Lofoten Islands, Norway
Nature at its best
Set within the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are scattered across the Norwegian Sea. They are islands of desolate and wild beauty, craggy mountains, sweeping fjords, graceful soaring sea-birds and surf-pounded beaches.
The Lofoten Islands are at their most vibrant during the short summer season (June - mid August), but you will be equally rewarded if you visit in spring or autumn.
This 6-day self-drive itinerary starts in the west coast town of Bodø, one of the main gateways to the islands. Then head to Svolvær, the 'capital' of the Lofoten Islands and buzzing with art and culture. Make your way up through the string of islands and explore the area using the fishing harbour of Svolvær as your base.
In Bodø, visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum and see the world's strongest whirlpool or maelstrom. During summer in Lofoten you can sunbathe and have a drink in the midnight sun or in winter search for the Northern Lights. Delight in the spectacular views, whilst traversing the coves and coastlines of these beautiful islands.
Sample itinerary
Day 1: Bodø
Fly to Bodø via Oslo. Upon arrival pick up your car hire. Drive to the Clarion Collection Hotel Grand, where you will stay for two nights. We recommend a dinner at Restaurant Smak - famous for its five-course tasting menu.
Day 2: Bodø
Explore the town of Bodø, see the world's strongest maelstrom, the Stone Age Museum and the Norwegian Aviation Museum and for a genuine surprise drop by the Gallery Bodogaard which display's Northern Norway's largest private collection of art and artefacts.
Day 3: Bodø - Lofoten Islands
After breakfast return your hire car to Bodø Airport and take a 30-minute flight to Leknes, where you will pick up your second hire car. Drive along the scenic coast to Svolvær passing majestic mountains and rugged fjords. Check into the Anker Brygge Hotel upon arrival, located in the quaint fishing harbour. You will stay here for the next three nights.
Days 4 - 5: Svolvær & surrounds
Spend the next few days at leisure, exploring the islands at your own pace. If you are visiting during the summer months you'll enjoy endless nights of the midnight sun, hike along the rugged cliffs or kayak through the stunning fjord lands. If visiting between October - April there is a chance that you will see the spectacular Northern Lights shimmering their way across the sky. During January - April you will see the rows upon rows of drying cod, laid out in preparation for the making of the islander's world famous stockfisk.
Check out the Lofotr Viking Museum, Henningsvaer & Nusford Fishing Village and take advantage of your hire car by exploring the the vast wild landscapes, small fishing villages, coves and inlets. Drive up to Moskenes at the far end of Lofoten, the wildest part of the islands, sprinkled with glaciers and deep mountain lakes. Or you may want to travel to Røst - the outermost island in the Lofoten archipelago where you will find hundreds of nesting sea birds.
Day 6: Departure
Drop off your hire car at Leknes airport and fly home via Bodø & Oslo.
Please note:
There are a whole array of other ways to get to and around the Lofoten Islands, including ferry and driving along LOFOST, the new ferry-free road link between Lofoten and the mainland. We can also arrange accommodation in a 'rorbuer' - a traditional old wooden fisherman's hut. Please get in touch to discuss your travel requirements.
Take a look at our guide to Lofoten and Vesteralen
Prices from:
Price from £1385 per person for 5 nights
Inclusive of: Return flights, 2 nights at the Clarion Grand Hotel Bodo (BB), 3 nights at Anker Brygge Svolvaer (BB) and 5-days car hire.
Terms & conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin room; prices are subject to availability and change; normal booking conditions apply.
To book, call 0845 643 6563
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102345.
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