Lofoten is perhaps one of the most famous destinations in Norway, and for good reason. Its characteristic fishing villages with their colourful fishing cabins, its jagged mountain peaks jutting out of the sea and its long, white sandy beaches are just some of the reasons why Lofoten is so popular.
But Northern Norway and the county of Nordland are much more than just Lofoten. Why not also explore Vesterålen and Narvik for more Arctic experiences in stunning wilderness? If you travel to Northern Norway in the winter, you will also have great chances to see the spectacular Northern Lights dancing in the sky, and embark on a winter adventure you won't soon forget. All across Northern Norway, conditions are ideal for witnessing the magical Northern Lights, thanks to its geographic location directly beneath the auroral oval.
By the way – did you know that we are currently in an extra strong solar storm period, meaning there is now more auroral activity in the sky than there has been for many, many years?
Check out our lists below for the top five things to do in Lofoten, Vesterålen and Narvik.
Top five things to do in Lofoten in the winter
1. Go cod fishing
Lofoten is known for its abundant fishing waters, and the Atlantic cod (known locally as skrei) has been a solid source of income across the archipelagos over the years. It is during the cold winter months, between January and April, that fishing is at its peak, when the Arctic cod make their annual pilgrimage to the Lofoten fjords to spawn.
There are many opportunities to try your hand at fishing in Lofoten. Why not go out on an organised fishing tour and be sure to find one of the best spots?
2. Go skiing or snowshoeing
In Lofoten, you can go randonee skiing (a form of ski mountaineering that uses special equipment to scale mountains), up to towering peaks with spectacular views, before then skiing freely down in powder snow to the pebble coast again. Join a guided tour for the fastest and safest way both up and down the mountainside.
If skiing is not quite your thing, an excellent alternative is to go on an organised snowshoeing trip. Snowshoes are designed to suit a variety of terrains, and they offer a great opportunity to explore Lofoten's gentler slopes.
Due to its coastal location, the ski season in Lofoten only lasts from February to April.
3. Go kayaking or join a sea safari
A fantastic way to experience Lofoten's wild nature is to go kayaking or join a boat or RIB boat tour. The cold winter weather won't hold you back, as the tour organisers provide warm winter clothing and padded dry suits.
Explore the area's many small islands, venture into fjords or paddle along the coast. Maybe you'll even catch a glimpse of the majestic white-tailed eagle?
4. Explore the area's fishing villages
Lofoten's fishing villages are known for their colourful fishing cabins and cosy atmosphere. Nusfjord is one of the best preserved fishing villages and a popular tourist destination. Other great spots include Reine, Henningsvær and Svolvær.
If you're looking for the ultimate Lofoten experience, you can even book to stay in a fishing cabin. It doesn't get more authentic than that!
5. Visit an art gallery
Lofoten has a varied and vibrant arts scene, with many galleries showcasing the work of local artists from the region. You can find everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and textiles.
With approximately 5000 inhabitants, Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten. It is home to a large artists' colony, meaning there are many exciting discoveries to be made.
Explore Vesterålen
Vesterålen is an island district located in the far north of Nordland county. It offers a slightly quieter and more relaxed experience than the tourist magnet of Lofoten, but the nature here is quite simply stunning. It is home to long, white beaches, lush valleys and majestic mountains. Charming fishing villages and fishing cabins also dot the coastline.
Top five things to do in Vesterålen in the winter:
1. Visit Andøya
Andøya is known for its fantastic nature, comprised of high mountains, flat plains and long beaches. Here, you can enjoy all sorts of activities, from hiking and fossil hunting to fishing and birdwatching . The island is also a great starting point for a whale safari. In fact, Vesterålen is Norway's only year-round destination for whale safaris.
2. Explore Nyksund and other fishing villages
The old fishing village of Nyksund is a little gem in Vesterålen, with a history that stretches back several hundred years. In the early 1900s, this place was a hive of fishing activity, and its population would swell during the winter fishing season. The houses, which are located close together along the harbour, are characterised by a completely unique architectural style that you won't find in many other places.
Other great fishing villages to visit in the region include Stø, Myre, Skipnes and Tinden.
3. Enjoy a culinary experience at Kvitnes Gård
Kvitnes Gård is a newly renovated manor house in Hadsel in Vesterålen. Today, it is run as a country house and farmyard hotel with 15 unique hotel rooms, and it's a shinning northern example of regenerative agriculture. In addition to their farm where they grow vegetables and raise sheep, pigs and chickens, Kvitnes Gård also has one of Norway's best restaurants – run by chef Halvar Ellingsen using only ingredients sourced from the local area.
