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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Northern Norway, Norway

Narvik Mainland

Narvik, about a 4-hour drive from Svolvær, offers a rich history and stunning mountain views.

Access Narvik via the E10, or direct bus routes from Svolvær. A full day allows for museum and cable car visits; an overnight stay offers a more relaxed pace.

Attractions

  • Narvik War Museum
  • Narvikfjellet Cable Car
  • Summer Hiking
  • Winter Skiing

Further Northern Adventures

Venturing beyond Lofoten unveils more of Norway's unique landscapes and cultural sites.

Bodø Mainland

A 3.5-hour ferry ride from Moskenes or a short flight from Svolvær/Leknes connects you to Bodø.

Bodø Highlights

  • Saltstraumen (Strongest Maelstrom)
  • Norwegian Aviation Museum
  • Ferry Connections

Vesterålen Islands

Located directly north of Austvågøy, Vesterålen is accessible by continuing on the E10.

Vesterålen Experiences

  • Andenes Whale Watching
  • Bleik Puffin Safaris
  • Stunning White-Sand Beaches

Natural Escapes & Wildlife Encounters

Austvågøy's Interior

  • Less-visited hiking trails
  • Peaceful landscapes
  • Opportunities for quiet walks
  • Solitude and raw nature

Smaller Islands: Værøy & Røst

  • Truly remote landscapes
  • Unique birdlife
  • Slower, traditional pace
  • Distinct Arctic island experience

Airport Travel Support

  • Compensair:Assistance for flight delays, cancellations. Compensair.com

Travel Insight

Day trips from Lofoten expand your northern Norway adventure, offering diverse experiences from historic cities to remote islands.

Cultural Excursions Beyond Lofoten

Expand your cultural understanding with historical visits outside the immediate Lofoten area.

Kjerringøy Trading Post

Located north of Bodø, this perfectly preserved 19th-century trading post offers a glimpse into coastal Norwegian history.

Cultural Site Note

No major pilgrimage sites near Lofoten are relevant to international tourism.

Kjerringøy Historical Detail

A trip from Bodø, includes various historic buildings, general store, and boathouses.

Features

  • General store
  • Boathouses
  • Residential homes

Vestvågøy Rural Life

Discover local farming, with specific mention of Aalan Gård known for its goat cheese.

Local Insights

  • Aalan Gård (Goat Cheese)
  • Local farming traditions
  • Rural villages

Cultural Insight

  • Kjerringøy Trading Post provides an unique glimpse into coastal history, a good addition if Bodø is a travel hub.

Multi-Day Extensions from Lofoten

For travelers with more time, combine Lofoten with other regions of Northern Norway or beyond.

Broader Regional Journeys

1

North to Tromsø and Lyngen Alps

Continue north from Lofoten through Vesterålen to experience Arctic urban life and world-class ski touring.

2

South along the Coastal Route

From Bodø, take the scenic Kystriksveien (Rv17) for dramatic coastal landscapes and charming villages.

3

Combined Lofoten & Senja

Explore Senja, often called "Norway in miniature," with rugged landscapes and fewer crowds.

Coastal Route Kystriksveien

  • Dramatic coastal landscapes
  • Charming villages
  • Numerous ferry crossings
  • Connects to Trondheim
  • Allocate 4-7 days for a full experience

Lofoten & Senja Combination

  • After Lofoten, head north to the island of Senja.
  • Diverse and rugged landscapes
  • Deep fjords
  • White-sand beaches
  • Significantly fewer crowds
  • Add 2-4 days to explore Senja's main highlights

Important Considerations for Planning

Transportation Links

Careful attention to transportation links is important for seamless travel.

Advance Bookings

Ferries on the coastal route or flights for longer distances should be booked in advance.

Time Allocation

Allocate sufficient time to truly enjoy each region. For example, 4-7 days for Kystriksveien.

Planning Ahead

Multi-day extensions involve careful attention to transportation. Book ferries and flights in advance.