cruise to lofoten islands norway

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Leknes (Lofoten Islands), Norway

• Need to Know
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This island city is Norway's most populous municipality. The harbor town is a shopping mecca in the Lofoten islands, boasting a range of stores. The rocky surrounding cliffs and pristine waters offers picturesque views.

Leknes Cruise Image Gallery

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What you NEED TO KNOW

Visit Lofoten

Ferries and boats to Lofoten

You can travel to the Lofoten Islands by ferry and express boats from the north and south. Here you will find an overview of the ferry, and boat offers available to Lofoten.

Travel to Lofoten by ferry, express boat or cruise ship

Let’s first check out the ferry connections to Lofoten, followed by express boat or cruise connections. We decided to use Google Maps on this page so it’s easier for you to navigate if you’re on a phone. Go to this page to further explore the timetables and prices.

Ferry and express boat timetables to Lofoten

Hurtigruten calls Lofoten

Bodø – moskenes.

The quickest ferry ride from Bodø to Lofoten is the direct ferry to Moskenes. It takes about 3,5 hours. You can bring your vehicle or travel by foot.

Bodø – Røst – Værøy – Moskenes

You can also reach Lofoten via Røst and Værøy. This trip takes about 7 hours. If you want to stay on Røst or Værøy to explore, you have to check out the timetables for when the next ferry comes. This varies between winter and summer season, and the ferry does not arrive every day. Plan a head!

Bognes – Lødingen

If you’re driving up to Lofoten from the south of Norway, this is the most common ferry to take. When you arrive in Bognes, keep to your left towards Løding (E10). If you drive straight on, you’ll end up on the ferry towards Narvik (E6).

Skutvik – Skrova – Svolvær

This ferry only operates during the summer season, from 01 June – 31 August. The ferry stops at Skrova, but it’s not easy to park your car there. It’s recommended to stay on until you reach Svolvær. In Svolvær, you can park your car (for a fee), then travel with the same ferry back to Skrova to explore Lofoten’s Hawaii!

Melbu – Fiskebøl

You can drive all the way to Lofoten from Vesterålen, but you can also take the more relaxed route with the ferry from Melbu to Fiskebøl.

Express Boat: Stokmarknes – Kaljord – Hanøy

The express boat can also be boarded in Kaljord. This route is only available by foot and needs to be combined with local bus routes.

Express Boat: Bodø – Svolvær (NEX 2)

From Bodø, you can also board the express boat that will take you a cross Vestfjorden via several other stops to Solvær. Other stops a long the route includes; Helnessund, Nordskot, Bogøy, Skutvik, and Skrova.

Cruise Ships

There are cruise ships visiting Lofoten that arrives at various harbours, including Reine, Stamsund, Leknes and Svolvær. And there a few port-to-port routes that might interest you. Check out the port-to-port connection between Stamsund and Svolvær with Havila or Hurtigruten , or between Stokmarknes and Svolvær here .

• Reis Nordland Here is the link to the county municipal transport website in Nordland
• Reis Nordland – Travel pass Nordland With Travel Pass Nordland you can travel as much as you want with both bus and express boat for a full seven days for a fixed price

Lofoten Islands (Gravdal), Norway

Description.

Gravdal is one of the largest villages in Vestvågøy and part of the Lofoten Archipelago in northern Norway. Gravdal serves as your gateway to the Lofoten Islands, the western remnants of great mountains that were worn away by glaciers. Lying entirely above the Arctic Circle, the islands' dramatic natural architecture of rocky peaks along with picturesque villages places this archipelago in a league of its own.

Points of Interest

• Viking Museum at Borg
• Henningsvær
• Flakstad Church

More about Lofoten Islands (Gravdal), Norway Points of Interest

Lying in the heart of Lofoten, this charming open air museum is one of the most idyllic and best-preserved fishing villages in the islands.

First settled by a Viking chieftain in 500 A.D., the area is now an open-air museum complete with a reconstructed house and boathouse.

A wonderland of rocky cliffs covered in bog plants, bright blue water, fresh air and panoramic views, the village of Sund also features a museum whose smithy creates stunning sculptures for purchase.

With sculptures made of crystal-clear ice, the Magic Ice Bar & Gallery expresses the bond between man and nature. Before you enter, you'll be dressed in a warm coat and offered refreshments.

One of the region's biggest and most active fishing villages, Henningsvær boasts The Gallery Lofoten's House, a gallery of 19th- and early 20th-century Norwegian oil paintings and a slide show that captures the seasons.

Rocky, snow-capped peaks, mountain sheep, clear blue skies and sparkling water surround this tiny hamlet on the island of Vestvågøy.

Nestled by Flakstad Bay, this charming, newly repainted church dates back to the 18th century.

4 Excursions

Best of the lofoten islands: flakstad church, sund & reine, reine & lofotr viking museum, easy lofoften islands drive, svolvaer, henningsvær, ice bar & gallery.

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• Lofoten & the Fjords

Coastal Cruise & Flåm Railway

(10 days / 9 nights).

• Travel Style
• Independent Cruise

Lovely Lofoten & Fantastic Fjords

This 10-day self-guided tour includes a stay in the picture-perfect Lofoten archipelago before sailing south to Bergen on Norwegian coastal cruise. You will get to experience pristine nature amidst the deep fjords and unique destinations like Svolvær. Not only this, but your cruise will be paired with the iconic Norway in a Nutshell® journey. This will take you from Bergen to Oslo, by train, bus and boat through serene fjords and charming villages like Flåm.

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 5127 EUR

— why book with nordic visitor.

• Seamless travel experience
• Handpicked hotels and routes crafted by Norway train & cruise travel experts
• Comprehensive itinerary & Norway Travel Guide
• 24/7 helpline during your tour
• Great customer reviews 
• Carbon offsetting included

Tour Highlights

• Discover Norway from north to south , travelling from the Arctic Circle to the capital
• Marvel at the natural and cultural highlights of Lofoten
• Uncover the history Svolvær and its traditional fishing community
• Enjoy a coastal cruise along Norway’s shoreline
• Complete your northern adventure by sailing across the  Arctic Circle
• Stroll through Norway’s grand capital,  Oslo , and visit charming  Bergen
• Sail through dramatic fjords like  Aurlandsfjord  and  Næroyfjord , branches of spectacular  Sognefjord
• Take on the famous  Norway in a Nutshell  journey from Bergen to Oslo
• Experience the legendary  Flåm train line , one of the world’s steepest railways
• Roam the ancient Bryggen , one of Norway’s UNESCO-listed Sites

Travel style

Independent cruise i, classic i , coastal cruise i , countryside and natural scenery i , culture and history i , fjords i, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Lofoten Islands & Svolvær

Coastal cruise in norway, norway in a nutshell®, flåm railway (flåmsbana), aurlandsfjord, seven sisters mountain range, svolværgeita.

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Day 1: Welcome to Lofoten

Welcome to  Svolvær , the “capital of the Lofoten”. This is a small and picturesque fishing village with a charming Scandinavian atmosphere. Here you will find a variety of small galleries, shops and cultural attractions nestled under the town’s landmark mountain,  Svolværgeita  (the “Svolvær goat”), a popular spot with climbers.

If you arrive early, we recommend a walk to the nearby island of Svinøya. You could visit the local art museum and go check out the traditional fish drying racks. Or simply take a stroll along the water for views of the sea and surrounding islands.

Spend the night in Svolvær.

Day 2: Svolvær at leisure

You have a whole day to explore Svolvær as you wish. This a great opportunity for photographers to experiment with Lofoten's unique lighting conditions. If you’re in for an adventure, you could go hiking or kayaking. Or take a boat safari to Trollfjord. There are also day tours to nearby villages.

We recommend ending the day with a visit to the Magic Ice bar, with its many magnificent ice sculptures.

Spend another night in Svolvær.

Day 3: Svolvær & Cruise departure

You have most of the day to enjoy more of Svolvær and Lofoten. If you haven’t already, you could take a stroll between the stockfish racks and traditional fishermen huts called “rorbuer” to soak in the local culture.

This evening, you can look forward to the next leg of your journey. You’ll hop on a coastal cruise for a 3-night journey to Bergen. The ship’s first stop is Stamsund from where you’ll see views of the majestic mountain tops of  Lofotveggen (the Lofoten “Wall”). Then you’ll leave Lofoten behind and set course south.

Spend the night aboard  the coastal cruise.

Want to know which cruise you will be joining? Check out sailing departures per tour .

Day 4: Crossing the Arctic Circle

Today the ship crosses south of the Arctic Circle . You’ll sail past such highlights as the famed Seven Sisters mountain peaks, Torghatten and the island of Sandnessjøen. Many myths surround these spots. According to folklore, the Seven Sisters are trolls that turned into stone when they looked at the sun. Meanwhile, Torghatten is known for its tunnel formed during the Ice Age.

The last port of call for the day is the charming town of Rørvik.

Spend another night aboard  the coastal cruise.

Day 5: Trondheim to Ålesund

Early in the morning the ship docks at the fascinating medieval city of  Trondheim , where you have some free time to explore. This used to be the ancient capital of Norway, so history abounds!

The cruise then carries on through the Trondheim fjord and past Hitra island with a brief stop at Kristiansund and Molde . This journey continues through some breathtaking coastal landscapes. You could add an optional shore excursion to your itinerary to see the Atlantic Ocean Road.

