The Lofoten and Vesteralen Islands of northern Norway have attracted artists, photographers and nature lovers from all over the world. And it’s easy to see why – a journey from the southern tip of the archipelago to the northern stretch of the Vesteralen islands is without doubt a passage through endless natural beauty. With jagged peaks rising up from the crystal waters, sheltered bays and quaint villages, sandy beaches aplenty and the famous red-painted fisherman’s cabins, known as Rorbu, all offering visitors an opportunity to admire an untouched and unequaled landscape.
The Arctic light adds a unique backdrop to an already stunning beauty – whether it is the Northern Lights in the Autumn and Winter or the midnight sun in the Summer months.
This 10 day self-drive holiday is a chance to explore the islands in depth, and is available all year round. The itinerary is a guide only and completely flexible. The team at Magnetic North are on hand to tailor the programme to your requirements using our local knowledge and first-hand experience.
From £2,297 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two adults sharing accommodation with breakfast for 9 nights as described in the itinerary, evening meal on 6 nights, car rental for the whole duration and Whale Safari excursion.
This roughly converts to 2,733 EUR | 2,963 USD
Departures: This self-drive holiday has flexible travel arrangements. The itinerary is a guide only and can be tailored to suit your personal requirements. Please ask our team for the different options possible. Please note that during peak season the accommodation is in high demand, so it may be necessary to change the itinerary and accommodation depending on availability.
On arrival at Leknes airport, situated in the south of the Lofoten islands, make your way to the car rental desk where you can collect your rental vehicle. We’ll provide directions and maps to help you on your way, but you may wish to take or rent a GPS from the car rental company (not included). The car rental will be based on a compact vehicle (VW Golf or similar). Drive to Reine Rorbuer, your accommodation for the first two nights. Check in to your Superior Cabin and enjoy an evening meal at Restaurant Gammelbua. Your stay is based on half-board, with breakfast and a 3-course dinner included.
Throughout Norway there are 18 National Tourist routes, one of which runs on the Lofoten Islands from Å to Raftsundet, a total of 230 km. On this self-drive adventure, your journey takes you the whole route, enjoying the many viewpoints and rest areas along the way. The stretch from Å to Nusfjord, the next destination on the trip includes wonderful spots such as Reinehalsen, at the foot of the Reinebringen peak and is one of Norway’s most photographed locations, as well as Akkarvikodden viewpoint and two wonderful beaches, Kvalvika Beach just off the main road and Rambergstranda. Both are well worth visiting.
Nusfjord Arctic Resort is situated in the secluded fishing village of Nusfjord. This is more than a place to stay - it’s being part of a unique experience, the cultural heritage makes this village one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing destinations with a long tradition of cod fishing, taking you back to how life once was on these islands. The distinctive yellow and red cabins face the sea protected by the sheltered bay created by the steep surrounding mountains. Enjoy the next two nights in the modern and luxurious cabins on a half-board basis.Driving distance 42 km / approximately 50 minutes.
Enjoy a final wander around Nusfjord before returning to the road E10 and making your way north. Make an optional stop at Leknes or one of the bird-viewing stations to spot the local wildlife, take a detour to the tiny Eggum village and see one of Nordland Artscapes sculptures or put on your hiking boots and take a walk on one of the trails - this is a beautiful hiking area, with a route to the beautiful beach a popular choice and a great place to see the midnight sun. On the way, stop off at the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg, see Europe’s largest Chieftain's house, hear local Viking stories and learn how the Vikings lived.
Your final stop of the day is the village of Svolvaer with its own sea-facing Rorbu, drying racks, lovely harbour, galleries and art and craft shops. You’ll stay for two nights in a Rorbu Cabin at Svinoya Rorbuer on a breakfast basis.Driving distance 96 km / approximately 2 hours.
The village of Svolvaer has plenty to keep you busy if you wish to enjoy a day at leisure. There is also a good selection of optional activities such as a wildlife sea safari, sea kayaking or guided hike in the surrounding area. We’d be happy to recommend some options for you to customize your stay. Enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants, or opt for dining at the Børsen Spiseri restaurant at Svinoya, one of Lofoten’s most renowned restaurants.
After leaving Svolvaer you will be heading north on the E10, away from the Lofoten Islands towards the Vesteralen Islands. Bridges connect the islands together - the Vesteralen islands are often considered to be as beautiful as Lofoten, only quieter. White beaches, perfectly sculptured mountain tops and endless sea views take your breath away as you travel to the most northerly point on the islands to the town of Andenes on Andøya.
The highlight of a stay in Andenes is joining a Whale watching excursion. During the summer these trips operate daily in the morning, with a visit to the whale centre included before joining the boat departure and marveling at these amazing animals in their natural environment.
After the trip, depart for the western tip of the islands heading along the 58 km Andøya National Tourist route to Bjornskinn, enjoying the viewpoints at Kleivodden and Bukkekjerka. Continue to Bø where you’ll spend time relaxing in a wonderful location nearby overlooking the sea. It’s time to put your feet up and enjoy a peaceful setting in a family run guesthouse. The accommodation has 8 charming rooms and a small restaurant serving home cooked local food. The guesthouse is a converted post house and offers bicycles and rowing boats for hire. There are also some fantastic hiking routes nearby. Your stay here is based on a half-board basis.Driving distance 176 km / approximately 3 hours
On your final morning, allow enough time to drive to Harstad/Evenes airport to return the rental car and prepare for the flight home.
Driving distance 183 km / approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.You may choose to continue your journey for additional days on the islands. Alternatively, you may wish to combine this trip with a memorable voyage along the Norwegian Coastal route with Hurtigruten or Havila cruises.