To main content
Covid-19: Updated information
Hurtigruten logo Hurtigruten logo +441224980439
Find your cruise Destinations Special offers FAQ My Booking
  • Find a cruise
  • Destinations
  • Our ships
  • Special offers
  • Excursions
  • Pre- and post-programmes
  • Get inspired
  • My Booking
+441224980439
  • Switch to Global
Search
  • Covid-19: Updated information
  • Port to port in Norway
  • Map
  • Read brochures
  • Newsletter
  • Practical information
  • About Hurtigruten
  • Contact us
  1. Home
  2. Our Destinations
  3. Norwegian Coast
  4. Norway: Travel Guide
  5. Attractions along the Norwegian Coast
  6. The Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands
Updating your booking
Lofoten Archipelago in summer

The Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands

Jagged mountains, small fishing towns and sandy beaches - Lofoten and Vesterålen are must-visits when searching for the authentic Norway.

Lofoten is a group of islands in Nordland County, while Vesterålen lies just north of Lofoten. These neighbouring archipelagos offer some of the most incredible scenery on the planet, and is a must-see for anyone travelling to Norway.

Experience the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten is administered by the municipalities of Vågan, Vestvågøy, Flakstad, Moskenes, Værøy and little Røst, far out in the ocean to the southwest. This region offers a variety of experiences. Enjoy a whale safari or kayak trip. Go horse riding, or use your legs to reach the many mountaintops. Go sea fishing for metre-long cod, take a cycle-camping expedition or stay in authentic fisherman’s huts.

No one forgets a visit to Lofoten. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Lofoten:

  • Stay in a Rorbu, a fisherman’s hut
  • Visit the quaint fishing villages
  • Hike distinctive mountains such as Svolværgeita, towering over white, sandy beaches and azure-blue lagoons
  • Experience the Midnight Sun in summer
  • Fishing for cod under the Northern Lights in winter
  • Sail through the spectacular passage Risøyrenna and past Lofotveggen

Keep reading: Discovering the majestic scenery of the Lofoten Islands

  • Mountain hike in Lofoten
  • The northern lights over Hamnøy, Lofoten
  • A body of water with a mountain in the background
  • A small boat in a body of water with Lofoten in the background
  • Glorious sunshine near Trollfjord
  • Photo: and Stian Klo

Vesterålen

The Vesterålen area, with its mountains, islands and skerries, was all but forgotten. However, Hurtigruten founder Richard With led the development of a canal through Risøyrenna that has allowed this pearl of nature to be included in the Hurtigruten schedule.

Vesterålen lies to the north of Lofoten across the five municipalities of Andøy, Bø, Hadsel, Sortland and Øksnes. People have lived here since the Stone Age, and the inhabitants developed several important trading stations early on in history. Today, all the islands are linked to each other and the mainland, by several bridges.

Visiting Lofoten and Vesterålen with Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten arrives at Lofoten at Stamsund on its way north, after crossing from Bodø. It then proceeds to Svolvær, calling at Stokmarknes, Sortland and Risøyhamn; then continues to Harstad. On the southbound voyage, the route follows the same path, but in reverse order.

  • See all cruises to Lofoten and Vesterålen

Related cruises

  • Multiple offers
    12 days Regular departures

    The Classic Roundtrip Voyage

    • New Season
    • Discover our entire original coastal route with 34 ports of call, sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains
    • Cross the Arctic Circle and hunt the Northern Lights in winter, or enjoy 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun in summer
    • Spring and Autumn voyages showcase the brilliant colours, magical light and fascinating culture of Arctic Norway
    • Wide choice of optional excursions and onboard Hurtigruten Guides who lead included activities and interpret the cultural and natural treasures on your voyage
    Price from
    1979 €
  • Multiple offers
    6 days Regular departures

    Classic Voyage South

    • New Season
    • Experience the natural wonder of Lofoten
    • Explore the beautiful and exciting Norwegian coastline
    • Search for the Northern Lights in winter, and the Midnight Sun in summer
    • Join exciting sea and land-based activities
    Price from
    1148 €
  • Book with confidence
    4 days Regular departures

    Norway: Svolvær to Bergen

    • Explore Lofoten before we set sail
    • Cross the Arctic Circle
    • Take in the beautiful Helgeland coastline
    • Visit many of the large towns and see small towns along the coast
    Price from
    373 €

Further reading

  • Discover the majestic scenery of Lofoten Islands
  • The Helgeland Coast

Be the first to know!

Sign up for our newsletter to receive special offers and new itineraries first.

Yes, sign me up!
This curious chinstrap penguin is stopping by to wish you a happy Monday! 😄
📷: Ken Louie / Hurtigruten
.
.
.
.
#penguin #weexplore #hurtigruten #penguins #wildlife #antartctica When the sky is more beautiful than any Instagram filter😍 
📷:: Irene-Maria Eich / Hurtigruten
.
.
.
.
.
.
#hurtigruten #weexplore #norway #sunset #cruise #travel #skyporn #nofilterneeded #beautifuldestinations Happy International Polar Bear Day! 🐻‍❄️ Did you know that the Latin name for polar bears is "ursus maritimus," which means sea bear? In Inuit mythology, the polar bear is called Pihoqahiak, the "ever-wandering one. Where do you have to travel to see the King of the Ice? 📷: Dominic Barrington / Hurtigruten

.
.
.
.
#hurtigruten #weexplore #polarbear #internationalpolarbearday #wildlife #svalbard

Contact

  •  +441224980439

  • [email protected]
  • Storgata 70, 9008 Tromsø

  • Contact us
  • Hurtigruten logo

About Hurtigruten

  • Why travel with us?
  • Brochures
  • Sustainability
  • Careers
  • Agent web
  • Press
  • Hurtigruten Svalbard

Support

  • Covid-19: Updated information
  • FAQ
  • My Booking
  • Payment
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Statement of Privacy
  • Cookies

Social media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Search for destinations, attractions or information

Got a promotion code?

To give you a better experience while using our website, Hurtigruten uses cookies. Some of these are necessary to make the website work, others give you a tailor-made experience and relevant marketing.

Some cookies are necessary in order to ensure our website runs optimally, and are therefore required for the continued use of our website. Analytics cookies collect information about your use of the site, and enable us to improve the way it works.

Advertising cookies are set to manage how our advertising collect information about your activities on this site, in order to provide you relevant targeted advertising.

Cookies on hurtigruten.com
Accept cookies More information on cookies