Northern Norway, Norway
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 Northern 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 presents a cheaper option for international travelers.
Flight frequency grows, and prices rise during high season (June-August) and peak 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 route is less direct but can 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 but can be narrow, winding, and steep in sections.
A valid driving license from your home country is needed. If your 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 due to 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 has numerous tunnels; some are long and narrow. Pay attention to signage inside.
The Bodø-Moskenes Ferry is the most popular car and passenger ferry connecting the mainland (Bodø) to the southern Lofoten islands (Moskenes). The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours and presents stunning views. Advance booking is highly advised for vehicles, especially during summer and peak seasons, as space is limited.
River transportation is not applicable in Lofoten, as the main waterways are fjords and coastal areas, not navigable rivers. For international travelers, standard immigration checks apply if you arrive from outside the Schengen Area. However, most ferries operating to Lofoten are domestic routes or operate within the Schengen Area.
1.5 to 2 hours before 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 have 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, including 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. Weather influences schedules.
Stay updated on weather forecasts 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 ferry departures with vehicles, where loading times are strict.
