{"id":50633,"date":"2025-01-27T09:50:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T09:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/the-spectacular-lofoten-islands-my-questions-my-answers\/"},"modified":"2025-01-27T09:50:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T09:50:24","slug":"the-spectacular-lofoten-islands-my-questions-my-answers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=50633","title":{"rendered":"The Spectacular Lofoten Islands: My Questions, My Answers"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Nusfjord\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n

The Lofoten Islands are home to some of Earth\u2019s most\u00a0majestic and dramatic scenery<\/span>. An adventure-lover\u2019s playground, there<\/em>\u2018s no one way to explore this dreamy archipelago in the Arctic Circle. Read on to discover how best to plan a trip to Norway\u2019s most unique islands, including transportation methods, accommodation options, activities, and itinerary ideas.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018Let\u2019s go to the Lofoten Islands next summer,\u2019 I say to my husband over dinner. He lifts his gaze and looks at me like I\u2019ve just asked him to bungee jump into an active volcano.<\/p>\n

\u2018We got back from Ibiza<\/a> yesterday!\u2019 he says in exasperation. \u2018Next summer is a long way off.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Except it isn\u2019t,\u2019 I argue. \u2018Especially for remote places like the Lofoten Islands. Just wait. The rest of Europe has wildfires, crowds, and raging heat. Scandinavia<\/a> will be the next travel hot spot. Not temperature hot\u2014cool hot.<\/em> Get it? We\u2019ll be able to say we went first!\u2019<\/p>\n

Daniel sighs. I win.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/figure>\n

The Lofoten Islands: Where to Start<\/h2>\n

Yikes, I win! Now what?<\/p>\n

The DC heat is melting the soles off my shoes. But there\u2019s no better time to plan for (next) summer. I start by tapping into my trusted travel sources. Google helps me map distances between islands, villages, and sights. Norwegian bloggers recommend lodging whose websites I comb through in granular detail. Adventure bloggers highlight must-do activities that I\u2019m not convinced I\u2019m adventurous enough to do. I cross-reference this information with Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure,<\/em> and Outside Magazine<\/em> to gauge credibility.<\/p>\n

Then, I call my travel advisor <\/a>to put the pieces of this Norwegian travel puzzle together. And although they\u2019re still placing the finishing touches on their clients\u2019 current summer trips, they listen as if they have all the time in the world. If they\u2019re rolling their eyes about my fear of not getting a cabin in Nusfjord twelve months from now, I can\u2019t tell.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019m up for an Arctic adventure. The first question is, are you?<\/p>\n

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Click here for my FREE Wish List Destinations Hot Sheet<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Illustration<\/figure>\n

Q. Where are the Lofoten Islands, exactly?<\/h2>\n

The Lofoten Islands are in Northern Norway, just inside the Arctic Circle\u2014an archipelago of seven main islands bisected by glacial fjords. I discover the Lofoten Islands through Instagram. Those algorithms are scarily spot on. I\u2019m immediately drawn to the dramatic mountainscape and steep walls of the deep, rocky fjords.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019m intrigued by the Midnight Sun\u2014keen to find out how I\u2019ll stay asleep in the absence of darkness. (Spoiler alert: I don\u2019t\u2014pack an eye mask). I imagine feeling the fresh, cool Arctic air while searching for sea eagles and whales. I\u2019m more excited to sleep in an authentic fisherman\u2019s cabin than an oceanfront suite at The Four Seasons.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Lofoten Facts:<\/h3>\n

\u2022 The Lofoten Island mountains are about 100 miles long and over 3 billion years old.
\u2022 The total population of the Lofoten Islands is approximately 24,500.
\u2022 In Svolv\u00e6r, the Midnight Sun prevails from May 25 to July 18.
\u2022 During the summer, the Lofoten Islands have a mild, if changeable, climate.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/figure>\n

Q. How do we get there?<\/h2>\n

The key to getting to the Lofoten Islands is the willingness to enjoy the journey and<\/em> the destination. This is unpopular wisdom in my family, who treat an airport terminal like an Olympic sports arena. It isn\u2019t hard to reach the Lofoten Islands\u2014it just takes time and patience.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The best way to reach the Lofoten Islands is via ferry from the mainland port of Bod\u00f8. (Bod\u00f8 is a 1.5-hour flight from Oslo.) Approaching Lofoten by boat can\u2019t be underestimated. The distant islands are layered in rich gemstone hues of green and blue. The jagged, rugged-edged mountains look prehistoric and cut sharply against the cloudless blue sky. Passengers may even spot a pod of pilot whales if they are lucky. Keep your eyes open.<\/p>\n

