I recently returned from exploring Norway’s Lofoten Islands and northern regions, and I want to take you through my journey and share with you my 12 favorite things to do and places to go.
Located above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is a beautiful archipelago that’s home to some of Norway’s most beautiful places from towering seaside mountains and pristine beaches to picturesque villages and world class hikes. There’s so much to see and explore, so let’s dive right into it:
- Visit the Picturesque Fishing Village of Henningsvær
- Summit the Festvågtind Hike
- See the Svolvær Goat & The Devil's Gate
- Enjoy the Crystal Clear Water at Vik Beach
- Take the Scenic Route Through Ramberg, Flakstad, & Fredvang
- Hike to Kvalvika Beach
- See the Iconic Red Houses of Å & Hamnøy
- Visit Reine, Norway's Prettiest Town
- Take in the Panoramic Views at Reinebringen
- Witness Stetind Mountain's Dramatic Peak
- Enjoy a Panoramic View of Segla
- Explore the Beautiful Village of Sommarøy
Visit the Picturesque Fishing Village of Henningsvær
Located near the middle of the Lofoten Islands, Henningsvær is a breathtakingly scenic fishing village built on a few islands connected by bridges. One of its most famous features is the soccer field, situated on the edge of one of the islands. This field is arguably one of the most scenic in Norway, if not the world.
During my visit, I didn’t have a soccer ball, but I enjoyed walking around the field, taking in the atmosphere. Locals were training and exercising, creating a warm and welcoming vibe. Strolling around Henningsvær was equally delightful, offering a glimpse into the idyllic life of a traditional Norwegian fishing village.
Summit the Festvågtind Hike
For a different perspective on Henningsvær we embarked on the challenging Festvågtinden hike. Although only 2.4 km long, the 500 m elevation gain made it one of the toughest hikes we did in Lofoten.
We parked our car and walked along the road until we reached the starting point of the hike. The initial ascent was steep, with stunning views of Henningsvær to look back on. About a third of the way up, we arrived at a flat spot featuring a picturesque lake where people were swimming.
The most demanding part of the hike followed – a 40-minute scramble to the top. Once we reached the summit, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of Henningsvær and the surrounding islands. Although we visited in the late morning when the sun was harsh, we imagine that sunrise or sunset would be an ideal time to visit, with softer lighting enhancing the scenery.
Beyond the views of Henningsvær, the rugged mountains surrounding us were awe-inspiring – their jagged peaks rising dramatically from the sea. If you’re in the area and seeking a challenging yet rewarding hike, Festvågtinden is an excellent choice.
See the Svolvær Goat & The Devil’s Gate
After exploring Henningsvær, we headed to Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands, located an easy 30 minutes away. I was eager to hike to the Devil’s Gate, a relatively short 2.9 km hike with a steep elevation gain of about 400 m.
The trail begins with stone stairs, offering breathtaking views of Svolvær along the way. My main motivation for this hike was to see the Svolvær Goat, a unique stone pinnacle with two prongs on top, popular among rock climbers. While we didn’t climb it, hiring a guide for a rock climbing adventure would be an exciting activity.
Continuing along the trail, we reached the final set of stairs, which seemed like the entrance to a mystical realm. At the top, we were rewarded with a stunning view of the Devil’s Gate. I cautiously climbed on top of it, taking in the breathtaking panorama.
For those willing to hike further, the trail leads to the summit of Fløyå, adding another kilometer of hiking and elevation gain. The payoff is incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Enjoy the Crystal Clear Water at Vik Beach
After a morning of hiking, we headed to Vik Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Located just 15 minutes from the town of Leikanger, Vik Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in the Lofoten Islands.
As we walked along the beach, I couldn’t believe that a place like this existed in the Arctic Circle. The water was calm and inviting, and people were swimming and enjoying the sun. It felt like we were in the Caribbean, minus the palm trees and warm water.
Take the Scenic Route Through Ramberg, Flakstad, & Fredvang
Ramberg is a picturesque village with a population of around 350 people. Its stunning beach boasts white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. What I love about Ramberg is its proximity to numerous breathtaking attractions. Just up the road lies Flakstad, an area teeming with lush farming fields and a dramatic coastline. The beach here is a hotspot for camper vans and surfers when the waves are right.
Continuing along the road, you’ll find a bay with uniquely colored water, gradating from light to dark blue. The surrounding mountains are nothing short of spectacular. From there, you can turn onto a scenic road, where dramatic mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. This road ultimately leads to Nusfjord, another charming fishing village.
Another must-visit attraction near Ramberg is the Sea Bridges, which connect the islands to Fredvang. Built in 1988, these bridges offer an epic atmosphere, with the imposing Vågan mountain looming in the background. The sheer beauty of this area is awe-inspiring.
