Around Lofoten

The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

Itinerary 1 - Around Lofoten

Day 1 - Fly to Evenes
Fly to Evenes. Collect your rental vehicle from the airport and drive to Harstad for a 1-night stay at the Clarion Collection Hotel Arcticus (approximate journey time 45 minutes / distance 44 km).

Day 2 - Harstad to Svolvaer
Leaving Harstad, head south to Lofoten and the town of Svolvaer on the E10, one of the most picturesque drives in Europe. Stay three nights at the delightful Svinoya Rorbuer in traditional style cabins in this charming fishing town (approximate journey time 2 hours 30 minutes / distance 168 km).

Days 3 to 4 - Svolvaer
Time at leisure to enjoy the fantastic scenery of jagged peaks (some of the oldest rocks in the world), fjords, rugged cliffs, idyllic white sand beaches and thousands of tiny islands. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour into Trollfjorden, by comfortable motor cruise, thrilling zodiac inflatable or peaceful kayak. Just 3 km long and barely 100 m wide at its entrance, the fjord is framed with smooth, vertical granite slabs rising to 1000 m. Here sea eagles are often spotted. If you would rather stay on dry land, there is time to explore the town itself and soak up the harbour atmosphere.

Day 5 - Svolvaer to Reine
A short but spectacular drive today through the heart of the Lofoten archipelago, winding down the E10 towards Reine where you will stay at the Reine Rorbuer for three nights (approximate journey time 2 hours 15 minutes / distance 122 km). The many tiny fishing villages that surround this beautiful area epitomize the spirit of the islands. Those with the energy can enjoy a hike to a stunning mountain point above the bay.

Days 6 to 7 - Reine
Time at leisure to explore the area and maybe visit A, at the absolute end of the E10 and a village of great character. Time permitting, take a boat trip from Moskenes to Vaeroy whose soaring bird cliffs face the ocean and support a wide range of species. Maybe visit the beautiful village of Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage village in a breathtaking location en route to the viking farmstead at Borg. Unstad and Eggum are two isolated settlements on the north coast of Lofoten where steep cliffs flank white sandy beaches.

Day 8 - Reine to Harstad
Head back over the Lofoten islands to Harstad. The quaint village of Henningsvaer with its pretty painted houses provides a great photo stop. Continue your journey to Harstad and overnight at the Clarion Hotel Arcticus (approximate journey time 5 hours / distance 290 km).

Day 9 - Harstad to Evenes/Narvik Airport
Depending on your flight time, you may wish to visit Trondenes, the historic settlement of Harstad located just a short distance to the east of town. Head back to the airport at Evenes, drop off your rental vehicle and fly home (approximate driving time 45 minutes / distance 44 km).

Itinerary 2 - Around Lofoten, including Vesteralen

Day 1 - Fly to Evenes
Fly from to Evenes via Oslo. Collect your rental vehicle from the airport and drive to Sortland in the Vesterålen archipelago for a 3-night stay at the Sortland Hotel (approximate journey time 2 hours / distance 132 km).

Days 2 to 3 - Sortland
Head north to the island of Andoya and the small town of Andenes. There is an optional excursion available to visit the whale museum and join a whale watching tour with a chance to see sperm, minke, pilot and humpback whales, as well as harbour porpoises. Or enjoy a puffin safari from the town of Bleik near Andenes. Return to Sortland via the west coast of Andoya and enjoy the dramatic coastline. Visit the historic village of Nyksund or don hiking boots for a coastal walk.

Day 4 - Sortland to Svolvaer
Leaving Vesterålen, head south to Lofoten and the town of Svolvær on the E10, one of the most picturesque drives in Europe. Stay two nights at the delightful Svinøya Rorbuer in traditional style cabins in this charming fishing town (approximate journey time 2 hours / distance 120 km).

Day 5 - Svolvaer
A day at leisure to enjoy the fantastic scenery of jagged peaks (some of the oldest rocks in the world), fjords, rugged cliffs, idyllic white sand beaches and thousands of tiny islands. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour into Trollfjorden, by comfortable motor cruise, thrilling zodiac inflatable or peaceful kayak. Just 3 km long and barely 100 m wide at its entrance, the fjord is framed with smooth, vertical granite slabs rising to 1000 m. Here sea eagles are often spotted. If you would rather stay on dry land, there is time to explore the town itself and soak up the harbour atmosphere.

Day 6 - Svolvaer to Reine
A short but spectacular drive today through the heart of the Lofoten archipelago, winding down the E10 towards Reine where you will stay at the Reine Rorbuer for three nights (approximate journey time 2 hours 15 minutes / distance 122 km). The many tiny fishing villages that surround this beautiful area epitomize the spirit of the islands. Those with the energy can enjoy a hike to a stunning mountain point above the bay.

Days 7 to 8 - Reine
Time at leisure to explore the area and maybe visit A, at the absolute end of the E10 and a village of great character. Time permitting, take a boat trip from Moskenes to Vaeroy whose soaring bird cliffs face the ocean and support a wide range of species. Maybe visit the beautiful village of Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage village in a breathtaking location en route to the viking farmstead at Borg. Unstad and Eggum are two isolated settlements on the north coast of Lofoten where steep cliffs flank white sandy beaches.

Day 9 - Reine to Harstad
Head back over the Lofoten islands to Harstad. The quaint village of Henningsvaer with its pretty painted houses provides a great photo stop. Continue your journey to Harstad and overnight at the Thon Hotel (approximate journey time 5 hours / distance 290 km).

Day 10 - Harstad to Evenes/Narvik Airport
Depending on your flight time, you may wish to visit Trondenes, the historic settlement of Harstad located just a short distance to the east of town. Head back to the airport at Evenes, drop off your rental vehicle and fly home (approximate driving time 45 minutes / distance 44 km).

Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf below and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.