Lofoten
- Tours
- 90
- Well reviewed
- 23
- Typical price
- €151
Lofoten is a chain of islands off the coast of Northern Norway, well above the Arctic Circle: steep peaks straight out of the sea, red fishing cabins on stilts, white beaches and small harbour villages. Most people come for the landscape itself, and many explore it on their own by car.
Tours here are fewer than in Tromsø, and most start in Svolvær. The tours below are sorted by rating and number of reviews. Booking happens on Viator.
Self-drive or tours?
One road, the E10, runs the length of the islands, with bridges and tunnels between them, so a hire car is the easiest way to see Lofoten. Tours are worth it where a car doesn’t help:
- On the water. Boat trips into the Trollfjord, sea eagle safaris, fishing trips and kayaking.
- Without a car. Day tours from Svolvær drive the highlights in one go, often all the way west to Reine, Hamnøy and Å.
- Photography. Photo tours know where to stand and when the light is best, which matters in the short winter days.
- Winter driving. Roads can be icy and dark. If you’re not used to that, a guided aurora or sightseeing tour is the calmer option.
Trollfjord and sea eagles
The best-known boat trip goes from Svolvær into the Trollfjord, a narrow fjord between steep walls, usually with a stop to watch white-tailed sea eagles. Fast RIB boats take a couple of hours and give you a wet, windy ride with survival suits provided. Larger cruise boats are slower, warmer and better for families.
Northern lights in Lofoten
The aurora season runs from about September to March. There are far fewer aurora tours than in Tromsø, and the weather on the islands changes quickly, so guides move around to find a gap in the clouds. With a car and a clear night, you can often see the lights from a beach or a pull-out without a tour.
When to go
- September to March: aurora season, with snow on the peaks from roughly December.
- Late May to mid-July: the midnight sun. Long days for hiking, kayaking and beaches, and the busiest weeks of the year.
- Spring and early autumn: quieter roads and car parks, and still plenty of light.
Lofoten gets crowded in summer, especially around Reine and Hamnøy. Start early in the day, book accommodation well ahead, and use the marked parking areas only.
Getting there
- Fly to Svolvær or Leknes, usually with a change in Bodø.
- Ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, at the western end near Reine.
- Drive from Harstad/Narvik airport at Evenes, which has the most flights. It’s a few hours to Svolvær.
Before you book
- Some tours are shore excursions. A good share are sold to Hurtigruten and cruise passengers. Check the meeting point and that the date isn’t tied to a ship.
- Weather decides. Boat trips and aurora tours can be cancelled or moved for wind and cloud. Read the conditions on Viator before you pay.
- Many tours are private. The price is often per group, not per person.
Weighing Lofoten against Tromsø? Our Northern Norway guide compares the two.