Hike to Kvalvika Beach
I’ve been dreaming of returning to Kvalvika Beach since my first visit six years ago. Located near Ramberg, you can reach the stunning beach via a 4km return hike. The start of the hike is relatively easy, with wooden planks guiding you over the muddy sections.
As we hiked, the clouds began to part, revealing glimpses of the sun and beach. The view took my breath away as the sun descended below the clouds and cast a golden glow over the landscape.
When we arrived I was struck by the sheer number of people camping amidst the breathtaking scenery. The setting sun illuminated the entire scene, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. We strolled along the beach, finding a pretty rocky outcrop to sit and watch the sunset from.
What makes Arctic Circle sunsets truly special is their long duration. After an hour, the sun dipped behind the clouds and cast a warm pink hue over the landscape. It was nothing short of magical, and a memory that will stay with me forever.
See the Iconic Red Houses of Å & Hamnøy
Located about 40 minutes from Ramberg, Å is the southernmost point you can drive to on the Lofoten Islands. This fishing village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and mountains. We walked to a nearby viewpoint, taking in the stunning vistas of the sea and mountains to the south.
The village itself is also worth exploring, with its charming red fishing houses and scenic harbor. You can take a walk along the pier for a picturesque view of the village.
Next, we visited the village of Hamnøy, located about 20 minutes from Å. Hamnøy is situated in one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of the Lofoten Islands, surrounded by incredible sea mountains and traditional red fishing houses. While there isn’t a lot to do in Hamnøy, the village offers some of the most photographed views in the Lofoten Islands. I walked onto the sea bridge, which offers the famous view of the village.
Visit Reine, Norway’s Prettiest Town
Reine is, in my opinion, the most picturesque town in all of Norway. It’s the epitome of what I imagine when I think of Norway. Founded as a trading post in 1743, Reine is now home to approximately 300 residents.
The village’s crowning glory is the majestic mountain, Olstinden, which provides a breathtaking backdrop. The combination of Reine’s quaint, red-and-white houses and the towering Olstinden is a sight to behold.
Take in the Panoramic Views at Reinebringen
Located in the picturesque village of Reine, Reinebringen is a must-visit attraction in the Lofoten Islands. This popular hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the fjords, villages, and sea mountains.
The hike is a 2.1 km round trip, but be prepared for a challenging ascent with nearly 2,000 stone steps. These steps were built by Sherpas from Nepal, adding to the unique character of this attraction. After about 15 minutes of hiking, you’ll reach the top, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you visit during the months of June and July, you can experience the Midnight Sun, making this an even more unforgettable experience.
Witness Stetind Mountain’s Dramatic Peak
Stetind Mountain is a must-visit destination in Northern Norway. As Norway’s national mountain, it’s a unique peak that offers breathtaking views. We made the six-hour drive from Lofoten, and our timing was perfect – we arrived just in time for sunset. The sun cast a beautiful glow on the mountain’s peak, and the surrounding area was stunning. The road to Stetind is carefully designed to align with the mountain, making for a dramatic and picturesque approach. The drive was well worth it, and I’m glad we made the effort to visit this incredible destination.
Enjoy a Panoramic View of Segla
Located on the island of Senja, Segla is another must-visit destination in Northern Norway. Although it requires a few extra hours of driving, the scenic route is well worth the effort.
We began our journey in the village of Fjordgård where we embarked on a hike along the trail to Hesten. This trail offers the most spectacular views of Segla, and while the hike was challenging due to the significant elevation gain, the breathtaking views made every step worthwhile.
As we reached the summit, we were rewarded with a stunning panorama of Segla, one of Norway’s most uniquely shaped mountains. The surrounding landscape is equally impressive, with towering cliffs plunging into the sea.
Explore the Beautiful Village of Sommarøy
After visiting Segla, we headed back to Tromsø, taking a scenic route that included a ferry ride near the village of Sommarøy. Located about an hour from Tromsø, Sommarøy is a tranquil haven surrounded by countless islands. I was awestruck by its breathtaking beauty, and I couldn’t believe that such a stunning place existed in the Arctic Circle.
As I explored Sommarøy, I couldn’t help but think that Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Few places can rival its natural splendor. While I would have loved to experience Sommarøy at sunrise, witnessing the sunset there was truly unforgettable. It was the perfect way to conclude our time in Norway.
So that brings my guide to exploring Lofoten and Northern Norway to a close. This is such a beautiful part of the world that is just waiting for you to explore. For some more inspiration, check out my detailed guide on the best places to visit across all of Norway, or you can watch this video I put together and see the beauty of this region in more detail.