Travel Notes:<\/h3>\n

\u2022 Oslo is the most convenient gateway to the Lofoten Islands.
\u2022 Many visitors fly from Oslo to Bod\u00f8 then take a passenger ferry or prop plane to Svolv\u00e6r or Leknes.
\u2022\u00a0The ferry is a scenic and cost-effective way to get to the Lofoten Islands. Be sure to buy ferry tickets in advance using this link<\/a>.
\u2022 Wider\u00f8e offers direct flights from Oslo to Lofoten, but they are seasonal. Check availability.
\u2022 Consider adding a few days in Oslo on the way to Lofoten and a few days in Bergen on the way home. Two days are ample time to explore these two cities and have the added benefit of breaking up the travel.<\/p>\n

\"Manshuassen<\/figure>\n

Q. Is Manshaussen Island Worth a Detour?<\/h2>\n

Manshaussen is an island retreat 850 miles north of Oslo and 31 miles south of the Lofoten Islands. It\u2019s a big detour for a small resort, but I\u2019m not visiting the Arctic Circle without at least one night in their award-winning glass sea cabins. Manshaussen was an insta-discovery circa 2018. Now, via a 1.5-hour flight to Bod\u00f8, a 2.5-hour passenger ferry to Nordskot, and a 5-minute speed boat, it becomes an insta-reality. <\/p>\n

Sound amazing? Oh, it is! Read all about it here.<\/a><\/p>\n

After three blissful day-filled nights on Manshaussen,<\/a> we take a ferry across the Vestfjorden to Svolv\u00e6r, the unofficial capital of the Lofoten Islands.<\/p>\n

\"Dan<\/figure>\n

Q. How many days will we need?<\/h2>\n

Like many visitors to the Lofoten Islands, we travel mainly between the towns of Svolv\u00e6r and \u00c5. This scenic north-to-south driving route takes approximately 2 \u00bd hours. But having 4-6 days to explore this seemingly short route is necessary, as there are endless villages to wander, mountains to hike, pastries to devour, and wide sandy beaches to divert our attention.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The benefit of having a few extra days allows for flexibility. For example, if it rains the day a big hike is planned, you can adjust as needed. <\/p>\n

\"Boats<\/figure>\n

Q. What\u2019s the best way to get around?<\/h2>\n

A rental car is a must in the Lofoten Islands. We pick up ours in Svolv\u00e6r, a natural starting point due to its convenient ferry terminal and airport. Svolv\u00e6r\u2019s roots as a fishing town are evident everywhere, from the traditional rorbus<\/em> (fisherman cabins) to classic fishing boats and the ubiquitous stockfish drying racks.<\/p>\n

As a side note, stockfish (Arctic Cod) is Lofoten\u2019s claim to fame\u2014Norway\u2019s oldest and most important export. They say the smell of the drying cod is the smell of money, but I think that\u2019s just a clever way to reframe an unpleasant odor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The main road that connects the islands is the E10. It\u2019s a staggeringly scenic and easy-to-navigate route, with low-arching, serpentine bridges, tunnels, and off-shoots to seaside villages and beaches. Camping and camper vans are especially popular ways to explore, but I\u2019d rather eat stockfish for a year than roam Lofoten by van. My holiday, my choice.<\/p>\n

Know before you go: <\/h3>\n

\u2022 Rent a car in advance as availability is limited.
\u2022 Public transportation is not an ideal way to get around.
\u2022 Go old school and take a paper map just in case WI-FI is an issue.
\u2022 The journey is the destination! Enjoy the drive. To use a technical term, it\u2019s crazy beautiful.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/figure>\n

Q. What\u2019s a rorbuer?<\/h2>\n

Rorbuer<\/em> are the seaside stilted, wooden huts where traveling fishermen lived during the harsh cod fishing season. Up to four fishermen lived in each rorbu, which had kitchenettes and, most importantly, direct access to their boats. Today, these iconic cabins, most painted bright red with white trim, have been retrofitted as tourist accommodations. Some, however, are better retrofitted than others.<\/p>\n

\"Rorbuer<\/figure>\n

Q. Where will we stay?<\/h2>\n

I dive deep into rorbu websites, knowing we will sacrifice some traditional luxury for a more authentic accommodation experience. Belmond, Aman,<\/a> and Auberge<\/a> have yet to break ground in the Arctic. Long may that last.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For our five nights in Lofoten, we decide on two lodgings along our route\u2014two nights in Svolv\u00e6r and three in Nusfjord. These two bases allow us to easily wander the north and south regions and experience multiple rorbus with multiple views.<\/p>\n

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Click here for my FREE Wish List Destinations Hot Sheet<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Svinoyer<\/figure>\n

