I’m always saying that the best way to explore Norway is by car, and that especially applies to Lofoten – in fact at one point Lisa, Teru, Marti, and I were thinking of only renting a car in Lofoten for a few days of our week there and my Norwegian friends just silently shook their heads at me.
You see, as in a lot of remote places in Norway public transport on Lofoten isn’t great, and I think it would have been fairly frustrating not to be able to explore all the far corners of these gorgeous islands. And since we were visiting in March, hitchhiking wasn’t really a great option – at least I know I’m not a fan of waiting for rides in blizzards.
So a Lofoten road trip it was!
I’ve been wanting to visit Lofoten since I first read about it as a teenager, and guys, if you’re wondering if the Lofoten Islands live up to all the hype they’ve been receiving over the past few years (thank you, social media) all I can say is that my 10+ year wait to see them was totally worth it.
Though it would also be great if I didn’t have to wait another ten years to see Lofoten again – summer Lofoten road trip, anyone?
Renting a car in Lofoten: finding the best Lofoten or Bodø car rental
Oh that’s right, you can’t do an epic Lofoten road trip if you don’t have a car!
Seeing as the four of us were all flying into Bodø and planning to get the ferry across to Lofoten, we decided to rent a car at the airport in Bodø. We rented from Sixt, and as tends to be the case with car rentals, you’ll get a better deal the further in advance you book.
After a quick search it looks like cars are starting around $55/day for the sumer, whereas in the autumn they drop to $45/day. You can check the prices here
You can also rent a car in Lofoten if you’re planning to fly there, though it’s considerably more expensive. I couldn’t find any options for under $80/day. You can check prices here
Getting to Lofoten from Bodø by ferry (with a car)
If you do choose to get your car in Bodø don’t worry, you can totally take it on the ferry – it will just cost extra. The ferry from Bodø to Moskenes takes between 3 and 4 hours. Our journey there was on the longer side and made me quite queasy (consider bringing medicine with you if you get seasick!) but the journey back was totally fine.
The ferry timetable varies based on the time of year, but you can check the current times and prices here.
The best time of year to visit Lofoten
To be honest I had nothing to do with the timing of this trip to Lofoten, as this one was dreamt up by Lisa and Marti, but when they invited me to join them I was all “yes please!” and also, “what perfect timing!”
And I think it was.
I wanted to see Lofoten covered in snow, but I also wanted to, well, see it, and December, January, and early February in Lofoten would have been too dark. But by visiting from mid-February to late March you can still experience winter in Lofoten while avoiding the short/nonexistent days of the polar winter.
Nusfjord
I asked a friend who grew up in Lofoten what other times of year she’d recommend visiting, and she said mid to late August is really nice, because the summer crowds from July are gone, the nights are dark enough for a chance to see the Northern Lights, and the weather still feels like summer and is warm enough for camping.
June is also a nice time to visit, as after a long winter you can finally go hiking again in the mountains (there might be some snow left though), it’s warm enough to camp in a tent, and if you come early enough the summer crowds won’t have arrived yet.
In June you can also experience the midnight sun – though be aware that this can mess with your internal clock (in a fun way!) and you won’t be seeing any starry night skies.
The worst time of year to visit Lofoten
I’m a big fan of traveling in the low season, but I guess there are some pretty good arguments against visiting Lofoten during some months.
I actually had wanted to visit Lofoten last September but was yet again met with silent head shakes from my Norwegian friends. Apparently the weather from September to November is really, really rainy. Still, I’ve seen some amazing photos of the Lofoten Islands decked out in autumn colors, so I’m tempted to make an autumn trip up there and brave the rain.
And of course December to mid-February is going to be really dark, which makes it difficult to explore the islands. Some people do visit then to see the Northern Lights, though considering Lofoten’s unpredictable coastal weather you’d have a better chance to see them somewhere with clearer skies, like Abisko.
Read also: The Best Place in Norway to See the Northern Lights is Actually in Sweden
I also haven’t heard great things about Lofoten in April and May, as it’s still too snowy and cold for a lot of outdoor activities, but no longer snowy enough to be a winter wonderland. Though again, that might just mean you’ll see fewer tourists on Lofoten then!
And while July is sort of the perfect time of year to visit Lofoten, it’s also kind of becoming the worst as the islands are becoming popular. I mean, very, very, very popular.
But if you aren’t afraid of crowds and can book your accommodation waaaay in advance (seriously, I’ve even heard that it’s hard to camp in July because there are so many people!) then July in Lofoten is probably pretty magical.
The best Lofoten accommodation
I would say in Lofoten it’s best to find accommodation with a kitchen, especially in the winter when many restaurants are closed for the season.
If you have a while on the islands I would also mix it up a bit, so you can explore different areas of Lofoten.
We spent our first three nights near Reine on Hamnøy, which is arguably the most photogenic place in Lofoten. At least I’m pretty sure it’s the most famous – have you seen this view before?
We stayed at Eliassen Rorbuer, in one of those little red cabins! Our cabin had two twin bed rooms and a cozy living room with a kitchen. And since Lisa booked it on Booking.com with her Genius discount it actually ended up being one of the cheapest places I’ve stayed in Norway. Check current rates for Eliassen Rorbuer here
And the fun thing about staying here was that I could see a bunch of different versions of that famous view:
Have I already mentioned that the weather in Lofoten changes a lot?
