The Lofoten Islands are a beautiful and serene place to visit, and they offer many opportunities for exploration and relaxation. The islands are located in the Arctic Circle and offer stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and ocean.
The main challenge that people face when trying to get to the Lofoten Islands is the cost. The flights from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands are not cheap, and the ferries can also be expensive. If you want to save money, the best way to get there is by driving from Oslo.
The Lofoten Islands are located in northern Norway and can be reached by flying into Oslo and taking a connecting flight, driving from Oslo, or taking a ferry from Bodø.
The best way to see the islands is by driving or biking around. Many ferries go between the islands. You may be wondering why you should learn how to get to the Lofoten Islands. Here are a few reasons to start building a Lofoten Islands itinerary:
- The Lofoten Islands are an excellent and unique travel destination.
- They’re located in the northern part of Norway, so they’re a great place to visit in the summer.
- There are many things to see and do on the islands, including biking and hiking.
- The scenery is stunning.
Now that we’ve convinced you to visit the Lofoten Islands let’s discuss how to get there. The best way to get to the Lofoten Islands is by flying into Oslo and taking a connecting flight to the Lofoten Islands.
What is the best way to get to Lofoten?
If you’re visiting multiple countries, I recommend taking a similar approach to the one I took, traveling to Harstad/Narvik airport, renting cars at each stop, and driving up E 10 to Lofoten.
The car is a great way to see more of Luxembourg than you would by boat. As reported by research before my trip, I observed the Lofotenveggen, a 160-mile arc of the mountain surrounding the island. Because I am not comfortable in harsh seas like this one, I opted for a drive instead.
You can also drive from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands or ferry from Bodø, Norway, to Moskenes, Norway. If you’re eager to explore the islands, you can go or bike around them. To get back to Bodø, you can take a ferry. There are three ways to get to the Lofoten Islands: flying into Oslo and taking a connecting flight, driving from Oslo, or taking a ferry from Bodø.
The best way to see the islands is by driving or biking around to enjoy the beautiful scenic route and majestic mountains surrounding you. Many ferries go between the islands. The best time to visit the Lofoten Islands is from June to August.
How to Get to the Lofoten Islands by Plane
There are a few ways to reach Lofoten. The archipelago consists of a few connected islands, which may be contacted by helicopter, ferry, or express boat. Two airports on a significant portion of the archipelago offer regular direct flights to other Norwegian airports.
The airport at Svolvaer, located in Stokmarknes, Oslorst, and Lekens, is connected to three other towns: Bods, Stokmarknes, and Lekens. Oslo Oslorst is linked to the airport. On average, Leknes offers lower prices than Oslo Oslorst does. Norwegian Air Shuttle and Wideroe are the two airlines that provide service to Lekens Airport.
The airport at Harstad-Narvik, situated in Evenes, is connected to Bod. You can reach Stokmarknes by flying with Norwegian Airlines Shuttle or Wideroe.
Oslo Oslorst Airport is the largest of the two, with more international flights. Wideroe and Norwegian Air Shuttle have direct flights to Leknes Airport from Oslo.
Fly into Oslo and take a connecting flight to the Lofoten Islands
The best way to get to the Lofoten Islands is to fly into Oslo and take a connecting flight to the Lofoten Islands. A few airlines offer connecting flights from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands, including SAS, Norwegian Air, and Widerøe. Get to Oslo Airport early so you can catch your connecting flight.
Drive from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands
If you’re eager to plan a road trip and drive from the capital city of Oslo to the Lofoten Islands, it will take about 17 hours. The best way to do this is to rent a car and take the E6 north. You’ll need to take a ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, which takes about 2 hours.
The Driving Route to Lofoten
Start by driving north on the E6 from Oslo. After about 12 hours, you’ll reach Bodø. From Bodø, take the ferry to Moskenes. The car ferry ride takes about 2 hours. Once you’re in Moskenes, you can start exploring the Lofoten Islands.
Renting a Car in Norway
You’ll need to rent a car if you drive from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands. There are a few things to remember when considering rental cars in Norway.
First, you’ll need an international driver’s license for car rentals. You can get one from your local AAA or motor club. Second, you must be 25 years old to rent a car in Norway.
You should book your rental car in advance. This is especially important if you plan to rent a car during the summer, as demand is high and prices increase. Keep in mind that gas is expensive in Norway. Expect to pay about $8 per gallon.
Finally, be aware of the rules of the road in Norway. As an illustration, speeding is heavily penalized. If you’re caught speeding, you can expect to pay a fine of about $200.
Driving Tips in Norway
Lofoten car rental is sorted; here are a few tips to remember when driving in Norway: First, be aware of the wildlife. Norway has a lot of deer and sheep, and they often wander onto the road. You could seriously damage your car if you hit one of these animals.
Be prepared for bad weather. The roads in Norway can be icy and slippery, especially in the winter. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road. For instance, you must yield to oncoming traffic in Norway when turning onto a highway from a driveway or parking space.
