Lofoten Islands Tours

The Lofoten Islands are located above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. They stretch into the Norwegian Sea, around 1,300 kilometres (807 miles) north of Oslo. The remote archipelago is tucked away in Norway’s Nordland region, where dramatic peaks, deep fjords and quiet beaches are all within easy reach.

Whether you're into scenic hikes or cultural discovery, there’s plenty to get up to in the Lofoten Islands. These are some of the top activities to try during your trip:

• Hop between wild and picturesque beaches like Kvalvika and Ramberg
• Visit small museums to learn about Viking life and fishing heritage
• Go hiking, fishing or kayaking along the calm inlets and rugged shores
• Join a boat tour to spot seabirds nesting on cliffs
• Watch the northern lights dance across clear winter skies
• Soak up the glow of the midnight sun in summer

It’s easier than you might think to reach the Lofoten Islands from Norway. All our tours include travel from mainland Norway to the islands.

Depending on your chosen itinerary, you might fly from Oslo or Bergen with a stopover in Bodø. You might also travel by coastal cruise along Norway’s scenic shoreline. Regardless of your route, we’ll make sure everything is booked beforehand, so you can expect a seamless journey.

You can have an unforgettable trip to the Lofoten Islands at any time of year. Whether you choose to travel in summer or winter depends on what you want to do during your trip.

The summer months of June to August bring long daylight hours thanks to the midnight sun. With mild weather and round-the-clock light for soaking up the scenery, this is a great season for hiking, kayaking and photography.

Summer is also the most popular time to visit the archipelago, so if you’d like to explore with fewer visitors around, spring or autumn are perfect. Although the weather could be cooler in April, May, and September, you’ll still be able to enjoy outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, choose winter for snow-covered landscapes and your best chance to see the northern lights. The long nights between October and March also make this the quietest time of year, ideal for a peaceful Arctic escape.

For more information on what to expect depending on the season, check out this guide to the weather in Norway.

That really depends on how you like to travel and how much freedom you want along the way.

If you enjoy travelling at your own pace, a self-drive tour gives you the most flexibility. You can pull over for photos, take spontaneous detours, or stop at a café that catches your eye. The E10 highway connects the islands and passes many of the area’s best beaches, villages and viewpoints.

If you’d prefer not to drive, there are other options too. Some trips combine fjord cruises and train tours through Norway, giving you a relaxed way to reach the islands while soaking up the scenery. You’ll also have the chance to join guided boat tours around the fjords, which are perfect for spotting seabirds and seeing hidden corners of the coastline.

Book with us, and you’ll stay in accommodation handpicked by our regional experts. As well as knowing where to find the top-rated places to stay, we also arrange your local transport, plan your itinerary, and provide personal recommendations.

Your nights will be spent in places like Reine, a postcard-perfect village known for its red fishermen’s cabins and mountain views. Or you could stay in Svolvær, known as the capital of the Lofoten Islands. This is the largest town in the archipelago, and it’s home to a lively harbour, local shops and a mix of cultural spots.

When you choose Nordic Visitor, it’s easy to personalise your trip when you book online. For instance, you could:

• Extend your stay with extra nights on the islands or nearby cities
• Choose from guided excursions such as kayaking, snowshoeing or boat safaris
• Treat yourself to an accommodation or rental car upgrade

Or speak to your travel consultant to find out more. They’ll be able to recommend activities that suit you and suggest the best places to add extra nights, depending on your interests.

Yes, you can choose from a wide range of arrival dates based on the package and season. If you’re booking a self-drive, train or cruise tour, you can start your trip anytime between May and September.

Meanwhile, our partially guided winter tour of Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands runs from October to March. All tours have online availability calendars, so you can see which dates are open and pick the one that suits you best.

Our Lofoten Islands tours include travel to the islands, such as domestic flights or ferries within Norway. If your tour ends in Lofoten, onward travel from the islands isn’t included. But our travel consultants will happily guide you through booking it.

When it comes to booking your international flights to Norway, we recommend waiting until your Nordic Visitor tour is confirmed. Once your travel consultant confirms your accommodation and local transport, you can go ahead and book your international flights.

Norway is famous for its ever-changing weather, so it’s best to be prepared for all conditions.

Pack warm layers and waterproofs, whether you are travelling in summer or winter. That way, come rain or shine, you can get out and about to enjoy the Lofoten Islands’ beauty.

Your tour will take you to a range of natural attractions where short walks are recommended to make the most of your visit. Sturdy footwear is important too, as you may be walking on gravel paths or uneven ground to reach viewpoints and beaches.

During winter, you’ll need to wrap up warm, as temperatures can drop below freezing. In the summer, milder weather means you should bring sunscreen and some lighter layers.

Here’s a basic all-season packing list for your getaway:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thermal base layers
• Fleece or insulated mid-layers
• Sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes with good grip
• Gloves, hat and a scarf
• Small backpack for day trips and walks
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Camera or smartphone for photos

Learn more about what to bring in this Norway packing guide.