The Lofoten Islands are the pearl of northern Norway. Open left menu Lofoten Islands Interesting places in Lofoten Islands

27.07.2020

Lofoten Islands

They say that the Lofoten Islands are one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Although the mountains here are not very high, the highest peak - Higraftindan reaches a height of only 1161 meters, but they rise almost directly from the sea, presenting an unusual and impressive sight.

The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago consisting of 5 large and 5 small islands, located in northern Norway, west of Narvik and 200 kilometers above the Arctic Circle. The unusual climate of these places is caused by the warming effect of the Golf Stream. For the same reason, the rocks here dry out very quickly even after heavy rain. Throughout June and July, the sun does not set below the horizon over the islands. Significant glaciation and granite rocks provide enormous opportunities for rock climbing and mountaineering all year round. However, it should be remembered that there are no marked hiking trails on the islands at all - Norwegians prefer to enjoy nature alone, so a map and compass will be useful when traveling around the islands. The Lofoten are the oldest rock formations on Earth, dating back approximately 3 billion years. Their current appearance was formed 10,000 years ago, when the last Ice Age ended. The area of the archipelago is 1,227 square kilometers and its population is 24,500 people.

How to get there

Getting to Norway from Russia is not the most difficult task. Therefore, I will only dwell on the final part of the journey - from mainland Norway to the islands.

Ferries to the islands run from Trondheim and Bodø. They arrive respectively in Stamsunds, Moskenes or Svolvaer. In addition, ferries to Sortland run from Narvik, Skutvik and Melbu.

For those who like fast and expensive flights, there is air service to the islands from the city of Bode.

The rocks rise straight out of the sea.

Weather

The Lofoten Islands do not spoil travelers with too good weather. However, in June, July and August the weather is quite stable and this is the best time for mountaineering. But we must always remember that at any moment the warm summer weather can suddenly give way to a storm with a sharp drop in temperature. A very useful phenomenon is the polar day - you can climb at any time of the day. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate in Lofoten is much milder than in other places at the same latitude - in Alaska and Greenland. Average monthly temperature the coldest month of January is 1°C, and the warmest is +12°C.

Where to live

Norway is one of the few countries where you can camp anywhere, except on private property and unless your camp is in an agricultural field. In addition, in certain places there may be signs prohibiting the installation of tents for any reason. All the details can be found in the nearest tourist centers. In addition, fisherman's houses, which are scattered in countless numbers across the islands, can be a relatively cheap accommodation option. This house is a pretty decent home.

Prices

It is common knowledge that Norway is an expensive country. Although you can save money on accommodation here (tents, fisherman's houses), all other prices are very high. So, having a glass of beer and pizza after a hard day on the rocks can cost about 30 euros. By the way, motorists are strongly advised to follow the rules and speed limits: the fines are very significant.

Midnight sun.

Mountaineering

History of development

It is believed that mountaineering in the Lofoten Islands originated in 1889, when two local fishermen climbed Mount Vagakallen (942 meters). The next important step was the ascent to the top of The Goat - two pointed towers in the vicinity of Svolvaer, made by two climbers from Oslo in 1910. In the first half of the 20th century, the islands were visited mainly by Norwegian and British climbers. In the 1960s, a number of remarkable ascents were made by Arild Meyer and the Nesheim brothers from Tromso. Meyer made the first ascent to the summit of Presten using the West Buttress (today it is the most famous route on the islands) and passed the longest and difficult route on the islands - The Great Pillar to the top of Vagakallen. It is also worth mentioning the name of Hans Christian Doseth, who did a lot for the development of free climbing. He was the first to free climb the West Buttress of Presteigne.

In 1994, Ed Webster published the first guide to local routes called Climbing in the Magic Islands.

Equipment

Norwegians are fans of trad climbing. Therefore, punches and perforators can be safely left at home. To pass routes, it is advisable to have a set of: stoppers, eccentrics. A few won't hurt. On some routes, very small stoppers may be useful. A 50-meter rope should be enough here, since it is at this distance that the stations are equipped on the routes.

Difficulty categories

Norway has developed its own scale for assessing the difficulty of rocky areas. If you compare it with the system, then you need to add about half a category or a whole one to the Norwegian figure. Below is an approximate ratio of Norwegian and French indices.

