Norway: Lofoten Islands

travel time: February 2025

Getting to the Lofoten Islands was a full day of travel, but it was worth it to arrive exactly where we wanted to be - without the need for a long drive. With connecting flights through Oslo and Bodø, we landed directly in Svolvær, ready to start our adventure.

We spent four days exploring the Lofoten Islands, experiencing a mix of ever-changing weather - unfortunately, more on the stormy side. Our days were marked by thick clouds, strong winds, and heavy rain, which cut some of our visits short. Nevertheless, the dramatic landscapes were breathtaking, and we made the most of our time despite the conditions.

Austvågøya

After arriving in Svolvær in the evening, we set out early the next morning to explore the small town and find a perfect spot to capture the sunrise. Driving to the nearby island of Svinøya, we wandered around until we discovered a stunning viewpoint - and were rewarded with a spectacular sunrise to kick off our journey.

A short drive away, we visited the charming town of Kabelvåg. Unfortunately, the walking paths were covered in ice, making it difficult to explore, so we settled for a brief stroll through the town.

Our next stop was Rørvikstranda, a beautiful beach where we braved strong winds and icy trails to snap a few photos. The wild weather made it quite an experience! From there, we continued to Henningsvær to see the famous football field. As we sent up the drone to capture an aerial view, heavy rain rolled in, forcing us to cut our visit short.

Gimsøy

Our first stop on this small island was Gimsøy Church. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, its stunning location offers countless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Driving along the coast, we found even more incredible viewpoints, making it a fantastic route for photography.

Next, we visited a well-known abandoned spot we had read about many times before - a yellow house with striking graffiti, set against a mountain backdrop. It made for an amazing photo opportunity! If you're looking for it, you can find it on Google Maps under "Pøbel – Butterfly."

Vestvågøy

Our first visit to Vik Beach greeted us with a stunning snow-covered landscape. The low-hanging clouds created a mystical atmosphere, limiting visibility but adding to the scenery. We managed to capture some great shots - until Alex’s drone collided with a bird (at least Alex said it was a bird) and plummeted to the ground like a rock. What followed was a 30-minute search mission, but luckily, we found the drone completely undamaged!

Later that evening, we returned to Vik Beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, but luck wasn’t on our side. The next day, when we passed by again, the heavy rain had washed away all the snow we had admired just 24 hours earlier - such a drastic change in scenery!

Visiting Uttakleiv Beach requires a 60 NOK (~ 5 EUR) parking fee for three hours, but it's well worth it. On the day of our visit, strong winds sent waves crashing dramatically against the shore, creating an incredible scene. The surrounding area offers countless stunning photography opportunities, and those hours flew by in no time. As the day came to an end, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset, with the sky lighting up in vivid colors.

Our hotel was in Leknes, a great base for exploring the surrounding adventures. While the town offers some restaurant options, there’s not much else to see - so we didn’t linger longer than necessary.

Flakstadøya

Our journey continued along the coast at Vareid, a spectacular stretch that offers endless opportunities for stunning photographs. The landscape here transforms dramatically depending on the tide - at low tide, rugged rocks emerge from the water, while at high tide, the waves create a completely different scene. Driving further down the road, we arrived in the small town of Vikten, home to Glasshytta, a fascinating glassblowing workshop. Visitors can often watch artisans crafting intricate glass art, but unfortunately, during our visit, the oven was cold. Still, the attached cozy café provided the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

From there, we visited Flakstad Church, a charming red wooden church standing quietly against the dramatic backdrop of the Lofoten mountains. While it’s a nice sight, it didn’t leave as strong of an impression as some of the other locations we explored.

Next up was Skagsanden Beach (Brunstranda)—another beach, another breathtaking view. The scenery of Lofoten never ceases to amaze, and with the ever-changing weather, every beach feels like a new experience.

A short drive later, we arrived at Rambergstranda, a beautiful sandy beach with a picture-perfect red house right by the shore. The contrast of the vivid red against the sand and mountains made for a postcard-worthy scene.

Our explorations continued in Nusfjord, one of Norway’s best-preserved fishing villages. This charming museum-like village offers a glimpse into Lofoten’s rich fishing heritage, with traditional rorbuer cabins, a historic dock, and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. The 100 NOK (~  8,5 EUR) entry fee was well worth it for the experience of stepping back in time in this beautifully preserved village.

Moskenesøya

Crossing the bridge to Fredvang was a scenic experience, but to truly appreciate its beauty, a drone is almost essential. Despite the strong winds, Alex managed to fly for a bit, capturing stunning aerial views of the bridge winding through the dramatic landscape.

Not far from Fredvang, Ytresand Beach offered endless photo opportunities. Whether strolling along the shoreline or finding a higher viewpoint to capture the beach against its breathtaking surroundings, every angle revealed a picture-perfect scene.

As we continued exploring, we passed through several charming small towns, all within short driving distances of each other. Each had its own unique character, yet all shared the same stunning Lofoten charm. Highlights included Hamnøy, Toppøya, Sakrisøya, Reine, and Å, where we were constantly stopping to admire the incredible views. The combination of colorful fishing cabins, towering peaks, and crystal-clear waters made every turn along the road feel like a postcard-worthy moment.