Around Lofoten

Spend a couple of days exploring the islands of Vesteralen. Head north to the island of Andoya and the small town of Andenes. Perhaps visit the whale museum and join a whale watching tour with a chance to see sperm, minke, pilot and humpback whales, as well as harbour porpoises. Alternatively enjoy a puffin safari from the town of Bleik nearby. Return to Sortland via the dramatic west coast of Andoya. We also recommend Visit the historic village of Nyksund or don hiking boots for a coastal walk.

Spend a couple of days exploring the islands of Vesteralen. Head north to the island of Andoya and the small town of Andenes. Perhaps visit the whale museum and join a whale watching tour with a chance to see sperm, minke, pilot and humpback whales, as well as harbour porpoises. Alternatively enjoy a puffin safari from the town of Bleik nearby. Return to Sortland via the dramatic west coast of Andoya. We also recommend Visit the historic village of Nyksund or don hiking boots for a coastal walk.

In pictures

Leaving Vesteralen, head south to Lofoten and the town of Svolvaer along the E10, one of the most picturesque drives in Europe. Stay two nights at the delightful Svinoya Rorbuer in traditional style cabins in this charming fishing town. (approx. 2 hours / distance 120 km)

A day at leisure to enjoy the fantastic scenery of jagged peaks (some of the oldest rocks in the world), fjords, rugged cliffs, idyllic white sand beaches and thousands of tiny islands. Don’t miss the chance to venture out onto Trollfjorden, by comfortable motor cruise, thrilling zodiac inflatable or peaceful kayak. Just 3km long and barely 100m wide at its entrance, the fjord is framed with smooth, vertical granite slabs rising to 1000m. Here sea eagles are often spotted. If you would rather stay on dry land, there is time to explore the town itself and soak up the harbour atmosphere.

A day at leisure to enjoy the fantastic scenery of jagged peaks (some of the oldest rocks in the world), fjords, rugged cliffs, idyllic white sand beaches and thousands of tiny islands. Don’t miss the chance to venture out onto Trollfjorden, by comfortable motor cruise, thrilling zodiac inflatable or peaceful kayak. Just 3km long and barely 100m wide at its entrance, the fjord is framed with smooth, vertical granite slabs rising to 1000m. Here sea eagles are often spotted. If you would rather stay on dry land, there is time to explore the town itself and soak up the harbour atmosphere.

In pictures

A short but spectacular drive today through the heart of the Lofoten archipelago, winding down the E10 towards Reine where you will stay at the Reine Rorbuer for three nights. The many tiny fishing villages that surround this beautiful area epitomise the spirit of the islands. Those with the energy can enjoy a hike to a stunning mountain point above the bay. (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes / distance 122 km)

Time at leisure to explore the area and maybe visit A, at the absolute end of the E10 and a village of great character. Time permitting, take a boat trip from Moskenes to Vaeroy whose soaring bird cliffs face the ocean and support a wide range of species. Maybe visit the beautiful village of Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage village in a breathtaking location en route to the viking farmstead at Borg. Unstad and Eggum are two isolated settlements on the north coast of Lofoten where steep cliffs flank white sandy beaches.

Time at leisure to explore the area and maybe visit A, at the absolute end of the E10 and a village of great character. Time permitting, take a boat trip from Moskenes to Vaeroy whose soaring bird cliffs face the ocean and support a wide range of species. Maybe visit the beautiful village of Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage village in a breathtaking location en route to the viking farmstead at Borg. Unstad and Eggum are two isolated settlements on the north coast of Lofoten where steep cliffs flank white sandy beaches.

In pictures

Head back over the Lofoten islands to Harstad. The quaint village of Henningsvaer with its pretty painted houses provides a great photo stop. Continue your journey to Harstad and overnight at the Thon Hotel (approximate journey time 5 hours / distance 290 km).

Depending on your flight time, you may wish to visit Trondenes, the historic settlement of Harstad located just a short distance to the east of town. Head back to the airport at Evenes, drop off your rental vehicle and fly home.