Norwegian system	French system
4+	4b
5-	4c
5	5a
5+	5b
6-	5c
6	6a
6+	6b
7-	6c
7	6c+
7+	7a
8-	7b

Climbing

The visiting card of the Lafatene Islands are the peaks of Svolvaergeita, with a classic route 4+, and Presten. The main disadvantages of the first object are long approaches and too easy and uninteresting climbing. The only thing that attracts climbers here is the unusual peak: two pointed towers with a 50-meter drop between them. Unlike Svolvaergate, the approaches to the foot of Presteigne only take about ten minutes from the road. Another interesting place is the peak of Gandalfveggen. The routes here are short (80-100 meters), but they offer wonderful views. The rock is close to the road. The most popular routes here are Gandalf, a varied 4 pitch route on the right side of the wall, Guns'n Roses and Rasmusekspressen. Near the village of Kalle there are huge rocks rising straight out of the sea. The popular Storpillaren route passes here.

In addition to rock climbing, in winter the Lofoten Islands offer excellent climbing opportunities with tools.

Encyclopedia of tourists. 2014 .

See what the “Lofoten Islands” are in other dictionaries:

Lofoten Islands- on the map of Norway ... Wikipedia

Lofoten Islands- (Lofoten), in the Norwegian Sea, near north west coast Scandinavian Peninsula, part of Norway. 1.2 thousand km2. Height up to 1161 m. Fjords, mountain tundra. Fishing. * * * LOFOTEN ISLANDS LOFOTEN ISLANDS (Lofoten), in… … encyclopedic Dictionary

What is interesting about the Lofoten Islands in Norway? Location and attractions of Lofoten. Hotels and hostels on the Lofoten Islands.

The Lofoten archipelago, washed by the waters of the Norwegian Sea, consists of rocky islands, completely rugged sandy beaches and bays. Their main advantage is wild, picturesque and untouched nature against the backdrop of calm and serenity. The Lofoten Islands are particularly famous for their fishing villages, northern lights and an exciting nature safari. This is still an incomplete list of what is interesting about this amazing corner.

Lofoten Islands on the map of Norway

Geography and climate of the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands, whose total area is 1,227 square meters. km, located west of the coast of Norway and north of the Arctic Circle. The largest islands of the archipelago are: Austvogøy, Vestvågøy, Moskenesøy, Gimsøy, Värøy, Flakstadøy and Røst. Despite its location, the archipelago is characterized by fairly warm weather due to the Gulf Stream, that is, a warm current.

Svolvær - the small capital of the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands - history

The first settlements on the Lofoten Islands appeared approximately 6,000 years ago. Life of the First local residents was inextricably linked with fishing and, of course, hunting. In those days, the archipelago was covered mainly by forests, so there were quite a lot of wild animals. With the beginning of the development of agriculture, Vikings appeared in Lofoten. They gave great importance fishing, which was the reason for the appearance of fishing villages on the islands.

The first huts for local fishermen were built on the coast in 1120. Many of them are in currently converted to accommodate tourists.

Lofoten Islands - accommodation, hotels, hostels

There are many villages and towns where you can stay in Lofoten. Prices for hotels, hostels and campsites in Lofoten are traditionally high, as elsewhere (remember, this is one of the most expensive countries peace). The options we have selected are suitable for both budget tourists and those who are willing to overpay a little for comfort/location/atmosphere:

Eliassen Rorbuer. Let's start, as promised, with former fishermen's houses, renovated for comfortable cottages. In addition to the bedroom, the houses have a living room and a bathroom. An equipped kitchen is available to all guests. The hotel is located on the island of Hamney, where you can fish, relax and feel the flavor of Lofoten.
How do you like it? That very case when words are unnecessary!
Smaken av Lofoten. Bed/breakfast hotel in an authentic fishing village near Sorvagen, where it is customary to spend the night in transit. Colorful, beautiful and not too expensive 😉 Although no, it’s expensive, of course, but it’s worth it! Because the Lofoten Islands are exactly like this hotel and its surroundings. Price per room - from 8,000 rubles.
Scandic Svolvær 3*. This is a chain hotel in the capital of the Lofoten Islands. High-quality, but inexpensive - the best option. The main advantage is the location (on the island, in the heart of the harbor) and gorgeous views from the windows of the rooms. Hearty Scandinavian-style breakfasts are served in the panoramic glass restaurant. We recommend!
Not a bad start to the day, isn't it?
Vestfjord Hotel Lofoten 3*. Another hotel in Svolvær with good value for money. The rooms are standard for 3 stars, everything you need is available. Again - breakfast! To understand why we pay so much attention to them, you need to spend at least a night in a Scandinavian hotel 😉
Standard Double Room at Vestfjord Hotel Lofoten
Villa Ballstad in the village of Ballstad (just over 10 km from Leknes airport). A very cozy guest house with an adequate price for an overnight stay. From here it is a half hour drive to the main attraction of the Lofoten Islands - the Viking Museum.
This is the kind of house you can live in in Lofoten!
Vandrerhjem Lofotferie Kabelvåg . Now we go to the village of Kabelvåg, where on the shore of the fjord there is a guest house (or hostel) with very tempting prices for Norway! What awaits you? Cozy rooms, clean well equipped kitchen, gorgeous view from the window! Price - from 3,600 rubles.
One of the hotel houses with 7 rooms (Lofoten Islands, Norway)

