Lofoten is an archipelago in the county of Nordland, Norway, known for its distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and fjords. Located just above...
Lofoten is an archipelago in the county of Nordland, Norway, known for its distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and fjords. Located just above the Arctic Circle, at the 68th northern parallel, Lofoten is a major outdoor attraction thanks to its exposure to the Midnight Sun during summer months and to the magical Northern Lights from Septemb...
Lofoten is an archipelago in the county of Nordland, Norway, known for its distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and fjords. Located just above the Arctic Circle, at the 68th northern parallel, Lofoten is a major outdoor attraction thanks to its exposure to the Midnight Sun during summer months and to the magical Northern Lights from September to April. The islands are washed by the warm North Atlantic Current, which tempers their climate.
Lofoten Islands are a mountain range 160 km (almost 100 mi) long, with wild and craggy mountains that rise directly from the sea. The archipelago is made of five main islands (Austvågøya, Gimsøya, Vestvågøya, Flakstadøya, and Moskenesøya) and of many small islands, rocky islets and reefs. The total length of the archipelago is about 175 km (110 mi). The rock layers which were less firm allowed water to dig fjords and straits. An example is Vesterålsfjorden, a broad and deep fjord, which lies between Lofoten and the mainland.
The flora of Lofoten is highly seasonal, with a brief but intense growing season during the summer months of June to August when the valleys are filled with wildflowers. You can find velvet bells, field gentian or marsh-marigold in the meadows and across the streams, and glacier buttercup in the alpine areas. During the autumn months, Lofoten islands are full with blueberries, juniper berries and cloudberries – also known as ‘Arctic gold’, this berry is traditionally transformed in jam, used in desserts and alcoholic beverages.
Orcas and humpback whales are to be found in the waters surrounding the archipelago, and you can also spot seals, porpoises and otters along the coastal zones. The Atlantic puffins nest in burrows on the cliffs of Lofoten and are a favourite among bird watchers, together with cormorants, arctic terns and white-tailed eagles – the islands host one of the highest densities of white-tailed eagles in the world. You can encounter elks, red foxes and stoats in the forests and mountains, while the waters are rich in cod, herring, salmon and trout, making Lofoten a popular spot for fishing.
Lofoten’s mountains are home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world. Reinebringen is a very popular hike - relatively short but with a steep climb – offering rewarding panoramic views over the village of Reine and the surrounding fjords. The hike to Ryten and Kvalvika takes you to the beautiful Kvalvika Beach, only accessible by foot, while the Festvågtind trail provides stunning views of the coastline and is particularly popular for sunset hikes. In winter, the islands become the perfect place to try snowshoe trips, dogsledding or ski touring.
The archipelago also attracts thousands of climbers every year, who flock to Lofoten to test their strength on the granite walls in the vicinity of Svolvær and Henningsvær. The most well-known climb in Lofoten is Svolværgeita, a 150-metre tall pinnacle in the shape of a goat’s horn, located at the southwest face of the mountain Fløyfjellet.
Although a northern destination, the islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Haukland Beach – known for its white sands and turquoise waters, Uttakleiv Beach – a popular spot for photographers, Skagsanden and Unstad – where arctic surfing becomes more and more popular, or Kvalvika Beach – nestled between towering cliffs.
The archipelago is a wildlife enthusiasts’ paradise. You can try whale watching, sea eagle safaris (especially in Trollfjord) or seals spotting on RIB (rigid inflatable boat) safaris. The island of Røst is well known for its diverse and abundant bird life, attracting many birdwatchers who come to spot its large colonies of puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars, and common guillemots, among others.
Lofoten also attracts fishing aficionados – you can experience this activity by going on fishing trips with local fishermen on board of a traditional fishing boat. Kayaking is also popular and a great way to admire Reinefjorden and the other stunning fjords around the archipelago.
Lofoten's position above the Arctic Circle makes the archipelago the perfect place to see the Northern Lights during the winter months, when the skies come alive with vibrant green, purple, and pink hues, and the Midnight Sun from late May to mid-July, creating unique lighting for landscape photography.
Last but not least, exploring the small and charming fishing villages is a must do if you travel to Lofoten. Reine, Henningsvær, Nusfjord and the traditional fishing port of Å all feature traditional red and yellow wooden cabins, known as "rorbuer," originally used by fishermen and now converted into tourist accommodations. The islands have some scenic cycling routes, so you can explore these villages and the surrounding fjords by bike.
A vortex located between the islands Mosken and Lofotodden – also known as the Maelstrom - is one of the strongest marine currents in the world. It is described in many sagas and stories by writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Jules Verne who have consigned it to world literature.