Minimum Time: 5 days
Recommended Time: 1 week
Stops: Oslo or Bergen, Henningsvær, Reine
Summary: The Lofoten Islands, located more than 100 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, are as stunning as anywhere in the world. Despite the remote setting, direct flights from Oslo to Lofoten can be found for $100 USD or less. The city of Svolvær on the Lofoten Islands has an airport, but Harstad/Narvik, Airport Evenes (EVE) on the edge of the mainland is the closest direct flight from Oslo and air travel and rental cars there are considerably cheaper.
Spending five or six days on the Lofoten Islands is a perfect amount of time. Much of the experience is about just being there and soaking up the surroundings—with a week or so you can stay in two or three historic fishing towns, drive the length of the archipelago, and choose a few activities that suite your interests.
For the best fishing villages to stay in on the Lofoten Islands, we recommend Henningsvær and Reine. Henningsvær is nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” a bit of a stretch, but it's the liveliest Lofoten village and home to the most well-preserved architecture. Reine is small and quiet but there is no better place to rent a rorbuer and enjoy the Lofoten scenery. Reine also is a quick drive from the village of Å and the end of the road.
Travelers can visit Oslo or Bergen on either end of the itinerary (although it’s possible to travel to Lofoten without going into the cities). Flights from Oslo to Lofoten are direct and the cheapest. Flights from Bergen stop in Oslo and are about 50% more expensive. Those with extra time can add the Bergen Railway to the itinerary before or after heading north.