Tolls are common in Norway. Be prepared to pay these when you’re driving. Finally, remember that the speed limit is kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. So, if the speed limit is 100 km/h, that’s about 62 mph.
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How to Get to the Lofoten Islands by Ferry
You can also take a passenger ferry from Bodø, Norway, to Moskenes, Norway. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours. Once on the island, you can explore by driving or biking around. To get back to Bodø, you can take the ferry.
You’ll have to make a reservation to use the ferry. Outside peak season, these ferries work on a first-come, first-served basis, so I recommend showing up a couple of hours ahead of the ferry’s departure time to ensure you get the spot.
How to Take the Ferry from Bodø, Norway, to Moskenes, Norway
To get to Moskenes via car ferries, you’ll need to know a few steps to make the most of your trip to Northern Norway. Here are a few steps to consider to get to Lofoten by ferry:
- Go to the Bodø Ferry Terminal
- Buy a ticket for the ferry to Moskenes
- Board the ferry
- Enjoy the ride on the Norwegian Sea!
- Disembark at Moskenes
- Explore the island or take the ferry back to Bodø.
The ferry schedule to the Lofoten archipelago is available on the Hurtigruten website. The ferry leaves Bodø at 9:30 am and arrives in Moskenes at noon. The ferry then leaves Moskenes at 12:30 pm and returns to Bodø at 3:00 pm.
What to Do on the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are a stunningly beautiful destination in Northern Norway. The Lofoten Islands offer options to suit various interests: towering peaks, pristine valleys, midnight sun, northern lights, and picturesque fishing villages.
Here are some ideas to make the most of your Lofoten Islands itinerary:
Visit the village of Reine
Reine is a small fishing village located on the island of Moskenesøya. With its scenic location, Reine is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. There are also multiple hiking trails close by. This is one of the best-preserved fishing villages in the world and will surely open your eyes to a new perspective on outdoor activities.
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Explore the Vesterålen Islands
The Vesterålen Islands are located north of the Lofoten Islands. This archipelago is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Hiking, biking, whale watching, horseback riding, and birdwatching are popular activities on the Vesterålen Islands.
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Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum
The Lofotr Viking Museum is located on the island of Vestvågøya. This museum is dedicated to the history of the Vikings in the Lofoten Islands. Visitors can see a replica of a Viking longhouse and artifacts from the Viking era.
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Take a hike
The Lofoten Islands offer many excellent hiking opportunities. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy walks to challenging hikes. And the views are remarkable.
From towering mountains to sparkling fjords, Lofoten provides a diverse landscape for exploring. Take in the beauty of Norway’s most stunning scenery while you enjoy your time on the islands.
Visit the Lofoten Aquarium
The Lofoten Aquarium is located on the island of Vestvågøya. This aquarium is home to a range of fish and marine mammals, including seals, whales, and penguins.
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Explore the town of Svolvær.
Svolvær is the largest town on the Lofoten Islands. This town is a good base for exploring the rest of the islands. There are many shops and restaurants in Svolvær, as a museum and an art gallery.
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Seasons and climate at the Lofoten Islands
Lofoten has a milder climate than other countries on similar latitudes due to the Gulf Stream and the temperate waters. Consider the environment when you visit to make the most of your Lofoten Islands itinerary. Each season offers varying activities and perspectives.
The Lofoten climate is characterized by mild winter weather and relatively warm summer. January is the coldest month, with temperatures around 1°C. Temperatures throughout the year average between 5-10°C.
The average temperature in June is 12°C. June is the driest, with an average rainfall of 40 millimeters. November was the wettest month. During fall and winter, powerful winds blow. Get current weather forecasts from Norway Lights for further information on Lofoten Island’s northern lights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an excellent and unique travel destination, the Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway warrants exploration. Although they are located in the far north and can be difficult, the effort is well worth it.
The islands offer stunning scenery, plenty of activities, and a chance to see the Northern Lights. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Lofoten Islands today!
Also, considering how cold it can get here, be smart and get travel insurance. Harsh weather might not just ruin the magnificent scenery but also limit flight options and air travel, and in worse-case scenarios, it sees you put in the hospital!
FAQ
How do I get to the Lofoten Islands?
The best way to get there is by flying into Oslo and taking a connecting flight to the Lofoten Islands. You can also drive from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands or take a ferry as a passenger from Bodø, Norway, to Moskenes, Norway.
How long does it take to get to Lofoten?
The easiest way to get to the Lofoten Islands is to fly into Oslo Airport and connect on a flight to Evenes Airport in Lofoten, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Nonetheless, remember that flying to these airports can be pretty expensive. Another option is to take a 3.25-hour ferry from Bodø. This ferry crossing is notorious for being severe at times, so if you’re prone to seasickness, keep this in mind.
What is there to do on the Lofoten Islands?
There are many things to do when you explore Lofoten. You can go hiking, fishing, camping, and much more. There are also many beautiful sights, such as the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.
Is there anything I need to know before I go to Lofoten?
Yes! The weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack appropriate clothing. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the map of the islands before you go. And finally, remember that Lofoten and many Scandinavian countries are expensive, so make sure you budget accordingly.
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