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Top Things to Do in Leknes

Things to do in leknes, explore popular experiences, ways to tour leknes.

2 - Day Summer Sightseeing & Photography Tour in Lofoten

• Lofoten PRIVATE tour from Leknes - Large group (5-8 pax)

• Lofoten Summer Photography Tour

• Lofoten PRIVATE Tour from Leknes - Small group (1-4 pax)

Lofoten photo and van trip

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Leknes

Other Top Attractions around Leknes

What travellers are saying

• Haukland Beach
• Uttakleiv Beach
• Himmeltinden
• Justadtinden
• Lofoten Seafood Center
• Hike To Mannen

Explore Leknes

Plan Your Leknes Holiday: Best of Leknes

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Leknes - Discovering Norway

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In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Leknes, a pretty good destination in Norway (all info about the whole country here) . We will answer the most important questions: what to visit , when to go , how to get to Leknes and what means of transport to use to get around . We will describe typical foods , the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation . We will list also the places to see around Leknes , and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here. So, if you are travelling through Norway, here's everything to know about Leknes for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Leknes

What to visit in Leknes

1. Haukland Beach: Haukland Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Norway. The beach boasts of crystal clear blue water and white sand with a backdrop of majestic mountains. People often come here for surfing, swimming, kayaking, and beach volleyball. 2. Lofotr Viking Museum: The Lofotr Viking Museum is a must-visit attraction in Leknes, Norway. It is built over the site of a Viking Chieftain's house, and visitors can explore the reconstructed longhouse, admire the artifacts, learn about everyday life during the Viking age, and participate in various Viking-themed activities. 3. Nusfjord Fishing Village: The picturesque village of Nusfjord is considered as one of Norway's best-preserved fishing villages. This historic village is home to many traditional rorbu cabins (fishermen's huts) and red-painted fishing boats. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, fishing, and hiking here, and it is also a popular spot for Northern Lights viewing. 4. Gimsoy Church: Gimsoy Church is a beautiful wooden church built in 1886. The church is known for its unique blend of traditional and modern architectural styles, and visitors can admire its intricate woodwork and stunning altar. 5. Glasshytta Vikten: The Glasshytta Vikten is a glass studio located in the village of Vikten. Here visitors can see skilled artisans at work creating beautiful glassware, and purchase unique souvenirs or gifts. The studio also organizes workshops, where visitors can learn about the art of glassblowing. 6. Kvalvika Beach: Kvalvika Beach is a remote and secluded beach which can be reached after a challenging hike through the mountains and valleys. The beach is situated between majestic mountains and turquoise water, which makes it a perfect place for hiking, surfing, swimming, and photography. 7. Festvågtinden Mountain: Festvågtinden Mountain is one of the highest peaks in Leknes, and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The hike can be challenging and requires some stamina but once you reach the summit, the views are definitely worth the effort. In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Norway, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Leknes

The best time to visit Leknes would be between late May and early September, during the summer months. During this time, you can experience the midnight sun, with the sun never setting below the horizon. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, although it can still be quite unpredictable, so it's recommended to pack for all types of weather. Additionally, the winter months can be very cold and dark, with very few daylight hours, so it's not the best time to visit unless you're interested in winter sports or the Northern Lights. You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday !

How to get to Leknes

Leknes is a town located in the Lofoten Islands in Norway. The best way to get to Leknes is by flying into the Leknes Airport (LKN) which is served by Widerøe airlines and located approximately 2.5 km from the town center. From Oslo, there are several flights a day to Leknes that take around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Another alternative is to take a ferry from Bodø to either Svolvær, Moskenes, or Stamsund and then take a bus to Leknes from there. The travel time can vary depending on the ferry schedule and bus connections. Alternatively, you can also drive to Leknes. The E10 road connects Leknes to other towns in the Lofoten Islands and the mainland. This can be a fun and beautiful way to explore the area, but it may take longer than flying or taking a ferry. To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner . To hire a car to visit Leknes, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Leknes

