Lofoten Islands

Background

The Lofoten Islands lie in Nordland county, Norway, north of the Arctic Circle along the Norwegian Sea coast, and comprise six municipalities: Vågan, Vestvågøy, Flakstad, Moskenes, Værøy and Røst. The islands cover a land area of about 1,227 square kilometres; the main islands from north to south are Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy, Moskenesøy, Værøy and Røstlandet, and the two towns are Svolvær and Leknes. Evidence of human settlement on the islands goes back at least 11,000 years, and Iron Age farming, livestock and significant habitation began around 250 BC. Vågan was the earliest known town formation in northern Norway, appearing in the early Viking Age near present-day Kabelvåg. The Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg has reconstructed a Viking longhouse about 83 metres long, the largest known.

Local customs

• Drive the E10 across the bridges between the islands, look at the fishing villages and waterside wooden houses around Reine, visit the Viking longhouse at Borg and see the stockfish drying racks by the sea
• in summer go hiking or birdwatching by boat, on winter nights watch for the aurora, and on clear days see the midnight sun around Svolvær.

Travel tips

• North of the Arctic Circle the weather changes fast and wind makes it feel colder, so bring wind- and waterproof clothing. You can fly to an airport near Svolvær or Leknes, take a ferry from Bodø, or drive the E10 across the sea bridges onto the islands
• the islands are linked by road bridges, so driving is the most flexible option, though you can also travel by bus in stages. Check timetables with the official sources.
• Summer brings the midnight sun, good for hiking and boat trips
• in Svolvær it lasts from about 25 May to 17 July. Winter brings the polar night and the aurora
• in Svolvær the polar night lasts from about 4 December to 7 January, and you need to watch for wind, snow and icy roads. Spring and autumn have fewer visitors, with more variable weather and road conditions.