We then spent our last three nights farther north in Ballstad at Hattvika Lodge.
Hattvika Lodge only opened this past summer, but they’re already nearly booked out for the next year (so if you want to visit, book quickly!). Our apartment here was split onto two floors and definitely more luxurious than our cabin in Reine. Ballstad is also a bit less touristy than Reine, so it was nice to explore a quieter area of the islands.
But the best part about staying at Hattvika Lodge was its amazing owners. They are so enthusiastic about Lofoten and were overflowing with tips for us on where to go for the best views and activities, and they definitely made me eager to return to Lofoten in the summer for more hiking opportunities.
Check current rates for Hattvika Lodge here
they sent us on a hike in Ballstad but we only made it this high up before a snowstorm came in
Due to the ferry times, we actually spent our final night back in Bodø at Opsahl Gjestegaard, which was the cutest (and quirkiest!) little guest house I’ve been to in a long time. I loved the decor, the breakfast buffet was delicious, and the staff was just super friendly. Staying there actually made me really wish I had spent longer in Bodø. Next time! Check current rates for the Opsahl Gjestegaard here
The perfect Lofoten road trip itinerary
And now the most important part: where you should go in Lofoten!
Um, sorry to be annoying, but I actually think that the perfect Lofoten road trip itinerary is no itinerary. Or at least a very flexible one!
I had originally planned on tracking our exact route to share with you guys, but once there I realized that the best part about driving around Lofoten is taking random little roads, not knowing where they’ll take you, and chasing any fleeting patches of blue sky or sunlight (we spent a lot of time trying to chase blue sky and escape snowstorms!).
Though that said, I will share a few of my favorite spots, in case you want to track them down on your Lofoten road trip too.
A fun thing about traveling with three photographers (check out Lisa, Teru, and Marti on Instagram) was their dedication to finding the most beautiful lookout points.
I’m usually the person secretly wanting to stop every two minutes to take a photo but not actually doing so because I don’t want to annoy my travel companions, so it was pretty cool not only to stop at all the pretty spots (which in Lofoten is basically every 10 meters) but also to actively track down the gorgeous Lofoten views we had come across on Instagram.
And yes, I was totally intimidated shooting with them, and no, I’m not really sure why they invited me along on this trip. But I’m so glad they did because we all had so much fun together! Now I’m just crossing my fingers that they didn’t secretly hate me and that we’ll travel somewhere together again someday.
Anyway, here were some of my favorite spots on Lofoten:
Ramberg Beach
Nusfjord
Hamnøy
Reine
Unstad Arctic Surf Beach
Fredvang
A travel video of Lofoten
I also put together a little video of my week on Lofoten, if you want to get a better idea of what the islands are like!
Driving safely in Lofoten
And finally, not to be a total mom, but can I just say a few things about safety in Lofoten?
The villages on these islands are small and tourism has kind of exploded in Lofoten in the past few years, so it’s not exactly set up for tons of people. Some of the roads are narrow and windy, a lot of parking lots are quite small, and locals still aren’t totally used to people setting up tripods on their front yards.
Just be aware that this isn’t a tourist park but in fact a small community. So like, don’t stop your car in the middle of the road to take photos or park on someone’s lawn if a parking lot is full. And drive carefully in the winter, when the roads can be treacherous (especially when they’re covered in slush!).
Many thanks to Visit Northern Norway and Hattvika Lodge for helping to facilitate this trip
If you are looking for travel advice for Norway, or just want to share stories with other Scandinavia enthusiasts, I also admin a Facebook group dedicated just to Scandinavia and the Nordics. This is the perfect place to ask your travel questions and connect with other people interested in the area. Click here to join the group!
I feel like you’ve really upped your photo game lately! Stunning images.
Yes. With photos like these, it’s no wonder that you got asked on a picture trip by pros, Silvia!
Haha pretty sure it was Lofoten doing all the work here, not my photography skills!
We actually went in October and had the most gorgeous weather! Blue skies and sunshine during the day and purple Northern Lights at night – it was just so stunning! I’d love to go back in winter though just to see this amazing contrast of white snow against the blue ocean. So postcard perfect!
I remember that trip – you were there during that crazy Northern Lights display too! And it was just a few weeks after my friends had told me not to go to Lofoten in the autumn, aaaaah. You were really lucky though.
The landscape looks absolutely stunning! I would love to travel there even though the ferries seem kind of daunting to me in terms of planning 🙂
You can actually get to Lofoten by land or by plane if you don’t want to take any ferries! It connects by land in the north, and there are lots of daily flights.
Hi Silvia, I LOVE your blog, have just found it and it’s got loads of helpful info! We are coming to Norway end of May. How long was your stay in Lofoten? Would 5 nights be enough? We thought we’d take your advice and fly to Bodo, pick up the car, get on the ferry (can this be done on the same day) then return the same way although would prob have to overnight in Bodo.