The final port of the day is a short stop in Ålesund, after midnight.

Day 6: Sail to historic Bergen

During the night, your cruise will call at the towns of Torvik, Maløy and Florø as the route weaves through islets and stunning landscapes.

Finally, you’ll come into view of your destination – Bergen . Here you will disembark to enjoy some leisure time in the “Capital of the Fjords”. Despite being an international city, Bergen has all the charms of a small town.

Here you’ll find  Bryggen , a city quarter that is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, with remarkably preserved old houses. Elsewhere, explore the lively fish and flower market, board cable cars offering stunning views, and discover great city museums.

Spend the night in Bergen.

Day 7: The Capital of the Fjords

You have a full day to explore beautiful and historic Bergen. First, you won’t want to miss a ride on the  Fløibanen Funicular  to the peak of Mount Fløyen.

Enjoy panoramic views of the colourful city, or board a cable car up even higher to Mount Ulriken. From here, you’ll discover winding hiking trails leading you across Bergen’s 7 surrounding mountains.

Down at city level, Bergen is also known for its museums showcasing the city’s history, architecture, music and art. Some of the most popular include Troldhaugen, a living museum dedicated to composer Edvard Grieg, and KODE , Scandinavia’s largest museum of art, craft, design and music.

Another option is to head back to the harbour to board optional day cruises of the glittering fjords.

Spend another night in Bergen.

Day 8: Norway in a Nutshell by Land and Sea

Today, you embark on one of the most scenic parts of your adventure so far. First, say goodbye to Bergen and catch the early Bergensbanen train, travelling past majestic mountains and plunging valleys to the town of Voss.

At Voss, change to a bus through more vibrant landscapes to  Gudvangen harbour. Here, you will board a spellbinding 2-hour fjord cruise to  Flåm , sailing through  Nærøyfjord , the narrowest fjord in all of Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage site is part of Sognefjord , Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Prepare to be awe-struck by mighty peaks, tumbling waterfalls and small farms dotting the mountainsides.

Finally, the boat sails up  Aurlandsfjord  to Flåm, a charming village, where you will spend the evening.

Spend the night in Flåm.

For a more comfortable experience, we recommend booking a luggage transfer for the journey between Bergen and Oslo.

Day 9: The Flåm Railway Experience

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Flåm, taking in its natural beauty and enjoying some of its cultural offerings.

In the afternoon, it’s time for you to experience the famous Flåm Railway firsthand. Settle into your seat and enjoy spectacular scenery as the train climbs 900 metres (2,952 feet) in just 20 kilometres (12 miles). During the journey, there will be photo stops for you to capture some images of your breathtaking surroundings. The winding train track leads to Myrdal Station, where you’ll disembark.

In Myrdal, switch to the Bergensbanen train, which will carry you over the mountainous rooftop of Norway. Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming villages of  Geilo  and Gol, before you arrive in Oslo.

Enjoy your last evening in Norway, and spend the night in Oslo.

Day 10: Departure from Oslo

It’s time to say goodbye to Norway! If your flight is in the afternoon, you could spend a few last hours shopping for souvenirs, visiting one of Oslo’s museums or just strolling through the charming city centre.

When it’s nearly time for your flight, take the Airport Express Train or call a taxi. Alternatively, we would be happy to arrange a private airport transfer for you. If you’d like to spend more time in Norway’s dynamic capital, you can easily add additional nights in Oslo during the booking process.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Rib Boat Safari - Lofoten

The atlantic ocean road, fjord sightseeing cruise, hardangerfjord cruise & voringsfossen waterfall, guided food & culture walk of bergen, luggage transfer from bergen to oslo, fjord safari by rib boat, fjord paddle, stegastein viewpoint, oslo sightseeing tour, private airport transfer - oslo departure.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

• Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 6 nights
• Norwegian Coastal Cruise: Svolvær - Bergen (3 nights)
• Full Board on Norwegian Coastal Cruise
• Daily Breakfast
• Norway in a Nutshell® journey from Bergen-Oslo
• Carbon offsetting of your tour
• Detailed personal itinerary
• Nordic Visitor's Norway Travel Guide
• 24/7 helpline
• Taxes & service fees

Not included

• Flights to/from Norway
• Domestic flights, as per itinerary
• Transfers to/from all airports
• Transfers to/from train stations, cruise terminals & hotels
• Meals, drinks & entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
• Personal travel insurance

Optional Extras

Essential information.

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this train and cruise tour in Norway. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Norway Travel Guide .

We recommend you wait to book flights to Scandinavia, and other parts of your travels, until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availabilities aboard Norway cruises, as included in this package. Contact us for more details.

On a train and cruise tour of Norway, Nordic Visitor takes care of your local transportation, accommodation and excursions for a relaxed self-guided travel experience. This might include trains, cruises and/or internal flights, as specified in the itinerary.

You will follow an itinerary that’s been pre-planned and booked for you before you arrive in Norway. This means you can take advantage of Nordic Visitor’s insider knowledge while exploring at your leisure. 

Ahead of your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information via email, including an itinerary, map and detailed Norway Travel Guide. 

During your tour, you’ll always be able to reach us by calling our 24/7 helpline. 

The transfers between your hotel and train stations or cruise ports are not included with this package. Usually your accommodation will be within short walking distance. You could also get a taxi from your hotel if you prefer.

Please wait to book flights to Scandinavia until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availabilities on services included in this package. 

After making a booking with Nordic Visitor, it might take a few weeks to confirm your travel arrangements. We recommend booking your flights once your personal travel consultant gets in touch to confirm your itinerary.

If you have any questions about your flights and itinerary, please contact us for more details.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

On this tour, you will hop aboard a coastal cruise, provided by either Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages, along the Norwegian west coast. You’ll be staying in your own cabin with private facilities.

Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages operate along the same route on different days. Your personal travel consultant will book the cruise on your behalf in light of your tour’s start date and the rest of your itinerary.

If you are travelling on a Hurtigruten cruise: Hurtigruten ships offer a classic Norwegian experience, with cosy cabins furnished with either twin or double beds. Your room will be between 8-11 square metres (86-118 square feet) and will always include a port hole, but please note that a view from the window cannot be guaranteed.

Instead, Hurtigruten ships all offer comfortable viewing decks, dining areas and lounges. This way, you can spend your mornings and evenings relaxing with incredible views of the passing Norwegian coastline.

If you are travelling on a Havila Voyages cruise: Havila Voyages ships are the newer cruise liners on the block. Their modern cabins are furnished with either twin or double beds and are all around 15 square metres (161 feet). Your room will have a port hole and a small sofa so you can watch the views of ocean or coastline go past. Or, head up to the lounge, restaurant or viewing deck to see more of the passing fjords.

When you book your Norway adventure, your travel consultant will arrange the details of your cruise departure in light of your tour’s start date. They’ll then include all the information in your personal itinerary.

If you have a specific cruise in mind, check out our  list of Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages sailing dates  in 2024 and 2025.

Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages are shipping companies which transport travellers along the Norwegian coastline. Both offer incredible views of spectacular fjords and charming coastal villages as they journey towards Norway’s north or south.

That said, both companies have their own histories and distinct characters. Your cruise experience will vary depending on which company you’re travelling with. We’ve broken down the key differences below so you know what to expect on your seafaring adventure.

Hurtigruten dates back to 1893, and many of its ships were originally used to transport post. Due to the historic nature of these cruises, each one differs in size and your room’s port hole window may not have a view. Instead, you can expect a cosy cabin stay, with access to charming lounges and restaurant areas that have floor-to-ceiling windows.

Havila Voyages are a newer company, with a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable travel. Their rooms are slightly larger and have views of either the ocean or the coastline from their port holes. Just like Hurtigruten, they offer on-board facilities such as relaxing lounges, restaurants and viewing decks.

Whichever company you travel with, you’ll enjoy a private cabin with either a double or twin beds and ensuite facilities. Please bear in mind that we cannot guarantee your cabin number for coastal voyages shorter than 5 nights.

When your ship is in port for longer than 30 minutes, you’ll have the option to disembark. Optional shore excursions will also be available on your journey, so make sure to pre-book any activities that interest you.

This tour includes the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour from Bergen to Oslo. This is one of Norway’s most iconic journeys. You’ll travel by train, bus and ferry, seeing beautiful landscapes of steep mountains, shimmering fjords, charming villages and scenic coastline.

The first leg of the journey is from Bergen to Flåm. Then you’ll travel from Flåm to Oslo. The duration of both days will be around 6 hours. 

The connections will be announced and clearly explained in your travel documents. You will receive a ticket with all the information about transfer points and timings with your final travel documents.

You can book an optional luggage transfer for the journey. If you do this, you’ll want a backpack for your daily essentials and one-night stay. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your destination.

If you do not book a luggage transfer, you will have to carry your bags between the train, boat and bus. All connections will be within easy reach and there will be storage available for your luggage during each leg of the journey.

On your Norway tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience. 

During the booking process, you can select whether you want Comfort Plus or Superior accommodation. Comfort Plus usually consists of standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels. Superior is standard rooms in 4-star hotels combined with Superior rooms in premium 3-star hotels.

You will also be able to choose between single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Norway room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. 

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra single bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you have a passport from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Norway. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days.

Visiting from another country? You can find out whether you require a visa to enter Norway on the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Select your home country to view details. If you do require a visa, you will be directed to your local embassy website to learn about the visa requirements.

