gettyimages-997911726-2048x2048 Header
© Getty Images
AdventuresDestinationsTips

Why Lofoten 2025 is on our bucket list

Dramatic mountains, crystal-clear fjords, deserted beaches, and historic fishing villages make the Lofoten Islands unforgettable. The best way to immerse yourself in their natural beauty and traditions? Hiking, climbing, kayaking, and relaxing in a sauna.

January 20, 2025


© Getty Images

Scaling a cliff face, hiking through serene forests, paddling across mirror-like waters, and sinking into an outdoor hot tub at the end of the day … Add to that some boundless views and you’ll be fully immersed in the blissful magic of Lofoten. This Norwegian archipelago is ideal for those seeking nature, solitude, and even a touch of isolation. It’s also perfect for anyone who prefers cool weather and the midnight sun over sweltering 95-degree sightseeing tours. Separated from the mainland by the Vestfjord, the Lofoten Islands lie 100 to 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Here, summer temperatures hover between 52 and 57°F, creating the perfect conditions to leave everyday life behind. Your senses will sharpen to the wonders of these 80 islands: you might spot moose, reindeer, or foxes, and birdwatchers will scan the southern cliffs for puffins. On the island of Røst, a festival even honors these orange-beaked birds.

Water, whales and Vikings

© Getty Images

For those hoping to encounter whales, a boat tour is your best chance at a sighting. But the breathtaking nature is not Lofoten’s only draw. Despite long, harsh winters and its remote Atlantic location, humans have lived here for over 6,000 years, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage. One highlight is the reconstructed Viking longhouse on the island of Vestvågøy, one of the most significant archaeological finds of its kind. The Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg showcases life in this Viking settlement, excavated in the 1980s.

© Fredrik Ahlsen

Other traditional structures remain just as compelling today. The iconic red stilted cabins, originally used by fishermen as overnight lodgings near their boats, have been modernized for visitors. Known as rorbuer, these cozy accommodations allow you to stay right on the water and fully soak in the scenery. Fishermen, however, no longer need them—they now sleep on their boats. The rorbuer are available year-round, offering a unique way to experience the islands. While winter brings limited daylight, the snow-covered landscape casts its own enchanting spell over the frozen archipelago…

Continue reading: Where to Go in 2025: The best travel destinations of the year

This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Winter 2024/25.

Scroll to Top