Silvia these photos are so beautiful! It’s hard to believe we were there not so long ago! I love looking back at everyone’s version of the same location and you most definitely are invited on any photo trip from here on out, like that was even in question 🙂
I know, somehow the whole trip just feels like a dream. Maybe because I was slightly delirious from being sick, haha.
Well, you convinced me! This place is tops on my “Norway list” now, for sure! Amazing.
It really should be – Lofoten is the best!
OBSESSED WITH THESE PICS, GIRL!!!! So, sooo pretty!! Great work!! 🙂
Haha and I’m obsessed with Lofoten!
If you’re serious about wanting to go back soon, I miiiiiight be planning a short road trip in the Lofotens in July and would love a travel buddy! I’ll definitely be in Norway (and the Faroe Islands), and am DYING to finally see the Lofotens!
Oooh exciting! Definitely let me know what your plans are.
I’m not a winter weather person, but damn if these photos don’t make me want to layer up and pray for the best to see these amazing views!
Haha the views are worth the cold! Plus Lofoten isn’t actually that cold (at least compared to where I live in Norway).
I’m just DYING right now, I’ve wanted to go to Lofoten for so long!!! Your photos are gorgeous and I loved follow along on your InstaStories!
You would seriously love it – it’s even more beautiful in real life!
Wow!!! Just phenomenally beautiful!! I want to get on a plane to Norway and see those beautiful snow-dusted mountains right now!
You should!
Oh, Lofoten is so beautiful. I love the photos in this post. I keep seeing it allllll over Instagram at the moment and I would love to go.
Seriously, Lofoten is everywhere on Instagram!
I’m convinced I neeeeed to visit Norway now. So beautiful!!
It’s pretty magical here!
ok ok, Lofoten has been on my radar but now it is really a must see for me. So beautiful! Your pictures are really incredible!
And it’s even prettier in real life 🙂
I’ve been to a few places in Norway and loved it. I’ve never been to Lofoton though but it looks beautiful. I love how much detail you’ve given in your post, like the best time to go etc.
I hope you make it up there someday!
Beautiful, beautiful pictures. I’m dying to go to Lofoten! Actually staying in one of those little red cabins must’ve been incredible!
Yeah, it was pretty amazing!
Your photos are stunning! I’d never heard of this town before, but I’ve always wanted to visit Norway. I’ll definitely look into it if I ever make it.
You definitely should!
Funnily enough I had never heard about this place until I saw it on your Instagram. Wow. It’s spectacular. Your pictures are absolutely stunning by the way, I don’t know why you felt so intimidated to be with photographers. 🙂
Haha I think because I never studied photography I always feel like there are some super important rules that I don’t know about or something.
I have never heard of Lofoten before! Visiting Norway for the first time this summer – might need to add it if I can | http://ourpassportpages.com
Oooh exciting, you should totally try to add Lofoten!
Amazing photos, I feel like pinning all of them! =D Lofoten is on my bucket list, hopefully one day i can cross it off! Those little red cabins are so prettyyyyyyyy
They really are so cute!
I’ve looked into making this trip! I saw a road that seemed elevated around the water, the Atlantic Coast Highway? Was looking at some of the nearby sights. Your pictures are absolutely stunning!
Yeah, I think Lofoten is actually much more spectacular than the Atlantic Ocean Road (which is farther south) and it has the same elevated roads connecting the islands – you should definitely visit someday!
Yes, Lofoten is so beautiful. But I noticed that you were only on the west side of Lofoten. Next time I recommend the east side of Lofoten. I have lived in Lofoten my hole childhood and som of my adult life here. Absolutely go to Lofoten in the summer. ❤️
Oh what a wonderful place to grow up! We did go up to the east a bit as well, but the weather was so stormy that I wasn’t able to take photos, haha. I will have to return!
I already have Lofoten on my wish list for a summer trip. After seeing your photos I now want to go on a winter trip too. This place is gorgeous!
I pretty much want to see Lofoten in all seasons, haha.
Hi! Thank you so much for this article, planning a visit to the Lofotens for next March and it’s been SO helpful! Just wondering whether or not you saw the Aurora on this trip?? Don’t want to get my hopes up but secretly dying to catch a glimpse of them!
We had clouds every night so we didn’t see the aurora, but hopefully you will!
Silvia, I’ve really enjoyed reading all your tips regarding Norway on your blog! My brother and I are planning a trip to Norway the last 2 weeks of May in 2018. You mention it may not be the best time to see Lofoten but what can we expect if we do come late-May? What about being in Aalesund?
You can’t imagine how excited I was to come across this post. We are currently in Europe and just decided to start thinking about a trip to Lofoten Islands… the EXACT week that you went!
Was a pretty cool finding. 🙂 Will use this post like our compass!
This is so well written and the pictures are amazing. I plan to go in mid April this year for 3 days and need yoru advise on the places to stay.
Hi
You think driving from Bodo to Tromso via Lofoten island is possible to cover in 9 days via car in March?
Many thanks for your help!
We are planning for 5 day lofoten islands trip. We hate to change hotels frequently. Is it possible to just stay in one place like Reine or svolvaer and explore all types other places as day trip?
Yeah the area is quite small, so that’s definitely doable!