Leknes is a small town in Norway where traditional Norwegian cuisine is found in abundance. Here are some of the typical foods of Leknes: 1. Fårikål: Fårikål is the national dish of Norway and is typically made of lamb, cabbage, and sometimes potatoes. It is a hearty stew that is ideally suited to the cold weather of Norway. 2. Lefse: This is a traditional Norwegian flatbread that is made from potatoes, flour, milk, and butter. It is typically served with butter and sugar or with meat dishes and is often eaten as a snack. 3. Kjøttkaker: Kjøttkaker are traditional Norwegian meatballs that are typically made from a mixture of beef and pork. They are often served with boiled potatoes and brown sauce. 4. Rømmegrøt: Rømmegrøt is a traditional Norwegian porridge made from sour cream, flour, and sugar. It is typically served with sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. 5. Rakfisk: Rakfisk is a traditional Norwegian fish dish that is made from fermented trout. It is typically served on flatbread with onions and sour cream. 6. Graut: Graut is a traditional Norwegian porridge made from barley or rye flour. It is typically served with butter and sugar and is often eaten at breakfast. 7. Smoked salmon: Norway is known for its high-quality smoked salmon, which is typically served on crackers or bread. These are just a few of the typical foods of Leknes, Norway. Norway has a rich culinary tradition, and there are many more delicious dishes to explore when visiting this beautiful country. You can find general info about typical foods in Norway here .

Is Leknes an expensive destination for tourists?

Yes, Leknes, which is a town in Norway's Lofoten Islands, is generally considered to be an expensive destination for tourists. The cost of living is high in Norway, and this is reflected in the prices of accommodations, food, and other travel expenses. However, there are ways to reduce costs such as staying in budget accommodations, cooking own meals, and taking advantage of free activities such as hiking and exploring the natural scenery.

Where to find accomodation in Leknes

Is leknes a safe destination for tourists.

Yes, Leknes is considered a safe place for tourists. Norway, in general, has a very low crime rate and is known for being a safe country to visit. However, it's always a good idea to take basic precautions such as locking your accommodation, keeping an eye on your belongings in public places, and staying aware of your surroundings. Also, be prepared for weather changes, as the climate in Leknes can be unpredictable. You can find general info about safety for tourists in Norway here . Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Leknes.

What type of travelers will enjoy Leknes the most?

Leknes is a perfect destination for families, couples, and anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. Here are some reasons why: 1. Scenic beauty: Leknes is surrounded by stunning views of mountains, fjords, and pristine beaches. The landscape is perfect for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities. 2. Family-friendly activities: There are many activities suitable for families with kids, such as visiting animal parks, exploring the Viking museum, and hiking on many hiking trails. 3. Peaceful environment: Leknes provides a relaxed atmosphere, which makes it an excellent place for couples who want to spend a quiet and romantic time together. 4. Cultural heritage: Leknes has a rich cultural heritage, museums, and galleries where visitors can learn more about the region's history. Overall, Leknes is a great destination for those looking for a peaceful getaway, enjoying nature's beauty and participating in outdoor activities and spending time with their family.

How to get around Leknes

There are a few transportation options to move around Leknes, Norway. The most common ones are renting a car, taking a bus or using a taxi. The road network is well maintained and there are plenty of signs to guide the way. Buses run on a regular basis and are an affordable way to travel around the town. Taxis are also available, but they are more expensive than the other options. It's also worth mentioning that cycling is a popular way to get around in Norway, and Leknes is no exception with its many cycling paths.

What to see around Leknes

Certainly! Here are some great places you could visit on a day trip from Leknes: 1. Haukland Beach: This white-sand beach is located just a short drive from Leknes and offers stunning views of the Norwegian coast. 2. Nusfjord Fishing Village: This picturesque village is a great place to learn about Norway's fishing culture and history. 3. Uttakleiv Beach: Another beautiful beach, Uttakleiv is known for its dramatic scenery and clear waters. 4. Reine: This charming village is located on the island of Moskenesøya and is famous for its stunning scenery and colorful houses. 5. Fredvang Bridges: These unique bridges are a popular spot for photographers and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. 6. Borg Viking Museum: Take a step back in time at this fascinating museum, which showcases the history of Viking culture in Norway. 7. Ballstad: This small town is known for its fishing industry and is home to a number of excellent seafood restaurants. I hope one or more of these options appeals to you! For every travel information about Norway you can click here . Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you! Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips .