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Norway. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children’s ages during the booking process.

For infants (0 to 2 years old), please let us know in the details if you’d like a baby cot.

For kids 3-11 years old, we’ll automatically book an extra bed for your trip.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Norway for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore and what you want to see and do in Norway.

During the summer months, June , July and August , you’ll have the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and taking full advantage of your days for sightseeing.

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book a summer itinerary in May or September . These shoulder season months generally have more tour and attraction availability.

Please note that if you travel in spring, end of March through April , you’ll find that many attractions and museums are operating on reduced winter hours. 

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter. Travel to Norway at this time of year to see snowy mountains, cruise along frosty fjords and chase the magnificent northern lights. 

If you head north in December and January , you could experience the polar night. At this time of year, the conditions are also ideal for winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and more.

Read more about the best time to visit Norway on our blog.

From Oslo in the south, Norway stretches hundreds of kilometres into the Arctic Circle. The country is so long that it spans the latitudes of 58°N to 81°N. For that reason, daylight hours vary greatly depending on where you’ll be visiting. That said, summer in Norway brings long days with plenty of daylight. 

In the south, around Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, you’ll experience 15–20 hours of daylight. If you visit the north, including locations such as Tromsø and Kirkenes, you can expect 20–24 hours of daylight. 

In fact, within the Arctic Circle, from mid-May to late July, you’ll experience the midnight sun. This is when the sun never fully sets. 

Norway’s long summer days give you plenty of time to explore. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn. 

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Norway .

During the summer months, you can expect fairly stable weather in Norway. That said, because the country spans such a large distance from north to south, temperatures are likely to vary depending on your location.

For example, the west coast is usually warmer thanks to the Gulf Stream, while the far north is usually cooler.

The months of June, July and August boast the warmest weather of the year. In Oslo, you can expect average temperatures around 16°C (61°F), with potential highs of 20–25°C (68–77°F). In Bergen, it is closer to 13°C (55°F) and in the north, around Tromsø, you can expect temperatures around 10°C (41-50°F) 

It’s also good to know that weather conditions are often changeable in Northern Europe, so you should come ready for sun, rain and wind. For more information on the local climate, read the page Norway weather conditions . 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. 

Summertime is the most stable time of year in Norway. That said, you should still be ready to experience all seasons in one day. Especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to pack for a combination of weather conditions.

Bring lighter clothes for the warmer, sunny days, and extra layers for chilly nights in the mountains or for taking in the view from cruise ship decks.

Here is an essential summer packing list for your trip to Norway:

• Shorts and trousers
• Short and long sleeve tops
• At least one warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Light gloves, hat and scarf
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
• Eye mask to sleep despite the long daylight hours
• Electronic gear such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
• A backpack for easy access to daily essentials
• and don’t forget your camera!

An umbrella can also come in handy. If you are a wildlife watcher, you may wish to bring binoculars. 

For more information, check out this Norway packing list .

In most major Norwegian cities and towns you will be able to find coin-operated launderettes, with self-service facilities, and dry cleaners. Most hotels on your trip will also offer a laundry or dry cleaning service for an additional cost.

When you travel with Nordic Visitor, breakfast at your Norway accommodation is always included.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 100–400 NOK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 500–1,000 NOK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 1,500 NOK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages. 

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

We recommend waiting for a confirmation from your travel consultant to ensure your travel dates are available. You’ll then be able to purchase your flights with confidence.

If you like to plan well ahead, you’ll find that it’s possible to book many tours for the following year. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us . 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

If you have any questions before your trip, you can get in touch with our Norway travel experts. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Norway Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

• Which currency is used in Norway and which credit cards are widely accepted
• What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
• Which languages do Norwegian speak (yes, English is one of them!)
• How to get a refund on tax-free shopping
• As well as tipping, buying snacks, and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. 

Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents. This will include your personalised itinerary, our Norway Travel Guide and your service vouchers. We recommend printing your tickets and vouchers to bring with you to Norway.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will usually need to check out from your room around 10–11 AM. If you’re staying in town longer, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before making your way to the airport.

This tour requires a non-refundable deposit payment of 50% of the total price at the time of booking. You can view more about the deposit and cancellation fees here .

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

These pictures may be small, but Norway’s mountains & fjords are massive.

Lofoten Islands in Norway

Lofoten in Norway

Summer in Svolvær ©Hurtigruten

Flåmsbana

The Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway

Hurtigruten in Norway

+7 more from this tour

Aurlandsfjorden in Norway

Trondheim during Summer

Seven Sisters Mountain Range in Alsten

Havila cruise ship at sunset ©Havila Kystruten / Oclin, Martin Giskegjerde

Bergen in Norway

Svolværgeita - Svolvær goat in Lofoten

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

My travel consultant was quick and effective

The lady who was my contact at Nordic Visitor replied to me email questions very quickly and effectively.

Gina, United Kingdom

Lofoten & the fjords, september 2023.

The ship and train journeys were excellent, and scenery fabulous throughout.

Peter, United Kingdom

Lofoten & the fjords, june 2023, highly recommend nordic visitor.

Terrific choices and very present help as needed. Warm and friendly people. Would highly recommend your services.

Robert, United States

Lofoten & the fjords, july 2023, excellent company.

Excellent company to work with! We were able to customise our tour and received detailed information ahead of time so we could make an informed decision about our options. The information packet we recieved ahead of the trip was extremely detailed and included everything we needed to make our trip go smoothly. The hotels were all outstanding as were all the tours and modes of transportation. Nordic Visitor knows the best places and things to do in Norway and saved us hours of planning and researching. We would highly recommend them for your travel!

Mary, United States

Everything was very clear.

We designed the tour ourselves based on the excellent website of Nordic Visitor. All bookings were emailed on time and everything was very clear.

Jean-Luc, Belgium

Our travel consultant was very helpful.

Jemima looked after all of our bookings. She was very helpful and also took the time to make recommendations in Stockholm. Accommodation was all very good.

John, Australia

Accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with charming country hotels.

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

Price per person from

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Lofoten Islands Adventure Cruises

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• Small Ship Cruises
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife Viewing
• Adventure Options
• Village Visits
• National Geographic Endurance
• National Geographic Resolution
• Lofoten Islands

Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (Northbound)

• Explore the rare northern fjords
• Paddle in a deep fjord
• Explore Lofoten Islands
• Visit the famous building in Tromso

Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard

Coastal wonders of norway, the faroe islands and iceland.

• Explore secluded inlets by kayak
• Encounter the Bronze Age ruins
• Explore the culture of Faroe Island
• Observe nesting seabirds

Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (Southbound)

• Explore Norway's northern fjords
• Hike, walk, and kayak
• Follow the fjord-carved coast
• Spot Arctic wildlife in Svalbard

Classic Voyage South

• Visit Hammerfest
• Pass through the Lofoten Islands
• Cross the Arctic Circle
• Tour Nidaros Cathedral

Top Lofoten Islands Travel Destinations

Top experiences in lofoten islands.

• Lofoten Islands Small Ship Cruises (5)
• Lofoten Islands Cruises (5)
• Lofoten Islands Wildlife & Safari Exploration (4)

Lofoten Islands Trips by Activity

• Lofoten Islands wildlife viewing (5)
• Lofoten Islands hiking (4)
• Lofoten Islands kayaking (4)
• Lofoten Islands village visits (3)

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Lofoten and Norwegian Coast Cruise

Visit Norway

Scan here for prices and availabilty

9 days - Norwegian Coastal Voyage with a longer stop in Lofoten.

Our range, Norwegian Coast, comes from the heart. With pride, we offer independent itineraries exploring secret coastal gems. These tours utilise the coastal ferries, regional trains and express boats to get around.

This tour includes the voyage from Bergen on the Coastal Voyage including visits to Ålesund, Geirangerfjord, Trondheim and Saltstraumen. You then leave your ship to spend longer in the unmissable Lofoten Archipelago.

The Lofoten Islands is a secret gem in the Northern part of Norway. Laid out against summer greens and yellows, Lofoten's razor-sharp peaks poke dark against a clear, cobalt sky. In the pure, exhilarating air, there’s a constant tang of salt and, in the villages, more than a whiff of cod, that giant of the seas whose annual migration brings wealth. Its a dream for hikers, fishermen and all nature lovers.

The archipelago offers a number of activities, such as walking, cycling, diving, excursions by hire car, sea safaris and much more. Lofoten is one of our favourite destinations along the long Norwegian coast.

The world's most stunning voyage and archipelago is waiting for you!

See our other Lofoten & Norwegian Coast Tours

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

Transportation

Norwegian Coastal Voyage & car hire 3 days

• 3 nights twin outside cabin with private facilities aboard Norwegian Coastal ship
• 3 nights in self contained rorbu with kitchen, ensuite and facilities (breakfast, linen and end cleaning included)
• 2 nights superior centrally located hotel accommodation in Bergen, shared double/twin room with private facilities
• Transfers from Svolvær to your Lofoten accommodation
• Trollfjord sea safari
• Car Hire - Hertz Compact, 4-5 Door, Automatic, Aircon, Toyota Corolla Aut. or similar
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fees

Not Included

International flight tickets, meals other than described, travel insurance, visas, gratitudes and any items of personal nature.

If you wish to hire an automatic car, these are 'on request' and can be difficult to obtain. Please seek further advice with us .

