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Norway · Trip plan

5 days in Lofoten Islands

Red fishing cabins under sharp peaks and the northern lights.

Best time
Oct – Nov, Feb – Mar
Ideal length
5 days
A day, mid-range
$330 per person
Trip for two
about $3,300

Planning a 5-day trip to Lofoten Islands? Here's a day-by-day Lofoten Islands itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Autumn and late winter bring dark skies for the aurora and enough daylight for dramatic drives and hikes.

Lofoten is a chain of Arctic islands with jagged peaks rising from the sea, fishing villages and some of Europe's most dramatic scenery.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec

Winter: -3 to 3°C, mild for the Arctic.

Create my Lofoten Islands trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Lofoten Islands

  • 01

    Reine

    The postcard fishing village.

  • 02

    Northern lights

    Over the mountains and fjords.

  • 03

    Rorbuer

    Stay in traditional fishermen's cabins.

  • 04

    Haukland Beach

    A white beach under the peaks.

Day by day

Lofoten Islands itinerary for 5 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Svolvær

    Morning
    Fly into Svolvær and settle in.
    Afternoon
    Walk the harbour among drying racks of stockfish.
    Evening
    Aurora hunt under clear skies.

    Check the aurora forecast app.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Henningsvær

    Morning
    Drive to Henningsvær, a fishing village spread across small islands.
    Afternoon
    See its famous football pitch on the rocks and the galleries.
    Evening
    Dinner of Arctic fish soup.

    The pitch is one of Norway's most photographed spots.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Reine

    Morning
    Drive west to Reine and the red cabins at Hamnøy bridge.
    Afternoon
    Short walks and photos along the fjords.
    Evening
    Overnight in a traditional rorbu cabin.

    Daylight is short in winter; plan stops.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Beaches and Vikings

    Morning
    Visit Haukland and Uttakleiv beaches beneath snowy peaks.
    Afternoon
    Lofotr Viking Museum's reconstructed longhouse.
    Evening
    Final aurora watch.

    Bring warm layers for the night.

  5. D5

    Day 5: Home

    Morning
    Morning walk.
    Afternoon
    Fly out.
    Evening
    Connect home.

    Allow time for weather delays.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Lofoten Islands in 4, 5 or 7 days

4 days in Lofoten Islands

Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

7 days in Lofoten Islands

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Tromsø.

What it costs

Lofoten Islands trip budget

StylePer person, a day5 days for two
Budget$170$1,700
Mid-range$330$3,300
Luxury$700+$7,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Lofoten Islands is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Lofoten Islands for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Svolvær

    Svolvær

    Main town.

    from $80 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Rorbuer in Reine

    Reine

    Fishermen's cabins.

    from $250 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Svinøya Rorbuer

    Svolvær

    Historic cabins.

    from $400 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Lofoten Islands

  • Stockfish

    Dried cod.

  • Fish soup

    Creamy and warming.

  • Waffles

    With brown cheese.

Getting there

How to reach Lofoten Islands

Travel
Fly to Svolvær or Leknes via Bodø, or ferry from Bodø.
Getting around
A car is essential.
  • Rent a car.
  • Winter roads are icy.

Before you go

What to pack for Lofoten Islands

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
  • Waterproof boots
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Lofoten Islands trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Lofoten Islands?

5 days are enough to see the highlights: Reine, Northern lights, Rorbuer. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 5-day Lofoten Islands trip cost?

Roughly $170 a day per person on a budget, $330 mid-range and $700+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,300 for 5 days.

What is the best time to visit Lofoten Islands?

Oct – Nov, Feb – Mar. Autumn and late winter bring dark skies for the aurora and enough daylight for dramatic drives and hikes.

Where should I stay in Lofoten Islands?

Budget: Hostels in Svolvær (Svolvær), from about $80 a night. Mid-range: Rorbuer in Reine (Reine), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Svinøya Rorbuer (Svolvær), from about $400 a night.

How do I reach Lofoten Islands?

Fly to Svolvær or Leknes via Bodø, or ferry from Bodø.

Is 4 days enough for Lofoten Islands?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Lofoten Islands?

Winter: -3 to 3°C, mild for the Arctic.

What food should I try in Lofoten Islands?

Stockfish: Dried cod. Fish soup: Creamy and warming. Waffles: With brown cheese.

How do I get around Lofoten Islands?

A car is essential.

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