The Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway are a magical place. Where snow-dusted peaks rise from icy fjords and colourful fishing villages glow under the Northern Lights. Throw in Arctic beaches, iconic red Rorbuer cabins, frozen lakes and cosy cafés and you’ll soon realise there is a lot to explore when you visit Lofoten!
I spent one month as a digital nomad in Norway and soon discovered that a Lofoten road trip was the best way to explore the archipelago. Yes, even in winter! Many of the best things to do in Lofoten are in remote spots where public transport is unavailable.
It would be frustrating to venture this far north and not hike every trail or see every beautiful fishing village! Based on my time there, I’ve created this 6-day Lofoten travel guide so you can also have an unforgettable winter trip.
6-Day Lofoten Road Trip Itinerary
Day One: Ballstad and Nonstinden
Start the first day of your Lofoten itinerary in Ballstad. This fishing village is one of the largest and the starting point for the hike up Nonstinden. It has a 1,505 ft (459 m) elevation and takes around two hours to hike up depending on your fitness levels and how often you stop.
This was my favourite hike of the entire trip. There are epic views of Unstad Beach and the jagged peaks of Skottinden.
Day Two: Reine, Hamnøy and Nusfjord
Drive from Ballstad to Reine, which takes just over an hour. The Olenilsøya Viewpoint of the red cabins of Hamnøy on the coastline is one of the most iconic spots on any Lofoten guide! It’s on a narrow bridge, so park elsewhere and walk.
Finish the second day of your Lofoten road trip in Nusfjord. It’s a 40-minute drive from Reine and the coffee from the Nusfjord General Store is delicious! Opening times are usually 10:00 AM–6:00 PM every day.
Day Three: Ramberg Beach and Nubben
Ramberg Beach is another must-visit on the Lofoten Islands. And it’s only around 40 minutes from Ballstad! In the summer, the beach’s sand is pristine white but in winter you can see panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Next, hike up Nubben, a peak in Ramberg that reaches 787 ft (240 m) above sea level. This is a shorter, easier hike than Nonstinden but the views are also stunning.
Don’t leave Ramberg without grabbing a coffee and cake from Café Lille Martine. Opening times are 10:00 AM-4:00 PM from Tuesday to Friday and 11:00 AM-3:00 PM on Saturdays. It’s usually closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Day Four: Henningsvær and Nipen
Henningsvær stretches across several Lofoten Islands on the southern coast. You’ll truly feel on the edge of the world! Driving to Henningsvær from Ballstad takes around 80 minutes. There are some beautiful art galleries here like Engelskmannsbrygga and Gallery Lofoten.
Drive away from the fishing village and hike up Nipen, your third hike on this Lofoten Islands itinerary. It’s a moderately difficult hike and takes around three hours to complete. But the views over the fishing village are just gorgeous.
Head back to Henningsvær Lysstøperi and Cafe for a post-hike coffee and pastry. This cosy coffee shop is open from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM daily.
Day Five: Kvalvika Beach, Ryten and Gravdal
Lofoten has such remote beaches that you can’t park near them and must hike out! Drive to Innersand Parking (50 minutes from Ballstad) and follow the trail to Kvalvika Beach. It’s considered an easy 3 km trail that takes around 90 minutes but the last part is steep.
After a stroll along the beach, continue to Ryten (or should I say… up!). This peak is 1,781 ft (543 m) elevation and offers the best jaw-dropping views.
Afterwards, stop at Chocolateroom in Gravdal for homemade chocolates and some amazing cinammon buns. Although opening times vary throughout the year, in winter, they are usually open from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday.
Day Six: Uttakleiv Beach, Haukland Beach, Mannen and Leknes
Drive only 30 minutes north of Ballstad to reach Uttakleiv Beach. This dramatic northern coastline is covered in huge boulders and is truly spectacular. Haukland Beach is close and is also surrounded by mountains. They’re both great spots for witnessing the Northern Lights, so head here if your apps report high solar activity!
If you want to squeeze in one last hike, climb up Mannen. It’s 1,312 ft (400 m) above sea level and takes 2-3 hours round-trip. It’s considered an easier hike than other Lofoten peaks but you still get epic views of Haukland Beach.
