Nordland Norway Travel Guide
Svolvær Airport, Helle (SVJ): Smallest airport directly on Austvågøy, main island of Lofoten. Direct flights from Bodø, a mainland hub.
Evenes Airport (Harstad/Narvik Airport, EVE): Largest airport in The north of Norway, approximately 2.5-3 hours drive north of Svolvær. Evenes sees more direct flights from Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, and sometimes international charter flights. It frequently has a cheaper option for international travelers.
Flight frequency grows, and prices rise during high season (June-August) plus busy Northern Lights viewing (Oct-Mar).
Smaller Lofoten airports have limited facilities. Bodø and Evenes offer more extensive services.
Taxis are available. Pre-book for convenience. Rental cars can be picked up at terminals.
Main consumer retail platform for a variety of products.
Modern travel bag and accessory store.
Camera and electronics retailer.
No train lines directly reach Lofoten. The nearest train station is Fauske, on the Nordland Line, south of Bodø. From Fauske, your journey to Lofoten would continue by bus or ferry. This track is not as direct although it may be scenic.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Lofoten. The E10 serves as the main road traversing the Lofoten Islands, connecting most major towns and villages. Roads are generally well-maintained however narrow, winding, and sharp in sections.
A valid driving license from your home country is needed. If your driver's license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) must accompany it. The minimum age for rental cars typically falls between 19 or 21, with surcharges often applied for drivers under 25.
Roads can close or have speed restrictions because of snow, ice, strong winds, or rockfalls, notably in winter. Check Statens Vegvesen (Norwegian Public Roads Administration) for current conditions before and during your travel. Lofoten possesses many tunnels; some are long and narrow. Pay attention to signage inside.
The Bodø-Moskenes Ferry is the most popular car and passenger ferry joining the mainland (Bodø) in a southerly directionern Lofoten islands (Moskenes). The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours and has stunning views. Reserving ahead is highly advised for vehicles, especially in the summer and peak seasons, as space is limited.
River transportation is not applicable in Lofoten, as the main waterways are fjords and seaside areas, not navigable rivers. For international travelers, standard passport control apply if you arrive from outside the Schengen Area. However, most ferries operating to Lofoten are domestic routes or run within the Schengen Area.
1.5 to ARRIVE 2 hours prior to domestic flights; 2.5 to 3 hours for international connections.
30-60 minutes before for cars; foot passengers closer to departure.
A few minutes before scheduled departure; buses usually run on schedule.
Smaller Lofoten Airports (SVJ, LKN, RST): These airports are equipped with basic waiting areas, check-in counters, and a small cafe. Do not anticipate extensive shopping or dining options. Bodø and Evenes Airports are larger and offer more comprehensive facilities, featuring a range of shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting areas for departing travelers.
Before leaving your accommodation, double-check that you have all your belongings. Reconfirm your flight, ferry, or bus schedule a day before departure. The meteorology influences schedules.
Stay updated on forecasts for the weather and any travel advisories that might impact your departure.
Have digital copies of tickets and reservations on your phone for easy access.
Give yourself extra time, especially for the ferry departures with vehicles, where loading times are strict.