Holidays in Lofoten Islands

Divers and snorkelers are not uncommon on these islands. Hidden here in the clear Arctic waters is a rich world of underwater flora and fauna. Diving in the waters around the Lofoten Islands is accessible not only to experienced divers, but even to beginners. Another exciting activity while traveling can be a boat trip, during which you can watch the marine life.

In addition, tourists are attracted by its incredibly beautiful beauty. The natural light show is especially impressive due to the influence of warm winter weather.

What to do and see in Lofoten

Lofoten has several must-see attractions. But to explore the interesting places of the Lofoten Islands you will need to either rent a car or go on an organized excursion.

Panorama of Kjerkfjorden and a fishing village on one of the Lofoten islands. (c) Jack Brauer

So, what to see in the Lofoten Islands?

Once on the island of Austvogøya, in particular in the village of Kabelvåg, it is worth visiting the local aquarium, open to visitors since 1989 . Here, in 23 aquariums, all the underwater life of the Lofoten Islands is presented - from mammals to small fish.
Those interested in the history and lifestyle of the Vikings will be interested in Viking Museum Lofotr . Located in the village of Borg, this museum is a completely restored dwelling, the length of which reaches 83 meters. The last great Viking leader, Olaf Twennumbruni, once lived here. The interior halls have been recreated with extreme precision. Today, as in the Viking Age, there is a forge and a farm here. As for the pier, there are ships here too, which make the atmosphere of the museum more believable.
In Nysfjord you can visit old fishing village , consisting of a complex of buildings erected at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that they have never been restored.

Lofoten is also perfect place For fishing. Even in winter, lovers of a good catch come here. The most impressive event for many of them is the World Cod Fishing Championship, which runs from February until the end of April. Despite the fact that the number of fishermen at this festival reaches several hundred, there are many more tourists watching everything that happens. There is still a lot to see and do on the Lofoten Islands. Everyone will find something to do or a place to their liking here, be it a quiet fishing village or a golf club.

The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago in the Norwegian Sea, belonging to Norway, located off the northwestern coast. The total area of the archipelago is 1227 square kilometers, the population is 24 thousand people. Largest island archipelago - Austvogoya (Eustvogoy), its area is 526.7 square kilometers. The island is connected by bridges to the neighboring islands of Gimsøy and Raftsundet.

The highest point of the Lofoten Islands is 1161 meters. Between the islands of Maskenesø and Färö is the Maelström whirlpool, the most famous whirlpool in the world. The Lofoten Islands are located above the Arctic Circle, but the climate here is warm thanks to the warm Gulf Stream. By the way, in Russia the islands are often mistakenly called Lofontaine.

How to get to Lofoten Islands?

The easiest way to get to Lofoten Islands by air. For example, from Oslo there are flights daily and 365 times a year to Evenes Airport (Harstad and Narvik). Flights are operated by SAS and Norwegian Airlines, the flight duration is one and a half hours.

There are also daily flights from Bodø, which can be reached by both train and car, and the flight to Lofoten takes 30 minutes.

The Lofoten Islands can be reached by ferry from Narvik. Since 2007, the islands can also be reached by car; the road goes through Narvik, and the islands can be reached via a bridge. Thus, getting to the Lofoten Islands does not seem difficult. The easiest and fastest way is to fly from Oslo.

In the Lofoten Islands themselves you can travel by regular buses, by car or by bicycle. Between islands that have no bridges, there are ferry services or you can cross by boat. If desired and financially possible, you can rent not only a car or a boat, but also a small plane, helicopter, tourist bus or catamaran.

