High above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are one of Norway’s most spectacular destinations. With white-sand beaches, dramatic mountain peaks and picturesque fishing villages, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular with travellers.
You can take a Lofoten tour around the fjords and fishing villages, head out on a boat trip, climb a mountain – and even go surfing. Read on to find out our 12 best things to do in Lofoten.
Where are the Lofoten Islands?
The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago in northern Norway, located above the Arctic Circle in Nordland county. Despite their remote location, they’re surprisingly easy to reach via flights to Svolvær and Leknes, or by ferry from the mainland.
1. Take a scenic boat trip around Lofoten
One of the best ways to experience the dramatic scenery of the Lofoten Islands is from the water. This silent cruise from Svolvær takes you deep into the spectacular Trollfjord, a narrow fjord surrounded by steep mountain walls and some of the region’s most impressive landscapes.
The tour is operated using a modern hybrid-electric boat, allowing you to glide quietly through the fjord while taking in the scenery and watching for wildlife. Keep an eye out for white-tailed eagles, which are frequently spotted soaring above the cliffs or perched along the shoreline.
Combining stunning views, wildlife encounters and a peaceful journey through one of northern Norway’s most famous fjords, it’s a classic Lofoten experience with a modern twist.
2. Go kayaking in the Lofoten Islands
If you’d rather explore the waterways and islands under your steam, go for a kayak trip. It is a gentle, calm way to engage with the surrounding natural beauty.
You don’t need any previous experience to do this midnight sun kayak tour. You’ll paddle from Eggum, a perfect location to take in beautiful views and witness how the sun touches the horizon and rises again within a couple minutes.
3. See the spectacular northern lights
Since the Lofoten islands lie entirely above the Arctic Circle, they have long hours of darkness in winter. This makes it a great destination for northern lights viewing. And with no large settlements nearby, there’s very little light pollution to dull the spectacular sight.
If you’re visiting between September and March, you’ll have a chance of seeing the northern lights, especially on clear nights away from artificial light. For a more memorable experience, join this northern lights campfire tour from Svolvær. You’ll escape the town lights and gather around a campfire on a remote Arctic beach, with hot drinks, local snacks and the chance to see the aurora overhead. Your guide will also take photos of you with the northern lights if conditions allow.
4. Be a beach bum
The Lofoten islands are known for their stunning white sand beaches with clear blue water. You would almost imagine yourself in the Caribbean, if it weren’t for the bone-numbingly cold sea!
Even if you’re not Wim Hof enough for an icy swim, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy. Beaches such as Haukland, Kvalvika and Horseid are beautiful places to explore, have a picnic, or build a bonfire barbecue and watch the sunset.
5. Go surfing in the Lofoten Islands
You may not think of Norway as a big surfing country, but there’s some great surf! The remote Unstad beach on the island of Vestvågøy is a hot destination for in-the-know surfers.
Home to the world’s most northerly surf school, Unstad boasts rideable waves year round. Although let’s be honest: surfing in summer under the midnight sun is hard to beat.
Unstad Arctic Surf Lodge has wooden cabins with sea views and a communal hot tub. They can sort out lessons, board hire and provide the all-important high-tech wetsuits that you’ll need to surf these waters.
6. Watch out for wildlife in Norway’s Lofoten islands
There’s no shortage of wildlife living in the waters in and around the Lofoten Islands.
The real big ticket is whale-watching. This, you can do from Svolvær on this full tour, which takes you on a scenic drive to Andenes, then an inflatable boat tour on to search for orcas, sperm whales and other sea mammals.
Or, look out for sea eagles and seals on this RIB ride through the Trollfjord.
7. Take a hike
There are plenty of great hikes in the Lofoten Islands, particularly in summer. For example, the spectacular trek up Reinebringen which gives great views over Reine and the islands below. Thanks to the recently completed Sherpa staircase, the climb is now safer and more accessible than it once was, though it’s still a steep hike. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most iconic views in the Lofoten Islands, overlooking Reine and the surrounding peaks and fjords.
Or, if you want to learn all about the local flora and fauna, why not join a guided hike with a professional local nature guide.
