Top 5 Activities and Summer Experiences in Lofoten

Lofoten, often called the world’s most beautiful archipelago, offers spectacular activities, stunning nature, charming fishing villages, great stories, a vibrant cultural scene, welcoming locals, and much more. With so much to choose from, you will easily find plenty to do whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or with family. Below we have gathered the top five activities and experiences to make the most of your summer in Lofoten.

1. Reinebringen

Reinebringen delivers a fantastic panorama from its 448 meters of elevation, and it is one of Lofoten’s most popular hikes. From the summit you can look out over Reinefjorden, the Lofoten Wall, skerries and islets, and the wider archipelago. This hike and its views are not to be missed.

Work on the Sherpa steps began in 2016, and the staircase now reaches almost all the way up. The steep trail has become about 1,600 stone steps, and only the final 100 meters remain as a regular path. There are several nice rest spots with benches along the route. Be aware that some sections can feel a bit exposed.

Despite the steady incline, the steps make it manageable for most people to reach the top. Hiking time varies with fitness, but plan roughly one hour to ascend. The climb can be demanding, yet the reward at the summit is worth it. For the best footing and views, go on dry, clear days.

Back down in Reine, one of Norway’s most beautiful fishing villages, you will find colorful rorbuer in spectacular surroundings. It often ranks high on lists of the world’s most beautiful places. Reine is full of activities and works well as a base for many outdoor adventures.

2. Sandy Beaches

Beaches may not be the first thing you associate with the Arctic, but Lofoten has world-class stretches of sand. Between dramatic mountains and an azure sea, you will find chalk-white beaches. A beach day is perfect when the summer weather cooperates, and it can also be a beautiful nature experience in other seasons and conditions. Pure relaxation is a great way to spend time in Lofoten.

Hauklandstranda is one of Lofoten’s best-known beaches and has been named Norway’s finest. Nearby Uttakleiv was named the most romantic beach in Europe by The Times in the UK. Hauklandstranda is a popular summer destination for good reason. Expect Caribbean vibes, gentle waves, and a refreshing swim for the brave. Uttakleiv, with its stunning setting, is a favorite among photographers, and it is one of the best places in Lofoten to experience both the midnight sun and the northern lights.

If you would like a walk, an old coastal path connects Uttakleiv and Hauklandstranda. The route is about 4 kilometers and takes just under one hour each way. For a longer outing, you can walk there and back, or make a loop by returning through the tunnel.

Both beaches are easy to reach by car, with parking available. From Leknes, the drive to Hauklandstranda takes about 10 minutes, and to Uttakleiv about 20 minutes.

3. Henningsvær

Explore Henningsvær, a lively little fishing village with narrow lanes, fishing boats, small local cafés, shops, restaurants, and what many call the world’s most beautiful football pitch. In Henningsvær you get a great blend of culture, food, and nature.

This compact settlement is a traditional fishing village with about 500 permanent residents, spread across several islands. The harbor functions as Henningsvær’s main street, framed by fish processing buildings, rorbuer, and wooden piers. Fishing has deep roots here and still plays an important role today, although the village has also evolved with a strong presence of art, culture, and outdoor life.

You will find several galleries and arts and crafts shops, including Engelskmannsbrygga, where glassblowers, a ceramic artist, and a photographer showcase their work. Visit Kaviarfabrikken, where caviar production has given way to an impressive collection of Norwegian and international contemporary art, and Galleri Lofoten, home to Norway’s largest collection of paintings from the golden age of Northern Norwegian art.

Henningsvær also offers many places to eat and drink. Enjoy the freshest seafood, or stop for coffee and a pastry at one of the cozy waterfront cafés. We also recommend Full Steam, a former cod liver oil factory that now combines a restaurant with a museum experience.

If you want to experience an idyllic working fishing village, Henningsvær is the place. Come by car or bus. From Svolvær it is just under a 30 minute drive to Henningsvær. It is a perfect choice if you are looking for charm with plenty of activities. We think you will have no trouble finding things to do when you visit.

4. Farm Visits

Visit one of Lofoten’s lovely farms for an authentic, down-to-earth experience. The region has a rich variety of smallholdings with everything from Viking sheep to horses, pigs, chickens, goats, and even on-site dairies. Get close to the animals, ride into the sunset, learn about cheesemaking, and maybe even try milking a goat. There is plenty to discover on Lofoten’s farms.

At Aalan Gård, you get a glimpse of everyday life on a family-run farm where everyone pitches in. They produce cheeses, tend an herb garden, and care for a range of animals. About 200 dairy goats live here, along with kids, chickens, a dog, a cat, and a very cuddly pig. Aalan Gård is known for its herbs and cheeses and has won several awards. Their Capra goat cheese carries the “Spesialitet” label. The farm focuses on organic cultivation, and everything is produced locally. In the dairy they make brown cheese, white cheese, blue and gray mold cheeses, fresh cheese, gomme, and feta, all from the farm’s goat milk. Do not forget to pick up some edible souvenirs in the farm shop before you leave.

Also visit Hov Gård, where you can experience Lofoten from horseback on one of the farm’s roughly 50 Icelandic horses. The farm is home to Låven restaurant, a restored 1950s barn with a modern twist and large windows that frame sweeping views of the sea and the island mountain chain. Hov Gård is worth a stop for the restaurant alone, and just a short walk across the road you will find a beautiful white-sand beach with ocean to the horizon. A cozy rustic restaurant, nearly 50 Icelandic horses, a lovely beach, and the midnight sun make this place feel truly special. It is no wonder farm visits often end up as the children’s favorite activity.

5. Ocean Activities

Lofoten offers plenty of things to do, and many of them take place on the water. With snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and stand up paddling (SUP), you can explore the islands from a different perspective. You can rent equipment if you are comfortable heading out on your own, or join a guided activity with an instructor.

The Lofoten archipelago is perfect for spectacular adventures and nature experiences, and from the sea you really get to breathe in the salty air. Launch from a quay or one of the white-sand beaches on a stand up paddleboard or in a kayak, then paddle among the islets and skerries. SUP also lets you test your balance while you explore the idyllic coastline. Stand up paddling has become very popular, and it is a fun activity for all ages and fitness levels.

Unstad in Lofoten offers waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. Set apart on the outer coast and surrounded by mountains and open ocean, it has become a sought-after surf paradise. The surf camp provides lessons, courses, and equipment rental. You can also visit simply to enjoy the sight of powerful swells rolling in from the open sea.

Bonus Tip

6. The World’s Best Cinnamon Bun

The famous cinnamon buns at Unstad Arctic Surf are worth the trip. Along with fresh-from-the-oven treats, Unstad delivers incredible scenery. The village, the beach, the ocean, and those cinnamon buns make for a must-do experience.

Contact Arctic Guide Service for more information about things to do in and around Lofoten.