Harstad/Narvik

Your Lofoten adventure starts at the Harstad/Narvik Airport

For many visitors, the opportunity to experience Lofoten is the biggest attraction when visiting this part of Norway. It takes just under two hours to drive from the airport to the famous and impressive Raftsundet. This is where Lofoten begins, and the mountains become increasingly steep and sharp. Just after Raftsundet, the road divides. You may take a detour from the E10 and go north to the Fiskebøl - ​​Melbu ferry, which transports you to the island Hadsel in the Vesterålen archipelago. Or continue south and see why Lofoten is rated as one of the world's most exciting and beautiful places.

Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær

The E10 will lead you south on the Austvågøy island. The island has to main villages, Svolvær and Kabelvåg. Svolvær has a lively center with restaurants, bars and several hotels. There are also numerous tour operators offering fishing trips, kayaking and hiking, among others. The most famous mountain peak in the area is Svolværgeita, the Svolvær goat. Going to the top is for experienced hikers with some climbing experience and you will need a guide.

Henningsvær on the southern tip of Austvågøy is one of Lofoten's most photographed places. It should definitely be on your bucket list when visiting Lofoten.

Gimsøy and Vestvågøy

Further south in Lofoten you pass Gimsøy, which has a stunning 9 hole golf course, Lofoten Links (see further down).

The next island in the archipelago is Vestvågøy. Lofoten's commercial center Leknes is located on this island. At Vestvågøy, we recommend you to take a detour to the colourfull tiny village Eggum. Vestvågøy has one of Lofoten's most beautiful beaches called Haukelandsstranda.

Flakstadøya and Moskenesøya

Flakstadøya island is the second last of the island that are connected to the mainland by road. Lofoten Beach Camp is placed between the stunning beaches Skagsanden and Flakstadsanden. These two beaches are among the best for surfing in all of Lofoten and attract a large crowd of surfers. In the summer time you almost feel some Californian vibes here, though the water temperature is 10-15 degrees lower.

If you do not want to sleep in a tent there are several bed & breakfast options on the island. Flakstad Prestegård (Flakstad rectory) is one these, with excellent housing in a beautifully restored building close to the beach.

Hiking is something you can do in almost all of Lofoten. One of the most spectacular trips in all of Lofoten is hiking to the top of Helvetestind (The peak of hell). This is a full day trip that takes planning, good health and hiking experience. You must wear hiking shoes or mountain boots, this is not a tour for your soft Skechers.

If you drive all the way to the end of the road in Lofoten you will eventually come to a place named Å. This is a tiny and very beautiful fishing village with a local bakery with tasty pastries and coffee. At the very end of the road you can park you car and follow the gravel path to get a magnificent view of the ocean and cliffs.