How to get to the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, are a stunning yet somewhat remote destination. Getting there is part of the adventure and while it takes some planning, the journey is well worth the reward of dramatic landscapes and untouched beauty. Whether you’re traveling from Europe or overseas, here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the various options to reach Lofoten.

Flying to the Lofoten Islands

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the islands, especially if you're traveling internationally or on a tight schedule. There are no direct international flights to Lofoten, but you can connect via major Norwegian hubs like Oslo, Bodø or Tromsø.

1. Closest Airports to Lofoten

• Leknes Airport (LKN): Located in the heart of Lofoten, this is a convenient option if you’re staying around Leknes or Haukland Beach.

• Svolvær Airport (SVJ): Serves Svolvær, the “capital” of Lofoten and is ideal if you’re planning to explore the eastern part of the islands.

• Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE, Evenes): Located on the mainland, about a 3.5 hour drive to Svolvær via E10, the main road into the islands. This airport typically has more flight options and cheaper fares.

2. Flight Routes

• From Europe:

  • Fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), the main international hub in Norway. From Oslo, you can catch domestic flights to Bodø, Harstad/Narvik, Leknes, or Svolvær.

  • Some airlines also offer seasonal flights from major European cities to Tromsø or Bodø, where you can connect onward.

• From Overseas:

  • Most travelers will need to fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). Airlines like SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe offer connections to regional airports in Lofoten or nearby cities.

• Connection Airports to Reach Lofoten:

  • Bodø Airport (BOO): The main hub for flights to Lofoten. From Bodø, you can catch short 20–30 minute flights to Leknes or Svolvær on smaller airlines like Widerøe.

  • Tromsø (TOS): A gateway to Northern Norway, with connections to Evenes or Bodø.

Driving to the Lofoten Islands

For a scenic road trip, driving to Lofoten offers an unforgettable experience. The E10 highway, also known as the “Lofoten National Tourist Route,” connects the islands and provides stunning coastal views.

1. Driving from Mainland Europe

• Through Sweden and Norway:

  Drive north through Sweden via the E4 or E6 highways and cross into Norway at Narvik. From there, follow the E10 into Lofoten. This route allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes of Scandinavia.

• Ferry Connections Along the Way:

  If you want to cut driving time, you can take ferries from Denmark to Norway (e.g., Hirtshals to Kristiansand, Larvik, or Oslo) and then continue driving north.

1. Distances to Keep in Mind

• Oslo to Narvik: ~1,400 km (about 19–20 hours by car).

• Narvik to Svolvær (Lofoten): ~250 km (3–4 hours along the scenic E10).

1. Car Rentals

Car rentals are widely available at airports:

• Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE): The largest selection of car rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Sixt.

• Svolvær and Leknes Airports: Smaller but still have options for rental cars suitable for Lofoten’s rugged terrain (> check my guide for car rental and campervan rentals)

• Bodø Airport: If you’re taking a ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, car rentals here are plentiful.

Ferries to the Lofoten Islands

For a more relaxed and scenic arrival, ferries are a popular way to reach Lofoten, especially if you’re traveling with a car.

1. Bodø to Moskenes (Lofoten):

   • Duration: ~3–4 hours.

   • This is the most popular ferry connection, bringing you directly to the southern part of Lofoten. The route offers breathtaking views of the fjords and mountains.

   • Car-friendly ferries operate year-round with extra frequency in summer.

2. Skutvik to Svolvær:

   • A shorter ferry route (~2–3 hours) that connects the mainland to eastern Lofoten.

3. Bognes to Lødingen:

   • A quicker route (~1 hour), ideal if you’re driving via the E6 to Lofoten. From Lødingen, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Svolvær.

4. From Tromsø:

   • During the summer, Hurtigruten coastal ships offer ferry routes from Tromsø to Svolvær as part of their northern Norway voyages.

Public Transport to Lofoten

While public transport is less frequent, it’s still possible to reach Lofoten without a car.

• Trains: Take the train from Trondheim to Bodø (via the Nordlandsbanen), then connect with a ferry or flight to Lofoten.

• Buses: The bus line connect Narvik to towns within Lofoten. The E10 highway has regular bus service stopping at key points like Svolvær, Leknes and Å.

Combining Travel Options

Many travelers combine flights, car rentals and ferries for a seamless journey:

1. Fly to Bodø → Ferry to Moskenes → Rent a car in Lofoten.

2. Fly to Harstad/Narvik (Evenes) → Rent a car → Drive via E10 to Lofoten.

3. Train to Bodø → Ferry to Lofoten → Explore by car or bus.

Pro Tips for Your Journey

• Book Early: Flights and ferries to Lofoten can fill up quickly, especially in summer and winter holiday seasons.

• Weather Delays: Be prepared for potential delays due to storms. Keep an eye on forecasts using apps like YR Weather or Windy.

• Renting a Car: Go for a reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly in winter when roads can be icy.

The Journey is Part of the Experience

Whether you choose to fly, drive or sail, getting to the Lofoten Islands is an adventure in itself. With panoramic road trips, scenic ferry rides and quick flight connections, the journey offers glimpses of the dramatic landscapes that await you. Plan your route, embrace the changing scenery and let the journey set the tone for your unforgettable stay in this Arctic paradise.