My Favorite Stops in The Lofoten Islands | Norway

Lofoten, Norway has been on my bucket list for years, and I can finally say I’ve crossed it off! From snow-capped mountains rising dramatically above the sea to the witnessing the Northern Lights for the first time, every moment in Lofoten absolutely blew me away. My road trip was all about chasing the dramatic landscapes, winter is the best time to explore the mountains.

Along the way, I stumbled upon some amazing little towns, each with its own vibe and charm. So, grab a cozy drink and come along as I share my favorite stops from this dreamy winter adventure through the Lofoten Islands: Svolvær | Ballstad | Henningsvær | Nusfjord | Reine | Å.

Svolvær

Svolvær is kind of the main base for exploring the Lofoten Islands, and it has everything you might need: shops, restaurants, and tons of outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing. If you're into climbing (or just cool views), check out the iconic Svolværgeita, those twin peaks are pretty famous. While you’re here, you can also hit up The Lofoten Aquarium , hop on a Trollfjord Cruise, relax in the The Floating Fjord Sauna (yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds), or grab a drink at Lofotpils Brewery.

Ballstad

Ballstad is a cozy little fishing village on the eastern side of Vestvågøy is super chill and full of charm. The harbor is always buzzing with fishing boats, and it’s fun to just wander around, check out the local shops, and soak in the mountain-and-sea views. Definitely take a stroll by Ballstad Harbor, it’s beautiful. For food, I highly recommend Fangst and Heim both were amazing. We also stayed at Hattvika Lodge, and absolutely loved it. Bonus: it’s home to the delicious Fangst restaurant, so you don’t have to go far for a great meal.

Henningsvær

Henningsvær is one of those picture-perfect fishing villages — complete with colorful wooden houses, cute cafés, and a surprisingly cool artsy vibe. We spent some time wandering around, checking out little galleries and grabbing fresh seafood by the water. A few spots worth seeing: the Henningsvær Bridge (great views!), the Fishing Heritage Museum, and the Lille Kabelvåg Church, which has some cool history behind it. But the real highlight? The world-famous football field, it’s such a fun place to walk around and snap some epic photos. Before hitting the road, we stopped for a cozy coffee and snack at Henningsvær Lysstøperi and Cafe I highly recommend!

Nusfjord

Nusfjord is a super cute and quiet little village with a peaceful harbor that feels like stepping back in time. It’s one of those places where you can just slow down and take in the old-school charm of island life. Plus, it’s in a great spot if you're into hiking or beach hopping — some amazing ones nearby include Rambergstranda, Haukland, and Uttakleiv Beach. Hikes I would recommend are Volandstinden & Ryten/Kvalvika Hike.

I loved just wandering around the town and popping into all the cute little shops filled with local art. We grabbed coffee at this cozy Nordic spot called Landhandleriet Café, it was so cute. And before heading off to Reine, we picked up some delicious baked goodies at Hansines Bakeri Veronica Olaisen. Such a chill and fun stop!

Reine

Reine is one of the most popular spots in Lofoten — and for good reason. It’s known for those iconic red wooden cabins called rorbuer, which used to be fishermen’s huts but have been turned into the coziest places to stay. It’s also an absolute dream for landscape photos, especially with the mountains and water all around.

Some of the top things to do here? Hike Reinebringen (don’t attempt in the winter), wander around the nearby towns, hop on a boat tour to explore the fjords, or just spend your day kayaking and soaking up the views.

We stayed in one of the traditional rorbuer and honestly, it was such a cool experience. Cozy, quiet, and super scenic — plus, we got lucky and saw the Northern Lights here for the second time on our trip! If you’re headed to Lofoten, I totally recommend staying at Eliassen Rorbuer. The views are unreal, and the whole expereince was unforgettable.

Kvalvika Overlook Hike

We drove from Eliassen Rorbuer to hike Ryten/Kvalvika Hike, a 25 minute drive. This hike was definitely a challenge, especially in winter! Not only was there a serious elevation gain, but the snow was relentless too. If you’re tackling this trail, make sure to rent snowshoes and poles. It’s an out-and-back trail with a 1,922 ft elevation gain and 4.5 miles in total. But trust me, the insane views at the top were absolutely worth every step!

A place you should check out near Riene is Sakrisøy. Sakrisøy is a small island located at the foot of Olstind, one of Lofoten's most iconic mountains. The yellow house another photography favorite, is a traditional fishing cottage nestled in the town. While in Sakrisoya grab a bite at Anitas Seafood, a restaurant with spectacular views of mountains and ocean.

Å

Aaaa time to end with Å. Å is the western most town in the Lofoten Islands, is renowned for being at the end of the European route E10, signifying its westernmost location in all of Europe. If you’re into history definitely check out the Fisherman's House. Which allows visitors to step into an authentic home and witness the way fishing families lived in the 1800s. Want to grab a bite to eat in Å? Check out Brygga Restaurant or Å Bakery.

Our main reason for visiting Å was to dine at the Kitchen on the Edge of the World at Holmen Lofoten, a restaurant that received a Green Michelin Star in 2020. Located five minutes west of Å. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but we’re sure that it would have been an exceptional experience. We recommend making a reservation well in advance to ensure you don't miss out.

The Lofoten Islands seriously stole a piece of my heart. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of Svolvær, chasing the Northern Lights in Reine, or soaking up the old-time vibes in Nusfjord, each town has its own special charm. This place left me with unforgettable memories and a whole new appreciation for Norway’s stunning Arctic landscapes. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t miss out on these spots — they’re the real heart and soul of this magical archipelago. Want to see more check out my Map of the area Lofoten Islands Google Map

Sending good vibes for easy planning and unforgettable travels!