Welcome to Norway

Welcome to the Lofoten archipelago. Your journey starts in Svolvær, a small village of fewer than 5000 and the biggest town for miles.

After checking in to your accommodation for the night, a typical fisherman’s cabin, have a stroll around town.

Spend the rest of your day exploring Svolvær, the regional centre. The name Svolvær was likely derived from the Old Norse word “svair”, which means ‘chill’! Check out if it still is a chill town today.

Enjoy the town with its galleries, nice restaurants and evidence of being a fishing village with cod hung up on the racks to dry.

Accommodation:

Svinøya rorbuer – a renovated fisherman’s cabin with over 200 years history.

Visit the Fjords

Go on a 5 hour cruise for a scenic tour through the open sea of Vestfjord, into the narrow inlet of Raftsundet and all the way inside Trollfjord. The route is spectacular due to its steep-sided mountains, plentiful sea eagle and whale sightings, and absence of roads. Remote areas, like Trollfjord, are only accessible by boat which ensures this wild and magic place can be preserved for years to come.

Your ship will be the Stella Oceana. Originally built to transport oil, she was converted into a sturdy sail ship in 1990. She now offers all the amenities you could ever want and need for a comfortable voyage, like Wi-Fi, showers, lots of room both below and above deck. There is even a hot tub on deck, so you can enjoy the iconic views in the most relaxed state possible.

Accommodation:

Svinøya rorbuer – a renovated fisherman’s cabin with over 200 years history.

Road trip to the south

Begin your exploration of Lofoten on land. You can pick up your rental car right by the harbour, and then you are on your way!

The goal for today’s road trip is Reine. The road you will be driving is one of 18 National Tourist Routes, since it’s one of the most scenic drives in the country. So take your time and enjoy the view!

Take advantage of the long days with the midnight sun and make some stops along the way. If you want a dip in the ocean there are numerous beaches where you could stop for a swim. Gimsøy, Eggum and Unstad are some of the best beaches you will pass. But you could just as easily go without your sat-nav and take any side road. You are almost guaranteed to end up somewhere amazing!

Accomodation

Reine Rorbuer- modern fisherman cabins in classical style

Where the road ends

The goal for today’s road trip is Å. Even though it’s a small village you don’t have to worry about accidentally passing it, because the road literally ends here. Spend the day taking in the atmosphere of this unique fishing village, seemingly at the edge of the world. Take the time to visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum to learn about the way of life here over the last 250 years. You’ll find northern Europe’s oldest cod liver oil factory here. Maybe you would like to try a spoonful of what has kept Norwegians healthy through the long, dark winters?

Should the taste of cod liver oil not be appealing, don’t worry! The museum also houses an old bakery and café where you can snack on delicious bread and cinnamon buns.

If you feel like stretching your legs the area around Å offers many nice hikes. There are the more demanding ones in the mountains close by, or you can drive a little bit further and hike to some of the most beautiful beaches in Lofoten, like Bunes and Horseid. Hope you brought your bathing suit!

Back in Reine you will join a guided Kayak trip in the midnight sun.

Accomodation

Reine Rorbu

Cheese and mead

Make your way back to Svolvær along the National tourist route today. Turn off the main road for a unique lunch experience at the Lofoten Cheese Farm in Bønes. This Dutch family has been making goat cheese here for almost 20 years! The green steep mountains provide the perfect environment for the goats to roam free in the summer.

After lunch you will travel back in time, when you visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. Experience life in Lofoten as it would have been a thousand years ago in the world’s biggest reconstructed traditional long house that once stood on this spot. Let your senses take you away as you smell the smoke from the fire and listen to the stories about the Norse gods that were worshipped here.

When you are ready, get back on the road and drive to Svolvær. Spend your last night in Lofoten.

Your rental car can be returned at the airport for no extra fee, so it’s a good idea to keep it until you leave.

Accommodation:

Svinøya rorbuer (same as day 1)

Departure

Depart Svolvær and drive to the airport.