What to do in Lofoten Islands?

The Lofoten Islands are primarily famous for their nature. There are safaris on the islands inflatable boats or on boats, during which you can observe marine mammals. These waters are also popular with divers, who come here in large numbers during the warm season. The water here is crystal clear and undersea world rich in fauna and flora. The Lofoten Islands have the best place in the world to watch the Northern Lights - they are especially beautiful here. There is even a center for studying the northern lights in Laukvik, and on the website lofoten.info you can receive up-to-date information, including via SMS, so as not to miss the northern lights.

Fishing in Norway is primarily the Lofoten Islands, they are very popular among fishermen. Here you can catch the world's largest Arctic cod and dozens of other species sea fish. This is where the annual World Cod Fishing Festival is held.

For lovers active rest will fit well hiking, and best of all, bike rides through very picturesque surroundings. The Lofoten Islands are also popular among climbers; people come here every year to climb the local mountains. a large number of both professionals and amateurs. There are also golf courses on the islands; here is perhaps the most unusual golf course in the world.

There are two on the islands ski center– amateurs winter species holidays will not be disappointed. In general, there is something to do here, including rafting, kayaking and even surfing (the northernmost in the world).

Sights of the Lofoten Islands

The archipelago is known for its bird colonies; about a quarter of all birds in Norway live here. There are even more of them here than on the Spitsbergen archipelago. Near the island of Moskenesø there is the famous Maelström whirlpool, next to which you can take a boat ride. There is no need to be afraid, the Maelstrom is not as dangerous as many people think. Nearby there is a huge karst cave, in which cave paintings that were more than three thousand years old were discovered.

The fishing village of Nysfjord is also worth a visit; it is a complex of buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which have been fully preserved to this day. By the way, here archaeologists found settlements that dated back to the 5th century. Of course, the main attractions of the Lofoten Islands are natural. However, there are also museums and interesting architecture.

Accommodation and accommodation in Lofoten Islands

Lofoten has a variety of accommodation options in different price ranges. These include hostels, campsites, hotels, small houses, boarding houses, apartments, fishing huts and other options.

Overall, there is a lot to do in the Lofoten Islands and when planning a trip to Norway, it is worth spending at least a few days to visit these beautiful places. But many tourists come here and don’t need another Norway.

The Lofoten Islands (Norway) have attracted the attention of tourists from all over the world for many centuries. The nature here is so picturesque and has such magical powers that novels were written about the islands, poems, music were dedicated, paintings were painted and sculptures were sculpted.

There is hardly a place in the world where you can go snowshoeing and surfing, go on a whale safari and see the most dangerous whirlpool in the world, climb a mountain peak, relax on the beach and admire the northern lights. Even a long flight, unstable weather and high prices will not spoil your holiday on the Lofoten Islands.

general information

Lofoten (Norway) is an archipelago located in the Norwegian Sea. The islands are located in northwestern Norway and cover an area of more than 1220 square meters. km. The population of the archipelago is almost 24 thousand people.

Lofoten consists of many islands, coastline which is indented with bays and comfortable beaches. The main feature of a holiday in Lofoten is privacy, silence, tranquility and wild, untouched nature.

Despite geographical location islands, the weather here is relatively warm. This is due to the close proximity of the warm Gulf Stream.

It is important! You can stay on the islands in a hotel or in a rorb - a private house owned by local fishermen. However, the majority of Lofoten residents are wealthy people and rent their homes at prices that are higher than hotel prices.

Things to do and see

Whale Safari

Whales are incredible animals and have long been considered magical creatures. In addition, whales are the largest animals on the planet. Judge for yourself - the weight of a whale’s heart is 700 kg, and the weight of its tongue is equal to the mass of an elephant.

Interesting fact! Another name for whales is sea canaries. They are called that because whales are the only mammals that can and love to sing.

Since 1986, there has been a worldwide ban on commercial whaling. Since then, whales have become the object of an amazing safari, during which you can admire the beautiful and intelligent animals and photograph them.

The best place for a whale safari – Lofoten Islands. Killer whales and sperm whales hunt here from spring to early autumn. Huge animals swim next to the boats, and in the winter months they are clearly visible from the shore.

In the city of Annenes there is a Whale Center and a thematic museum. It is from here that boats and yachts depart for whale safari. It is enough to move a few kilometers away from the shore and the whales will be a few meters away from you. In winter there is a chance to even see sperm whales.