End your 6-day lofoten itinerary with a hot cup of coffee from Huset Kafé in Leknes. Opening times are 8:00 AM-4:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM on Fridays, and 10:00 AM-5:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Renting a Car in the Lofoten Islands
Since most visitors fly into Bodø and then take the ferry to Moskenes, you will probably rent your car in Bodø. It’s one of the best places to start your road trip because many of Lofoten’s iconic sights are in the south.
You can absolutely take a car on the ferry, but it’s an extra cost. The journey is 3 to 4 hours long and fairly choppy, so bring seasickness aids! Check the ferry schedule before finalising your flights and accommodation.
Depending on the flight and ferry timetables, you may need to stay overnight in Bodø.
The cost of a rental car depends on the model of the vehicle and the season. While rental companies often charge the equivalent of £50 per day for economy cars, premium options can cost £275 in peak season.
Check if you need an international driver’s license as some nationalities may need to provide one. UK and EU citizens only need a valid driver’s license. Don’t forget to ask the rental company for tips on driving on icy winter roads!
Book the Best Base for a Lofoten Road Trip
There are a few ways to figure out your Lofoten accommodation. You could stay in a different cabin every night or choose one base and essentially take a day trip for six days.
If the main road through the Lofoten Archipelago were a loop, booking different accommodations would make sense. However, the E10 is an out-and-back road. We loved our base in Ballstad because it was central and close to everywhere!
Other guides often list popular villages like Reine as a base, but it’s far in the south. Always check Google Maps before booking accommodation to ensure it’s in a convenient location.
Essential Tips for a Winter Lofoten Islands Road Trip:
- Keep an eye on the skies for Northern Lights: Lofoten has notoriously unpredictable weather so it actually isn’t the best place to spot the Aurora Borealis in Norway. But you never know! Download the “My Aurora Forecast” app, wrap up warm, and be patient.
- Pack your spikes for hiking. Because everywhere is icey, you might need crampons even when walking around the villages. Therefore, you’ll definitely need them on hikes! See my Lofoten winter packing list for everything I recommend.
- Check the weather forecast: One minute it’s sunny in Lofoten and the next there’s a snowstorm. Download the “YR” app for the most reliable forecast and never hike in windy conditions.
- Lofoten is a small community: Tourism has only boomed in Lofoten in recent years and it’s not totally set up for the number of people it receives. Drive slowly (some roads are very narrow, windy and slushy in winter) and don’t park in an undesignated spot.
- Many restaurants are closed: Book accommodation with a kitchen as many hospitality services close (or reduce opening hours) during quieter seasons.
Plan Your Unforgettable Lofoten Trip in Winter
Road trips might spark images of late summer sunsets and convertible cars, but not always! Spend next winter hiking snowy peaks and driving to beautiful beaches with charming cabins lining the coastline.
Hopefully, this Lofoten Islands travel guide has helped you plan the perfect 6-day itinerary. All that’s left to do is hit the road and experience this epic trip yourself!
FAQs
- How to get to the Lofoten Islands?
- Fly to Bodø Airport from Oslo, Bergen, or Tromsø. Then, take a ferry from Bodø to Moskenes.
- How long does it take to drive across Lofoten?
- The distance from Hanøy to Å on Lofoten along the E10 main road is 110 miles (178 km). It’s a three-hour drive without stops.
- Can you get to Lofoten by car?
- Yes! In fact, driving to Lofoten is the cheapest and best option. While Svolvær Airport and Leknes Airport are both located on the islands, there aren’t many flights and they’re pretty expensive.
- How many days in Lofoten to spend?
- I recommend spending around six days in Lofoten. Some Norweigan tour companies offer five-day tours and others say you need 10 days, but I think six is the perfect amount of time for most visitors.
- When is the best time to take a Lofoten road trip?
- Early and late summer (June and late August–early September) around the peak tourist period is a great time for a Lofoten road trip for the midnight sun. However, you can’t beat visiting Lofoten in winter for the Northern Lights and snowy landscape.
