8 Reasons to Love the Lofoten Islands, Norway

If you’re looking for one of the world’s most idyllic island destinations, you might be surprised to discover that it’s nowhere near the tropics, but rather 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle: The Lofoten Islands.

The Lofoten Islands are harsh and dramatic, with tumultuous weather conditions and craggy mountaintops that tower above icy water. But despite the archipelago’s rugged nature, there are also plenty of delightful details, such as the traditional stark-red fisherman cabins, the rows of codfish hanging out to dry, and the boats that slowly sail through the fjords to deliver mail to the area’s unlikely inhabitants.

While there might not be swaying palms or rum coconuts, there are plenty of other fabulous details that make Lofoten our favorite island getaway. Read on to discover 8 reasons we love the Lofoten Islands—and you will too:

1.Jaw-dropping Beauty

It might sound cliché, but I’m pretty confident that our jaws did actually drop when the first majestic peaks of Lofoten were towering before us. It’s more than just a picture-perfect prettiness though; what makes the Lofoten Islands so beautiful are the dramatic contrasts that wait around each and every bend.

2.Small Town Charm

Despite the rugged nature of the archipelago, the Lofoten Islands are perfectly charming. The largest towns, Leknes and Svolvaer, are still teeny-tiny, and most of the villages throughout Lofoten might be missed if you blinked too quickly.  To live in the Lofoten Islands you must be able to handle the tumultuous climate and secluded location, but don’t mistake hardiness for harshness—the people are just as lovely as the colorful towns they call home. 

3.Adventure Activities

Our favorite days in Lofoten were the simple ones; the hours spent exploring the scenery with a car and a camera. But for active travelers, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. People travel from around the world just to take part in Lofoten’s renowned surfing, climbing, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking and cycling. Note that the summer months are the best time to take advantage of these sports, as icy conditions make hiking and climbing impossible during most of the year.

4.Fabulous Fjords

Norway is known as the “land of the fjords,” and the Lofoten Islands are no exception. The best way to experience a fjord is via boat on the deep inlets of sea between high cliffs. We recommend hopping aboard one of the mail carriers that make the hour journey inside the Reinefjord. Not only will you get breathtaking vistas, you’ll be able to marvel at the fact people actually live and thrive in such remote conditions.

5.The Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights should be on everyone’s bucket list—watching swirls of green and purple light dance through the sky is just as magical as you would imagine it to be. We saw the Northern Lights in Sweden and Finland, but the Lofoten Islands would be an absolutely wonderful place to experience the Aurora Borealis as well. Time your visit between September and March for the best chances of a sighting.

6.The Midsummer Sun

If harsh winter conditions just aren’t your thing, then take advantage of the long summer days leading up to the midnight sun, when the sun remains visible at midnight. Warmer weather and plenty of sports and activities make this one of the most popular times to visit the Lofoten Islands.

7.Abounding Tradition

The Lofoten Islands are steeped in culture and tradition. Take a visit to the Viking Museum to learn more about the origins of the settlements in Lofoten, or simply opt to sleep in a robruer. Rorbuer are the traditional red fisherman cabins that dot the islands. Typically you’ll find them in groups, with one end firmly planted on land, the other end suspended by poles in the water. Some of the rorbuer are still used by fisherman in Lofoten, though now they are primarily used to rent out to tourists. Eliassen Rorbuer is the oldest fishermen cabin village in Lofoten, located on the teeny tiny island of Hamnøy, and easily the best place to sleep in all the islands.

8.Unspoiled Beaches

What kind of island paradise would Lofoten be if it didn’t have pristine beaches? White sand, turquoise blue water and a majestic mountain backdrop make the beaches at Lofoten a memorable experience, even if the water is a bit chilly for a swim. The best beaches are on the isolated northern coast of Moskenesøya, though these you will have to hike to. These other scenic but less dramatic beaches are accessible by car.