The far north of Norway has a captivating and dramatic beauty. Lofoten is a collection of islands boasting distinctive glacier-carved peaks, tranquil fishing villages and some unbelievable sandy beaches. Combine these with the greener, gentler Vesteralen islands and explore one of Europe’s best kept travel secrets on this self-drive holiday.
This holiday includes an introduction to the joys of island driving, with picturesque coastal roads and an abundance of stunning views along the way. Choose to focus on just Lofoten or combine with a couple of days exploring the Vesteralen archipelago, perhaps enjoying some hiking on Langøya and a whale watching trip before continuing to Lofoten.
Here the locals live from farming, fishing and some tourism, but this is a place with a true unspoilt feeling. See traditional red-painted fishermen’s huts, known as ‘rorbuer’, photograph tiny fishing boats bobbing about in the harbours, browse local handicraft shops and galleries, discover inlets, secret coves and staggering scenery not typically associated with Norway.
This is a wonderfully laid-back holiday where you have the option to add in scenic boat trips, a visit to a whale museum, a whale or sea eagle watching safari, go kayaking or hiking – it can be whatever you want it to be.
Itinerary
On arrival in Evenes collect your rental vehicle from the airport and drive to Sortland in the Vesteralen archipelago for a 3-night stay at the Sortland Hotel.
(Approx 2 hours / distance 132 km)
Spend a couple of days exploring the islands of Vesteralen. Head north to the island of Andoya and the small town of Andenes. Perhaps 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. Alternatively enjoy a puffin safari from the town of Bleik nearby. Return to Sortland via the dramatic west coast of Andoya. We also recommend Visit the historic village of Nyksund or don hiking boots for a coastal walk.
Optional Experiences
Whale Watching in Andenes
Leaving Vesteralen, head south to Lofoten and the town of Svolvaer along the E10, one of the most picturesque drives in Europe. Stay two nights at the delightful Svinoya Rorbuer in traditional style cabins in this charming fishing town.
(approx. 2 hours / distance 120 km)
Optional Experiences
Sea Kayaking in 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 venture out onto Trollfjorden, by comfortable motor cruise, thrilling zodiac inflatable or peaceful kayak. Just 3km long and barely 100m wide at its entrance, the fjord is framed with smooth, vertical granite slabs rising to 1000m. 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.
Optional Experiences
Sea Eagle Safari in Trollfjorden
Sea Eagle Safari by RIB in Svolvaer
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. The many tiny fishing villages that surround this beautiful area epitomise the spirit of the islands. Those with the energy can enjoy a hike to a stunning mountain point above the bay.
(approx. 2 hours 15 minutes / distance 122 km)
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.
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).
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.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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All breakfasts
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Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1612 Excluding Flights
8-9 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.
Darren
45
Countries Visited
3
Successful northern lights hunts
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
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Phoebe
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Lauren
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Kieran
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Rosie
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Ben
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Eric
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Doug
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Gary
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Freya
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