Travel Guide: 16 Iconic Things To Do In Lofoten In Winter (2025)
The Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway are probably (and I think I can say that with only a small whiff of bias) one of the most beautiful, unique, and spectacular places on the planet.
While living in northern Norway for a decade, I used to travel with friends to Lofoten quite often. Then, after moving south, I started traveling the world instead – Lofoten was suddenly “the wrong way” – away from sandy beaches and tropical climates.
Until October 2024, when, because of a series of unforeseen events, I moved here. So, I am currently living in the middle of fierce weather, majestic mountains, vast oceans, and merciless elements (when not traveling the world).
After having experienced the winter season in Lofoten, I want to share with you what you can expect when visiting Lofoten in the winter.
We are talking Polar Nights and snow storms, but also quiet days with cotton candy daylight, the sun just below the horizon, cold, crispy air, and inexplicable beauty all around.
Let us dive into what Lofoten is like in the winter and what you can do when you visit this time of year.
What Can You Do In Lofoten In The Winter
Even with short days (and for one month, non-existent days during the Polar Night that lasts from December 10th to January 4th), there are plenty of things to do in Lofoten in the winter.
However, you need to prepare for a lot of weather (Norwegian term for ice-cold snow storms), temperatures below zero, delayed and canceled buses and ferries, and closed roads.
So, my best advice is to stay flexible and not plan a very rigid itinerary.
Parts of the winter are low season for tourism, which means some activities are unavailable, and some restaurants and services are closed. Yet, if you are here for the Aurora Borealis and to feel close to the Arctic elements, winter is a perfect time to travel!
1. Chase the Northern Lights
Lofoten is a prime spot for witnessing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. With long, dark nights, your chances of catching this natural light show are pretty high, as long as you have clear skies.
Generally, you will have the best northern light experiences somewhere remote with little to no light pollution from artificial lights.
The cool thing about Lofoten is that it is like that pretty much anywhere. You often just have to step outside your rorbu, gaze up, and you will see it!
2. Go Winter Kayaking
On calm and clear winter days (that is, a few hours a day), winter kayaking in Lofoten will be a completely magical experience. You will find this activity in various destinations in Lofoten.
It will be cold, so you need to dress the part, but once out on the water in this unreal wonderland, you will be blown away.
Glide through a quiet sea surrounded by steep mountainsides covered in snow straight up from the fjords, the soft pink light on the rugged stone walls, and the pale blue sky above with a variety of pastel colors towards the horizon.
3. Experience the Famous Skrei Fishing Season
From late January to April, Lofoten becomes a hub for cod fishing, especially the famous skrei (migratory cod). This has become a world-famous event, and people visit from all corners of the planet just to take part in the skrei fishing season.
In some places, this is more like a festival than a fishing trip, like in Svolvær. And there is also a World Championship in Skrei Fishing if you feel competitive!
After a day on the water, you can come back for incredible seafood meals (cod, anyone?), brag about the fishing triumphs of the day, and exaggerate a little as any fisherman would over locally brewed beer.
4. Explore Traditional Fishing Villages
When you are looking for places to stay in Lofoten, the archipelago is home to a dozen or so super charming fisherman villages where the old kinds of rorbuer (the cabins fishermen used to live through the ski season a hundred years ago).
Make sure you stop in Henningsvær, Kabelvåg, Nusfjord, or Å (the last village in Lofoten) to soak in the rich maritime history and picturesque architecture.
Since Lofoten has become such a coveted destination for travelers from around the world, you can also find incredible cuisine in the most unexpected places, combining fresh seafood with the best chefs and prepared meals you could dream about.
5. Hit the Slopes with Ski Touring
For winter adventure seekers and ski enthusiasts, Lofoten’s rugged terrain also offers spectacular ski touring opportunities. Some of the mountains you see driving down Lofoten are practically vertical, so this is not where you want to go for skiing.
Along the Lofoten Wall, which is what we call the chain of mountain peaks stretching north-south, the western side is part of a national park called Lofotodden. This is where you go to find the most amazing terrain for unforgettable snow days in the mountains.
NB: On arctic adventures in places you have not been before, please go with a local guide to make sure you stay safe and find the best routes.
6. Surf the Arctic Waves
Believe it or not, Lofoten is a year-round surfing destination. That said, surfing here might not be for everyone; you need to appreciate diving into the cold water that generally holds about 4 degrees Celcius (39F) and cold winds over the surf.
