The Lofoten & Vesterålen Islands
TRAVEL PERIOD: ALL YEAR
The Lofoten & Vesterålen Islands
The charming small communities in the archipelagos make up the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. The island culture is based on friendliness and you will meet the locals in traditional fishing villages. These magical islands of beautiful nature and friendly culture invite you to explore an area of traditions, food, activities, changing weather and northern splendour. Experience the islands from top to toe! Also, two of the most breath-taking National Tourist routes are included in this self-drive itinerary.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Harstad You will arrive in Harstad according to your own itinerary and stay for one night in an accommodation in the city center.
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Day 2: Harstad – Andenes
Today, you will drive from Harstad towards Andenes on the green Vesterålen Islands. On your way to Andenes you will pass by valleys and beautiful villages located on the shores of the fjords. We recommend selecting the route through Kvæfjord, which naturally includes the short ferry-crossing (not included) between Refsnes and Flesnes. Tonight you will stay in an accommodation in the city center.
You have the possibility to add a whale watching tour in Andenes on request (not included). - Day 3: Andenes – Svolvær From Andenes you will drive towards Svolvaer, “the capital” of the Lofoten Islands. Svolvær offers the atmosphere of a harbor, a small town and art centre simultaneously. On your way you will pass through small towns, and add a stop in the old trading centre Stokmarknes to visit the museum of the coastal express Hurtigruten. The following two nights your accommodation is going to be a traditional Rorbu cabin in Svolvær.
- Day 4: Svolvær Enjoy your day at leisure in Svolvær. There is a possibility to add a RIB tour in the Trollfjord on request (not included).
- Day 5: Svolvær – Reine Continue your journey of Lofoten southwards. We recommend a stop in Nusfjord – an authentic fishing village (entrance fee not included). At the end of the day you will reach Reine, the most beautiful village of Lofoten. The next two nights you will sleep in a traditional Rorbu cabin in Reine.
- Day 6: Reine Today, feel free to enjoy your day at leisure. We recommend a visit to Å, a small village in the south of the archipelago. The village is a “museum” with typical rorbu cabins, bakery and boathouses, which are more than 150 years old and still in their original place. On request, you have the option to include a kayak tour in Reine (not included).
- Day 7: Reine – Henningsvær It is time to head North again and have your last night on Lofoten in beautiful Henningsvær, located on several small islands. It is known as one of the biggest fishermen villages and for its traditional fishing village architecture and famous football field. We recommend visiting the “Galleri Lofoten Hus” or take a walk around the harbor. Tonight your accommodation is in a traditional Rorbu cabin in Henningsvær.
- Day 8: Henningsvær – Harstad Drive Back to Harstad today. Time to say “Goodbye!” to the beautiful Lofoten Islands. Enjoy one last night in an accommodation in the city centre.
- Day 9: Departure Departure according to your own itinerary.
Services included:
• 2 nights in a centrally located hotel in Harstad with breakfast
• 1 nights in a hotel in Andenes with breakfast
• 2 nights in a traditional rorbu cabin in Svolvær
• 2 nights in a traditional rorbu cabin in Reine
• 1 nights in a traditional rorbu cabin in Henningsvær
Please note that the rental car is not included. Prices for rental cars are available on request.
Local Tips
An unusual activity to try such up north is surfing! Riding waves all year round is possible, depending on your level.