This is interesting! According to statistics, in 96% of cases tourists manage to see whales jumping out of the water. If vacationers experience 4% of unsuccessful cases, the organization that conducts the safari takes tourists to a repeat event at any convenient time or returns the money.

Cafes and restaurants in Lofoten are serving whale meat because Norway has not signed a ban on whale fishing.

Fishing in Lofoten Islands

Fishing in this part of Norway is attractive because good catches are possible throughout the year. The fjords located off the coast do not freeze even in winter. The most favorable conditions for fishing occur in the second half of April and persist until mid-October.

In spring, cod descends to the coast of the islands to spawn. At this time, you can catch fish weighing from 15 to 20 kg. Lofoten Islands – perfect place for deep sea fishing. At a depth of 30 meters, pollock, salmon, flounder, haddock and lure live. If you fish at a depth of 80 meters, you can catch monkfish, moth and sea bass.

Advice! The most productive fishing occurs during high tide and about 30 minutes after low tide.

Fishing by month:

April-May is an excellent period for fishing for cod, catfish, and haddock;
in summer there is a good catch of pollock, stingray, mackerel, moth, halibut, flounder, salmon, trout, herring;
in the fall they catch trophy, large fish, but you should take into account the severity and unpredictability of the northern weather - storms begin to rage from the end of September.

For fishing on the islands, you can stay at one of the many fishing bases, rent a boat vehicle and necessary equipment.

This is interesting! Ideal conditions The warm Gulf Stream provides for fishing. In winter, the air temperature varies from 0 to +10 degrees, and in summer the air warms up to +30 degrees. From late May to mid-July there is no night on the islands because the Sun does not set below the horizon.

Surfing in Lofoten Islands

Skating in cold water is rapidly gaining momentum all over the world. This is largely due to the development of technology and the use of special wetsuits.

Features of surfing in Lofoten:

the water is cold throughout the year;
the climatic conditions here are as comfortable as possible for surfing;
After surfing you can warm up in the sauna.

The waves here are typical for the entire northern hemisphere - small in summer and high in winter. Newcomers come here in June, July and August. In winter you can meet real professional surfers here.

This is interesting! There is a surf school on the Lofoten Islands where you can rent a comfortable cottage or come with your own tent, but in this case you will have to pay for tent accommodation. The school is located in Unstad. Cottages are of any size, with a sauna and kitchen, shower and toilet.

Viking Museum Lofotr. This is a unique, impressive reconstruction of a Viking Age settlement. Plunge into the cruel, brutal world of the Vikings and feel how the last Viking leader Olaf Twennumbruni lived. The 83-meter-long dwelling has a bedchamber and a honey room. Restored here with maximum accuracy appearance premises and decoration. In addition to the leader’s house, you can walk around the farm, visit the forge, and admire the Viking ships. Tours are conducted by guides dressed in historical costumes. The museum is located in the small village of Borg, near Båstad.

Museum of dried fish. Founded at the end of the last century and is part of a colorful, authentic fishing village in the style of the 18th century. All events organized in the village take place in national traditions and reflect the life of Norwegian fishermen for two hundred years. The museum is located in the westernmost part of the archipelago, in the village of O, Moskenes municipality.
Museum of fishing villages. It is located in the same village and reflects the peculiarities of the life of Norwegian fishermen. The exhibition consists of many interesting objects, a blacksmith's shop, a residential fisherman's house, a rorbu - a house on stilts, a bakery and much more.

Hiking

Best time for hiking - summer, when the polar day lasts on the islands. Night hiking in the mountains is a special, incomparable adventure. There are many organized events on the islands tourist routes, each of which will give a lot of impressions and emotions. The most spectacular routes on the island of Eustvogøy. In the center of the island there is Mount Runnfjellet, with incredible views from its top.

You can also climb other mountains:

Fløya – the climb is difficult, from the top you can see the entire capital – Svolvær;
Reinbringen - the climb is quite steep, from the top you can see islands up to the island of Hamnøy and the village of Reine;
Stolva – the lifting height is 750 meters.

This is interesting! Mountaineering is well developed on the Lofoten Islands.

Many tourists test their endurance while climbing to the icy peaks. Optimal routes have been developed on the islands of Austvøya and Moskenøya. Cycling is common in these areas and there are special cycling routes. Every year on the summer solstice you can take part in cycling competitions, but be prepared that you will have to travel through all the islands of the archipelago.