USEFUL LINKS

Here you can find a list of destinations in Norway , each with a link to the page with detailed description about what to see and what to do: Oslo: what to see and do Bergen: what to see and do Stavanger: what to see and do Trondheim: what to see and do Alesund: what to see and do Tromso: what to see and do Kristiansand: what to see and do Geiranger: what to see and do Lofoten: what to see and do Stryn: what to see and do Haugesund: what to see and do Sognefjord: what to see and do Kristiansund: what to see and do Geilo: what to see and do Andalsnes: what to see and do Alta: what to see and do Molde: what to see and do Narvik: what to see and do Alesund: what to see and do Harstad: what to see and do Sortland: what to see and do Bodo: what to see and do Lysefjord: what to see and do Sandefjord: what to see and do Voss: what to see and do Haugesund: what to see and do Arendal: what to see and do Stavanger: what to see and do Lillehammer: what to see and do Trondheim: what to see and do Hamar: what to see and do Kirkenes: what to see and do Haugesund: what to see and do Skien: what to see and do Odda: what to see and do Bergen: what to see and do Eidfjord: what to see and do Kinsarvik: what to see and do Leknes: what to see and do Gjovik: what to see and do Kristiansand: what to see and do Longyearbyen: what to see and do Skjolden: what to see and do Svolvaer: what to see and do Lyngen: what to see and do Reine: what to see and do Balestrand: what to see and do Flam: what to see and do Stryn: what to see and do Alesund: what to see and do Trondheim: what to see and do Haugesund: what to see and do Stavanger: what to see and do Harstad: what to see and do Lillehammer: what to see and do Geiranger: what to see and do Narvik: what to see and do Kristiansund: what to see and do Molde: what to see and do Hemsedal: what to see and do Bergen: what to see and do Geilo: what to see and do Andalsnes: what to see and do Kabelvåg: what to see and do Leknes: what to see and do Voss: what to see and do Kristiansand: what to see and do Gol: what to see and do Hovden: what to see and do Røros: what to see and do Sognefjord: what to see and do Lysebotn: what to see and do Sandnessjöen: what to see and do Rjukan: what to see and do Odda: what to see and do Aurland: what to see and do Flekkefjord: what to see and do Ulvik: what to see and do

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Top Things to Do in Leknes, Norway

Things to do in leknes, explore popular experiences, ways to tour leknes.

2 - Day Summer Sightseeing & Photography Tour in Lofoten

• Lofoten PRIVATE tour from Leknes - Large group (5-8 pax)

• Lofoten Summer Photography Tour

• Lofoten PRIVATE Tour from Leknes - Small group (1-4 pax)

Lofoten photo and van trip

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Leknes

Other Top Attractions around Leknes

What travellers are saying

• Haukland Beach
• Uttakleiv Beach
• Himmeltinden
• Justadtinden
• Lofoten Seafood Center
• Hike To Mannen

Top Things to Do in Leknes, Norway

Places to visit in leknes, explore popular experiences, ways to tour leknes.

2 - Day Summer Sightseeing & Photography Tour in Lofoten

• Lofoten PRIVATE tour from Leknes - Large group (5-8 pax)

• Lofoten Summer Photography Tour

• Lofoten PRIVATE Tour from Leknes - Small group (1-4 pax)

Lofoten photo and van trip

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Leknes

Other Top Attractions around Leknes

What travellers are saying

• Haukland Beach
• Uttakleiv Beach
• Himmeltinden
• Justadtinden
• Lofoten Seafood Center
• Hike To Mannen

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Leknes (Lofoten Island): Best Place to Visit in Northern Province of Norway (2024)

Leknes is the largest town of Lofoten Island. Most tourists prefer to not continue their Norway tour further north and return from Bodo to Oslo. But few continue their journey to the northern province of Norway. One of the best places to visit for tourists in the northern province of Norway is Lofoten Island.

Most international and local tourists, who continue their journey to Lofoten Island by rental or personal car take a ferry from Bodo to Lofoten Island. The ferry from Bodo ends at the city of Moskenes. Moskenes is one of the small towns of Lofoten island. The small and mid-size boats and ferries docks at Moskenes. The few passenger ferries also allow cars with passengers. The traveling time is 3 to 4 hours. The traveling cost is $ 25 per person and $ 95 per car. The tourist from Moskenes drive to Leknes once disembarked at Moskenes. On the way to Leknes visitors can stop at a few picnic spots or photo places to take pictures of the beautiful surrounding.

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Most tourists go out in the night for camping to see northern light in September and October. The temperature goes down to 5 to 100 C or lower after October and outdoor camping becomes difficult. The other attraction at Leknes is hiking to explore nature in surrounding mountains.

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Top Things to Do in Leknes

Things to do in leknes, explore popular experiences, ways to tour leknes.

