Lofoten - Vesterålen
The Lofoten islands are magnificent with its steep mountains right up from the ocean, sandy beaches, turquoise water, wide selection of birdspecies, pittoresque fishing villages which serves exciting fish courses.
The Vesterålen islands are situated north of Lofoten and can be reached by boat. The islands are different from Lofoten with fewer steep mountains and more open landscape. This region has also fewer houses.
Read more about our trip by bicycle, visit the menu on the right side!
Geography
Lofoten is the archipelago to the west in the ocean, north of the Arctic Circle, at the 67th and 68th degree parallels. Vesterålen is situated north of Lofoten.
Climate
Due to the warm Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland.
The coastal climate in Lofoten makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool. January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of -1°C. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 12°C. Because of the alpine mountains it is an excellent place for downhill skiing (if there is enough snow). The inhabitants also talk about the special light in the winter. May and June are the driest months, with an average 40 mm of rainfall. In the spring time the bird life is on top.
Attractions
Visit a island with bird colonies by boat.
Join a fishing trip.
Whale watching is possible in Andøya (north of Vesterålen).
A boat trip from Svolvær in to Trollfjorden is definitly one of the biggest attractions in Lofoten. Boat is going daily in the high-season. Tickets available at the Touristinformation.
Many artists are living in Lofoten. Take time to visit some galleries and culture landscapes.
Explore the midnight sun between May and July.
The known fishing village Henningsvær is called Lofoten's Venezia. Here you get the best fish soup in Lofoten!
Take time to visit Nykvågen and Hovden at the west side in Vesterålen. Small villages direct by the ocean. Many birds in the spring time.
Maps
Accommodation
There are fishermens cabins, rorbuer in almost every village. Hotel, youth hostels or camping are other possibilities.
How to get here
Train: Oslo - Bodø with NSB ("miniprice" => cheap option)
Flight: Oslo - Bodø/Svolvær/Evenes are some of the main airports. See here for airlines.
Ferry: Bodø-Moskenes (south in Lofoten) with OVDS (cheapest option).
Coastal voyage: Bodø-Stamsund/Svolvær with Hurtigruten.
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