If that does not scare you, you are in for an incredible nature experience, surfing the waves surrounded by spectacular scenery that looks like something from a Renaissance painting created by nature romantics.
The beaches you want to check out are these:
- Unstad Beach: The most famous surf spot in Lofoten, known for its consistent waves year-round and breathtaking Arctic surroundings. It’s great for both beginners and advanced surfers, with a local surf shop and facilities available.
- Flakstad Beach: A scenic beach offering excellent waves, surrounded by dramatic mountains. It’s a popular choice for surfers who want a mix of great surf and fewer crowds compared to Unstad.
- Hoddevik Beach: A serene and remote spot, ideal for those seeking solitude while enjoying solid waves. Its calm atmosphere makes it a favorite for unwinding after a day of surfing.
- Skagsanden Beach: Renowned for its reliable surf and stunning backdrop, this beach is particularly popular with photographers and surfers alike. It’s accessible and offers a unique Arctic vibe.
- Vik Beach: A quieter beach with a mix of sandy and rocky areas. It offers decent waves and is perfect for those looking for a peaceful surf session without the crowds.
- Haukland Beach: A stunning beach with white sand and turquoise waters, popular for both surfing and other outdoor activities. While not as famous as Unstad for surfing, it offers decent waves and unparalleled scenery.
- Uttakleiv Beach: Has been called one of the most romantic beaches in the world with a blend of white sand, smooth, wave-worn rocks, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. A favorite spot for photographers, nature lovers, aurora hunters, and surfers.
7. Go Horseback Riding at Hov Farm
You can actually go horseback riding in Lofoten year-round, which is an incredible and unique experience with the horses along the incredible shorelines of Lofoten.
Visit Hov Farm on Gimsøy Island for this amazing nature experience on horseback, strolling through the unreal scenery on one of the major Lofoten Islands.
At the horse farm in Hov, they also have an on-site restaurant called Låven (the barn), a sauna, camping facilities, and a guest house you can stay where they have combined the best of local traditions with the best of modern amenities for a whiff of luxury in the Arctic.
8. Take A Private Boat Trip Around The Islands
Even in winter, you can head out for a boat trip in the fjords around the many Lofoten Islands, although this experience is weather-dependent. The captain will decide if the weather is suitable for a boat trip (because you also want to enjoy it, not just survive it).
On quiet, clear days with temperatures just below zero, with the soft pink light, you are going to love a winter boat trip around Lofoten. Check out Custom Arctic Adventures located in Leknes, which offers year-round private boat trips.
Just make sure you dress in warm clothes, preferably wool, and you will also get a survival suit that keeps you warm and afloat in the unlikely event that you end up in the water.
9. Visit Værøy or Røst Islands With The Ferry
South of the main archipelago of Lofoten, two more small islands are equally beautiful and located in an even more unforgiving, fierce environment that is unprotected from the sea.
These are Værøy and Røst; the only way to get here is by ferry. If you make it here, these are amazing bird-watching and hiking destinations. As mentioned before, be aware that during winter, it is not uncommon for the ferry to be delayed or entirely canceled.
If you are lucky and get calm, clear days, you can take the ferry from Moskenes Ferry Dock in western Lofoten to the islands on a (long) day trip or stay there for a night in a rorbu before heading back.
You can check the ferry departures on the Reis Nordland website.
10. Stay in a Cozy Rorbu
On that note, you should not visit Lofoten without experiencing living in a rorbu, an old fisherman’s cabin. You find rorbu’s “everywhere” in Lofoten; some are old refurbished cabins where fishermen actually lived back in the day.
Others are new, modern cabins built in the old style, as more and more visitors want to have this experience. What categorizes a rorbu, is that it is a simple, wooden cabin often built on poles over the sea, which gets you up close and personal to the elements.
Some places offer a luxury version of a rorbu, but often, it is a very traditional wooden cabin with modern amenities where the luxury simply is the nature you are surrounded by.
11. Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum
Lofoten was also home to the infamous Vikings about 1000 years ago, and they left traces behind, so you can still experience the Viking era at the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg.
Located along the E10 (the only road that goes through Lofoten), you can stop to visit the reconstructed longhouse (the Viking way of living), participate in Viking crafts, and immerse yourself in the history of the Norsemen.