Single supplement available.

Day 1 - Arrive Bergen

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Bergen offers many attractions and sights - many within walking distance. Recommended sights of interests are the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower market, Bergen Aquarium and Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Open Air Museum).

Accommodation

Day 2 - Explore Bergen - hiking, galleries, museums and outdoor pursuits..

After a leisurely breakfast on the harbour, it is time to explore the historical centre of Bergen where you'll be transported back to a time when Bergen was the centre of political power and trade for the entire North Atlantic. It was the Capital of the Kingdom of Norway for a short period, before the capital was moved to Oslo in 1299, and the town grew to become the largest in Scandinavia. The Hanseatic League established itself here in 1350 and had a trade monopoly that lasted 200 years.

An option today can be to add a day fjord tour.

Restaurants

Day 3 - The Coastal Voyage begins

You have the morning and early afternoon free before boarding your Coastal Voyage ship.

Your ship will sail from the Hurtigruten Terminalen, located at Nostegarten 30, 5010 Bergen. This is not far from our hotel.

The terminal is staffed from 13:00 (1pm) and is open from 15:00 (3pm) for baggage check-in. If you are in the harbour, you can watch as your ship arrives from the north and passengers disembark around 2pm.

Embarkation takes place from 16:00 (4pm) and your cabin will be available from approximately 18:00 (6pm). Dinner will be available from 18:00 (6pm). There are no restaurant facilities (there is a simple cafe) in the terminal should you arrive early to the terminal. Please note you carry your own luggage onboard from the pier to your cabin.

Your ship departs at 20:00 (8pm).

An information meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and includes details of safety onboard. There is an information folder in each cabin and safety procedures are illustrated on the back of your cabin door and in public areas. The Tour Leader on board will assist with general information and the shore excursion programme.

Day 4 - Ålesund and Geirangerfjord

Ålesund and Geirangerfjord

Ports visited today: Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde.

Your ship navigates the skerries and islands further north before reaching Ålesund. Marvel at the inspiring architecture in the Apotekergate and Kongensgate pedestrian precinct, perfect examples of the Art Nouveau style. Don’t miss out on the view from Mount Aksla but beware, there are 418 steps to the top! In the summer months, the next destination will be the spectacular UNE SCO-listed Geirangerfjord. En route to the end of this beautiful fjord you pass sheer, 800m cliffs and impressive waterfalls.

In Autumn, you will explore the Hjørundfjord, amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural landscape are what give this fjord its special character.

Other Optional Excursions depending on the season and ship: Geiranger with Trollstigen Pass, Art Nouveau Tour, Hiking in Hjørundfjord, Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla and the A Taste of Norway which visits the historic Hotel Union.

Optional Add Ons

Day 5 - The Royal City of Trondheim and then thousands of islands towards Rørvik.

Ports visited today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.

When visiting the old royal city of Trondheim, be sure to get a good view from the Gamle Bybrua (“Old Town Bridge”). Dating from 1861, this neo-gothic wooden bridge used to be the only way into the town centre. Nidaros Cathedral, built between1070 and 1300, is Norway’s largest Gothic religious edifice. In the neighbouring Archbishop’s Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are kept. In Trondheim itself, the Hanseatic, waterside storehouses built on wooden stilts are just as charming as the Rococo-style Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in Norway and residence for the Royal Family when visiting Trondheim. New optional activities will have you kayaking on the river Nid and into the city's smaller channels or during winter time, you have the opportunity to try typical Norwegian winter activities such as skiing, tobogganing and sledding.

You then set a course for the northwest, past the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and thousands of little islands and picturesque rocky outcrops. In autumn, you will learn more about navigation and lighthouses along the Norwegian coast during the Captain's talk. After passing through the narrow Stokksund, the ship will arrive at charming Rørvik.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: Nidaros Cathedral and Ringve Museum, Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral, Munkholmen boat trip & the new cycling and kayaking tours. During winter, you can experience Winter Games.

Day 6 - Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands

Ports visited today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.

This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, you pass a globe on a small islet, which heralds your crossing of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle marks the border of the the Arctic reiong. In summer this means 24-hour daylight - often referred to as the 'Midnight Sun'. During autumn and winter, being above this degree of latitude gives you the best chance of experiencing the Northern Lights.

Passengers sailing in Arctic waters for the first time are given an Arctic Circle baptism by Njord, the ruler of the Seven Seas. This comes in the form of an ice cube down your front or back, but is entirely optional. This ceremony is tremendous fun to watch on the deck.

In the afternoon, your ship gradually closes in on the 3,280 feet high Lofoten Wall towering above the tiny and colourful fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. This is an extraordinary place to disembark and take a stroll.

These islands are renowned for their small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stockfish racks and ‘rorbuer’, the traditional, red fishermen’s residences. The Lofoten Islands are a truly extraordinary experience.

Depart ship and transfer to your traditional self-catering fishing cabin over the water. Between Sept - Dec, cast your eyes skywards in the evening for a chance to see the Northern Lights.

NOTE: The Coastal ferry arrives into Svolvær, at 21:00. You will however, need to check-out from your cabin at 12:00. You may be able to keep the cabin for an extra cost, but this can not be pre-booked, and will depend on the availability. Luggage storage is possible.

Days 7 - 8 - The Magical Lofoten - self-drive and explore these islands to the fullest!

Enjoy three full days centrally located within the stunningly beautiful Lofoten Archipelago. The Lofoten Islands offer some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with towering, pointed mountain peaks rising majestically from the sea to a height of almost 1000 metres. Many of the island interiors are swathed in emerald greens, and the shorelines are fringed with white sandy beaches.

The only included activity is a 'not to be missed' spectacular Trollfjord Safari. You will get a good understanding of the marine life in the near surroundings of Svolvær.

We have also included 3 days of car hire which allows you to explore the islands at your own pace. GPS is not included (but roads are pretty straightforward, mostly following the coastline).

Alternatively, our recommended excursions are;

• Rent a bike and pedal your way through the Archipelago (summer)
• Head down to the floating sauna for a steam and a swim
• Visit to the impressive Lofotr Viking Museum (all year)
• Kayaks provide a fantastic opportunity to explore all of Lofotens small and large islands, islets and reefs (all year)
• Join an Ocean rafting trip in a rib boat (all year)
• Diving or Snorkelling in the region (all year)
• Join a traditional fishing boat and try your luck (all year, but best February to April)
• Just laze around your Rorbu and enjoy the exotic smell of dried cod (all year)

Trekking along some of the well marked paths (all year, except when too much snow)

Day 9 - Drive to the local airport and drop off your hire car.

After breakfast, drive to the local airport and deliver the car. Cleaning services included in your tour.

All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative due to the current uncertainty across Europe with increasing energy and volatile fuel costs.

The Coastal Cruise price fluctuates daily depending on demand and so this price can only be indicative as we will need to price based on your day of travel.

Important Information

This tour is primarily designed for summer, but the Lofoten Archipelago is just as beautiful in winter. Staying a week over winter is a great way to see the Northern Lights.

This tour suits families with a self-catering kitchen, easy access to nature and fun activities for kids. Pre-booked adventures such as the Trollfjord safaris sit together with simple family excursions along the beach make for a relaxing and beautiful family holiday.

Driving in Norway during the peak season (July - early August):

Europeans love driving in Norway and during the summer months, the more popular tourist roads becomes crowded with European vans. This can slow the roads down, as it can be difficult to pass these vans. Norwegian country roads are often quite narrow. Having said this, these roads are incredibly scenic and have lots of picnic & photo spots.

If you are going to be using ferries during your drive, depending on the size of the ferry, this might involve a wait to get on. The ferries are reliable and regular but you may need to arrive early to secure a spot in the line. On some of the ferries, we suggest considering catching a ferry outside of the peak times. Your accommodation hosts can help with suggestions for your following days travel with the most up to date local information.

We have not included the GPS hire in Lofoten as it is easy to get around and is an expensive option. It can be included if you wish.

White beaches, Sea & Manshausen Island

4 days - Stay in designer accommodation on Norway's coast.

Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten

8 days - Drive the spectacular National Tourist Route of Norway

• Our favourite

Lofoten Culinary Food Week

7 days - Cooking Classes, Exclusive Experiences and Sea Adventures

Interactive Tour Map

Havila Voyage Handy Hints

Our 'helpful hints' guide to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Havila. Many of our Scandinavian staff have travelled on a coastal voyage and offer detailed explanations to how it works on-board.

If you want to commit to a booking please use the Book Tour form below.

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Travel Safe

Travel insurance and safety.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.

Self-catering in Norway

Written by Jayde Kincaid, who married a Norwegian, and was happily (albeit with some hesitation) introduced to a world of Norwegian every day food habits.

At 50 Degrees North, we want to encourage our travellers to try local Norwegian food & drink. This may seem difficult in Scandinavia in general without a large budget, and in particular Norway. Some of the more remote villages you might visit have limited restaurants or cafes, some of which can be pretty expensive. There is certainly no street food! One way to get about sampling local food is by self-catering. You will find plenty of friendly locals in the small town grocery stores and supermarkets who will be happy to help you picking out local ingredients. Just don’t be shy – ask! And, don’t rush – make your local small town shopping part of your holiday experience. Read the local notice boards, and enjoy an ice cream out the front when you have finished. It is what the locals do!

