Self-Guided Cycling Holiday in the Lofoten Islands

Collect the bike at the rental shop. With Svolvaer as your base, there are several suggestions on how to discover the area. They include:

• Join an optional RIB safari to the Trollfjord where you may spot sea eagles hovering overhead (additional charge)

• Join an optional sea-kayaking excursion on the crystal clear waters (additional charge)

• Cycle to the nearby fishing village of Kabelvag and visit the Lofoten Cathedral. 

• Ride to the pretty fishing village of Henningsvaer where you can visit art galleries and enjoy lunch in one of the relaxed eateries. This would be a 40 km (25 miles) round trip.

• Leave the bike behind and instead do a hike in the mountains surrounding Svolvaer.

• If you prefer a more challenging cycle to get you in the mood, then you could ride the northern part of the island of Austvagoy, visiting sandy beaches and small villages. The ride would be approximately 100 km (63 miles).

Today you leave Svolvaer behind and start the journey towards Hov on the island of Gimsoya. The route is largely flat but there can be some traffic at busier times. If you’re feeling active, opt for one of our suggested detours which include a scenic coastal ride to Brenna (23 km / 14 miles) or a visit to Henningsvaer village (18 km / 11 miles). 

The route takes you through a tunnel and eventually reaches the western coast overlooking the mighty Atlantic ocean. This is a perfect spot to view the midnight sun if the weather conditions allow. We recommend taking an early evening hike to the top of Mount Hoven for a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding area and the islands of Vesteralen in the distance. Today’s route is 41 km / 25 miles. Accommodation tonight is in an ocean facing lodge at Lofoten Links for one night, with dinner included.

Today’s ride will be longer on relatively flat terrain. There’ll be many opportunities to visit fishing villages and viewing points en route. We recommend riding to the villages of Stamsund and Steine (14 km / 9 miles) or enjoy the stunning views at Sennesvika and Ramsvika (12 km / 7.5 miles). You’ll stay for two nights in the small town of Leknes.

Today’s ride is approximately 53 km / 33 miles.

Enjoy today at your own pace as you uncover the wild and rugged side of the Lofoten Islands. Your day can be as relaxed or active as you choose. We can recommend the following activities:

• Cycle to Vik, Haukland and one of the most photographed beaches in the Lofoten Islands, Uttakleiv and experience a wide open horizon to the west and north (distance 27 km / 17 miles).

• Cycle to Unstad beach and watch the surfers (distance 42 km / 26 miles).

• Visit the Lofoten Viking Museum in Borg featuring a replica of an impressive Viking-era house (distance 28 km / 17.5 miles).

• Cycle to Eggum on the national tourist route and visit the rocky coastline (distance 50 km / 30 miles).

Today will be an early start in order to take the bicycle ferry at 10am. Your day begins with a ride of about one hour to Kremmervika where you’ll board the ferry to Nusfjord, taking 1 hour. There is also a 12.00 ferry departure, but early bookers will be on the earlier departure due to limited capacity. Nusfjord is one of Lofoten’s oldest and best preserved fishing villages, so be sure to spend some time wandering around the rorbuer cabins which are surrounded by steep mountain peaks. Then you’ll cycle to Reine which is a distance of about 41 km / 25 miles. You’ll be cycling on the main road (E10) which can be busy with traffic. You can avoid the tunnels by cycling on the old road routes. The final two nights of the trip will be spent at the delightful Reine Rorbuer, with dinner included.

Today’s ride is approximately 53 km / 33 miles.

Today you can complete your Lofoten odyssey with a cycle ride to the village of A, at the southern tip of the Islands (20 km / 12.5 mile roundtrip). If you’d prefer a day off the saddle, you could instead take a fjord cruise in Kjerkfjorden, walking to the pristine beach, Bunesstranda. It is also possible to hike to the summit of Helvetestinden (602m high). Other adventures available from Reine include sea rafting, sea kayaking and fishing.