LOFOTEN ARCTIC ADVENTURES

Many excellent hikes in Lofoten can be accessed using public transport. Buses, express boats, and ferries navigate around the islands. Driving provides the most flexibility, particularly if you want to explore all the branches of Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten.

Route E10 runs the length of Lofoten, finishing in Å on Moskenes island. This road forms the backbone of the 230 kilometer scenic route, with detours to Nusfjord, Vikten, Utakleiv, Unstad, Eggum, and Henningsvær.

The roads through the islands are narrow and windy and can be daunting for drivers used to large freeways and wide open roads. During the summer, the roads get busy with large buses and campervans.

Due to the narrow roads, there are frequent meeting points which provide extra space for passing. In wintertime, the roads are snowy, icy, and slippery. Only drive if you have experience in those conditions as the roads are pretty unforgiving.

Major car rental agencies operate in both Svolvær and Leknes. It’s also possible to take a car on the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes. Alternatively, it might be cheaper and easier to rent from the small agency next to the Moskenes ferry terminal.

Check prices for car rental in Svolværor Leknes.

If you’re traveling for more than a couple of days, the easiest way to travel around Lofoten by public transport is to pick up Travel Pass Nordland. The pass allows for unlimited travel for seven days and includes buses and express boats in Lofoten, as well as in Vesterålen and further south in Bodø and Helgeland.

The pass costs 990 NOK for adults and 495 NOK for children up to 15. The pass can be purchased in the Billett Nordland app, onboard buses and boats, or in the local tourist offices.

The Lofotenekspressen bus line runs the length of the islands from Narvik to Å along route E10. The bus stops in Svolvær and Leknes. There are usually two buses running in each direction every day. See an example of the route.

There are also local bus routes which run a few times per day. These routes are sometimes connected to school days so they may run less often on weekends and in summer. Use the Entur website or app to check the times.

The express boats accessible using the pass include the route from Bodø to Svolvær and the boat across the Reinefjord for Bunes Beach. Ferries, including the boat from Bodø to Moskenes are not currently included in the pass.

Read more: How to get to Lofoten

As in most of Northern Norway, the best time to go hiking in Lofoten is in July, August, and September. In these months, the trails will be clear of snow and the days are long. The average high temperature in this period is between 10 and 15°C, but high temperatures over 20°C do occur in July and August.

If you’re happy to stick to lower ground (and avoid the crowds) good hiking can be had from May. There are no hard and fast rules though and the true beginning and end of the seasons varies depending on snowfalls and general weather conditions.

The midnight sun arrives in Lofoten in late May and stays until mid-July. Very long days last into August meaning “night” hiking under the glow of the low-hanging sun is a fun option.

The white sandy beaches of Lofoten are without a doubt one of the scenic highlights. Swimming in the water though, is only for the brave. In July and August, the water temperature at Unstad Beach, a popular surfing spot, averages just 12°C.

It’s important to remember though that even in summer, the weather is unpredictable. You can start a hike in warm sunshine and reach the peak in driving rain. Entire days can foggy and wet. Ferries might be cancelled. Building in flexibility to your itinerary, as well as having some activities in mind for bad-weather days, is key to having an enjoyable and safe experience.

Trying to tick off a hike on a rainy day is rarely worth it. Not only will the trail be wet and slippery (and possibly dangerous), there won’t be much of a view, and all your gear will be soaking wet. Dealing with soggy clothes and hiking boots when camping is not ideal.

The Norwegian national weather service provides detailed weather reports and forecasts for Lofoten in English.