12. Warm Up in a Traditional Sauna
After a day out exposed to the cold Arctic elements, very few things beat relaxing in a hot sauna.
Several of the bigger rorbu resorts in Lofoten have saunas, and some even have an outdoor hot tub or a jacuzzi where you can sit with your warm hat on while snow dances across your face and you are submerged in hot, steaming water.
This can be the perfect way to relax and warm up again before or after a local dinner of stockfish or fresh cod (when in Lofoten, you should not miss either).
13. Have Cinnamon Buns in the Å Bakery
The southernmost point in western Lofoten is Å, which is also the last letter in the Norwegian alphabet. We call it Å in Lofoten, and this village is basically an open-air fisherman museum where there also is a restaurant called Brygga and an old bakery famous for its irresistible, huge cinnamon buns!
These cinnamon buns are so famous and popular that it is not uncommon to see a sign saying “sold out” if you get there after noon, especially in the high season (June through August).
So make sure you arrive early to have a taste of the sweet pastries along with a hot drink.
14. Join A Spectacular Snow Shoe Hike
In areas of Lofoten where skiing conditions are not optimal, you can still enjoy a hike in the snowy winter conditions by heading out for a snow shoe hike!
This is a bit more strenous than a normal hike, and there is a technique to it as well, as your feet are suddenly three times the size as normal.
But snow shoeing in the winter nature of Lofoten is a wonderful, slow way to explore, and there are several companies offering guided snow shoe tours in different destinations.
15. Have a Fresh Cod Dinner
You can not go to Lofoten without trying out a meal of fresh, steaming cod (or the traditional stockfish; you should try that, too).
Almost in any restaurant in Lofoten, the fish is straight out of the water (apart from the dried stockfish), and when it arrives on your plate, it is so soft and tender it just falls apart into slices.
This is a heartfelt recommendation to try a traditional cod dinner in one of the many restaurants in Lofoten. You will get it served with potatoes, vegetables, and a nice sauce – simple garniture that underlines the texture of the amazingly fresh fish.
16. Stop By The Famous Blacksmith in Sund
Just before you arrive to Reine, home of the famous Reinebringen Mountain with the Sherpa staris, you will see a sign to the left pointing you to the Blacksmith in Sund (Smeden i Sund). Take this road, and you will arrive in the tiniest village by the sea.
The Smith in Sund has had his workshop there for generations, and just recently, the current smith, Tor-Vegard Mørkved, was joined by his son, who is not working alongside his father creating art from wrought iron in this small fishing village.
My mom could not resist a small statue of a cormorant when we were there for Christmas, which is the most popular creation in the blacksmith workshop. Visit and see how the blacksmith works, and get one for yourself!
The Lofoten Islands
You may already know this, but even in the summer, you can encounter breathtaking weather (and I mean that literally) in Lofoten, as we are situated above the Arctic Circle, and you never know what the elements here are up to.
But mostly, with the midnight sun 24/7, incredibly green nature, crispy white beaches, vibrant fresh air, and majestic mountains where you can hike for days, it is a summer paradise for nature lovers.
Then comes winter. Let me tell you, Lofoten in the winter is an adventure you will likely remember.
First of all, the Polar Night makes you forget what real daylight looks like, and on calm, quiet, no-wind days, you will be surrounded by the softest, peaceful, pink cotton candy light for a few hours a day.
On these quiet days, you can just peek outside your window at night and keep your fingers crossed for the Aurora Borealis to dance across the sky.
On other days, you will be blown over as soon as you step outside your door, with fierce winds, sideways coming snow or rain, and you need to use all your might to close the door to your cabin.
The sea is furiously dark green and chopped with white tops, reminding you that up here, the elements are in charge – not you.
My parents came up to visit for Christmas and ended up staying eight nights instead of four, as the ferries were canceled and the airports shut down due to storms. We call that værfast; stuck somewhere because of the weather.
So yeah, Lofoten is a place to visit in the winter if you want to feel ALIVE, admiring the natural forces of the Arctic!
How To Get To Lofoten
You have a variety of ways to get to Lofoten, even in the winter.
You can do a road trip if you are comfortable driving, however. I recommend you consider your driving skills before heading out on a Lofoten winter road trip and make sure you know how to drive safely in winter conditions, as this may be a bit more challenging than in friendly summer weather.