Note: Statoil cups - a good idea to save money as you drive around Norway: purcahse a Statoil (petrol station) metal cup and you get free refills of coffee, tea and hot chocolate at the Statoil stations.

Grocery shopping in remote or far flung Norway:

Norway has an extensive range of grocery stores, and in most small villages you will find at least one, if not two or three grocery stores. However, they do have limited opening hours, and except for ‘Bunnpris’, they are all closed on Sundays. You will see the weekend hours shown in brackets on the store sign out front. If you are arriving in a larger town, we do suggest you stock up with some staples before you head out into the mountains or on a coastal drive.

A few tips:

• Plastic bags are NOK1-2 and you will always need to pack your own shopping. • You can recycle your bottles and cans for a receipt that you can cash in. Recycling points are found in all stores. • Alcohol sold in food stores (mainly beer and cider) is restricted by government regulation to certain hours. This varies slightly, but on weekdays alcohol sales stop at 8pm regardless and on Saturdays at 6pm. Outside these hours and on Sundays you can only buy alcohol in licensed restaurants or bars. • Any alcohol over 4.7% can only be bought at special government controlled liquor store (Vinmonopolet). These are very rare in smaller remote towns and villages, so stock up before you leave the city.

Things to try from a general grocery store:

Meatballs or “meatcakes’: these come in all shapes, sizes and quality. They are generally really tasty and a bit better than what you find at IKEA. Also pick up a packet of dried ready-made brown sauce that goes with them. Be on the look out for Lingonberry sauce/jam, or even fresh lingonberries that you can use to make a fresh sauce (little red circular berries). Don’t add too much sugar, they are served quite tart.

If you want to try to make this brown sauce yourself, buy some ‘brunost’ (brown cheese), the required creams and follow the recipe below.

Hotdogs: known as ‘pølse’ in Norwegian, hot dogs are abundant in Norway. Cheap and cheerful – pølse is THE fast food of Norway. They are sold at service stations, newsagents, corner stores and fast food outlets. Pølse come with a dazzling variety of toppings and bread. Some of the pølse highlights would be the bacon wrapped ones, sprinkled with dried onion, mustards and mayonnaise. You will also find them wrapped in waffles (mostly in and around Fredrikstad) or the Norwegian pancake, ‘lompe’.

Note: there are strict requirements by the Food Safety commission for traditional pølse to be of the highest quality and they have even set requirements for what types of ingredients are allowed.

Like Norwegian beer, you will find seasonal pølse – Christmas pølse (Julepølse) is obviously found only in the lead up to the celebrations.

If you are planning to eat Norwegian style, use boil pølse on the stove and add to meals with potatoes and stew.

Note; steer away from tinned cheap pølse and meatballs.

Fish cakes: these also come in lots of variation and are generally served with a white sauce and lots of parsley. The Norwegians also use a basic white sauce on broccoli with cheese on top. These fish cakes are often found in fish shops, fried or steamed, ready to eat. A great fast snack.

Reindeer: we strongly suggest you try reindeer meat when you are travelling in the far north. It generally comes frozen, so look for finely cut reindeer meat in the freezer section. It is a more expensive option, but absolutely delicious albeit quite gamey. Be sure to get mushrooms, a small amount of brown cheese and rømme (crème fraiche). Fry it all up in a pan - a bit like a beef stroganoff. Serve with boiled potatoes or rice.

Mushrooms: if you are travelling in the chanterelle harvest season (mid/late August), be sure to try them. They are the yellow mushroom found in autumn. Or better still, have a look around the pine forests and pick some. Be sure to image search them before you head out so you know what to pick. They are really delicious with the brown cheese sauce and reindeer.

Salmon, prawns & fish: always be on the look out for a chance to buy fresh fish. Yes, it is possible to smooth talk a fisherman at the harbour. Or look for the local fish-kiosk or fish-shop. Be on the look out for small signs pointing you in the direction of fresh fish sales – ‘reker’ (shrimps, not prawns) or ‘fersk fisk’ (fresh fish) are the words you need. Norwegians are very proud of their shrimps – and of course completely justified. Their shrimps are small and tasty and harvested from the cool North Sea. Norwegians traditionally serve them with mayonnaise and lemon. Peel them and pop them on a fresh white slice of bread. Mayonnaise is layered on top with dill, pepper & salt.

Smoked Salmon: Norwegian smoked salmon is the best in the world hands down. Be sure to try all the different varieties you see – often, in larger supermarkets or delis, you can try before you buy.

Tubed ‘kaviar’ (caviar): this is a must try. It is cheap and perfect for the travellers pantry. This is what my husband craves like an Australian abroad would crave vegemite.

Norwegian pre-made dips and salads: the Norwegian supermarkets have a large range of premade salads and dips. They last quite a while and are good fillers for sandwiches. Our favourite are the cubed beetroot salad and the potato salads. They come in easy-to-carry and pack-up containers – perfect for picnics. Tubed mayonnaise is also handy for picnics.

‘Leverpostei’ (liver pate) in many variations can also be found in the supermarket. This pate is normally served on brown bread then topped with sliced red onions or sweet pickles. Protein rich and very tasty if you like pate – it is found on most Norwegian breakfast tables.

Yoghurt: now – this is an interesting one. Norwegian yoghurt comes in a variety of styles - some can be very runny, sour and low fat. There are varying names/codes for each sort. You might like to check with a local when you are buying yoghurt to be sure you are getting what you want. Some of the yoghurt comes as though it is milk, in normal milk cartons - sour runny yoghurt is NOT nice in your coffee.

Bread: the Norwegian supermarket bread generally comes un-cut. You can either cut it in the shop – ask for help the first time you do it. They have industrial bread cutting machines near the bakery section. The bread can be quite plain in the main supermarkets so be on the look out for boutique bakeries in the larger towns if you enjoy fancy bread. Also keep an eye out for the Norwegian flatbread, Lefse, which is similar to Mexican tortillas. Usually served with butter and sugar, sometimes cinnamon too. Occasionally made with potato.

Waffles: Norwegian waffle stalls are similar to the sausage sizzle or hot dog stand. It is the most common fundraising or community building food product. Don’t expect sickly sweet jams or whipped cream – you will find these fresh chewy waffles served with sour cream and home made tart berry jams. Never go past one!

Chocolate: we recommend that you try the ‘FREIA’ milk chocolate during your stay. It melts in your mouth.

Berries: if you travel in early autumn (mid/late August) this is berry season. Forest berries that is. Ask a local and head up into the hills or forest in search for berries. You may find; blueberries, lingonberries, rasberries and if you are up north or in the central mountains; the rare yellow cloudberries.

Norwegian Farm Produce:

On a self-drive journey, always be on the look out for small farm shops or stands along the road. Things you cannot drive past:

Strawberries: if you are travelling in the strawberry season – you MUST try Norwegian strawberries. They are seriously amazing. Grown in the nutritious earth that has the chance to rejuvenate through a long winter.

_And if you go past a self-pick strawberry farm, put everything else on hold and enter!  Norwegians wait all year for this event. _

New potatoes: be on the look out for new season potatoes – they are often sold in little stands beside the road. Often on an honesty basis; i.e. grab a bag and put the money in an allocated tin.

CLASSIC RECIPE:

Basic Brown Cheese Recipe – can be used with meatballs, reindeer, with added mushrooms. • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 tablespoons flour • 3⁄4 cup light cream • 1⁄2 cup chicken broth (optional - just use water if you cannot find this) • 1 cup shredded gjetost or brown goats cheese • 3⁄4 cup rømme (crème fraiche) • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh dill

Method: Using the meat dish that has been browned off, remove as much oil from the pan as possible and blend in butter and flour. Remove from heat and blend in light cream. Add chicken broth, bring to boil, stirring and cooking until thickened. Mix in Gjetost cheese. Turn heat low. Blend some of the sauce into the rømme (crème fraiche), then return all to sauce. Add chopped parsley or fresh dill.

Happy shopping and cooking!

Practical Information before your Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Practical information before your norwegian coastal voyage.

Norwegian coastal ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable, and a set itinerary, carrying goods, vehicles and foot passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life (some noise may be experienced during docking and loading/unloading). It may very occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail stops due to weather or other conditions. Some stops may be very short and some are at night. As Christmas approaches itineraries may change in order for ships to host dinners and celebrations for local communities. Please ensure you are back onboard by sailing time, especially if the ship has arrived late, as it may leave as scheduled to make up time.

The departure time is advertised at the gangway and vessels are NOT able to wait for passengers who are late. If you miss the ship it is your responsibility to make arrangements to rejoin the voyage at the next possible stop or return home.

This is generally available 24 hours a day serving beverages, sandwiches and a small selection of hot and cold dishes. On some departures the catering service at night will be managed by the reception staff.

If you are travelling by car further information on vehicles and parking at ports is available from Hurtigruten. Access to the vehicle deck is only permitted when the ship is moored.

Credit cards/currency

Ships generally accept VISA, American Express, Eurocard, Diners Club and JBC International, plus most currencies.

Cruise card

We recommend that passengers acquire a cruise card to make payments on board. This may be obtained from reception onboard and used to make payments throughout the ship. They accept credit cards or cash as a deposit. You need to get the bill sorted on the last night to be sure it is finalised.

Special diets, such as vegetarian must be ordered well before departure.

