Destinations / Norway
Lofoten: seven days to the end of the road
Red cabins, sharp peaks and daylight at midnight. One road, a chain of islands and no reason to hurry along it.
- Length7 days
- Best monthsJun–Aug
- TypeRoad trip
- Budgetfrom €1,450
02 / Why go
Mountains standing in the sea
Lofoten is a line of islands above the Arctic Circle, joined by bridges and one main road. Granite peaks rise straight from the water, fishing villages sit on stilts beneath them, and the beaches are white sand with water the colour of the tropics and the temperature of the north.
A week lets you drive the whole chain from Svolvær to the village of Å, with short days behind the wheel and long ones on foot. In summer the sun does not set, so the day is as long as you want it to be.
03 / The route
Day by day
Day 1
Svolvær and Kabelvåg
Arrive, collect the car and keep it easy. Walk the harbour in Svolvær, then drive ten minutes to Kabelvåg for its big wooden church and a first dinner of cod.
- Svolvær harbour
- Kabelvåg
- Vågan Church
Day 2
Henningsvær
A fishing village spread over small islands at the end of a road of bridges. Cafés, galleries and a football pitch on a rock in the sea. If the weather is clear, climb Festvågtind for the view down onto it.
- Henningsvær village
- Festvågtind hike
- Harbour cafés
Day 3
Vikings and white beaches
Stop at the reconstructed chieftain’s longhouse at Borg, then cross to the north coast for Haukland and Uttakleiv, two beaches joined by an easy coastal path. Stay late: this is the classic spot for the midnight sun.
- Lofotr Viking Museum
- Haukland Beach
- Uttakleiv Beach
Day 4
Nusfjord and Ramberg
A slower day on Flakstadøy. Nusfjord is one of the best-kept old fishing villages in Norway, tucked into a narrow inlet. Afterwards, walk the long curve of sand at Ramberg.
- Nusfjord
- Flakstad Church
- Ramberg Beach
Day 5
Ryten and Kvalvika
The best half-day hike on the islands. The trail climbs to the top of Ryten, where the cliff drops to Kvalvika beach far below. Go in good weather only, and take a windproof layer for the summit.
- Ryten summit
- Kvalvika Beach view
- Fredvang bridges
Day 6
Hamnøy and Reine
The Lofoten of the photographs. Stop on the bridge at Hamnøy, wander the yellow cabins of Sakrisøy, then climb the stone steps of Reinebringen for the view over Reine and its fjord. Start early, the stairs get busy.
- Hamnøy
- Sakrisøy
- Reinebringen
- Reine
Day 7
Å, where the road ends
The last village on the E10 has the shortest name in the country. Visit the fishing village museum, buy cinnamon buns from the old bakery, and walk to the rocks beyond the car park to look out at open sea.
- Å village
- Fishing Village Museum
- Old bakery
04 / When to go
Summer for the road and the trails
Our pick
Trails are open, everything is running and the midnight sun lasts until mid-July. Also the busiest and priciest months.
Quieter, wilder
Autumn colour and the first northern lights, with shorter days and rougher weather.
A different trip
Dark, snowy and good for the aurora. Driving is harder and most hikes are off the table.
05 / Budget
What seven days cost
An estimate for one person travelling as a pair and sharing the car and the room. Flights or the ferry to the islands are not included. Summer prices rise sharply for late bookings, so check before you plan around this figure.
06 / Practical notes
Worth knowing before you land
Book early
There are few cars and few beds. Reserve both months ahead for summer, before you buy flights.
Getting there
Fly to Svolvær or Leknes through Bodø, or take the car ferry from Bodø to Moskenes and drive the route in reverse.
Pack for four seasons
Sun, rain and wind can share one afternoon. Bring a waterproof shell and proper hiking shoes.
Cook for yourself
Restaurants are expensive and few. Most cabins have kitchens, and supermarkets are in every larger village.
Drive with patience
The E10 is narrow, with sheep, cyclists and campervans. Use the lay-bys and never stop on the road for a photo.
Bring a sleep mask
In June and July it never gets dark, and cabin curtains are rarely thick enough.
Want this route for your dates?
Tell us when you’re going and who is coming. We’ll adjust the plan to fit.