You can also fly, take a mix of planes, trains, and ferries, or you can take the regional long-haul bus.
Lofoten has two airports, Svolvær and Leknes. You can also fly to Bodø and take the ferry over to Moskenes (it is a car ferry). Be aware that from time to time, flights, ferry departures, and even bus departures will be delayed or canceled due to the weather.
Check these resources:
- Fly to Lekens or Svolvær with Wideroe Airlines
- Fly to Bodø and take the ferry with Reis Nordland
- Reis Nordland also has the bus schedule, as well as the Nord Norge website
- You can take the train from Oslo to Bodø, check vy.no
- If you opt for a road trip, read about safe winter driving here
- My favorite online rental car app is DiscoverCars
Where Are The Lofoten Islands?
Lofoten is an archipelago above the Arctic Circle in Norway, peeking out from the mainland north of Bodø, a string of islands interconnected with bridges (that often close during winter due to fierce storms and unpredictable winds).
Officially, Lofoten starts at Raftsundet in the northeast, and the first “town” is Svolvær, where you may have heard about the mountain called Svolværgeite (the Svolvær Goat”).
From there, there is only one road going all the way southwest to the village Å, or Å in Lofoten, on the southern tip of the archipelago.
There are dozens of charming fishing villages scattered on either side of the road on your way south.
The drive from Svolvær to Å is not more than two and a half hours, but you should use a lot longer than that.
Because you need to stop everywhere and just take in your surroundings, so make sure you have plenty of time visiting Lofoten. Please trust me on that; you will not regret it.
FAQs Lofoten Islands Norway
1. What’s the weather like in Lofoten in winter?
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Winter in Lofoten isn’t as freezing as you might think!
Temperatures usually stay around 0°C – -2-3 (32°F and lower), but don’t let that fool you—strong winds and sea air can make it feel a lot colder. One minute, it might be snowing, and the next, it’s raining with strong winds blowing you off the road, so you need to be ready for anything!
2. What should I pack for winter in Lofoten?
Layers, layers, layers! Start with thermal underwear (merino wool), then add something warm like fleece or more wool, and top it all off with a waterproof and windproof jacket. You will be pleased with yourself if you bring a long down jacket or parka with you.
You also need thick socks, gloves or mittens, a warm hat, and solid boots with a good grip for the snow and ice. Trust me, the wind can be super intense, so windproof gear is a lifesaver.
3. Can I drive in Lofoten during winter?
Driving in Lofoten in winter can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to snow, icy roads, or changing weather. If you’re confident with winter driving, go for it—just take it slow and steady. If you want to go on a road trip, I recommend reading this article about safe winter driving.
If not, public transport is a solid option and takes the stress off your shoulders.
4. What’s it like to explore Lofoten’s landscapes in winter?
Winter turns Lofoten into a real-life postcard, at least on cold, clear, and calm days. The snow-covered mountains look incredible, and the frozen beaches are surreal.
You can go for easy walks along the coastline or, if you’re up for it, tackle some more challenging hikes (with the right gear, of course). Some mountains, like Reinebringen are not recommended during winter, as the conditions are so challenging they might turn dangerous.
From time to time, there are accidents in the mountains, and the rescue service needs to step up – not always with a happy result. So take care, be mindful, and respect the weather and elements in Lofoten.
Always make sure to check the weather forecast and conditions before heading out—it’s all about staying safe while enjoying those jaw-dropping views.
Wrap-Up Things To Do In Lofoten In Winter
From all of this, I hope you take a few key points when planning your winter trip to Lofoten in northern Norway.
The first is that the weather and elements are in charge, not you, so make sure you have flexibility in your itinerary for Lofoten, and don’t freak out when things don’t go according to plan.
Secondly, there are a lot of things to do in Lofoten in the winter, not just in the summertime.
As long as you can deal with the weather and Polar Night, you will be rewarded with wild nature experiences, the Northern Lights, and a close encounter with our elements.
Are you ready yet? We look forward to welcoming you up here and hope you will have the journey of a lifetime!
Related blog posts:
Winter Wonderland: A Native’s Travel Guide to Norway in February
9 Best Places To Stay In Lofoten Islands From A Native
Best Lofoten Tours And Adventures From A Native