Disabled guests

All ships have lifts and cabins for disabled guests. People with severe disabilities or who are unable to take care of themselves must be accompanied by a carer.

The ships are licensed to sell drinks onboard, however please note the price of alcohol in Norway due to heavy taxes. The water package can be included into your voyage at a small extra cost

Electricity

Fitness room/sauna

Available on all ships.

Be sure to bring some swimming attire for the jacuzzi!

Internet access

All ships offer internet access via satellite. In most harbours, mobile/cellular networks (3G) are available if bringing your own PC and a mobile access subscription. The wireless coverage varies from ship to ship and will be improved yearly. The passengers have to contact the reception on board for information on how to get access to the internet (free of charge). No internet access in the cabins (except in some suites). Internet cafe (if present), with minimum 2 PCs.

Kystruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set schedule, carrying vehicles, cargo and foot passengers by day and night (some noise may be noticed during docking or loading). Some stops are short and/or are during the night. It may occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail visits due to weather/local conditions, and you will be notified of this.

Most ships have laundry facilities with washing machines and tumble dryers. Tokens may be purchased from reception.

A daily baggage service is available in Bergen from the airport and selected city-centre hotels to the Hurtigruten terminal. For groups, luggage handling must be agreed with Hurtigruten prior to travel. This in not included in the price of your voyage.

It is recommended that pets are not brought on long journeys and special rules apply to the transport of animals; contact us for further information. We do however welcome guide dogs on board.

Pharmacy/doctor

As there are only short distances between ports there is neither a doctor nor a pharmacy on board.

Most ships have a playroom except MS Midnatsol and MS Trollfjord.

Do not forget to bring your binoculars, camera and/or a video camera. Take practical, warm and windproof clothing for going out on deck. Smart, but casual clothes are recommended on board. Good comfortable footwear is vital for excursions.

Souvenirs, knitwear, postcards, DVDs of the journey, stamps and a small supply of toiletries are sold on board.

Smoking is not permitted in cabins or public areas. It is allowed up on the open deck but prohibited at all times when the ships are in port.

Safety regulations

For reasons of safety it may sometimes be necessary to keep cabin ventilators/port-holes obscured.

Telephone and fax

Tour leader

There is a tour leader on board all year round. On some departures this service is managed by reception. External tour leaders (groups) are requested to contact the reception for information on practical details.

We can offer transfers in Bergen, Trondheim and Kirkenes.

There is a safe in reception. Ships accept no responsibility for valuables and money kept in cabins.

Wake-up calls

When arriving at night disembarking passengers are woken between half an hour and one hour before arrival.

Weather and climate

Temperatures usually vary between 2°C and -10°C in winter. Summer temperatures in northern Norway vary between 10°C and 30°C depending on latitude.

End of your voyage

On your final morning of your voyage, be sure to take everything with you when you go for breakfast. The ship gets prepared for the next voyage and your rooms will be cleaned promptly. You may be charged for re-entry.

Optional Activities on board your Norwegian Coastal Voyage

You can pre-book your optional excursions with us. However, you can also wait until you are onboard and do it then - however, there is a maximum number and they can book out. It is not possible to pre-book within 2 weeks prior to departure. Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers and weather/local conditions. During quieter months, some excursions may not get the numbers required so please ask us when booking about the minimum numbers needed for each excursion.

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Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands - the beautiful Arctic archipelago

Breathtaking, unforgettable scenery, impressive alpine mountain peaks, Arctic fjords, tiny fishing settlements and stockfish:

The Lofoten archipelago is located north of the Arctic Circle in the county of Nordland, Norway. Between the mainland and the Lofoten lies the open Vestfjord. The archipelago is known for its exceptional natural beauty, the picturesque Fishing settlements, the Rorbu (Fishermen's cottages) and the stockfish. Lofoten has a very high density of sea eagles and millions of other sea birds, among them the colorful puffin. Due to the Golf Stream the climate is mild, despite the latitude north of the Arctic Circle. Between May 25 and July 17 you can experience the Midnight Sun, and from early May the nights are bright.

The Lofoten Fisheries Even before the year 900 AD, the sagas tell about boats being equipped for the journey to the Lofoten and the winter cod fishing season, where the fishermen travelled for days and even weeks in open rowing boats and sailing boats to take part in the abundant fisheries of Lofoten, throughout the entire winter. This created a need for accommodation for the visiting fishermen, setting off the building of the well known "rorbus" - now most of them refurbished into comfortable accommodations for the leisure visitors. The stockfish, produced from the cod, was sold to almost all European countries, and Italy is still the most important market for the high quality stockfish from Lofoten.

Scenery & attractions The Lofoten wall - the archipelago looks like a closed wall when seen from elevated points around Bodo or when arriving from the sea, some 100 km. long, and 800-1,000 m. high. The island of Moskenes with the Moskenes maelstrom, considered to be one of the most dangerous maelstroms in the world, and the coastal Kollhellaren Cave with some 3000 year old cave paintings. Vestvaagoy with the archeological finds from the Iron Age and the Viking Age. The Viking longhouse (83 m) in Lofotr Viking museum at Borg (the largest known longhouse). The picturesque fishing village of Nusfjord. The picturesque villages of Eggum and Unstad, situated at the foot of tall mountains, with the scenic pebbled beach at Eggum. Henningsvaer - the most important fishing village at Lofoten. Skomvaer Lighthouse.

Tours & cruises to the Lofoten Islands:    

Lofoten Islands, Helgeland coast & the Sognefjord 12 nights individual trip starting in Oslo. Scenic train trips on the Dovre line to Trondheim, the Nordland line passing the Arctic circle to Bodo, cruise across the Vestfjord to the Lofoten Islands, 3 nights Hurtigruten cruise to Bergen passing the beautiful Helgeland coast, fjord cruise on the Sognefjord & the Flam Railway. Stays in Oslo, Trondheim, Bodo, Lofoten Islands, Bergen & Geilo. Read more about Lofoten Islands, Helgeland & the Sognefjord Arctic Fjords & Coastal Highlights 7 nights individual trip starting in Oslo, with flight to Tromso & an unforgettable Arctic gourmet dinner, then a 4 nights amazing Hurtigruten cruise to Bergen, with the Trollfjord, the Lofoten Islands & the Helgeland coast. Norway in a nutshell combination trip from Bergen to Oslo, with cruise on the Naeroyfjord and the Flam railway. Read more about Arctic Fjords & Coastal Highlights  

Hurtigruten authentic cruises We offer you cruise packages including cruises on the authentic Huritgruten ships. On the southbound cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen, the ships sail in the Vesteralen and Lofoten Islands during day time, with several land excursions to choose from. Read more about Hurtigruten cruises

Fjord Travel Norway is fully insured and a member of the Norwegian Tour Guarantee Fund (RGF). Travel agencies and wholesalers in Norway are required to be a member of this fund. In the unlikely event of insolvency the RGF will refund any advance payments you have made to our company for a holiday in Norway.

Norwegian destinations:

• Bergen Norway - the Gateway to the Fjords
• Alesund, the Art Noveau town
• Flam, the tiny Fjord village
• Oslo Norway, the Scandinavian Viking capital
• Tromso, the Arctic capital of Norway

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• The unique Norwegian Fjords
• The Northern Lights (Aurora borealis) Norway
• The spectacular Lofoten Islands
• The scenic Geirangerfjord
• Ice hotels Norway - Kirkenes Snow Hotel

Thematic Norway Holidays:

• Norway Christmas Cruises
• Northern Lights Cruises
• Fjord Tours & Cruises
• Arctic Circle & Midnight Sun Tours
• Sognefjord & Glacier Excursion Tours

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Leknes Lofoten Islands Cruise Port Guide | 7 Best Things To Do In Port

Nestled in the heart of the Lofoten archipelago just above the Arctic Circle, the Leknes cruise port is a gateway to one of Norway’s most breathtaking regions.

Leknes is located on the island of Vestvågøya and is one of the archipelago’s largest towns, with around 3,550 inhabitants. It is known for its fishing culture and stunning landscapes, which include pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, and crystal-clear waters.

Visitors can explore the islands’ natural beauty, enjoy numerous outdoor activities, or explore the cultural heritage of this region. If you’re coming here between late May and mid-July, you may experience the “Midnight Sun”, a magical phenomenon where the sun never sets and the region experiences continuous daylight.

Together with Svolvær, another port in the Lofoten archipelago, Leknes is a frequent stop in the Arctic and Norwegian Fjord cruise itineraries.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into practical information about the Leknes cruise terminal and share the 7 best things to do in Leknes port .

Visit also our cruise port guides to Bergen , Oslo , Tromso , Alesund , Geirangerfjord , Honningsvag , Haugesund , Flam , Trondheim , Olden , Kristiansand

Leknes Lofoten Islands Cruise Port

Cruise ships up to 230 m in length may dock directly at the Leknes cruise terminal ( Leknes Havn ), while the majority of large cruise ships anchor offshore and use tender boats to transfer them to a small tender pier. The tender ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Within the cruise terminal, you will find facilities such as a tourist information office, souvenir shops, wi-fi, money exchange, car/bicycle rental, post office services, and restrooms.

Leknes town center is located about 3,5 km northeast of the port of Leknes, and the ride takes about 5 minutes. Taxis, tour buses, and shuttle bus services are available at the terminal.

Besides stunning landscapes, there’s not much to do in the port itself and the best way to get around is on a guided sightseeing shore excursion.

