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Reine and Reinefjorden in the Lofoten Islands

No. 10 25 Great Islands to Visit 2026

Lofoten Islands

Nordland, Norway

Steep peaks rising from the sea, red fishing cabins and the northern lights above the Arctic Circle.

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Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago off northern Norway, well above the Arctic Circle. Sharp granite peaks rise straight from the sea, with fishing villages tucked into the bays.

In summer there is the midnight sun; from roughly September to March the northern lights can be seen on clear, dark nights. The Gulf Stream keeps the climate milder than the latitude suggests.

Lofoten, Norway (Unsplash)
Lofoten, Norway (Unsplash). Photo: Johannes Groll followhansi, CC0, source
Sildpollnes Church and Higravstindan in morning, Austvågøya, Lofoten, Norway, April
Sildpollnes Church and Higravstindan in morning, Austvågøya, Lofoten, Norway, April. Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Norway Lofoten bridge between Sakrisoya and Andoya
Norway Lofoten bridge between Sakrisoya and Andoya. Photo: Virtual-Pano, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

June to August for hiking and the midnight sun; September to March for the northern lights. Winter days are short.

Highlights

  • 1

    Reine

    A fishing village below steep peaks, one of the most photographed views in Norway.

  • 2

    Hamnøy and Sakrisøy

    Red rorbu cabins on small islands.

  • 3

    Hiking

    Trails such as Reinebringen give views over the fjords.

  • 4

    Northern lights

    Best seen on clear nights from autumn to early spring.

  • 5

    Beaches

    White-sand beaches such as Haukland and Uttakleiv.

Getting there

Flights reach Svolvær and Leknes from Bodø; ferries also run from Bodø to Moskenes. The E10 road links the islands to the mainland.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
Four to seven days.

Official information: Visit Norway: Lofoten. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

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