Tromso-Senja Ferry: Info, Timetables & Prices
TROMSO – SENJA FERRY: All YOU NEED TO KNOW Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding
Are you planning a trip to Lofoten in winter and seeking insights into what to expect during this chilly season? Explore our article, “13 Essential Winter Tips for Norway,” to gain a deep understanding of the unique weather, daylight, and challenges in northern Norway.
We’ll help you prepare for your journey and make the most of this enchanting winter wonderland without any surprises or setbacks.
How to get to Lofoten: Fly to Svolvær, Leknes (local airports), Bodø, or Harstad/Narvik (bigger airports nearby). You can also travel to Lofoten from Tromsø.
Renting a Car in Lofoten: You can compare the prices for the big car rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, or Budget at the airports in Svolvær, Leknes, Narvik, or Bodø. We also recommend local car rental agencies like Rent a Car Moskenes (located at the ferry terminal in Moskenes) or Lofoten Rental Car (located in Svolvær).
Where to stay in Lofoten: We highly recommend choosing one basecamp in the western part of Lofoten and another in the east. Avoid changing accommodations every single day. It’s not good for the environment or enjoyable for you, and it burdens accommodation providers financially. Slow down and explore more!
Stay in traditional fishermen’s cabins!
🏚️ Å rorbuer, Å Hamna rorbuer (Å)
🏚️ Reine rorbuer, Eliassen rorbuer, Rostad retro rorbuer (Reine and surroundings)
🏚️ Nusfjord Arctic Resort (Nusfjord)
🏚️ Svinøya Rorbuer (Svolvær)
🏚️ Lofoten Rorbuer (Svolvær) (Note: not a typical red or yellow wooden fishermen cabin, but super friendly owners and managers, convenient location, and possibility to rent a boat!)
Check out these unique accommodations with interesting concepts:
🥰 Furu Hostel (Knutstad, halfway between Leknes and Svolvær)
🥰 Skårungen (Kabelvåg, close to Svolvær)
🥰 Trevarefabrikken (Henningsvær)
🥰 Lofoten Planet Basecamp (Sørvågen, between Reine and Å)
Disclosure: We choose not to recommend Airbnb in Lofoten, as we believe it contributes to a challenging housing situation for those seeking permanent residence. We, too, face difficulties finding a year-round rental where we would not be asked to move out for the summer.
Top winter activities in Lofoten:
What to pack:
Check out our Lofoten winter packing guide, which applies to northern Norway in general and Scandinavian regions.
The Lofoten Islands are beautiful all year, but visiting in summer or winter is a completely different experience. And it’s not just about the weather and temperature.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Lofoten, and the islands draw travelers from all over the world. The long daylight hours and the midnight sun provide plenty of time for exploration, and many tourists take advantage of this.
This means you can expect larger crowds, especially in the most popular spots like Reine, Henningsvær, and Å.
Another aspect to consider is the cost. As one of Norway’s most famous tourist destinations, prices in Lofoten can be on the higher side, particularly during the summer months. It’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance to secure the best deals and ensure you have a place to stay.
In the winter, Lofoten transforms into a captivating landscape that alternates between enchanting beauty on the good days and challenging harshness on the not-so-good days.
In good weather, the archipelago resembles scenes from a winter wonderland. The air is crisp, and the snowy mountains reflect the soft glow of daylight or the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
However, every now and then, Lofoten exhibits its raw, untamed nature. During blizzards, the wind whips through the islands, making it difficult even to open the door of your house. Venturing outside becomes a battle against icy gusts, and the wind might knock you off your feet.
We often meet tourists who tell us how fortunate we are to live in the paradise that is Lofoten. Yet, it takes a severe winter storm for tourists to realize the locals are not only lucky but also pretty tough to deal with such extreme weather.
We genuinely hope you encounter both the enchanting winter wonderland and the fierceness of a proper winter storm! 🧊🌨️🌫
In Lofoten, winter hangs around from November to April, giving you an extended snowy experience. While most places consider December, January, and February the prime winter months, winter has its own schedule here in the north.