2 - Day Summer Sightseeing & Photography Tour in Lofoten

• Lofoten PRIVATE tour from Leknes - Large group (5-8 pax)

• Lofoten Summer Photography Tour

• Lofoten PRIVATE Tour from Leknes - Small group (1-4 pax)

Lofoten photo and van trip

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Leknes

Other Top Attractions around Leknes

What travellers are saying

• Haukland Beach
• Uttakleiv Beach
• Himmeltinden
• Justadtinden
• Lofoten Seafood Center
• Hike To Mannen

Visit Lofoten

– the world’s most beautiful islands

Welcome to our home

Lofoten is a place of contrasts. It’s a natural wonder with thriving local communities. It’s where mountains meet the sea, and where local businesses meet recreation. Lofoten’s distinctive magic lies in its ability to bring together everyday local life with a global interest in its natural beauty.

Lofoten’s untamed beauty

Leave only footprints

Where is lofoten, and how to travel here.

Lofoten Islands, in Northern Norway, have been voted by National Geographic as one of the most appealing destinations in the world. Located just above the Arctic Circle, at the 68th northern parallel, Lofoten basks in the ethereal Midnight Sun during summer and witnesses the magical Northern Lights from September to April.

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Mountain safety

Lofoten is known for its majestic nature. And with it comes great responsibility. Learn more about safety in our mountains.

As a haven for epic summit adventures, we’re well-versed in traversing Lofoten’s majestic terrain on foot or skis. Sometimes, the allure of a mountain peak is almost irresistible. We understand the pull! But remember, it’s never too late to turn back. Safety should always come first in the pursuit of these tempting peaks.

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• Best Time to Visit Leknes
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• Leknes Itineraries
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Exclusive Leknes Travel Guide, Norway

Leknes tourism.

is a town in Nordland county, Norway. The town is also the administrative centre of the municipality of Vestvågøy (with 10,764 inhabitants, it is the most populous municipality in Lofoten and Vesterålen). The 2.37-square-kilometre (590-acre) town has a population (2013) of 3,176. The population density of the town is 1,340 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,500/sq mi). Leknes was designated a "town" (Norwegian: by) in 2002. The town is situated in the geographical middle of the Lofoten archipelago on the island of Vestvågøya. It is approximately 68 kilometres (42 mi) west of the town of Svolvær and 65 kilometres (40 mi) east of the village of Å in Moskenes. Leknes is one of the few towns in Lofoten that does not depend on fisheries and does not have its town centre by the sea. Because of this, and because of its rapid growth in recent years, it does not have the same traditional wooden architecture as most other towns in Lofoten, and may thus not be as picturesque as its neighbouring fishing villages. However, the natural surroundings are among the most stunning in Norway, with mountains, peaks, cliffs, and white sandy beaches. The town's harbour Leknes Havn is one of Norway's most important and visited harbours for cruise ships. The old school in the Fygle neighborhood has been converted into a museum. Hol Church is located on the eastern edge of the town. Leknes is a "twin town" with nearby village of Gravdal, where one branch of the Nordland Hospital is located. Gravdal is located about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) southwest of Leknes. In Leknes, the sun (midnight sun) is above the horizon from May 26 to July 17, and in winter the sun does not rise from December 9 to January 4.

Leknes Trip Planner

Plan your customized day by day trip plan for Leknes. Choose from various experinces categories as adventure, romantic and family and kids friendly for your trip using using Leknes trip planner.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Leknes

Things to do in leknes, explore popular experiences, ways to tour leknes.

2 - Day Summer Sightseeing & Photography Tour in Lofoten

• Lofoten PRIVATE tour from Leknes - Large group (5-8 pax)

• Lofoten Summer Photography Tour

• Lofoten PRIVATE Tour from Leknes - Small group (1-4 pax)

Lofoten photo and van trip

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Leknes

Other Top Attractions around Leknes

What travellers are saying

• Haukland Beach
• Uttakleiv Beach
• Himmeltinden
• Justadtinden
• Lofoten Seafood Center
• Hike To Mannen

• 2.1 Islands
• 3 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.4 By ferry
• 6.3 By boat
• 6.4 By bicycle
• 7.1 Itineraries
• 14 Stay safe

Lofoten is a group of islands in the northern part of Norway . With its postcard-looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords dotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway.

