Lofoten Islands
Aurora photographers seeking the world's most dramatic reflections and landscapes
About Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands offer what may be the most photogenic northern lights experience on Earth. The iconic red and yellow wooden fishermen's cabins (rorbuer), reflected in mirror-calm fjords with dramatic mountain backdrops, create a setting unlike any other aurora destination. The archipelago sits at 68°N — inside the aurora oval — and the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures surprisingly mild for the latitude. Winter storm surfing at Unstad Beach, cod fishing, and snowshoe hikes to remote viewpoints round out the experience. The trade-off: coastal weather means more clouds than inland Finnmark, so clear nights feel extra special. Photography tours are excellent here, and many operators specialise in long-exposure aurora shots. The rorbuer accommodation gives an authentic experience of traditional Norwegian fishing village life.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -1°C | 20h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -1°C | 16h | High |
| Mar★ Best | +1°C | 10h | Med |
| Apr | +4°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +8°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +10°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +6°C | 12h | High |
| Nov★ Best | +2°C | 17h | High |
| Dec★ Best | 0°C | 20h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Bodø (from Oslo 1.5h) then ferry or fly to Leknes/Svolvær. Or direct flight to Evenes, then 2h drive. Scenic E10 road connects the islands.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Fishermans Cabins Rorbuer
- ✓Boutique Hotels
- ✓Glamping
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $170/day in Lofoten Islands. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
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See how Lofoten Islands stacks up against other top aurora destinations.
Compare Now →🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Am Havern
Haverringen 59, 8360 Leknes, Norway
bed and breakfast
Lofoten Waterfront Luxury lodge
Kræmmervikveien 71, 8373 Ballstad, Norway
hotel
Bensvik Brygge
Havneveien 30, 8063 Værøy, Norway
hotel
Nøtnes Midnattsol Guesthouse
Kuholmen 28, 8320 Skrova, Norway
hotel
Henningsvær Bryggehotell - by Classic Norway Hotels
Misværveien 22, 8312 Henningsvær, Norway
hotelHattvika Lodge
Hattvikveien 14, 8373 Ballstad, Norway
hotelSkårungen
Ørsvågveien 40, 8310 Kabelvåg, Norway
hotelEliassen Rorbuer
Hamnøya 66, 8390 Hamnøya, Norway
hotelLofoten Beach Camp
Kjerkveien 45, 8380 Ramberg, Norway
campgroundKræmmervika Havn
Kræmmervikveien 36, 8373 Ballstad, Norway
restaurant🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Vind Brasserie
Misværveien 22, 8312 Henningsvær, Norway
restaurant
Lofoten food studio
Jacob Jentofts vei 29, Moloveien 3, 8373 Ballstad, Norway
restaurant
Restaurant Gammelbua
Reineveien 165, 8390 Reine, Norway
restaurant
Anita's Sjømat
Sakrisøya, 8390 Reine, Norway
food store
Børsen Spiseri
Gunnar Bergs vei 2, 8300 Svolvær, Norway
restaurantMaren Anna
Gamle Sørvågen 12, 8392 Sørvågen, Norway
seafood restaurantKlatrekaféen
Misværveien 10, 8312 Henningsvær, Norway
restaurantFANGST Restaurant Lofoten
Hattvikveien 14, 8373 Ballstad, Norway
fine dining restaurantPaleo Arctic
Thon Hotel Lofoten Torget, Torget, 8300 Svolvær, Norway
restaurantSolsiden Lofoten
Moloveien 45, 8373 Ballstad, Norway
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Lofoten Arctic Adventures
Andopsveien 39, 8380 Ramberg, Norway
adventure sports center
Saga Adventures Lofoten
Hamøya 29, 8390 Reine, Norway
tour agency
Brim Explorer Lofoten - Meeting Point Tours
Torget, 8300 Svolvær, Norway
tour agency
Northern Explorer AS
Eggumsveien 655, 8360 Bøstad, Norway
tour agency
Lofoten Insight
Vesterøyveien, 8300 Svolvær, Norway
tour agencyRIB-Lofoten
Torget, 8300 Svolvær, Norway
point of interestLofoten Explorer AS
Joh. E. Paulsens gt. 12, 8300 Svolvær, Norway
tour agencyXXLofoten AS
Joh. E. Paulsens gt. 9, 8300 Svolvær, Norway
tour agencyLofoten Rib Safari AS
Moloveien 39, 8373 Ballstad, Norway
tour agencyLofoten Opplevelser
Dreyers gate 15, 8312 Henningsvær, Norway
tour agencyNearby Destinations
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