The Lofoten Islands — a destination you must add to your travel bucket list, with its stunning nature and unique landscapes!
Lofoten is an archipelago and a traditional region in Norway’s Nordland County. The islands that make up Lofoten — Vestvågøy, Moskenesøya, Gimsøya, Austvågøya, and Flakstadøya — are known for their dramatic peaks, open seas, sheltered bays, and distinctive beaches. Located just above the Arctic Circle, at the 68th parallel north, Lofoten offers the Midnight Sun during the summer months and the magical Northern Lights from September to April.
In winter, the main reason people travel here is to witness the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, this is mostly up to luck. Many Northern Lights tours depart from various locations and take you to optimal viewing spots, but if you’re lucky, you might step out of your hotel room and see them right there. Whether you’ll see them depends entirely on the weather and the strength of solar activity. Still, witnessing the Aurora Borealis is definitely something that belongs at the top of the “things to do before you die” list.
While summer offers more options to get to Lofoten — like ferries or driving from Tromsø — in winter, icy roads and unpredictable weather make flying the safest option. We flew from Oslo to Leknes in about 1.5 hours, and then took a small propeller plane for a 25-minute flight to Bodø. Bodø is located right in the heart of Lofoten, making it easy to travel both north and south. And of course, renting a car is a must to explore the surroundings.
Must-see places in Lofoten include Hamnøy Bridge (home to the most iconic Lofoten view) and the famous fishing village Reine. Reine is composed of several small islands connected by bridges and is famous for its traditional fishermen’s cabins called rorbu. These seasonal homes were once used by fishermen, but today they mostly host tourists. Structurally, they rest on land but extend over the water on stilts for easy boat access. At the southernmost tip of the islands lies the village of Å. Driving along the E10 highway — which connects all the islands — you can enjoy stunning fjord views where mountains meet the sea. If the weather allows, activities such as skiing, boat tours, or guided mountain hikes are fantastic options. For those who prefer a touch of urban life, the northern town of Henningsvær is highly recommended.
One of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever stayed in is Nusfjord Arctic Resort. While Lofoten has many accommodation options, this one stands out for its location, service, architecture, and décor — it’s truly one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever experienced.
Nusfjord is located at the end of a secluded fjord that opens into the sea. It’s also the oldest fishing village in Lofoten. The earliest known settlement here dates back to 425 BC. During Nusfjord’s “golden age,” more than 1,500 fishermen lived in these rorbu cabins. Today, aside from the resort, only about 16 people live here year-round.
Nusfjord Arctic Resort authentically reflects Lofoten’s rich cultural heritage. The staff here provides service based on the Norwegian concept of “hygge” — the art of comfort and coziness. The resort is made up entirely of variously sized rorbu cabins, all modernized for today’s comfort. It feels like a charming village, complete with a small shop and café, an art gallery, a spa, open-air hot tubs, and two restaurants.
Restaurant Karoline offers a fantastic menu with a focus on local, Arctic-inspired dishes. Oriana Tavern, on the other hand, is a cozy bar known for its wood-fired pizzas.
We spent a full 48 hours in Nusfjord without leaving, and absolutely loved every minute.
Other restaurants I’d recommend in Lofoten are Gadus (inside Eliassen Rorbuer) and Anita’s Fish Restaurant on the road to Reine.