Towns [ edit ]

• 68.233333 14.566667 1 Svolvær — a town of 4,500 citizens, and is the largest settlement in the Lofoten archipelago off the coast of northern Norway . Numerous hotels, rorbu, restaurants, hiking opportunities, galleries, museums guided boat trips to see seabirds and the Trollfjord, etc. And a good base to explore the rest of the Lofoten archipelago.
• 68.1475 13.6115 3 Leknes — a compulsory crossroads and stopover when travelling by bus in the Lofoten. Otherwise of little interest to tourists.
• 67.879355 12.981205 4 Å — pronounced "Oh", this is the southernmost town on the island of Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago of Norway . The name means simply "river" or "stream", and the town is also known as Å i Lofoten to distinguish it from other places called Å. A ferry to the Moskenesoya maelstrom (a swirling circular current off the coast of the island), and the fishing museum are the two main attractions of the village, which sits between a picturesque lake and the North Sea, with many of the wooden buildings being built over water on stilts. There are bikes for hire at the Youth Hostel and at Lofoten Bed and Boat (150 kr a day) and some hiking paths are dotted around the surrounding area. Nice walks include going around the Ågvatnet lake, crossing the island towards the North-West and the Stokkvikvatnet lake, or going further on the main road (e.g., to Reine). Several ferries a day from the mainland ( Bodø ) arrive at Moskenes. From Moskenes, you can either walk following the road (4.8 km, 1 hour) or take a bus (several times a day, kr 40). It is best to book accommodation well ahead of your travel in Å, as everything may be fully booked during the peak season. (There is no ATM in Å. However, major credit cards are accepted virtually anywhere, including on the bus.)
• 67.932222 13.089444 5 Reine — this fishing village is known for its incredible scenery.
• 67.925278 12.958889 6 Moskenes — a small fishing village on the island, with no tourist information or a supermarket; however, there is a camping location and a car rental option near the ferry terminal.

• 68.216667 14.483333 8 Kabelvåg - Lofoten's oldest fishing village. Great food and small shops. It lies a little to the south-west of Svolvær, the administrative centre of Vågan municipality. The village was founded as Vågan in the early 12th century by King Øystein 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 Vågar. The Lofoten Museum, as well as the Lofoten Aquarium and the Espolin Gallery, are all in Kabelvåg.

Other destinations [ edit ]

• The Moskstraumen , popularly known as the Maelstrom is a very powerful tidal current forming twice a day between Vaeroy and Meskenesoy. It has been featured in many works, usually in a exaggerated form (for instance Edgar Allan Poe's Descent into the Maelstrom ). Captain Ahab in Hermann Melville's famous Moby-Dick mentions the maelstrom. In Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea the submarine encounters the whirlpool. It is unusual because it occurs in open sea. Simply do not go there and expect giant whirlpools...
• Trollfjord – a fjord so narrow that the Hurtigrute boats, except for the very newest, have to do a three point turn. Navigation banned in spring because of falling rock, but otherwise visited on the southbound voyage of the Hurtigruten . Alternatively reached by a boat trip from Svolvær.

Islands [ edit ]

• Hinnøya (southwestern part)
• Austvågøy (southern part)
• Vestvågøy – a municipality and island with a population of 10,764 people, making it the most populated area in the regions of Lofoten and Vesterålen.
• Moskenesøya
• Røst – the southernmost island in the Lofoten archipelago. The island is inhabited by about 600 inhabitants. As Værøy, Røst is known for its puffins colonies. Contrarily to Værøy and its scenic cliffs, Røst is very flat, with the highest point being only 12 m above sea level.
• Værøy is a small island around six hours from Bodø by ferry (via Moskenes) and around 2 hours by ferry from Moskenes. The island has a mountainous ridge running through the centre and flat farmland below the mountains. It is famous both for its scenery and the abundance of puffins who nest here over the summer.

Understand [ edit ]

At 68°N, the Lofoten archipelago is well above the Arctic Circle , and at the same latitude as Greenland or the northern parts of Alaska. However, it enjoys a relatively mild climate due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream, and temperatures up to 23°C in the summer are not uncommon. Still, it remains a subarctic destination, the weather changes fast, and even in the summer it may get cold. When the sun is not shining a sweater is recommended.

The winter is cold, but remains bearable. At this extreme latitude – the same as northern Siberia and northern Alaska – winters should be very cold, but instead of -40°C/F, Lofoten temperatures hover around freezing in winter, and start to climb in April.