Svin\u00f8ya Rorb<\/a>uer<\/a><\/h3>\n

In Svolv\u00e6r, we stay at Svin\u00f8ya Rorbuer,<\/a> whose below-average amenities and modest, underwhelming decor are compensated by its fantastic location, lively outdoor pub\/restaurant, and harbor views. I can\u2019t stop photographing the rorbuers and could often be found well past my usual bedtime waiting for the dipping sun to fire up its red exterior.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Nusfjord<\/figure>\n

Nusfjord Arctic Resort, N<\/a>usfjord<\/a><\/h3>\n

In contrast, Nusfjord Arctic Resort <\/a>tips as far toward luxury as one can hope for in Lofoten. A Small Luxury Hotel of the World, this resort preserves the look and feel of a traditional fishing village.<\/p>\n

Nusfjord\u2019s rorbus are mustard yellow; many are several hundred years old. Tourists are welcome to explore the grounds, the general store, the bakery, the smithy, the boatshed, and the cod liver refinery throughout the day. But come 5pm, the property is reserved for guests only.<\/p>\n

\"Nusfjord<\/figure>\n

Nusfjord\u2019s rooms are beautifully restored and appointed. Our rorbu has an ample yet cozy living space and two small bedrooms. The low ceilings were designed to warm the fishermen in the harsh winter. With soft bathrobes, slippers, and a Nespresso machine, Nusfjord\u2019s cabins would be unrecognizable to the fisherman who slept there decades ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"View<\/figure>\n

Other Rorbuers worth considering:<\/h3>\n

\u2022 El<\/a>iassen Rorbuer,<\/a> in Hamn\u00f8y\/Reine
\u2022 Reinefjorden Sj\u00f8hus<\/a>, in Hamn\u00f8y\/Reine
\u2022 Sakris\u00f8y Rorbuer<\/a>, in Reine<\/p>\n

\"Trollsfjord<\/figure>\n

Q. What do we do there?<\/h2>\n

The Lofoten Islands are an adventure-seeker\u2019s playground. And the Midnight Sun means no barriers exist to enjoying all they offer. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, SUP\u2019ing, and fjord-exploring are just a few adrenaline-filled activities we participate in. We plan geographically, using our two bases wisely.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Trollsfjord<\/figure>\n

RIB\u2019ing in Trollsfjord<\/h3>\n

In Svolv\u00e6r, we take a high-speed RIB boat across Trollfjord<\/a>\u2014one of Lofoten\u2019s most breathtaking fjords. RIB stands for \u2018rigid inflatable boat.\u2019 They\u2019re an ideal way to crisscross the fjords and soak up the landscape\u2019s natural beauty.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Get tickets for the best RIB boat experiences in Lofoten right here<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Sea<\/figure>\n

Trollfjord is defined by its narrow entrance, steep-sided mountains, and convocations of sea eagles. The eagles, also known as white-tailed eagles, are majestic. Their piercing eyes have two centers of focus. This binocular vision means they can see forward and sidewards at the same time,<\/em> which is a pretty amazing, yet nerdy, bird fact.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Hike<\/figure>\n

Hiking in Svolv\u00e6r and Reine<\/h3>\n

Daniel organizes two family hikes. He\u2019s militant about getting to the summits in record time, so to an outside observer, our hikes look like four angry solo hikers muttering silently to themselves. But all our rage dissipates at the summit, even our daughter\u2019s\u2014 the views are that good.<\/p>\n

The hike to Devil\u2019s Gate (Djevelporten)<\/em> is accessed via Devil\u2019s Staircase (Djeveltrappa)<\/em>, an ungodly number of stone stairs 1.8 miles straight up the mountain. It\u2019s hell. But unveils a heavenly 360-degree panorama of Svolv\u00e6r.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Reinebrigen\"<\/figure>\n

Further south, Reinbringen may be the most famous hike in Lofoten. This is due to its pinnacle views over the archipelago\u2019s most picturesque villages\u2014Reine, Sakris\u00f8y, and Hamn\u00f8y. At 2 km total in and out, don\u2019t be fooled by the seemingly short distance. This treacherous hike is a one-kilometer staircase to the sky.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"Dan<\/figure>\n
\"Dan<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Other activities worth mentioning:<\/h3>\n

\u2022 Kayaking (R<\/a>eine Adventure<\/a>)<\/a>
\u2022 The Blacksmith Museum and live blacksmith demonstration at Sund<\/a>
\u2022 Artscape Nordland:<\/a> 35 works of art placed in the landscape across Nordland; five are in Lofoten, including \u2018Untitled\u2019 by American artist Dan Graham
\u2022 The scenic, seaside Nusfjord to Nesland hike<\/a>\u2014accessed from Nusfjord Arctic Resort<\/p>\n

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