you ?

More resources on the Lofoten Islands and northern Norway

I’ve written quite a few articles about the Lofoten Islands and Norway. I hope the following ones will be of interest!

• Travelling to the Lofoten Islands: a complete guide for a smooth trip – All the essential information to organise your trip to the Lofoten Islands, from transport to must-do activities.
• Lofoten Islands map : everything in one map
  Accédez à une carte interactive des îles Lofoten contenant tous les points d’intérêt et informations pratiques, pour un repérage rapide et efficace !
• Affordable accommodation in the Lofoten Islands : a selection of budget-friendly options, from typical rorbuer to well-located hotels, to make the most of your stay without breaking the bank.
• Getting to the Lofoten Islands: all transport options
  Explorez les différentes façons de rejoindre les îles Lofoten, que ce soit en avion, en ferry ou en voiture, pour choisir l’option qui vous convient le mieux.
• Watching the northern lights in the Lofoten Islands : tips and best spots
  My best tips and ideal locations for watching the northern lights in Lofoten, with the best dates and periods to maximise your chances.
• The Bodø to Lofoten Islands ferry: timetables, fares and practical info
  Toutes les informations indispensables pour prendre le ferry entre Bodø et les îles Lofoten, une option populaire et pratique pour découvrir l’archipel.
• What to do in Bodø in one day – if you’re coming to Lofoten by ferry, definitely take a look at the city!
• l’autre summer ferry between Svolvær and Skutvik : a very handy ferry that only runs in the summer months, from Svolvær — and it’s free!
• Complete guide to visiting Tromsø
  Prepare your trip to Tromsø with this detailed guide, covering the best sights, practical advice and must-do activities.
• What to see in Tromsø in a week: a complete itinerary
  A 7-day itinerary to explore Tromsø, including iconic sights and the most captivating activities for an unforgettable stay.
• Accommodation in Tromsø: where to stay
  Trouver l’hébergement parfait à Tromsø n’a jamais été aussi simple avec cette sélection des meilleurs hôtels pour un séjour confortable et pratique.
• Winter activities in Tromsø: top experiences not to miss
  L’hiver à Tromsø regorge d’activités passionnantes. Retrouvez mes recommandations des meilleures expériences et des agences fiables pour profiter pleinement de l’hiver norvégien.
• Best spots to see the northern lights in Tromsø
  Découvrez les spots incontournables pour observer les aurores boréales à Tromsø en toute autonomie et profiter d’un spectacle inoubliable.
• Top agencies for northern lights tours in Tromsø
  Choose from the best specialist agencies for a flawless northern lights viewing experience.
• Tromsø map: sights, practical info and accommodation
  Une carte unique regroupant tous les points d’intérêt, conseils pratiques et options d’hébergement pour vous faciliter la visite de Tromsø.
• When to go to Tromsø: a guide to the best times
  A seasonal infographic with month-by-month activities to choose the ideal period for your visit and enjoy the best conditions.