Before becoming a popular tourist retreat, Lofoten was and still is a very important fishing centre , especially for the special type of cod ( skrei in Norwegian), attracted by the rich food brought by the Gulf Stream. At the end of the spring, thousands of tons of cod are hung to dry on wooden racks. For at least a thousand years the very rich Lofoten cod fisheries was a key factor in the Norwegian economy. Thousands gathered from all along the coast to take part in the winter-spring fisheries. The key to Lofoten’s fishery economy was the natural outdoor drying without the use of salt. Low temperatures and constant wind is necessary for this process to be successful, further north it is too cold and further south too warm and humid, while the Lofoten islands have the right conditions. This slow drying process creates the characteristic stockfish (Norwegian: tørrfisk , literally dry fish). The dry cod was transported to and traded at the harbour of Bergen a thousand kilometres down the coast; the cod trade effectively created Bergen as Norway's (and partly Scandinavia's) largest and most important city. The famous waterfront warehouses in Bergen were mostly used to store dry cod. Still today the stockfish is exported to Italy, Croatia, Nigeria and Sweden (the similar dry-salted cod, the klippfisk , is particularly exported to Portugal and Spain).

Dry cod is recorded as an important business from the Viking age, but may be older. Long before Tromsø and Bodø existed as towns, Vågar (Kabelvåg) in Lofotr (today Vestvågøy island) was a major trading post and for centuries the only town north of Trondheim. Bergen, Trondheim and Lofoten were the 3 business centres on Norway's rich coast. For centuries dry cod was Norway's main export, up to 80% of the trade (as measured in currency) was cod. Vågar may have been Norway's most important town until the Black Death around 1400 and the Hansa in Bergen seized monopoly in cod export. The original town or trading post was abandoned and turned in to farmland, while nearby Kabelvåg became the new town.

The light varies very much over the seasons. From 24 hours of daylight from May to early August to just a bluish twilight lasting three hours around noon in December and January. In March and September, there are normal daylight hours: 12 hr day and 12 hr night.

In 1432 the Venetian merchant Pietro Querini and his crew shipwrecked at Røst island after drifting for several weeks from the English Channel. Querini supposedly introduced stockfish to the Italian cuisine. The Venetians spent 3 months with the locals and then returned to Venice where Querini produced a report for the senate there. Querini's unique and legendary written report was called The first circuit of paradise . Despite the cold and dark winter, he described life in Lofoten as paradise ("we spent 3 months in the first circuit of paradise, to the shame and disgrace of Italy").

Talk [ edit ]

Norwegian... but as usual for tourist destinations in Scandinavia, English should get you everywhere.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

You can arrive from Bodø ( BOO  IATA ) by air to Røst, Værøy, Leknes or Svolvær (20–30 min flight time). The former airport at Værøy was closed following a plane crash in 1990. However, a helicopter company serves the route Bodø–Værøy, offering several flights per day (2008). If you arrive from the Vesterålen archipelago (located North of Lofoten), a ferry still services the sea route between Melbu and Fiskebøl, the latter located along highway E10 (see above).

For getting out via Bodø Airport, your special baggage must not exceed a size limit, which means removing the front wheel of most bikes! Airport in the Lofoten islands:

Airports nearby in Nordland county:

By car [ edit ]

A new section of highway E10 was opened in 2007, giving Lofoten ferry-free road connection with the mainland for the first time.

By bus [ edit ]

The journey takes about 3½ hours. The bus ride from Narvik to Svolvær takes 4 hours 15 minutes, with two daily services in each direction. The bus ride from Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes to Svolvær takes about 3 hours (just over 2 hours by car), crossing through a very rugged and scenic terrain and bordering the Møysalen National Park.

From the Moskenesøya island ( Reine , Moskenes , Å ), there are several buses a day through Leknes .

There are several buses a day from Narvik (mainland Norway ) to Moskenes. The main bus stop is right in front of the ferry waiting room. There is scheduled bus from Narvik (stops at Evenes Airport; no ferry on the new road).

By ferry [ edit ]

Another alternative is to arrive by sea, e.g. using the 'Hurtigruten', the coastal steamer, or a common ferry, from Bodø to Svolvær (6 hours), Stamsund, Moskenes, Værøy and Røst. The ferry to Svolvær operates on all days except Sundays. There is no ferry terminal as such in Svolvær, but only a very small waiting room, and free toilets outside.

There is also one ferry a day to the islands of Værøy and Røst , southwest of Moskenesøya .

There are several ferries a day from Bodø to Moskenes (187 kr for passengers; tickets are sold on board only, without reservation). Travel time: 3 hr 15 min.

Værøy is around 3 hr 15 min by ferry from Moskenes (via Værøy ) and 3 hr 45 min from Bodø (when using a direct ferry not stopping in Værøy ). Ferries are operated by Torghatten Nord .

From August 2015 to February 2016 (winter schedule), schedules change every day of the week. Ferries do not stop daily in Røst.

