With snow-crowned sweeping mountainscapes where eagles fly; deep and enchanting fjords with colourful fishing boats; colonies of seabirds thronging long surf-kissed island beaches... Welcome to the Lofoten Islands. Lying far above the Arctic Circle in the wild waters of the Norwegian Sea, this tangled web of islands has recently become a hotspot for young adventurers, a Mecca for hikers, skiers, fishers, surfers and scubadivers that sits beneath the Northern Lights, and in the summer, burns with the light of a midnight sun. Though the region itself is ideal for artists, photographers and writers seeking inspiration in the mighty arms of Mother Nature, or even for those simply seeking to escape from the maddening humdrum of metropolitan life. The islands are small and peppered with even smaller fishing villages, where "rorbu", (old fishermen's cabins), dot the harboursides, and because of its designation as a "Sustainable Destination", the region works hard to undo the negative impact of mass tourism: far from built-up mega-resorts and heaving crowds of tourists, you'll find tightly-knit, well-preserved and proudly conservationist communities. Beautiful, bewitching and far from the madding crowd, the best places to stay in Lofoten Islands make for the perfect rural getaway nest!

What not to miss

• Head to Borg and check out the enormous Viking longhouse unearthed by archaeologists - the largest of its kind ever found!
• Be sure to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum.
• If you're there between September and April, don't miss booking a horseride beneath the Northern Lights!
• Go on a Sea Eagle safari on a RIB to Trollfjorden.
• Eat the local delicacy - stockfish, made from spawning cod!
• If you're there between May and July, stay up to see the midnight sun...
• Enjoy surfing in Norway's best surfing spot.
• Book a boat trip out to an island seabird colony!
• Go hiking, skiing, fishing, scubadiving or ocean-rafting.

The perfect place to get-away-from-it-all and recharge your batteries, Lofoten is beloved by outdoor adventure-lovers and artists alike. Find out more by browsing our list of the best places to stay in Lofoten Islands!

The best places to stay in Lofoten Islands

Rural getaway

• Scandic Svolvaer is a harming hotel on the isle of Lofoten, offering cushy, contemporary rooms with either mountain or sea views. Guests can hire a bike and explore the island, where killer-whale safaris and scuba diving are some of the many opportunities on offer.

For an apartment or cottage

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of cottages and apartments in the nearby area. 

Travel information

• The best time to go is between September and April - only a fool would go to Lofoten without considering the Northern Lights. During this time, the temperature ranges between 14 and -5 degrees, (though during the summer months, the temperature remains mild at around 25 degrees, due to the Gulf Stream.) 
• Fly to Oslo, and get a connecting flight to Harstad Airport. From there, you can get a bus to your destination, (usually taking up to 2 hours.) 
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars. 

Still not sure?  

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Norway
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.