The Lofoten islands offer world-class accommodation in all price classes. From spacious luxury cabins and apartments to campsites and wild camping. If you are looking for where to stay in Lofoten in the summer, you need to start planning early! With increasing numbers of visitors every year, the best places are booked fast!
Let us show you our recommendations for where to stay in the Lofoten islands!
For centuries, fishermen traveled to the Lofoten islands for days and weeks in their open rowing and sailing boats from all over Norway to participate in the fishery. Those fishermen needed a place to stay during the rough winter months; therefore, in the early 1100s, King Øystein decreed that cabins were to be built in Kabelvåg. In Norwegian, these cabins are called rorbu (singular) or rorbuer (plural).
The rorbuer were initially built on the shoreline, often on poles in the water, with natural access to the rowing boats next to the cabin. While they aren’t used only as fishermen’s houses anymore, many of the old rorbuer have been taken care of and modernized, and they nowadays serve as accommodation for tourists.
Let’s show you where to stay in the Lofoten islands, like fishermen used to!
Located on an island just outside of Svolvær city center, Svinøya rorbuer is the largest rorbu cabin facility in Lofoten. The majority of Svinøya island consists of rorbu cabins of all sizes, from 1-4 bedrooms that can sleep couples to larger groups. Svinøya rorbuer has gained recognition for its efforts to preserve the facilities on the island.
Nusfjord village is a must-see for many visitors to Lofoten. It is one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Lofoten. In addition, the village has a cafe, restaurant, and a tiny bakery with the largest wood-fired oven in Norway! Staying in Nusfjord Arctic Resort also allows you to use their architect student-designed hot tub and sauna on-site freely!
Most likely, you have seen pictures of Eliassen rorbuer on Instagram or in travel magazines worldwide. The view from some of their cabins is equally stunning! Rorbuer come in different sizes and styles, and while some have a more modern look, others have a distinct preserved look. All their facilities offer modern kitchens and bathrooms.
What makes this rorbu special is not necessarily the interior, however the view from the rorbuer and the outside porch perhaps the most spectacular view in the whole of Lofoten! You also have one of the most beautiful photo spots in Lofoten directly behind your cabin.
Reine rorbuer have a capacity of 39 rorbuer. They sleep anywhere from two to six guests in vintage-looking accommodations. The inside decoration and structure of some of these rorbuer feel very much like visiting a museum. Not surprisingly, many of the rorbuer has fantastic views of the Reine area.
Å-Hamna rorbuer offer a cozy mix of modern and old styles in a preserved fishing village. Each red coloured rorbu is an independent unit with a private bathroom and kitchen. Several popular hiking trails start from your doorsteps!
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You can also spend your night in a normal hotel room in Lofoten. Both cities in Lofoten, Svolvær, and Leknes, have several hotels. Just be aware that hotels usually double their prices in the high season. At the same time, the more traditional rorbuer usually increases their prices only slightly.
Let us show you your options where to stay in the Lofoten islands if hotels are your thing!
Located in the harbor of Svolvær, you don’t have to walk far to find exciting activities! The hotel is newly built and is uniquely designed with beautiful interior furniture. The breakfast is plentiful, with a restaurant on-site. In addition, you will have access to a sauna and a gym. Many rooms offer beautiful views over the Svolvær area, with the mainland mountains as a backdrop.
Henningsvær Bryggehotell is a cozy hotel in the middle of Henningsvær center. It offers free parking, and a tasty breakfast buffet with freshly made waffles. You can sit in their lovely lounge and relax with a cold beer or complimentary coffee and tea. Decent restaurant on-site, or plenty of other options within a very short walking distance. If you want to explore the town, you are free to use their bikes!
Having your own camper, caravan or motorhome, you have plenty of excellent options where to spend the night in Lofoten. Many campsites in Lofoten have exceptional views and are well equipped. When it comes to camping, there are just so many options where to stay in the Lofoten islands!
Sandvika camping is beautifully located at the sea front, right outside of Kabelvåg. The view from the campsite is stunning with iconic mountain Vågåkallen looming high above. The campsite is only a few kilometers away from the city of Svolvær. It is recommended to book online in the high season. Open all year.
Lofoten Beach Camp, located directly on Skagsanden beach is one of the best camping locations in Lofoten. Being the largest campsite in the Lofoten islands, Lofoten Beach Camp has space for everyone! They offer surfing courses and rental in the summer months.
Located on the north shore of Lofoten, Hov camping offers fantastic opportunities for both midnight sun gazing and northern lights watching. With an on-site restaurant, horseback riding center, golf course, and a sauna, you have everything you need close by!
In the summer the campsites often fill up during the day. It is therefore recommended either to book in advance or arrive early, if the campsite doesn’t allow booking.
Every campsite is different, but generally you can expect free toilets and showers for a fee. Most campsites have access to electricity. Many have common kitchens or common areas you can stay in if you are tenting. Some have on-site restaurant or pub. And a few have sauna and hot tubs.
Most campsites let you empty your portable toilet for free if you stay on their property. If you are not staying there you are welcome to empty your toilet for a fee. Please do not empty your portable toilet in the normal toilet! For a complete overview of camping locations and facilities, check out our camping edition of Interactive Maps of Lofoten!
Several campsites are open the whole year. But many are only open in the summer months and close down in September or October.
Prices vary between campsites, but you can roughly expect these price ranges:
Tent: 250 – 300 NOK
RV/campervan w/electricity: 320 – 450 NOK
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