The Lofoten Islands, a small archipelago located in the arctic circle at the far northern reaches of Norway, is a true bucket list destination. We visited for a wonderful week in summer, and have put together a range of guides about our visit, and our almost one month stay in Norway as a whole. The Lofoten Islands have become more well known over the past few years, especially with social media, and for good reason, they are incredibly beautiful. Filled with views at every turn, world-best hikes, cute fishing villages and lots more, they are an option you should be adding to your bucket list. Our guide looks into what towns you should consider visiting when you head to the Lofoten Islands. This is based upon our visit during summer, and is our opinion only. This doesn’t look into all of the hikes, beaches and other attractions, more just the cute towns that are scattered along the islands. We hope this fuels your travel inspiration, and kickstarts your planning for a trip to Lofoten.
What towns should you visit in Lofoten Islands
Please note – the Lofoten Islands are so picturesque that almost all of the towns, beaches, view points, hikes and roads are photogenic. This list isn’t exhaustive, and you’ll likely find yourself stopping at many points along your road trip or stay in the islands.
Must Visit:
Henningsvaer
The vibrant harbour town of Henningsvaer ranks as the top must visit town in Lofoten islands. Boasting a combination of picturesque views, unique attractions, nearby hikes, scandi style and the most ‘substance’ of all the towns in Lofoten, it should be high on your list. The obvious attractions are the Festivagen hike (it’s harder than you think), the iconic Henningsvaer stadium, the photogenic harbour, and the beautiful Rorvikstrada beach. However dig a little below the excellent attractions and you’ll find a few excellent cafes which are great for some Fika (a Swedish concept of taking a break with coffee and a pastry). There’s the iconic Trevarefabrikken, a café/restaurant/event space/sauna/hotel and much more. Henningsvaer is the perfect spot to spend a night or 2 on a Lofoten road trip, or if you’re spending summer in Lofoten, use it as an excellent base. See our Henningsvaer guide here!
Reine
The postcard perfect views of the Reine fishing village are hard to beat. The waterfront is lined with traditional red Rorbu houses, and the town is flanked by impressive jagged mountains at every turn. Reine is the ‘pretty town’, and a must visit for the views. It is also located right next to the popular and ‘must do’ hike Reinebringen.. the views from the top are incredible. The proximity of Reine at the ‘end’ of Lofoten Islands makes it an excellent and easy addition to your road trip. It’s also close to the Moskenes ferry port, a common entry/exit point on the island. Reine has a variety of easy day trip options, with nearby towns of ‘A’, Hamnoy, and Sakrisøy all worth exploring for day trips. Reine also has kyack and boat tours, attractions that are excellent in pleasant weather. Reine is a must visit for the views and nearby attractions. however, don’t expect Reine to have the same ‘substance’ as Henningsvaer.
Haukland
While not a town, Haukland is one of the most picturesque beaches we have ever seen, and deserves its spot on the list. The bright white sand sits at the base of mountains, with crystal clear water lapping the shore. Save your visit for a nice weather day, arrive earlyish to beat the crowds, and enjoy one the beauty of Haukland and the surrounding region. You can easily add on a visit to Uttakleiv Beach, a hike up Himmeltindan, or a visit to the equally beautiful Vik Beach. There are options to camp at Uttakliev, Haukland and Vik beach, which can be an excellent option in the summer. Located only a short distance from the main highway, it’s a great detour, especially in summer months.
Strongly Consider:
Nusfjord
The well preserved fishing town of Nusfjord is more like an open air museum than a town. The only thing stopping Nusfjord being a must visit is the fact it costs 100NOK per person to enter the town. We visited for a day trip and enjoyed the cute brightly painted yellow and red buildings. The café, Landhandleriet Café, makes one of the best coffee’s in Lofoten, and the bakery is always busy delivering great pastries. You can easily spend an hour or 2 wandering the town, getting a coffee and checking out the old fishing village history. Nusfjord is well positioned on the way down Lofoten, and we think the entry fee is worth it.
Sakrisoya
A collection of little, bright yellow houses make up the tiny town of Sakrisoya. Home to a couple of restaurants, an antique shop, and a few accommodation stays, the town is great for a brief visit. Enjoy the views of the mountains, fjords, and the cute houses. It’s only a few minutes away from Reine, meaning you can easily add this onto your stay or road trip in this region.