It is possible to do a (long!) one-day visit of Røst on Wednesdays only:

• departure 04:45 from Bodø , arrival 09:45 in Røst.
• departure 22:30 from Røst, arrival 02:00 in Bodø .
• 67.89985 13.04388 1 Moskenes ferry arrival . ( updated Aug 2015 )

In addition, the coastal steamer Hurtigruten arrives at 19:00 (southbound) and departs at 22:00 (northbound) daily.

Get around [ edit ]

The main islands are easily covered by car. The E10 route links Hanøy in the extreme north-east of Austvagøy island and Å at the south-western tip of Moskenesøy through a series of bridges. Although the archipelago may look small on the map, the full crossing is a good 180 km along the E10 on a very windy road, with the usual Norwegian speed limits. However due to the state of the roads, don't expect to average much more than 50 km/h. At the south-eastern tip, around Reine, the road furthermore becomes very narrow, so take your time along the way.

All the other secondary roads radiate from the E10, but note that some are even windier and narrower.

Petrol is available only in the larger towns, so make sure you fill up when you get a chance.

Most places can be reached by bus. Students get a 50% discount on long trips. Most buses from the south (Å, Reine) stop at Lofoten, and you should change to another bus to go further north ( Svolvær ).

By boat [ edit ]

If you plan to visit the southernmost islands of Lofoten, i.e. Værøy or Røst, you will need to take a ferry from Moskenes. Værøy is about 1½ hr from Moskenes, and another approx. 2 hours to Røst.

By bicycle [ edit ]

There are (fairly expensive) bikes for hire at various points around the islands and the E10, as a usually relatively unpopulated highway makes a good cycle path for short trips. In addition there are occasional cycle lanes, usually on bridges or around the outside of the many tunnels.

See [ edit ]

The main attraction of the archipelago is its majestic scenery . The coastline is dominated by high mountains cut by fjords, as well as sandy white beaches.

Apart from the scenery, the fishing history of the archipelago is visible in several little villages all around the coast. Nusfjord and the lovely Å are prime examples. The Lofoten has many traditional fishermen red cabins built on the sea shore or over stilts (the rorbu ), and it is even possible to stay in one.

In the summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun . In Leknes , the sun remains above the horizon from May 26 to July 17. The midnight sun is best viewed from the western beaches, such as the Vestvågøy Island beaches Utakleiv and Eggum.

When there is midnight sun, there is a polar night , and in winter the sun does not rise from December 9 to January 4. The archipelago is at a good latitude to admire the Northern lights , but from the end of April to September, the nights might be a little too bright.

The beaches of Lofoten are also quite renowned. Utakleiv was ranked as the number one most romantic beach in Europe by the British newspaper The Times , and the neighbouring Hauklandsstranden is ranked by the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet as the best beach in Norway. Eggum was chosen to be the millennial spot in Vestvågøy and in 2007 an amphitheater was created here (designed by Norwegian architects Snøhetta, designers of the library in Alexandria).

• Lofotr Viking Museum , Prestegårdsveien 59, N-8360 Bøstad . On the green and fertile island Vestvågøy in the middle of Lofoten. Airport and Hurtigruten piers are close by. The main road E10 runs just a few metres from the museum.  
• 67.93606 13.08967 2 Reine Fishing village ( at the back (north) of Reine ). A charming group of traditional fishing houses. Free . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 67.93212 13.08722 3 Reine Kultursenter ( Cultural centre ). ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Galleri Espolin ( Kabelvåg ). ( updated Aug 2018 )
• Galleri Lille Kabelvåg . Paintings, pictures and other exciting exhibitions. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• Lofotmuseet ( Kabelvåg ). At the Lofotmuseum you can explore authentic environments from the 1800s, in a beautiful scenic setting. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• 68.23182 14.56481 5 Svolvær tourist information . M-F 09:00-16:00, Sa 10:00-15:00 . ( updated Sep 2020 )

Itineraries [ edit ]

• Rando Lofoten , a 200 km trek from Delp to Å.

Do [ edit ]

Activities include whale watching, mountain climbing, mountain hiking, diving, fishing, and sleeping in traditional fisherman cabins called "rorbu".

Outtt maintains a list of hiking trails in Lofoten with descriptions in English.

Buy [ edit ]

It's not so easy to keep to the budget here. In Svolvær, Narvesen kiosk is a good place to buy things such as drinks,food and v-bucks, and there's a bookshop in the town; art is sold in the town and overpriced souvenirs are easy to find. All of Svolvær's supermarkets are in the same part of town.

