A person sitting on a sandy beach by an azure sea looking at mountainous islands.

1. White sandy beaches

Who doesn’t love beautiful beaches? Believe it or not, Norway has plenty of white sandy beaches along its long coast line. Many of them are nestled between steep mountains and an azure-coloured sea on the Lofoten Islands.

A boat leaving a village with small wooden houses. Birds circling above.

2. Charming fishing villages

Travelling around the islands you will encounter charming villages with colourful houses. Fishing boats docked at the quays are a clear sign of the main industry here.

A fishing village by a fjord on the Lofoten Islands, rugged mountains on the horizon.

3. Majestic mountains

The islands are covered in steep, rugged mountains rising up to 1,100 metres from the sea. View them from below or go hiking. There are several easy but spectacular shorter hikes that are suitable for most people. For example, Reinebringen (448 metres above sea level) by the village of Reine.

A person in a dry suit carrying a surf board towards the sea on a beach on the Lofoten Islands.

4. Activities to suit every taste.

Fishing adventures at sea, white-tailed eagle safaris in an RIB and sea kayaking tours are all examples of popular activities on the Lofoten Islands. The choices are many and we are sure you will find your favourite activity. Are you into surfing? This is actually one of the northernmost surfing locations in the world – and you don’t have to be an expert to try it.

Downhill skier in fresh powder snow on a mountain side with views to the sea and rugged mountains on the Lofoten Islands.

5. Skiing: Summit to sea

Are you a keen skier looking for an out-of-the-ordinary skiing experience? You’ve found it! The steep mountains are perfect for off-piste adventures and offer stunning views. Mind you, there are no short cuts and you’ll have to walk up.

Green waves of the Northern Lights in the sky above a fishing village on the Lofoten Islands.

6. Aurora Borealis

Hunting for the Northern lights is a great reason to visit Northern Norway in the winter and the Lofoten Islands are no exception. Get ready to experience this spectacular natural phenomenon, where colourful waves dance in the dark sky above.

A rack with five stockfish illuminated by a yellow Midnight Sun.

7. Culinary experiences

Wooden racks filled with stockfish are a characteristic sight on the Lofoten Islands. This is a traditional way of preserving cod by hanging it to dry in the harsh weather. Stockfish has been one of the main export items from Norway since medieval times. Sample it locally or try fresh seafood at its best in the winter.

Red cabins lining the sea with a seagull flying above. Mountains in the background.

8. Quaint fisherman's cabins

Another characteristic sight are the small red fisherman’s cabins along the shoreline. Fishermen used to stay in these cabins, called rorbu in Norwegian, when visiting the Lofoten Islands for the fishing season. Why not book one for your holiday?

A lonely yellow house with a snowy field in the foreground, the sea in the background and a blue sky above.

9. Tranquillity

The Lofoten Island’s landscape is rugged and the climate can be harsh, but it also has a sense a serenity. With its isolated houses and villages, long beaches, natural food and views to the North Sea, a visit here is an escape from a hectic daily life.

Views of a small town and stockfish racks on the Lofoten Islands. Mountains in the background and a sky coloured yellow, pink and blue.

10. Hospitable local culture

There is something special about the temperament of the people who live in Northern Norway. Perhaps they have adapted to the rough climate and dark winters? They are certainly very hospitable and have a great sense of humour. Be sure to stop and talk to the people you meet.

10 reasons to why you should visit Lofoten