November feels more like winter than autumn, and even when March comes around, it’s still very much a winter wonderland. Don’t expect spring to burst onto the scene in April either – winter likes to linger a bit longer in these parts of the world.
The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current originating in the Gulf of Mexico, flowing across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe’s northern regions. It plays a significant role in influencing the average winter temperature in Lofoten.
While Lofoten is situated well above the Arctic Circle, the Gulf Stream helps keep the winter average temperatures relatively mild for its high northern location.
Without the Gulf Stream, Lofoten would experience significantly colder and harsher winters.
Before January, the snow situation in Lofoten can be a bit unpredictable. The snow tends to come and go. Once January arrives, it usually decides to stick around, painting everything in a beautiful white coat.
However, don’t be surprised if, now and then, warmer temperatures decide to make a cameo, causing some snow to bid a temporary farewell.
In the pictures below, you can see that in 2022 there was pretty much no snow at the end of February and beginning of March. The year before, there was no snow at the end of February and also at the end of March before it snowed again in April.
Lofoten is a world-renowned destination famous for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque fishing villages with vibrant red cabins called rorbuer, and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, or skiing.
The archipelago spans a considerable area, comprising four main islands and numerous smaller ones. However, the population of Lofoten is modest, with approximately 25,000 residents scattered across the islands.
The largest town, Svolvær, is home to around 5,000 people, while the second-largest, Leknes, boasts roughly 3,500 inhabitants. Even the charming fishing villages showcased in magazines, such as Reine or Henningsvær, have fewer than 600 permanent residents.
While our small community prides itself on an impressive array of restaurants, cafes, and activities, we’re not exactly New York.
So, when you visit, especially in winter time, revel in the intimate charm of Lofoten, but don’t expect the bustling services of a big city like Oslo or Tromsø. Especially during the winter season 😊🏡
When visiting Lofoten in winter, prepare for some short days. From around early December to January, the region experiences polar night, a dark period lasting about five weeks.
During this time, the sun doesn’t make it above the horizon, but it’s not completely dark. Instead, it’s like a prolonged twilight, creating a cozy, dusky atmosphere.
Let’s break down the daylight hours for different dates. Remember to plan your adventures during these daylight hours to make the most of Lofoten’s beauty.
In Lofoten’s winter, expect the unexpected. You might be blessed with stunningly clear and sunny days, revealing Lofoten’s beauty in its finest light. Or you might experience a symphony of snow, rain, and wind, and sometimes, all three at once.
Arriving in Lofoten in winter demands the right mindset and preparation, especially when it comes to the ever-changing weather. Make sure to set realistic expectations, pack the appropriate clothing and equipment, and, most importantly, be mentally prepared to adapt your plans if the weather takes an unexpected turn.
While the unpredictable weather can be challenging, it also adds a thrilling sense of adventure to your journey. Dress in layers, keep your camera handy, and be prepared to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
However, consider extending your stay for safety reasons in case of adverse conditions!
I wish I could advise you to skip renting a car and rely on public transport in Lofoten in winter. I really do.
However, traveling by public transportation in Lofoten in winter can be a bit challenging.
While there are buses that run along the main road E10 several times a day, their frequency might not always align with your schedule.
While I would love to use public transport more in Lofoten and recommend it to others, the current options are simply insufficient.
MY ISSUES WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN LOFOTEN
😔 For instance, when I finish work at the tourist information in Ramberg at 17:00, the earliest bus connection home to Sørvågen is at 22:13.
😔 On weekends, I can’t use the bus to get to work (which starts at 10:00) because there’s no bus until 12:00.
😔 Similarly, let’s consider hiking Ryten, one of the most accessible and safe mountains in Lofoten that you hike in winter. The nearest bus stop is about 4 km away from the trailhead. After completing the hike, there’s no café, restaurant, or any place in Fredvang or along the way back to the bus stop where you could sit and warm up while waiting for your bus to arrive. Plus, you either make the bus at 16:25 or you will wait until 21:40.
