Lofoten and Vesterålen

Rorbu (fisherman’s huts), fishing villages and distinctive mountains such as Svolværgeita, towering over white, sandy beaches and azure-blue lagoons. No one forgets a visit to Lofoten and Vesterålen, whether the Midnight Sun in the summer, fishing for cod under the Northern Lights in February or the spectacular passage through Risøyrenna.

Lofoten is a group of islands in Nordland County, administered by the municipalities of Vågan, Vestvågøy, Flakstad, Moskenes, Værøy and little Røst, far out in the ocean to the southwest. This region offers a variety of experiences. Enjoy a whale safari or kayak trip. Go horse riding, or use your legs to reach the many mountaintops. Go sea fishing for metre-long cod, take a cycle-camping expedition or stay in authentic fisherman’s huts.

The Vesterålen area, with its mountains, islands and skerries, was all but forgotten. However, Hurtigruten founder Richard With led the development of a canal through Risøyrenna that has allowed this pearl of nature to be included in the Hurtigruten schedule.

Vesterålen lies to the north of Lofoten across the five municipalities of Andøy, Bø, Hadsel, Sortland and Øksnes. People have lived here since the Stone Age, and the inhabitants developed several important trading stations early on in history. Today, all the islands are linked to each other and the mainland, by several bridges.

Hurtigruten arrives at Lofoten at Stamsund on its way north, after crossing from Bodø. It then proceeds to Svolvær, calling at Stokmarknes, Sortland and Risøyhamn; then continues to Harstad. On the southbound voyage, the route follows the same path, but in reverse order.