• 68.23507 14.56054 1 Rema 1000 Svolvær . M-Sa 07:00-23:00 . Rather large supermarket with decent prices. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Fru Soleng ( Kabelvåg ). Knitting and decorations. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• Mettes Rom ( Kabelvåg ). Clothing, gifts and decorations. ( updated Aug 2018 )

Eat [ edit ]

Lofoten being a traditional cod fishing area, local delicacies are as one would expect taken from the sea. If you appreciate dried stockfish or cod, you will probably love the food. The stockfish of Lofoten is a prime source of revenue for the islands, it is exported to several southern European countries (especially Italy and Spain) where it is known as Baccalao or Stoccafisso . Several restaurants in Lofoten have Baccalao on the menu.

Due to the limited choice and the high prices, particularly on Værøy, you should bring your own food.

• 67.93513 13.08952 1 Blomster bringen . Nice café located just near the harbour of Reine. Good pastries and relatively cheap coffee and tea. Free Wi-Fi. 22 kr for an espresso, 29 kr for a tea . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 67.88086 12.98174 2 Bakery ( A ). morning only . Sells home-made bread. Better come in the morning, as the shop closes early. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 68.23237 14.56612 3 Du Verden ( Svolvær ). Expensive prices. Free Wi-Fi. ( updated Aug 2015 )

Drink [ edit ]

• Cafe & Bar Nicolina ( Kabelvåg ). Cozy Italian café and bar with coffee and homemade food, along with wine, beer, and drinks. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• 68.2325 14.56492 1 Kringla Bakeri & Konditori ( Svolvær ). Coffee, tea and pastries. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Magic Ice , Svolvær ( quayside in Svolvær ). June 15 - August 25: from 12.00 to 23.00, August 26 - June 14: from 18.00 to 22.00 . A bar in an old fish-freezing plant that features ice sculptures. Adult 95 kr . ( updated Aug 2018 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There's lots of different kinds of accommodation. There are hotels, camping options, or you can even get a rorbu (a traditional fisherman's cabin). Sleeping outside is possible as it is quiet, but the temperatures can be near freezing even in the summer and the cold wind from the sea doesn't help at all.

Several accommodations are available in Reine. Be sure to book in advance if you come during the peak season (winter and summer).

• Lofoten Hostel Å ( Lofoten Vandrerhjem Å ), ☏ +47 76 09 12 11 , [email protected] . From 250 kr .  
• 67.88032 12.98601 1 Brygga hotel and restaurant . Serve breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests and non-guests. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 67.88322 12.98286 2 Lofoten bed and boat ( right in front of the Å Nord bus stop ), ☏ +47 957 26 729 . Four rooms (from 1 to 4 persons) with a common bathroom and a common kitchen. Rooms have no view, but a nice terrace has a view towards the sea. Free Wi-Fi. From 450 kr to 1250 kr . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 67.87826 12.98109 3 Moskenesstraumen camping ( at the South-most end of Å ). ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 67.90012 13.05261 4 Moskenes camping , ☏ +47 994 89 405 , [email protected] . There is a café in the Moskenes camping, and a pub in the Moskenes camping is open every day of the week during the summer. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• [dead link] Kabelvåg Hotell . Rooms and breakfast. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• Kabelvåg Feriehus & Camping .  
• Lofoten Rorbusuiter . Fantastic sea view and view of Lofoten’s mightiest mountain, Vågakallen (942 m asl) together with the historical site of Storvågan  
• Lofoten Summerhotell . Centrally located in the Lofoten Islands, guides available.  
• 68.23177 14.56544 5 Thon Hotel Svolvær . O. J. Kaalbøes gate 5. The hotel is in Svolvær, near the coastal steamer docks, in the heart of the spectacular area of Lofoten. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• Svinøya Rorbuer ( Svolvær ). Excellent rorbuer and restaurant on a separate island connected by a long bridge. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• Kabelvåg Youth Hostel . There is no YHA hostel in Svolvær, but Kabelvåg, the next town west on the E10 has a great one. Beds or rooms, breakfast is included in the price. It takes about an hour walk from Svolvær city centre, or a 10 minutes bus ride.  

Cope [ edit ]

There are churches in the Moskenes, Reine, and Kabelvåg villages. (The church in Kabelvåg is known as Lofotkatedralen.)

Stay safe [ edit ]

Lofoten has little crime and island hopping by hitch-hiking is safe and not unusual. The most likely undesired event is to fall while hiking, or to catch a cold due to the bad weather. Other than that, you should be perfectly safe.

Go next [ edit ]

• Mainland Norway

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