While winter storms in Lofoten are not an everyday occurrence, they make their presence known about 2 to 3 times a month (on average), and it’s something to be aware of when planning your trip.
We don’t want to sound alarmist, but it’s essential to consider the possibility of road closures and ferry cancellations.
☝️ Having reliable travel insurance covering unexpected expenses, such as an extra hotel night due to unforeseen circumstances, is smart.
☝️Always watch the weather forecast closely, and pay special attention to the wind strength indicated on platforms like yr.no (above 20m/s is a red flag).
☝️ The bridges on E10, like Kåkernbrua close to Reine, Gimsøybrua near Henningsvær, and Tjedsundbrua close to Evenes airport, automatically close during strong winds.
☝️If wind concerns arise, check the Vegvesen app for real-time road information.
☝️Plan your journey, especially the Bodo-Moskenes ferry, with some buffer time.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that graces the skies of Lofoten from late August to early April.
Watching these celestial lights dance above the pristine sandy beaches, surrounded by the towering and jagged mountain peaks, is nothing short of magical.
It’s important to note that there’s no specific time of the year or day that’s best for witnessing the Northern Lights. What you truly need are active auroras and clear skies to have a chance of experiencing this incredible natural display.
To catch the Northern Lights, plan your trip to Lofoten between late August and early April, monitor the weather forecast, and keep a watchful eye on the sky when conditions are favorable.
Our favorite spots for viewing the aurora include the white sandy beaches on the northern coast, such as Skagsanden or Haukland Beach.
Additionally, we love taking photo stops at locations like Sakrisøy, Hamnøy, or Flakstadpollen to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights.
And, honestly, our absolute favorite way to enjoy the Northern Lights is from a hot tub. We have a private jacuzzi, but many accommodations offer saunas and/or hot tubs, usually for an additional fee.
Lofoten is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. While there are whales along the shores of Lofoten, there’s no organized whale-watching safari within the archipelago.
If whale watching is on your agenda, the nearest options are found in the neighboring Vesterålen archipelago.
Notably, Andenes, situated at the northernmost tip of the Andøya island, and the village of Stø offer renowned whale-watching experiences. While these locations are a 2.5-3-hour drive from Svolvær, it’s crucial to understand that they are not part of the Lofoten Islands.
In the summer, a few companies offer transportation or comprehensive packages, including transport and whale watching, from Svolvær to Andenes in Vesterålen.
In the winter, the whale watching activity moves to the fjords around Tromsø, with Tromsø, Skjervøy and Alta as the starting points for the whale watching tours.
It is hard to say, but personally, I have a few theories:
1️⃣ Many people do not know the difference between Lofoten and Vesterålen and often consider the whole chain of islands stretching from Bodø to Tromsø as part of Lofoten.
2️⃣ It does not help much that some local tourist companies refer to their trips as whale watching in Lofoten, while it is actually in Vesterålen, and they know it. Why do they do it, then? It is easy – some people Google “whale watching in Lofoten,” and these companies are targeting them by providing misleading information in the title of their articles.
3️⃣ We do have whales in Lofoten. You can spot them sometimes when kayaking in Reinefjorden or when fishing from Svolvær or the Bodø-Moskenes ferry if you are lucky. However, those encounters are random.
Hiking in Lofoten is absolutely fantastic. But even in the summer, it can be challenging. The trails here are not super well-marked compared to trail marking in, for example, the Alps or the Czech Republic, where I come from. The mountains here in Lofoten are steep and the trail usually goes through challenging terrain that is sometimes exposed.
Now, factor in the short daylight hours in winter, the unpredictable weather, the even more challenging pathfinding, the avalanche danger, the icy surface, etc.
