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The Lofoten Islands look like a world ripped straight out of a JR Tolkien novel. Breathtaking mountains with sky-high peaks, quaint little villages scattered across what seems to be strips of land stretching out like tentacles into dark, blue waters. It’s clear why it’s such a much-loved destination for both locals and visitors alike. To explore the area properly, you’ll need to prep for at least a 5 days’ itinerary in Lofoten.
Exploration like this is only at its best when you're road-tripping through our magnificent landscape. And with a campervan, you’ll hit the pinnacle of affordability, comfort, and convenience (the ultimate trip trifecta). So, if you’ve been planning on making Norway your playground, have been eyeing Lofoten, and have been dreaming about cruising the islands in a camper, read on.
We give you the lowdown on this incredible archipelago and what the ultimate 5 days itinerary looks like.
Getting Around Lofoten
Once you know how to get around Lofoten, you understand why these islands make for the perfect campervan road trip. The main artery of the archipelago is the E10 highway, which snakes through the various islands and the fjords like an inviting road trip serpent.
Thanks to our Allemansretten law (aka Right to Roam), you don’t need to worry too much about booking campsites ahead of time. Just ensure you’re respectful and understand the rules associated with Allemansretten before you’re escorted off someone’s private property.
If you’re planning on visiting during our warmer months, especially summer (June to September), booking your camper well in advance is an absolute must.
The Best Time to Travel to Lofoten
The best time to travel to Lofoten is a relative term. It will all depend on your needs, personal preferences, budget, and what’s on your Lofoten bucket list. Here’s what you need to consider when deciding on the best time for your trip:
- How do you deal with the cold? If you’re someone who has to bring a blanket along to the cinema, you should probably stick to visiting Norway during our summer season or one of its shoulder months (May or October).
- Summertime is peak season in Norway, so you can expect a lot of people, jam-packed crowds at attractions, and fully booked activities and accommodation (if you haven’t booked well in advance). So, if crowds are generally something you try to avoid, summertime won’t be for you.
- Like any other peak season around the world, ours also comes with “special” pricing during this period. You can expect absolutely everything to be more expensive during this time. So, if you’ll be traveling on a limited budget, you may want to consider absolutely any other time except our summertime or our festive/New Year period.
- If you’ve got a lot of outdoor activities and outings planned, then it’s best to visit during our driest months of the year, so your plans don’t get derailed by the rain. May and June tend to be our driest months. On the opposite side of the spectrum sits September to November, though, so avoid those months if you can.
- Weather and road conditions are not the best during our winter season (December to March), and with limited daylight hours, it’s not the best time to go on a road trip if you’re not used to our winter conditions (ice, snow, etc.) or if you consider yourself to be a nervous driver. Sidenote: Winter tires are also mandatory during this time, so remember to double-check that your camper comes prepared.
- However, Lofoten is a favorite when it comes to spotting the Northern Lights, and those will only be visible during our colder months, especially winter. So, if that’s on your Norwegian Bingo card, grab a few extra jackets and hit the road!
How to Get to the Lofoten Islands
You actually have several options when it comes to getting to the Lofoten Islands in the first place:
Fly to Lofoten.
Lofoten actually gives you the option of flying to three different airports and even has a few helicopter options if you feel like you’ve got money to burn. If this is the option you’re gonna go with, you can just arrange for a campervan pick up from there.
Take a Ferry or Boat.
You (or you and your camper) can take a ferry or boat to Lofoten. There are numerous boats and ferries departing from both the south and the north of Norway, so no matter where you find yourself in the country, there will be a way to catch a ferry or boat a short drive away.
Take the Bus.
There are numerous buses and bus routes driving to or in the direction of Lofoten, so that will always be an option if you have no other way of getting there and have arranged to pick up your campervan on the islands. You can check out which bus/route suits you best here.
5-Day Itinerary for the Lofoten Islands
Below, we have compiled a sample itinerary for your planned 5 days in Lofoten. You can either use our itinerary as is or use it as inspiration to create your own:
Day 1: Svolvær, Trollfjord and Torsketunga
Today, your first stop will be Svolvær (aka the gateway to Lofoten). Here you can check out the harbor, grab a bite to eat, get some souvenirs, and go on the infamous Trollfjord cruise (absolutely breathtaking!).
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, you can attempt climbing Svolværgeita (better known to locals as just Geita), which is a pretty impressive rock formation, or pop round to Lofotpils, the local brewery (just remember: no drinking and driving, please!).
Thereafter, you’ll take the E10 west. Make a quick stop at the beautiful Rorvik Beach and check out the Henningsvær fishing village along the way. Then take on the Festvagtind to Torsketunga Hike (another favorite in the area).
Day 2: Eggum Beach, Haukland Beach, and Nusfjord
Your first stop of the day will be at the village of Eggum, where you can take a relaxing stroll along its white sand beach with beautiful turquoise waters. If you have the time and would like to give it a try, kayak rentals are also available. The next stop is at another beach beauty, Haukland.
But this is not just another beach outing; it’s the starting point of your hike up Mannen Mountain. Although a climb such as this will always challenge the glutes and the lungs, the view from the top will take your breath away (so no more need for lungs anyway). The final stop of the day will be at Nusfjord, a historic fishing village that boasts incredible architecture.
Day 3: Trying Skagsanden Beach, Ramberg Beach, and Reinebringen
Today will be a first for many. You will try your hand (or should we say feet?) at Arctic surfing! Skagsanden Beach has no rocks or dangerous currents, which makes it the ideal beginner surfing spot. Don’t worry about gear (including wetsuits) or guidance; you can book a spot on one of the surfing classes at Lofoten Beach Camp.
After living out your surfer dreams, you’ll continue further south down the E10 towards Ramberg Beach. Here, you’ll just take a quick stroll or take a dip before heading to the village of Reine, where you will take on the Reinebringen Trail. It’s a short hike, but a bit challenging due to the steep incline.
Day 4: Væroy Island
Time to head out to one of the furthest islands of the archipelago today. You will need to take a ferry to Væroy Island. The ride is roughly an hour, and you’ll be glad to know that it won’t cost you or your camper a cent. You can check out the ferry schedules here.
Once you’ve arrived on Væroy, you’ll take a 3-kilometer (2-mile) hike up to Haven Viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to one of the most spectacular views you’ve ever seen. Thereafter, you can take a boat to Puinn Sand Beach (one of Lofoten’s more secluded beaches).
Then take a relaxing drive all along the east coast of the island till you reach an abandoned and very Instagrammable airstrip for an impromptu photoshoot. Afterward, drive to catch the ferry back.
Day 5: Kvalvika Beach and Ryten Hike
Today, you’ll take the hike to Kvalvika Beach. This will take you about 1.5 hours. If you add on a detour to Ryten Peak, it will extend the hike for another hour or two. After your hike and admiring the spectacular views and landscapes, it’s time to make your way back to Svolvær. Please take into account that this drive will take about 2 hours.
Fuel Up and Head Out to Lofoten!
With your 5-day itinerary in hand, breathtaking adventures await you in the Lofoten Islands. Be sure to book your campervan in Norway well in advance to avoid any disappointment and “slug it up” in comfort while cruising along the E10.
While budget-saving wild camping along our beautiful fjords under Allemansretten is allowed, please remember not to push your luck and stick to the rules. So, what are you waiting for? Time to fuel up and head out to Lofoten!
