What does Lofoten mean? Why should I care? And, most importantly, where on earth are the Lofoten Islands?
Have you ever heard of the Lofoten Islands? No?
They are an archipelago off the northern coast of Norway, beyond the Arctic Circle. In the local language, their name means “lynx’s foot.”
And now that we’ve wrapped up our little “fun facts” corner, get ready for a roundup of spectacular places featuring breathtaking scenery, towns with unpronounceable names and... cod?
Here are the places you simply can’t miss in this corner of the world, where modernity has (fortunately) not yet taken over completely.
Svolvaer
Welcome to Svolvaer, a little gem that almost feels unreal.
Imagine a town that looks as if it had been designed by an artist intoxicated by natural beauty.
Svolvaer is not just a name that will make you twist your mouth trying to pronounce it: with its pastel-colored houses reflected in crystal-clear waters and mountains rising in the background, it is a true paradise for the eyes.
The art galleries are filled with works inspired by the unique Lofoten light, and you might even come across a local artist at work.
And then there is the famous Svolværgeita mountain, just outside town: an incredible 150-meter rock pinnacle that has become a landmark for adrenaline lovers.
The E10 scenic route
Have you ever driven on a road that makes you say “Wow!” at every turn?
Well, the E10 scenic route through the Lofoten Islands is exactly that kind of road.
Starting in Å, Norway, and ending in Luleå, Sweden, it stretches for around 880 km, taking you through breathtaking landscapes, linking islands and offering views that will make you stop again and again just to take photos.
The most striking part of this road is undoubtedly the section through the Lofoten Islands, but the rest of the route is just as impressive: imagine driving among towering mountains, deep fjords and picturesque villages such as Reine and Hamnøy.
And let’s not forget the 18 tunnels you’ll pass through, all in Norway, which add a touch of adventure to the journey—and may leave your tongue tied as you try to pronounce their names: Sløverfjordtunnelen, Ingelsfjordtunnelen, Seljelitunnelen and so on.
And no, we’re not making this up: it’s all true.
Reine and Hamnøy
Located above the Arctic Circle, Reine boasts a rich history dating back to 1743 as a trading post, especially for northern fish such as cod, which you’ll find just about everywhere here.
But its past wasn’t all sunshine and roses: in 1941, the Germans burned down part of the village, one of the many tragedies that marked the Second World War.
Everything was quickly rebuilt, and today Reine is a leading tourist destination.
As you drive along the E10 scenic route mentioned above, you’ll be captivated by the dramatic landscapes surrounding Reine, where mountains plunge boldly into the sea. And just when you think the view couldn’t possibly get any more picturesque, Hamnøy appears on the horizon, offering a spectacular experience with its traditional fishermen’s cabins and fjord views.
Henningsvær
Henningsvær is a small fishing village—and we really do mean small. It covers an area of just 0.3 square kilometers.
Set on small islands off the southern coast of Austvågøya, in the magnificent Lofoten archipelago, Henningsvær is a truly stunning hidden gem among the Norwegian fjords.
Now, villages in this country are all spectacular, with colorful houses overlooking northern waters and incredible scenery all around. But Henningsvær has one feature that sets it apart: Henningsvaer Fotballbanen. That’s not a local swear word, but a football field that even caught UEFA’s attention, so much so that they made a video about it.
Why did they choose this particular football field?
Well, because of how unique it is. Where else can you find a football field in the middle of the mountains, beside the fjords and surrounded by racks for drying cod?
Read also: Exploring Mongolia: what to see in the heart of the steppe
The northern lights
And then there are the northern lights.
At this point, you might say, “But what do the northern lights have to do with places to visit in the Lofoten Islands?”
Fair enough: the northern lights are not a place. But they are such an incredible phenomenon—and so perfectly experienced on these islands—that we simply couldn’t leave them out.
A bit of a cheat?
Maybe that’s what you think right now, but if you see them with your own eyes, trust us, you’ll change your mind.
If you travel to the Lofoten Islands and visit at the right time (roughly from September until the end of March), you have a good chance of witnessing this extraordinary spectacle: beams of light crossing the sky in colors ranging from green to shades of red and, in rare cases, turning blue. A sort of glowing “curtain” that looks as though it’s being shaken by an invisible hand.
And if you’re lucky, you may even hear sounds resembling whispers in the sky, a phenomenon sometimes associated with the northern lights.
In conclusion
The Lofoten Islands are a kaleidoscope of natural, artistic and historical wonders. From the pastel-colored houses of Svolvaer to the breathtaking landscapes along the E10 scenic route, and the picturesque villages of Reine and Hamnøy, every corner of these islands tells a unique story.
Henningsvær, with its football field nestled between mountains and fjords and surrounded by cod-drying racks, is one of those things that makes you say, “Seriously?”
And then there is the northern lights, a phenomenon that turns the sky into a living canvas of dancing lights, making every visit to the Lofoten Islands an unforgettable experience.
It’s true that Norway has so much more to offer, but these islands bring together an extraordinary concentration of spectacular sights that is hard to match. And we want to show you every single one of them.
Take a look at the itinerary for our Lofoten tour and, once you’ve finished dreaming about everything you’ll read there, get in touch. We’re waiting for you on our next departure to the Arctic Circle.
