Guide to Lofoten

Lofoten is, hands down, one of the most stunning places you’ll ever visit on a cruise—dramatic peaks, white-sand beaches, and charming fishing villages. But here’s the catch: You won’t see any of that when you dock in Leknes (Gravdal Port).

Gravdal is an industrial harbor in one of the least exciting parts of Lofoten.

If you want to actually experience what makes Lofoten special, this is one place where you absolutely need to book a shore excursion—either through your cruise line or with a local tour company.
Why? Because if you don’t book a tour or rent a car, you’ll be stuck in the port with nothing to do within walking distance, while all the jaw-dropping scenery is just a short drive away—but impossible to reach without transport.

Reinebringen is one of Lofoten’s crown jewels, offering breathtaking views of Reine and Reinefjorden that attract around 250,000 visitors every year. If you’ve hiked up those famous Sherpa stairs, you know it’s not an easy feat, but the reward at the top is unforgettable.

Now, there’s a proposal to make that view more accessible—a cable car.

The gondola and expanded infrastructure are being planned for visitors like you—to make Reinebringen more accessible. But is this really what you want?

Driving in Lofoten during winter can range from relatively easy to highly challenging, depending on the weather. Icy roads, heavy snowfall, and strong winds are common, and you’ll often encounter narrow, winding roads. The key is to prepare thoroughly and adjust your driving to the conditions.

While it’s totally possible to explore Lofoten using public transport, on foot, by hitchhiking, or joining guided tours, renting a car is still the most popular way to get around. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach trailheads to hiking trails. So, now that we established that renting a car in Lofoten is almost a must, the next most common question is, “What’s the most budget-friendly car rental in Lofoten?”

Honestly, the answer is—it depends.