7 Best Things To Do In Leknes Cruise Port

From visiting the picturesque Haukland Beach and hiking the scenic trails of Offersøykammen to exploring the local culture, history, and cuisine, Leknes port has something for everyone!

1. Hike to Offersøykammen

Offersøykammen is a popular hiking destination located around 5 km from Leknes cruise port, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Lofoten archipelago.

The hike, while relatively short and moderately challenging, rewards adventurers with stunning vistas of surrounding fjords, mountains, and beaches, including the turquoise waters of Haukland Beach and the iconic peaks of the Lofoten skyline.

The trail is well-marked and accessible, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels.

To get there, you can take a taxi, which will take around 5-10 minutes, or join a guided tour that includes transportation to the trailhead. Once you arrive at the trailhead, a relatively easy yet rewarding hike to the summit of Offersøykammen awaits.

As you climb, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of Leknes and its stunning coastal landscapes, with panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and islands.

Explore hiking tours and activities

2. Haukland Beach

Spend a relaxing day at the iconic Haukland Beach (Hauklandstranda), one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches nestled 13 km (a 20-minute drive) northwest of Leknes cruise port.

Framed by dramatic mountain peaks and known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the beach features a picturesque setting that is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.

For those feeling adventurous, Haukland Beach also offers opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife spotting, and even surfing or paddle boarding in the brisk Nordic waters.

Alternatively, simply find a comfortable spot on the beach to relax and enjoy a picnic with views of the stunning surroundings.

The beach also features a little, cozy cafe, a surf club and public toilets.

Check out beach tours and activities

3. Lofotr Viking Museum

Dive into the world of Viking history with a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum, located in the village of Borg, 17 km (a 20-minute drive) from the port. This interactive museum allows visitors to travel back in time and experience life as it was during the Viking Age.

Central to the museum is a reconstructed chieftain’s longhouse, the largest ever discovered, which provides a fascinating glimpse into Viking daily life, social structure, and craftsmanship.

You can explore interactive exhibits, watch demonstrations of traditional Viking skills, and even participate in activities such as axe throwing and rowing a Viking ship.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts various events, including Viking festivals and reenactments of ancient rituals and ceremonies, both fun and educational for visitors of all ages.

4. Lofoten War Memorial Museum

Located 72 km (a 1-hour 10-minute drive) from the port of Leknes, the Lofoten War Memorial Museum offers a moving tribute to the region’s wartime history and the brave efforts of its residents during this difficult period.

You’ll find a collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that illustrate the role of Lofoten during the war, including the daring Operation Claymore and subsequent occupation by German forces.

Visitors can learn about the courageous actions of the Norwegian resistance fighters who carried out daring sabotage missions against German forces, as well as the role of the Lofoten Islands as a strategic base for Allied operations during the war.

5. Lofoten Islands Scenic Drive

Lofoten Islands feature breathtaking nature and spectacular panoramic views of rugged coastline, towering mountains, and picturesque fishing villages nestled along the shores of crystal-clear fjords.

You can rent a car or join a guided tour to explore the winding roads and picturesque villages of this beautiful archipelago. Various tour companies provide scenic drives departing from Leknes and bringing you on a customized journey through the region’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Along the way, you’ll pass through charming fishing villages, where traditional red fishing cabins, known as rorbuer , line the shores and add a splash of color to the rugged coastline.

Make sure to stop off at scenic viewpoints along the way to capture photos of the scenery or simply to soak in the tranquil ambiance of your surroundings.

Explore Lofoten Islands tours and activities

6. Experience the Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs in polar regions during the summer months when the sun remains visible for 24 hours or nearly so, never dipping below the horizon.

In places like the Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun creates a truly magical atmosphere, bathing the landscape in a soft golden glow even at midnight.

When visiting Leknes in the summer months, join a guided tour alongside knowledgeable guides who will lead you to prime viewing spots and share fascinating information about the celestial phenomenon and its significance in Norwegian culture and tradition.

Alternatively, you can search on your own for a scenic spot with a view of the horizon, whether it’s atop a hill, along a fjord, or on the sands of a secluded beach.

Make sure to bring a camera to capture the mesmerizing colors of the Midnight Sun as it bathes the surroundings in golden light!

Explore the Midnight Sun tours

7. Sample Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of traditional Norwegian cuisine in Leknes’ local restaurants and cafés, where you can taste the region’s gastronomic heritage firsthand. Try local delicacies like stock fish , a popular Norwegian delicacy made from dried fish that has been cured and preserved using a centuries-old process.

For a taste of the wild, try reindeer meat, a prized ingredient in Norwegian cuisine known for its tender texture and rich, gamey flavor. And of course, you can’t leave Leknes without sampling the freshly caught seafood!

To top off, pair your meal with locally brewed beer or aquavit , traditional Norwegian spirits that complement the flavors of the cuisine.

Visit also our cruise port guides to Reykjavik , Isafjordur , Akureyri , Amsterdam , Zeebrugge , Copenhagen , Invergordon (Inverness) , Glasgow (Greenock) , Tallinn , Stockholm

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

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Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten - Stamsund – the essence of Lofoten

Lofoten Islands

Price from €135

Difficulty level

Level 1: Easy - suitable for most people

Booking code

3 hours 30 minutes

Read the practical information below

Admire the stunning scenery of the Lofoten Islands

Visit the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvær

Enjoy looking around local boutiques and galleries

Learn more about Lofoten, its nature, and its history

The Lofoten Islands are known for excellent fishing, extreme and wild nature and small fishing villages. During the guided trip from Svolvær to Stamsund , you get to see sheltered bays, white sandy beaches, and large, green farmland. The scenery, the special light and the fishing have attracted artists from both Norway and abroad for centuries. We stop in Henningsvær, a charming fishing village with 500 inhabitants. In the 18th century it was the most important fishing village in Lofoten. Fishery is still important today, but the beautiful harbour is also full of charming local arts and crafts shops.

Henningsvær became protected in 2022 and is one of our most historically important fishing villages.  

In Henningsvær we will visit Galleri Lofoten, which exhibits one of Norway’s largest collection of paintings from Northern Norway dating back to the turn of the last century – a period by many called the golden age of North Norwegian painting.

 After the visit in Henningsvær, the bus takes you to Stamsund, where the ship awaits.

Practical information

Disembarking port: Svolvær

Embarking port: Stamsund

Available: 9 Apr - 31 Aug

Duration: 3 hours 30 min 

Transportation: Bus

Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

Excursion can also be combined with:

A Taste of Vesterålen

Sea Eagle Safari

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During the approach the ship passes near Moskenesstraumen , a strong tide between Moskenesøy and Vaerøy Islands. This tide is described (somewhat fancifully) by Edgar Allan Poe in his story, “A Descent into the Maelström.”

Sometimes you will be docked, most times (larger cruise ships) you will be tendered. You will be tendered to a pier halfway between Gravdal and Leknes, a six minute ride.

At the Leknes pier a special gift and service shop awaits to suit your needs while visiting, they offer you: • Internet 3.50 euro for 20 minutes • General information • Exchange • Fishing gear rentals • Souvenirs • Post cards • Stamps and post office services.

The views from your ship as well as from the pier are delightful.

If you choose not to take an excursion, you can walk into the town of Leknes from the dock. It is about 4 km into the town and the scenery is fantastic. Taxis are available.

This is the first port above the Arctic Circle, and most cruise lines organize a Midnight Sun party.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Gravdal Leknes Lofoten Norway

Sightseeing:

Leknes is one of the few towns in Lofoten which is not based upon fisheries and which does not have its town center by the sea. Because of this, and because of its rapid growth in recent years, it does not have the same traditional wooden architecture as most other towns in Lofoten, and may thus not be regarded to be as picturesque as its neighboring fishing villages. However, the natural surroundings are regarded to be among the most stunning in Norway, with mountains, peaks, cliffs and white sandy beaches. The town's harbor Leknes Havn is one of Norway's most important and visited harbors for cruise ships.

The town has less than 3000 inhabitants.

In Leknes, the sun (midnight sun) is above the horizon from May 26 to July 17, and in winter the sun does not rise from December 9 to January 4.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

As it is cumbersome to do your own sightseeing, a cruise line's excursion is a good option. Otherwise rent a car in advance.

Keep in mind when booking an excursion, that there is only one road in the Lofoten, so you always be returning the same way as you left.

Shuttles are offered on the pier to Ballstad, an active fishing village. 15 Euro.

Bike rentals are offered at the pier for 21 euro/day.

As the weather in Norway can be very unpredictable, make sure to check the cancellation policies in case of inclement weather. It is no fun doing an excursion in the clouds.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

Typical lofoten villages nearby are:

Ballstad is one of the largest and most picturesque fishing village in Lofoten and about an half an hour by bus from Leknes.

Mortsund, today the fish-factory in the port buys cod during the seasonal fishingseason in the winter and hangs the fish to dry for the Italian market, but also makes cod-liver oil and salted fish for Spain and Portugal.

Bus schedules in the Lofoten. Keep in mind the busses depart from Leknes and not from the pier.

Shopping and Food

The shops will take Euros and sometimes Dollars but they all seem to have their own exchange rates.

The town has a massive mall at the far end that really looks out of place among the small wooden structures. The mall also has a very nice supermarket.