When you plan to go hiking in Lofoten in winter, it is crucial that you have some mountain experience, proper clothes and equipment, and perhaps most importantly, common sense.
It is very difficult to give advice about which mountain tops are doable in winter, as it very much depends on the current weather and snow conditions, as well as your experience and fitness level. Moreover, attempting any summit can be dangerous if you wander out in the challenging weather conditions or when you lack proper equipment.
One thing is for sure, though. Most people coming to Lofoten have a wish to hike up to Reinebringen no matter the time of the year when they come. To put it briefly, unless you are Ueli Steck or Kilian Jornet, consider Reinebringen off-limits in winter.
The trail is steep, and it goes through avalanche terrain. The stairs can be icy, and slipping on certain trail sections means you can get seriously injured or die. So, Reinebringen in winter is a big fat no-go.
Skiing in Lofoten is a unique and exciting experience, but it’s important to consider the specific conditions of this archipelago. While the western part of Lofoten tends to be a bit warmer and wetter, making it less ideal for skiing, the eastern part usually offers better conditions for hitting the slopes.
In Lofoten, you won’t find any big ski resorts, but there are smaller, local ski lifts in Stamsund and Svolvaer.
The great thing about skiing in Lofoten is that you don’t necessarily need a ski lift. Lofoten is full of opportunities for ski touring or splitboarding.
However, keep in mind that the mountains can be challenging, especially in the spring when there’s an increased risk of avalanches.
For a safer experience, we highly recommend you to book a tour with a local guide who knows the terrain and current weather and snow conditions.
When planning your skiing adventure in Lofoten, consider staying at places like Trevarefabrikken in Henningsvær, Skårungen in Kabelvåg or Furu Hostel close to Leknes. The hosts at these accommodations are passionate skiers and will be more than happy to recommend the best and safest mountains to explore based on the current conditions.
We sometimes hear tourists “complaining” that when they visited Lofoten in summer, there was no activity in the fishing villages. They expected the harbours to be bustling with life, with fishing boats delivering their catch day and night.
Well, the main fishing season in Lofoten is in winter when the cod comes to the waters around Lofoten to spawn. The fishing season lasts roughly from January to April, even though it seems that it starts later and later each year.
In Lofoten, the cod is not preserved by smoking or salting. The fishermen simply separate the fish heads from the bodies and hang the fish on the racks, letting it dry for several months.
That is another thing that makes visiting Lofoten in winter interesting – you will see the fish racks full of fish well into May or June. And yes, you will be able to smell it!
If you’ve found the information in this article useful or have your own insights from traveling to Lofoten in winter, we’d love to hear from you.
Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Safe travels!
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
TROMSO – SENJA FERRY: All YOU NEED TO KNOW Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding
Easter in Norway is something truly special. It’s not just another holiday for Norwegians; it feels like a heartfelt celebration of leaving behind the long, dark winter and stepping into the light, hopeful spring days. During Easter, you’ll notice cities and towns becoming remarkably quiet as most Norwegians head to their cozy mountain cabins, eager to catch the season’s final days of skiing.
We’re not here to give you a long lesson on Norwegian Easter traditions – we’ll touch on those just a bit. Instead, we want to provide some handy tips for visiting Norway during Easter.
The Lofoten archipelago comprises seven main islands extending off mainland Norway. Finding schedules for these local ferry routes and express boats in Lofoten can be challenging. In this article, we aim to provide comprehensive information about the ferry routes in Lofoten and surrounding regions, including their schedules, prices, and capacities, so you can better plan your road trip through Lofoten and northern Norway.
Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway with 70,000 residents, is renowned for the northern lights, thanks to its position within the auroral oval. With drones becoming increasingly affordable, it’s no surprise that tourists wish to capture aerial footage and photos of their vacation spots. However, drone flying in Tromsø and its immediate vicinity is prohibited due to its close proximity to Tromsø Airport. Moreover, this ban is strictly enforced, and violators face hefty fines, confiscation of their drone, and possible expulsion from the country.
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