Fascinating natural phenomena

Near the distant island Moskenøya is located in a unique a natural phenomenon- Maelstrom whirlpool. It was formed as a result of the meeting of several rapid currents. The first mention of Maelstrom is found in the studies of the Greek scientist Pytheas 2 thousand years ago. Since then, the whirlpool has been marked on all nautical charts.

The Northern Lights Extravaganza is another natural light for which tourists from all over the world come to the Lofoten Islands. The northern lights belt begins from the archipelago. When choosing an observation location, consider several factors:

optimal conditions for observing the northern lights are dry air, clear skies and the absence of the Moon in the sky;
The best time to go on a trip is from 22-00 to 00-00;
you will need to move further out of the city and away from electric lighting.

In Lofoten, in the town of Laukvik on the island of Austvågøya, tourists are welcomed by the Northern Lights Center.

Another unique natural phenomenon that you can admire on the islands is the hunting of eagles. Ships take tourists to a place where eagles hunt fish. Birds are at arm's length from you. It is an impressive sight when a bird with a wingspan of more than 2.5 meters flies towards you.

Attractions

The capital of the Lofoten Islands is the city of Svolvær. Founded in the 8th century and located near Goat Mountain. During the summer months, Trolfjord tours depart from here.
The village of Reine is one of the most beautiful places Norway - located in the western part of the archipelago, on the island of Moskenøya.
Kolhelleren Cave. Drawings on rocks dating back 3 thousand years have been preserved here.

Oceanarium. Introduces tourists to the underwater world of Lofoten and all of Norway. There are pools with otters and seals, and an aquarium with cod. To remember your visit to the aquarium, buy a souvenir in a small shop.
Beach in the town of Blake. The shore is covered with snow-white sand, which looks like snow. The beach is perfectly clean, and the color of the waves resembles lush, green grass. The length of the beach is 2.5 km, from it you can clearly see the island with the Bleiksøy rock, where amazing puffin birds nest, which are called sea parrots because of their bright plumage.

Nusfjord is the oldest fishing village. A whole complex of buildings built in the 19th century has been preserved here. The architecture of the village is unique - as a result of excavations, settlements built in the 5th century were found.
Sculpture park iso Ice Magic Ice. This is a real theater, woven from ice, color and music. The design of the park introduces the nature and life of Lofoten, traditions, legends about trolls and nymphs. There is an ice bar in the park.

Weather and climate

Considering that the archipelago is located above the Arctic Circle, it may seem that the climate here is harsh and very cold. However, the winter months in Lofoten are quite warm, this is possible due to the fact that the warm Gulf Stream passes near the islands. In addition to it, smaller warm currents flow here - the North Atlantic and Norwegian.

If you prefer warmer weather, head to the islands of Røst or Värøy. Even in winter, the air temperature does not drop below 0 degrees. In summer the air temperature averages +15°C. The ocean water in shallow waters warms up to +17 °C in the hottest months, but, as a rule, the temperature reaches +10...+12 °C.

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How to get to Lofoten Islands

If you decide to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, go to the Lofoten Islands, of course, the path is not the easiest and closest, but it is one of the most wonderful places not only in Norway, but also in the world.

By plane

There are several answers to the question of how to get to the Lofoten Islands (Norway). The first of them is by plane. There are several airports here that receive flights daily, but flying to the capital Svolvar is inconvenient as it requires two transfers. From the capital of Russia you need to fly to Oslo, then to Bodø and from there you can fly to the capital Lofoten. The journey takes at least 8 hours. The flight time from Bodø to Svolvár is 20 to 30 minutes.

Trains depart daily from Stockholm and Kiruna and arrive in Narvik. From Narvik to many settlements Buses depart from Lofoten.

Trains also run from Oslo to Bodø, passing through Trondheim and Fauske. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.

Of course, the distance from Oslo to the archipelago is almost 1,400 km, but the path is so beautiful and picturesque that it simply must be done by car. A trip by car to Lofoten will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the islands, stop along the way, take photos, feel the endless world of mountains, the depth of the fjords, and stroll through dense forests. This adventure will not leave anyone indifferent and will leave a lot of memories and emotions.

It is important! The main route that passes through the islands of the archipelago is E10 or the King Olaf V route. The road runs from west to east. If you are planning to travel around Lofoten on your own, research the route and routes, especially if you want to get away from the main road.

The name of the archipelago means lynx foot. Most likely, this is due to the shape, which resembles the paw of a predator.