4. Visit the Hurtigruten museum
Hurtigruten is one of Norway's most well-known institutions, and the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes is dedicated to telling the story of this iconic coastal route. The museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in maritime history, and a place where you can learn about the importance of Hurtigruten to transport, trade and culture. You can also take a look at authentic artefacts from the ships, such as old uniforms, navigational instruments and scale models.
5. Journey out to Inga Sami Siida
Experience Sámi culture up close and learn more about Norway’s Indigenous people. Visit a reindeer-herding family at Inga Sami Siida on Hinnøya, where you’ll have the chance to feed reindeer, try your hand at lasso throwing, and listen to traditional joik singing.
Here, you can also learn more about Sámi mythology, the history and significance of reindeer herding, and sample some delicious Sámi food.
Explore Narvik
Narvik, nestled between Tromsø and Lofoten, combines the best of both worlds – dramatic fjord landscapes and classic Arctic inland adventures, all within a stable climate that's ideal for hunting out the Northern Lights and activities such as skiing and dog sledding. Narvik seamlessly blends urban life with unforgettable experiences in nature, and it is recognised as Northern Norway’s premier winter sports destination.
Fly directly to Evenes Airport
Top five things to do in Narvik in the winter:
1. Ski or snowboard at Narvikfjellet
Narvik is a powder paradise for ski enthusiasts with Scandinavia's highest vertical drop and superb conditions for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and off-piste skiing. Norway's most urban ski resort offers a range of slopes for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Not to mention spectacular views of majestic mountains and deep fjords.
You can also take the cable car up Narvikfjellet to enjoy a good meal at the Fjellheis Restaurant (656 metres above sea level), which offers panoramic views of the beautiful landscape, the historic iron-ore harbour and the town of Narvik itself.
2. Go on a dog sled safari
A dog sled safari is an experience you won't soon forget. With Narvik's reliably snowy landscapes and stunning scenery providing the backdrop, this is a perfect activity for adventurous souls. Dog sledding is a traditional mode of transportation in these parts, steeped in history and culture, and it has long been a crucial part of life in the Arctic.
Drawn by strong huskies and accompanied by enthusiastic mushers, you'll have a unique opportunity to explore the Arctic regions around the town. Warm winter clothes and instructions will be provided by the kennels that offer dog sledding.
3. Visit Polar Park
A visit to Polar Park, an hour's drive outside Narvik, is an experience you won't want to miss. As the world's northernmost wildlife park, Polar Park offers you a unique opportunity to get close to some of the region's most fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
Here, you can see majestic brown bears, wolves and agile lynxes, as well as several other species including moose, deer and musk oxen. Explore the park at your own pace or join a guided tour to learn more about the different species.
4. Experience the Northern Lights on the Ofoten Line
Why not combine a train ride on the fantastic and historic Ofoten Line with an unforgettable adventure hunting the Northern Lights? Step on board the Northern Lights Train and chase down the Aurora Borealis, travelling deep into the mountains, far from the lights of the town, for a chance to see the magical Green Lady dancing across the sky.
On Norway's northernmost railway line, you'll glide past stunning fjords and landscapes illuminated by the stars, while your guides share local stories that add depth to this comfortable and scenic adventure.
5. Discover Narvik's military history
Narvik was one of the first places in Europe to be attacked by German forces during the Second World War. The town's strategic location by the Ofotfjord made it an important target for both the Germans and the Allies. A visit to the Narvik War Museum provides you with a unique opportunity to delve into this exciting and dramatic chapter in the town's history.
By combining a museum visit with a trip along the Ofoten Railway Line, you can get an even more vivid impression of how the war affected the region of Narvik.
How do you get to Lofoten, Vesterålen and Narvik?
Fly to Evenes Airport. This airport is the gateway to the Arctic Region of Northern Norway, including the areas of Lofoten, Vesterålen, Harstad and Narvik.
From Evenes, there are buses to Lofoten, Vesterålen and Narvik, but the best option is to rent a car. This will give you the freedom to experience the beautiful region at your own pace. The largest town in Lofoten, Svolvær, can be reached in about two and a half hours. Getting to Sortland in Vesterålen, meanwhile, will take about two hours, while Narvik is just under one hour away.