9 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Lofoten Islands

INDONEWTRAVEL.COM - Lofoten's four main islands of Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Moskenesøy, and Flakstadøy, together with a number of smaller islands, lie so close together that from a distance, they resemble a single mountain range. Surrounded by countless rocky islets, the islands are indented by numerous inlets and fjords with towering rock walls of up to 1,005 meters.

The mountains themselves, some as high as 1,266 meters, are alpine, with characteristic steep-sided, snowcapped summits. Lofoten's many cliffs are perfect for nesting seabirds and other wildlife, while abundant marine life, such as migrating killer whales, provide another great reason to visit.

Tourism makes a significant year-round contribution to the economy. In summer, the secluded beaches and snug fishing harbors draw sightseers, kayakers, and campers. Come winter, seeing the fantastic northern lights and skiing are popular things to do in the Lofoten Islands.

Despite being in the Arctic Circle, Lofoten experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature variances relative to its latitude. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, this archipelago in Norway's Nordland region has mild winters and warm summers, with weather not as severe as other such northerly regions.

To learn more about this beautiful region of Norway, be sure to read through our list of the top tourist attractions on the Lofoten Islands.

1. Svolvaer

Svolvaer

Lofoten's largest town, Svolvaer (population 4720), is located on the south coast of Austvågøy. Well served by ferries and cruise ships from the mainland and elsewhere, this town is an important fishing port and is where most people begin their Lofoten adventure.

Svolvaer is a vibrant place to visit, especially around the harbor area with its many excellent cafés, bars, and restaurants. In addition to its shops and galleries, the Lofoten War Memorial Museum is worth visiting for its collection of WWII-era uniforms and artifacts. This fascinating attraction also has numerous exhibits relating to Norwegian resistance and the German occupation.

Svolvaer is also home to Magic Ice, a unique space where Lofoten life is illustrated in ice sculptures, as well as the North Norwegian Artist's Centre, which has a continuously changing variety of artwork in varied media.

If you're a climber, check out the famous Svolvær Goat (Svolværgeita). This unusual twin-peaked rock outcrop is visible from the town and offers incredible views for those brave enough to perform the famous "Svolvær Goat leap."

Although the steep climb to the base of the peak takes less than an hour, the services of a professional guide are highly recommended for those wanting to make their way to the top.

Address: Fiskergata 3, 8300 Svolvær

2. Lofotr Viking Museum

Lofotr Viking Museum

The Lofotr Viking Museum(Lofotr Vikingmuseum) at Bøstad on the island of Vestvågøy is a must-visit when in the Lofotens. The highlight is an authentic reconstruction of the 272-foot-long chieftain's house – the largest Viking-era building on record – that once stood on the site around 500 AD.

This excellent Viking adventure includes a superb short-film about the life of the chieftain and his family, as well as interpretive tours of the house and the numerous artifacts discovered on the site during archeological digs.

Afterwards, walk down to the adjoining lake to see the replica Viking vessels, including an impressive longship. If visiting in August, be sure to catch the Lofotr Viking Festival, which includes re-enactments and the chance to see these Viking vessels at sea. A café and museum shop are located on-site.

Address: Vikingveien 539, 8360 Bøstad

3. Trollfjord

Trollfjord

From the straits of Raftsund, a narrow, rocky opening gives access to the Trollfjord, one of Lofoten's most popular tour boat excursions. Towering over the fjord is the snowcapped Higravtinder (1,191 meters) and the jagged Trolltinder (1,045 meters) mountains, rising high above the Trollfjord,]. This spectacular 3.2-kilometer-long mountain lake is usually frozen over.

Another popular day trip is by bus from Svolvðr to Stokmarknes and back by the express boat, which sails via the Trollfjord. Only 800 meters at its widest, it is quite the sight to watch cruise ships squeeze through the narrow gap during the summer months.