8. Stay in a waterfront rorbu (fishing huts)
The Lofoten islands are known for their pretty wooden fishing huts that have been converted into B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.
Often painted in traditional red, these atmospheric buildings dot the Lofoten coastline and range from basic, simple wooden huts to smart hotels in former fishing communities. For example, right on the waterfront, the Lofoten Rorbuer in Svolvær offers self-contained apartments, double rooms, and bunk-bed rooms—all with wonderful sea views.
Alternatively, the comfortable and well-equipped Eliassen Rorbuer on Hamnøy has pretty wooden cottages with decks over the water and a well-regarded Italian/Norwegian fusion restaurant. It’s also one of the most photographed places in Lofoten, thanks to its spectacular setting on Hamnøy.
9. Perfect your pics
With its pristine beaches, rugged mountains and clear blue waters, the picturesque Lofoten region is a great place for photography . Especially in winter!
If you want to take the best photos in Lofoten, we highly recommend this scenic tour from Svolvær, taking you to iconic spots like Reine, Hamnøy, and Ramberg beach. It’s the perfect way to experience and capture the breathtaking beauty of southern Lofoten!
Don’t miss the famous Henningsvær football field, perched on a tiny rocky island and made famous by drone photography.
10. Go fishing in the Lofoten islands
The clean waters around the Lofoten are known for their fish and the islands have been home to fishing communities for hundreds of years.
Try your hand at catching mackerel, coalfish, haddock or even cod on this traditional fishing boat.
11. Sample the local Lofoten specialities
Of course fish is the food that Lofoten is most famous for – and indeed the fishing industry is so important to the islands’ economy that there’s even a museum dedicated to it.
But it’s not just fish that is popular here – fresh sea urchins, crabs and kelp are all local specialities.
If you’d like to learn more about Lofoten’s food culture, this guided food tour offers a tasty introduction to the region’s culinary traditions. As well as sampling local specialities in a historic rorbu, you’ll visit the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvær and take part in a traditional Norwegian cinnamon bun baking class. It’s a fun way to experience a different side of the islands beyond the scenery.
12. Snowshoe up a mountain
There’s nothing like exploring Lofoten’s winter wonderland on snowshoes, taking in fantastic views over the icy landscape. In this tour, an experienced guide will kit you out with snowshoes and poles, then lead the way up the mountain, pointing out sea eagles and grouse en route.
When to go to Norway’s Lofoten islands
The Lofoten Islands make an interesting destination in both winter and summer.
Clearly, you have to be well-equipped if you’re planning a winter visit – warm clothes, waterproofs, woolly hat and sturdy boots are a must. If you’re driving in winter, make sure your rental car is properly equipped for Arctic conditions.
Even in summer you should be prepared for rain, and bear in mind that the sea temperature here never gets much above about 12C!
Things to do in Lofoten in winter
But if you do venture this far north in winter, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular snowy landscapes, cosy cottages with roaring fires and a good chance of seeing the northern lights.
You can even go on a winter northern lights tour by horseback.
And the best surf conditions in the Lofoten are from November to March, so winter is a great time to don your thickest wetsuit and get out on the water.
What to do in Lofoten in summer
Summer of course has long days, warmer weather and the midnight sun – perfect for hiking, boat trips and bonfires on the beach.
We particularly like this midnight sun kayaking trip, where you head out onto the water at about 10pm and kayak round the islands with the sun above the horizon surrounded by spectacular colours and the eerie light of the midnight sun.
If you want to get the most out of your trip, we recommend a three-day tour from Svolvær. From majestic fjords to charming villages, this tour with a local guide is the most complete way to experience every breathtaking corner of Lofoten!
Ready to explore Norway’s Lofoten Islands?
From dramatic mountain peaks and remote beaches to charming fishing villages and unforgettable Arctic adventures, Norway’s Lofoten Islands are packed with experiences you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking up the stunning views, this guide covers some of the very best things to do in the Lofoten Islands.
Have you been to the Lofoten Islands, or are you planning a trip soon? We’d love to hear your experiences, tips, or questions—drop them in the comments below!
See also:
9 amazing islands in Norway
Where to see the midnight sun in Norway
Seeing the northern lights in Norway