The Norwegian currency is the Norwegian crown (norske krone), abbreviated kr. A 1/100th krone is called øre. 1.00 EUR = about 8 NOK

ATMs in Norway are called Minibank.

Nearly all stores accept major credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa (Bring your passport/driver's license, as you are required to identify yourself when using a credit card).

Currency Converter

Communication:

There is free WiFi at Pepe’s Pizza in town.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Opening hours in Norway are better than they used to be, but many smaller stores still close early on Saturday (1 PM or 3 PM is typical) and nearly everything is closed on Sundays. You'll often see opening hours written as "9-21 (9-18)" on doors, meaning 9 AM to 9 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday.

For public holidays click here .

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Lofoten Cruises

Lofoten islands in arctic norway.

Contact: +1 253 344 4999 / [email protected]

Welcome to Lofoten Cruises

The Lofoten archipelago with its spectacular glacial rock formations are always visible, looming large behind beaches and green fields. The breathtaking landscape displays Northern lights during the winter and the midnight sun during the summer. The wild and beautiful islands are located north of the Arctic Circle. The coastal towns are fishing hamlets with picturesque cabins on stilts. Sea eagles and bird-life is abundant on towering cliffs while massive sperm whales can be spotted feeding in nutrient-rich waters.

Northern Lights, Lofoten. Credits: Turbin Film AS/VisitNorway.com

PRIVATE YACHT VOYAGER, 7-DAY ITINERARY (Saturday to Saturday all-year)

Day 2 Hamarøy

Day 3 Troll fjorden , Austenesfjorden and Svolvær

Day 4 Heningsvær 

Day 5 Gavdal / Borg

Day 6 Reine

Rates from EUR 2730 / USD 3220 per person

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Lofoten Islands (Norway)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia

Local Time 2024-09-28 00:17

Port Lofoten Islands cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Lofoten Islands, Norway. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Lofoten Islands are an archipelago within the Arctic Circle, and a Norwegian district in Nordland. This island group is located to the south of Vesteralen Islands and is known worldwide for its distinctive scenery - high mountains, sheltered inlets and bays, large virgin lands.

The archipelago has total land area approx 1227 km2 (474 mi2) and total population around 25,000. The largest islands are named Austvagoy (527 km2), Gimsoy (46 km2), Vestvagoy (411 km2), Flakstadoya (110 km2), Moskenesoya (186 km2), Vaeroy (19 km2), Rost (10 km2). Lofoten's highest elevation point is Higravstinden (1161 m / 3800 ft) on Austvagoy.

Rost Reef is the world's largest deepwater coral reef. Wildlife is represented by millions of seabirds (including sea eagles, cormorants, puffins), otters, moose (on largest isles), minke whales.

Lofoten Islands are served by the following small airports: Leknes , Svolvaer , Rost (for flights mainly to Bodo ), Stokmarknes (Skagen), Harstad (Narvik), Evenes (direct flights to Oslo and Trondheim ), Væroy (heliport).

Bodo is the main hub for travel to the Lofoten Islands. In addition to the regular flights, there is also a ferry service to Moskenes from Bodo and a ferry to Skutvik (Hamaroy) from Svolvaer .

Lofoten Islands cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Lofoten Islands dock (anchor) either at Stamsund (on Vestvagoy), or at Svolvaer  (on Austvagoya).

Stamsund and Svolvaer are also among the  Hurtigruten  ports along the "Express Route" (Norwegian Coastal Express). This is a regularly scheduled ferry and cruise itinerary in Norway, between the turnaround ports  Bergen  (southmost) and  Kirkenes  (northmost).

Lofoten Islands tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Among the most popular Lofoten Islands tours and excursions are:

• surfing (at  Unstad)
• cycling tours - there is a dedicated cycling route on Moskenes (south to north), which is a cycle-path part the public road. There is a dedicated cycling ferry between Ballstad (Vestvagoy) and Nusfjord (Flakstadoya) that allows cyclists to avoid the steep Nappstraum tunnel. For most of its length, The cycling route runs along the coastline and is generally flat.

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Copy My Trip: An eco-friendly voyage on Norway's Kystruten

Sep 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Experience Norway's incredible coastline from the comfort of a cruise ship. Melissa Yeager/Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Destination Editor Melissa Yeager just returned from sailing the fjords of the coastal route of Norway. Here, she shares an alternative, ecofriendly option for experiencing the wonder of the Norwegian landscape from the sea.

When I travel, I personally crave the flexibility to decide my itinerary and timeline. The freedom to spend more time in places I love as well as sampling the culinary treasures of each destination. So typically, a cruise is not on the top of my list when it comes to planning.

Yet, there are some places where I think sailing on a ship is the better option – one of those being sailing the fjords of Norway , where standing on the bow of a ship as the spectacular landscape soars above you will truly leave you in awe of this world we live in.

I have a bit of a conflicted inner dialogue when it comes to cruises. The environmental impacts are well documented, with pollution and food waste among the top concerns. Many ships have ballooned into vessels with populations rivaling small towns (7600 people on the largest ship sailing these days), contributing to overtourism in delicate places. On the other hand, cruising makes travel more accessible for some people – for example, if you have mobility concerns. Cruises also allows access to places off limits to some travelers and families to enjoy time together with more ease. It feels a bit inconsiderate to write off this method of travel that can be empowering to others with that in mind.

That’s why I was super intrigued to receive an invitation from Havila Voyages , a cruise line that launched in 2019, navigating Norway’s Kystruten (coast route). Havila boasts of being an eco-friendly cruise line, tackling the concerns of cruise ship travel head-on, and seeking to minimize the associated environmental footprint. With strategies like running on hybrid power to limit emissions, as well as designing food services that avoid food waste onboard, the company is committed to reducing its impact.

What was the vibe on the cruise ship?

What makes the Kystruten route special is it is the historic government-regulated shipping route that ferries goods and people along the coastal communities of Norway. So while the ship looks like a sleek cruise ship and has amenities like restaurants, gym, jacuzzi and shops, it also supports the local communities by helping residents and freight move between these coastal towns.

There are two companies that currently have contracts with the Norwegian government to operate on this route. I sailed with Havila Voyages, which has 179 cabins and can host about 640 total people onboard. It's a rather small ship when compared with the mega cruise lines which can host several thousand. What I truly loved about this business model, is on this smaller ship, you can determine the length of your stay, hopping off and on at different ports. That means you decide the length of your adventure. For my trip I hopped on at Tromsø and hopped off at Trondheim – a three-night cruise which was the perfect amount of time for me.

What’s the food like on board (and do they really address food waste)?

You’re not going to find the endless hot buffet on this ship – that's a good thing. Dinner is your typical plated, three-course meal. Breakfast and lunch are more like small plates with a cold buffet of charcuterie, breads, fruits and vegetables. You’re welcome to order as many small plates as you want – but they’ll come out perfectly hot. I found that strategy contributed to a higher quality of food than on other cruises I have experienced, and I left meals feeling full but not overly stuffed. As a result of this food service strategy, Havila boasts it has dropped food waste on the vessels to 58 grams per guest.

A note on cleanliness: I also really enjoyed that the ships have a place when you enter the dining room to wash your hands with soap and water, not just hand sanitizing gel.

Along with its main dining room, the ship also has a five-course fine-dining experience in its Hildring restaurant. It’s available for an additional charge for those booking the cruise with full-board included.

What was the most scenic experience of the trip?

Without a doubt, sailing through the Troll Fjord. Havila’s ship can run on battery power for up to four hours (you’ll see the giant chargers for the batteries at port when you dock). This is a plus for the environment by curtailing emissions in these sensitive waterways. It’s also good for noise pollution as well, as you don’t have the clanging noise of a combustion engine as an unwanted soundtrack to the scenery. You can just enjoy the views as the ship glides through the waters of this magical fjord.

Pro tip: Try the “troll drink” – which is basically a hot toddy with Bacardi in it – to help warm you as the scenery passes by.

What was the most under-the-radar activity you enjoyed?

Jumping on a Zodiac to go eagle watching in Lofoten Islands . This excursion gets rave reviews online and for good reason. It’s absolutely so much fun. You suit up in waterproof jumpsuits, life jackets and goggles, then board the Zodiac where you sit horseback style in the boat. You then zip over the ocean waves to a couple spots where eagles frequent, getting a view of them as they soar and land on the rocky cliffs.

What is the one thing that you did not expect?

The Northern Lights button on my phone in my room. I missed the lights the first night, and it was cloudy the rest of the trip so I never got the chance to hear it go off. But I love that you don’t have to stay up waiting, watching the sky. Just head off to sleep and you’ll get a wake up call if those spectacular lights shine.

What was the handiest thing you packed?

Layers! Specifically my Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody jacket . I bought mine seven years ago and though it’s a bit pricey – it’s been well worth the money. It is the handiest thing for travel as it packs up really small but delivers a lot of warmth. It's the perfect top layer for a crisp autumn day in Norway.

What should I watch before I go?

Check out People of the North , an English-language series on PBS in the United States about Norway (though it can be found on some media outlets across Europe and in Australia as well). They were actually filming season 3 while I was there, and I had a chance to meet the hosts who are passionate about telling the stories of the communities of Norway. A couple episodes will have you anxious to make a trip to the North.

Melissa traveled to Norway on invitation from Havila Voyages. Lonely Planet does not accept freebees in exchange for positive coverage.

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