Lofoten Islands & Svolvær

Islands of staggering natural beauty in Norway's Arctic north

Lofoten is a spellbinding archipelago above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. The first settlements in the region date back to the Viking age, and the islands have been the centre of large-scale cod fisheries for over 1,000 years.

The harbour town of Svolvær is Lofoten’s main community and is home to over 4,000 inhabitants. You’ll find numerous small art galleries, shops and cafés here, as well as the “Svolvær Goat” (Svolværgeita), a mountain with two characteristic “horns” that is a landmark of the Lofoten skyline.

The archipelago has long been an inspiration for photographers and artists thanks to its natural beauty, unique lighting conditions and idyllic villages. It’s also popular for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of otters, seals and occasionally even orcas. Puffins and sea eagles are also common sightings.

From late May through mid-July the sun stays above the horizon, a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. This offers plenty of time to embark on countless activities, such as kayaking, hiking and midnight golf. In contrast, Lofoten’s long, dark winters make it an excellent location for chasing the elusive northern lights.