4. Kabelvåg

Kabelvåg

Kabelvåg, a small fishing village on Austvågøy, is a great place to learn more about the importance of fishing in Lofoten. Start with the Lofoten Museum (Lofotmuseet) with its displays of life in the 1800s, including the history of fishing on the islands, a collection of Nordland-type boats, and original fisherman's cabins.

The Lofoten Aquarium (Lofotakvariet) is also worth a visit. This popular attraction offers a chance to learn more about the area's marine life, including fish and sea mammals from Lofoten. Finally, be sure to also visit Vågan Church, the largest wooden church north of Trondheim.

Address: Storvåganveien 28, 8310 Kabelvåg

5. Å

Å

You could say all roads lead to Å, Lofoten's most westerly point. In addition to its spectacular views, this village on the island of Moskenesøy is home to the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum (Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum).

Exhibits include a working forge and stone oven bakery, the typical home of a fisherman, and traditional boats, as well as a gift shop with locally made products, including cod liver oil produced right at the museum.

Afterwards, visit the Lofoten Stockfish Museum (Lofoten Tørrfiskmuseum) dedicated to Lofoten's most famous, thousand-year-old export. Made from the plentiful cod that spawn around Lofoten's shallow waters, stockfish is everywhere on the islands, left to cure during the colder months on countless drying racks, and forming the basis for many of Lofoten's excellent fish dishes.

Address: Å vegen 5, 8392 Sørvågen

6. Røst Island

Puffins on Røst Island

Accessible only by boat, the remarkable Røst Island (Røstlandet), located about 99 kilometers from the mainland, is home to a large colony of seabirds, including some three million puffins. Thanks to its remoteness, the island's high crags – Vedøy, Storfjell, Stavøy, and Nykan – are perfect homes for many rare species, such as the greater and lesser storm petrels and fulmars.

All told, a quarter of Norway's seabird population lives on the island, a fact that makes the trip by boat from Røstland all the more worthwhile. As a result of this abundance of wildlife, much of the island has been designated a conservation area.

While there, be sure to also visit the Skomvær Lighthouse (Skomvær fyr). Built in 1887, it's considered to be the Lofoten's final Atlantic outpost.

7. Reine

Reine

Often cited as the most beautiful village in Norway, Reine – which translates as "Queen" – is a picturesque fishing community located on Moskenesøy. This popular tourist attraction has long been a favorite haunt of painters and climbers due to its spectacular fjord and mountain views.

The high ground above the village offers superb views of the Moskenesstrømmen, a maelstrom described by Jules Verne and Edgar Allan Poe and considered one of the strongest such whirlpools in the world. For a close-up view of the maelstrom, take one of the many exciting boat trips through Moskenstraumen.

Address: Reine, Moskenesøy

8. Rorbuer: Fishing Huts

Rorbuer: Fishing Huts

For a truly unforgettable experience, treat yourself to a stay in one of Lofoten's iconic red fishing huts. Perched high above the tidal waters in countless fishing villages around Lofoten, many of these "rorbuer" (or "sjøhus") have been converted into accommodations and are perfect for use as a base to explore the area.

Originally built to provide simple overnight shelter for fishermen, many of these wharf buildings, often two or three stories high, are now available for rent. Accommodations run from basic (a few bunks and a stove) to luxurious fully catered suites.

9. Glasshytta: The Glassblower at Vikten Leknes

Glasshytta: The Glassblower at Vikten

Northern Norway's first glassblower, artist Åsvar Tangrand, began to create blown glass artwork and items after being inspired by the beautiful surrounding landscape of Vikten. Tangrand's work quickly became known throughout Norway for the techniques he developed and his trademark symbol "Lofotruna."

The studio, named Glasshytta, is a quirky group of attached buildings that are worth visiting even if you're not in the market for glassware. The studio is also home to a pottery workshop, as well as a cozy coffee shop, and visitors can tour the grounds.

Address: Gnr 34 Bnr 22, 8382 Napp