Kabelvag
The little town of Kabelvag is definitely a good option to visit nearby Svolvaer and Henningsvaer. Located right of the main highway, home to a cute harbour, and an excellent café (Hjornet Kafe), Kabelvag is a good stop on your road trip along Lofoten. Unless you are staying here a night, you wouldn’t need more than an hour or 2 in the town.
Ballstad
Another sleepy, ‘local feel’ town in Lofoten that is worth a mention on this list. We visited for lunch at the excellent Solsiden Lofoten, and enjoyed our drive and walk through the town. While not home to as many ‘attractions’ Ballstad has a great feel in summer. Definitely visit Solsiden for a lunch or a coffee, check out the artistic mural nearby the harbour and snap some pictures of the brightly coloured houses dotted around the harbour and along Ballstandlandet. Don’t come to ‘tick off things to do’ in Ballstad. Come for a relaxed, holiday feel, which is definitely a good vibe on a sunny summer day.
Ramberg
The town of Ramberg is well positioned in the centre of the archipelago between Henningsvaer and Reine. It is also close-by the popular Lofoten Beach Camp and the must-do hike of Ryten. Near the town are the impressive Ramberg bridges with view points, and the town has a beautiful white sand beach (Rambergstranda). Depending your road trip itinerary, it makes a logical spot for a one night stay nearby the Ryten hike in Fredvang. However, if you don’t stay, it’s a decent stop on your travels.
Flakstad
The town itself is tiny, with a few houses and a church. You don’t need to visit this town, however do consider a visit to the restaurant/bar on Lofoten Beach Camp a few minutes down the road. Located on Skagsnden beach, it’s a great spot for a beer, meal, or even a walk along the sand. If you’re caravanning around, or wanting to camp, this would be one of the top spots to consider staying. So don’t come for the town of Flaksted, but the nearby beach is a good option to visit.
Do you need to visit?
Leknes
The central town of Leknes doesn’t actually have a lot happening. While it may serve as a decent central base to spend a night or 2, don’t expect much to do in the town. We would recommend staying in a farmstay or accommodation nearby Haukland, or in the closeby town of Ramstad, both which would offer a better experience. If you do decide to visit, make sure you get a coffee in the popular Huset Kafe, which does make an excellent cuppa!
Svolvaer
Another well located town due to the airport, however Svolvaer doesn’t have as much to offer as bigger towns Reine and Henningsvaer. There is the historic Svinoya, an island filled with coloured houses linked to the town with a bridge. However, outside of this tiny island, and an excellent collection of supermarkets (you’ll see the benefit of shopping at supermarkets when you see Lofoten’s prices), there isn’t as much to do here. It definitely appears Svolvaer is where some of the locals live. If you aren’t looking to do the challenging Svolvaer Floya hike, then we’d say you can easily give Svolvaer a miss.
Hamnoy
The popular town of Hamnoy is on many ‘must visit in Lofoten’ lists. Made up of red traditional Rorbu houses, Hamnoy is pretty much entirely accommodation. Home to one bakery, the town can be walked in 5 minutes, and while an easy addition to your road trips, it’s not particularly a must visit.
‘A’
Located on the tip of the islands, ‘A’ is a popular addition to many Lofoten road trips. However, after visiting, we don’t agree with many other guides online. The town itself is very small, and while home to some colourful houses, it’s not a picturesque as many on the lists above. The bakery in town is busy, but not remarkable, and the museum doesn’t appear to be a must do. Tourist busses often roll in, so it can get busy. While it can be an easy visit from Reine, we don’t think you need to prioritise it above some other towns on the list.
Keen to travel more around Norway? See a few of our guides below..
- Our guide to the colourful seaside town of Bergen
- Our guide to Oslo, a great Scandi city break!
- Our road trip from Bergen to Odda and Aurland through Vestland fjord country!
- See why the Woodnest in Odda is one of the best accommodation stays in the world!
- Our road trip stop at the picturesque Stalheim!
- Enjoy the natural beauty of Odda.. here’s what to do and why you should visit!
- A road trip stop in Norheimsund – why you should visit!
- See impressive drone shots from our visit to the Woodnest in Odda
- Aurland is one of the best fjord towns in the region – see our guide here!
- See our road trip stop in Gudvangen here.
- Laerdal is a cute spot for a coffee on your road trip in Norway!
- Want to watch the Midnight Sun in Lofoten? See our guide and experience!
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