Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Lofoten Islands?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Lofoten Islands?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Lofoten Islands, Norway? Most people spend at least 4 or as many as 7 days in Lofoten Islands during their visit. After all, the pristine archipelago will let you take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, swim at the beach, and learn about the history of the town.

The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago that is filled with breathtaking landscapes and charming villages. The islands feel incredibly remote and are inside the Arctic Circle. The four main islands are Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Moskenesøy, and Flakstadøy.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit Lofoten Islands? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one week enough time in Lofoten Islands?

One week is more than enough time to see everything in the area. Many visitors prefer to spend four to seven days here, so you'll be able to take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, swim at the beach, and learn about the history of the town at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the region.

How to spend a week in Lofoten Islands

Known for it's hiking, Lofoten Islands sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. It's remote setting and dramatic scenery lead to some truly breathtaking hikes. You'll find trails that pass by beautiful beaches, climb spectacular peaks, and wander through the beautiful countryside. Reinebringen, Horseid Beach, and Bunes Beach are among the favorite hikes in the area.

Lofoten Islands is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The islands are filled with dramatic peaks and sweeping landscapes. The region offers a unique setting that feels pristine and remote.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Small-Group Cultural Walking Tour of Skrova ($33)

The beautiful beaches await you in Lofoten Islands, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Most people don't think of the Arctic when they think about beaches, but these islands have long sandy beaches that meet blue waters. They're tucked in between valleys and mountains and offer a surreal Arctic landscape.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Sea Kayak Guided Tours on Skrova Island ($117)
  • Half Day Kayak - Northern Explores AS ($85)
  • Full Day Combo Kayak and Rappel - Northern Explorer ($136)

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this archipelago, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. Fish and lamb are both common at most restaurants in the area. The food is fresh, delicious, and filling, and although it's expensive, it's also high quality and uniquely local.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The islands are filled with well-preserved fishing villages that are charming and quaint.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Small-Group Cultural Walking Tour of Skrova ($33)

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

Perhaps the most famous place in Lofoten Islands is the Svolvær Goat Trail, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

This archipelago offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. The charming towns often have local museums that highlight the region's history and culture. The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is in the town of Svolvaer. The Lofotr Viking Museum is on the island of Vestvågøy and the Lofoten Museum is in Kabelvåg.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

Shopping in Lofoten Islands is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are quirky local shops that sell local art, food, and merchandise.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

After you've explored most of Lofoten Islands, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Lofoten Islands?

Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything here. You can move at your own pace spend extra time enjoying the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the beaches, and the historic old town. You could also use the area as a base for exploring other nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region, too.

A fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, Norway A fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

How to spend 2 weeks in Lofoten Islands

Having 2 weeks in Lofoten Islands will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the archipelago.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Lofoten Islands, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Lofoten Islands. Plenty of amazing options are available.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Lofoten Islands, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Lofoten Islands. Plenty of amazing options are available.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Lofoten Islands, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lofoten Islands.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Lofoten Islands, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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