Despite the Arctic location, the Lofoten Islands present myriad ways to get outdoors, and no setting is cooler or more unique. You can bike scenic roads, kayak between fishing villages, climb sheer granite walls, fish like a local, camp on white sand beaches, and even surf above the 68th parallel north! All of these activities are aided by the midnight sun, which remains above the horizon from the last week in May until the first week in July.
 

Biking on the Lofoten Islands

Renting a bicycle is an excellent way to move around while taking in the the Lofoten scenery. The main road (E10) does get significant traffic in the summer but the side roads are far more tranquil, so plan your ride accordingly. Destination Lofoten has created a great list of bicycle trips on the Lofoten Islands; some of the classic rides include Svolvær to Henningsvær (26 km), Henningsvær to Stamsund (63 km), and Stamsund to Ballstad (27 km).Most accommodations offer bicycles, and Reine Adventure rents off-roads, hybrids, kids’ bikes, trailers, and panniers. It's a good idea to call or email ahead in the peak season.
 

Kayaking on the Lofoten Islands

Seeing the towering rock formations of the Lofoten Islands from the perspective of the water is mind-boggling. The interior waters are good for those with less experience; the outer currents can be quite strong (the Maelstrom off the Lofoten headlands is an extreme example). It’s smart to hire a guide but it’s also possible to paddle out on your own.

For a wonderful and relatively easy half-day trip, explore the many arms of the Reinefjorden (4 hours). Another good option is a kayak and hike combination to Bunes Beach: instead of taking the morning ferry to Vindstad you can get there in 1–1½ hours on a kayak (4–6 hours total for the trip, including the hike). Those seeking a full day on the water should consider the adventurous paddle from Reine to Å. Kayaking on the Lofotens is weather dependent so be watchful of the conditions.
 

Climbing on the Lofoten Islands

Ed Webster’s celebrated guide, “Climbing in the Magic Isles” is a must-read for those seeking to scale the Lofotens, which are often mentioned among the world’s most majestic climbing destinations. A newer book, “Lofoten Rock” by Chris Craggs and Thorbjørn Enevold, has quickly gained the respect of the climbing community and won the 2008 Mountain Exposition Award at the Banff Mountain Book Festival.

RockFax reports that the Lofotens are home to “perfect grey granite.” Furthermore, “the developed climbing has barely scratched the surface of available climbable rock and yet the established routes are already regarded as some of the best multi-pitch granite routes on either side of the Atlantic.” For gumbies and veterans alike, the Lofoten Islands are a lifetime destination.

The popular North Norwegian School of Mountaineering in Henningsvær offers everything from basic rock climbing lessons to guided ascents of the most challenging routes. It also provides reasonable accommodations in a hostel-like atmosphere and has a wonderful travelers café and bar. The School sells climbing gear, maps, and will help answer any questions you have about the area.

Fishing on the Lofoten Islands

Fishing is life in the Lofotens, and nothing is more authentic than getting out on the water with a local veteran and experiencing it for yourself. Depending on the time of year, you can expect to haul in cod, haddock, wolf fish, and a range of others. Renting a fishing boat with a skipper for a 4-hour trip is a great way to go, and you may even spot orcas and eagles along the way.

In summarizing the Lofoten fishing experience, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to top the simple poetry of Lofoten Fisherman Adventures, who profess: “Nothing is as good as flat bread with butter and fresh fish straight from the gunwale.”

Lofoten Fisherman Adventures (4-hour trip, 650K per person)
Sjøstrand Rorbuer & Fisk (3-hour trip, 450K per person)
 

Camping on the Lofoten Islands

As with all Norway, you are free to camp anywhere on uncultivated land. A good camping spot with easy access can be found at the terminus of the E10 on the western edge of Moskenesøya. After driving through the village of Å to the parking lot at the end of the road, walk down the short path to the grassy area on the point. The wind can be strong, but when the weather cooperates the cliffside setting makes for terrific camping.

More on the Lofoten Islands