Cod fishing on the islands of the archipelago has been going on for thousands of years. Fishing is most active in winter, when cod migrate to Lofoten. The catch is transported to many countries around the world.
Lofoten are the oldest rock formations, more than 3 billion years old. The usual appearance of Lofoten was formed about 10 thousand years ago after the end of the Ice Age.
The most visited islands of the archipelago are Austvogøy, Flakstadøy, Moskenøya, Vestvågøy. Creative people - artists, writers - often come here for inspiration. Residents of Norway love to fish and just relax here.
There are so many fish near Norway that, in addition to oil, it is thanks to fishing that the country is now considered one of the richest and most successful. Lofoten cod is transported to Italy, Spain and Portugal, to best restaurants. The main principle of fishing in Norway is to preserve nature and not harm it. To preserve the unique underwater world, commercial fish are raised in special enclosures.

Most convenient transportation on the archipelago - a bicycle, the only inconvenience is narrow roads and a lot of cars.
There will be no problems with accommodation in the Lofoten Islands. Here you can stay in a campsite, hostel, hotel, or rent a rorba from local fishermen.
According to National Geographic, Lofoten Islands rank third in the world among the most beautiful islands. The video below is a clear confirmation that Lofoten is not in vain in the top three most beautiful.

You can see that the Lofoten Islands are an archipelago in the northwest of the country in the Norwegian Sea. Its rocky islands are separated by small straits, and the archipelago is separated from the main territory of the country by the Westfjord. The Lofoten Islands are a corner of unspoilt nature with untouched landscapes, beautiful bays, white sand and crystal clear waters.

general information

The archipelago consists of many small islands and 7 large ones (Eustvågøy, Vestvågøy, Moskenesøy, Røst, Yimsøy, Jalakstadøya, Värøy). The total area of Lofoten is 1227 square meters. km. The capital of the Lofoten Islands is the city of Svolvær on the island of Eustvågøy - an administrative, commercial and fishing center.

Small villages have been built on the Lofoten Islands, where about 25 thousand people live. The main occupation of the islanders is sheep breeding and fishing. Mostly cod is caught. Fishing bases on the Lofoten Islands in Norway are located everywhere.

Climatic conditions

The climate of the Lofoten Islands belongs to the temperate marine climate, which is characterized by small annual and monthly temperature amplitudes, heavy precipitation, strong winds. Maximum positive temperatures were recorded in July, with thermometers reaching +25°C. The Lofoten Islands are cooler in winter, with thermometers reaching +5°C.

Attractions

The archipelago holds many amazing things. The main attractions of the Lofoten Islands are:

On the island of Eustvogoy

Vestvogøy Island

Flakstadøy Island

Moskenesoy Island

Entertainment

After sightseeing, you can have some fun. A popular activity among tourists is a whale safari. The timing of appearance of whales off the Lofoten Islands is from mid-autumn to mid-winter. In addition, if you wish, you can conquer one of mountain peaks on foot or by bike, kayaking and sea - in the Lofoten Islands.

A pleasant reminder of your trip to the Lofoten Islands in Norway will be picturesque photos of the most interesting places in the archipelago.

Accommodation

The choice of accommodation on the archipelago is huge. Each island has one or more small ones; you can rent a house or spend the night in a van. The following establishments are popular:

in demand among foreigners Anker Brygge on the island of Svolvaer. The hotel offers cozy rooms, excellent service, affordable prices;
great hotel The island of Heimea is Henningsvær Bryggehotel. Guests can expect comfortable rooms, excellent cuisine, and helpful staff;
The 4-star Lofoten Suitehotel will delight you with its affordable prices and price-quality ratio.

Restaurants

The Lofoten Islands have a large selection of eating places. You can find a cozy cafe and an expensive restaurant. Tourists love to spend time at Krambua Restaurant, Borsen Spiseri, Anitas Sjømat, where they can taste excellent cod and lamb dishes.

How to get there?

Future tourists are often interested in how to get to the Lofoten Islands. There are several ways to do this:

By plane. Flights depart daily from the capital to Evenes Airport, which will take you there in 1.5 hours.
On a ferryboat. Small ferries depart from the harbor every day. Travel time is half an hour.
Traveling to the Lofoten Islands by car is possible along the road leading from Narvik. The city and the archipelago are connected by a bridge. Thanks to this, walks and excursions around the Lofoten Islands can be organized independently.