Lofoten Islands in Summer

Visiting the Lofoten Islands in summer is fantastic. However, you need to know some essential things before going. Benefit from our experience and read our tips:

• Weather
• Outfits/Packing
• Midnight Sun
• Crowds
• 7 Must-Visit Places

If you are visiting during a different season, please read our complete guide with tips for winter, spring, summer, and fall:

Lofoton Islands Season Guide

Overview

• Weather: The best chance of good weather is during July and August. Average degrees about 15°C. On sunny days max temp of 25C° is not uncommon. Most sunshine, although rain and especially many cloudy days in a row can happen.
• Crowds: The most popular time of year, Lofoten is very busy with local and international tourists. Many hotels and attractions will be at full capacity.
• Highlights: Midnight sun from May 26 – July 17 (24 hours of daylight). Northern lights are back by the end of August.

Thanks to its beautiful scenery and up to 24 hours of sunshine per day, summer is the peak tourist season in Lofoten as locals and international travelers flock to this outdoor paradise. Expect these months to be lively and busy.

By the time June rolls around, almost all of the snow has melted away and been replaced by lush green plant life, completely transforming the look of the islands.

By early July you can spot hillsides-covered flowerbeds. Although the weather remains somewhat unpredictable, it sometimes even reaches highs of 25 degrees Celsius. Blue skies are common, although so too are many cloudy overcast days and rain.

Outfits | Packing Guide

💡 In the summer months, there are often days when the skies are blue, it is hot, and you can hike in shorts and t-shirts. But there are also days when it is windy, rainy, and freezing cold, and you need to wear sweaters, jackets, and a warm hat.

Average lows in Lofoten in June, July, and August are about 10°C (50°F), and average highs are hovering around 15°C (60°F). However, it’s not uncommon for summer temperatures to reach 20-25°C (68-77 °F) or even higher.

When traveling to a place above the Arctic Circle, you have to deal with unpredictable weather: Warm days, cooler days, sunny days, rainy days, …

Essential tip: Pack layers! What you don’t need: Summer clothes like sundresses or sandals!

Here is a short packing list of the items that you should definitely bring for Lofoten in the summer months:

Waterproof hiking shoes or hiking boots. Hiking trails can be muddy, so please pack waterproof ones:

Enough t-shirts and two long-sleeved shirts:

Some lightweight but warm sweaters that you can layer if needed, like a half-zip fleece pullover and a full-zip fleece sweater).

Shorts and a pair of long pants (ideally hiking shorts and pants that dry quickly):

Waterproof and windproof jacket. Don’t bring an insulated jacket, as you don’t need it. However, a rain- and windproof one is essential:

Also bring:

• Hiking socks
• A buff, thin gloves
• A warm hat
• Sun hat, swimwear, sunglasses.

You can pack a pair of jeans, a nicer sweater, and some casual shoes, though you will likely only wear these if you dine at a nicer restaurant.

Midnight Sun

Unique is the midnight sun, which means all-day and all-night sunshine. It occurs between late May and mid-July. For those who have never experienced this, it is incredibly surreal to be able to hike in full sunshine at 2 am.

Even for those who experience it regularly, there is a certain charm that comes with such abundant sunshine and all it allows you to do.

Tourist Crowds

Given all the benefits of summer in Lofoten, it is unsurprising that this is peak tourist time, with many accommodation places and restaurants completely booking out, even months in advance. While its popularity means that Lofoten in summer is a lively, exciting place, it is recommended to book well ahead of time so as to avoid any disappointments.

While the whole summer is busy, the peak month is definitely July. Then all the famous areas like Reine or for example the parking lot to popular Kvalvika beach will be overcrowded. Especially when cruise ships arrive, the well-known places will be packed

By mid-August, the crowds have died down a fair bit, although so too has the sunshine. For many, a visit between mid-August and late August is the best of both worlds – allowing you to experience summer in Lofoten, but without the intense crowds.

Things to Do

Summertime has the most opportunities to try every outdoorsy activity like fishing tours, canoeing, and, of course, hiking. From mid-June, the trails are usually snow-free and you can do almost everything from short 1-3 hour walks at the coast to full-day hikes or even longer.

Be careful until mid-June, as some routes are still snow-covered in early June, especially on Austvågøy.

Tip:  For more flexibility, getting around in a rental car is recommended. The museums can be a bit crowded in summer. Visit them early in the morning.

Camping: Not only is the summer weather perfect for outdoor activities, but it also makes camping a great option. Norway famously gives everyone “the right to roam”, and camping in the mountains and countryside is permitted anywhere by anyone as long as you are at least 150m from any inhabited houses or cabins.

 

7 Must-Visit Places

Let’s dive into the seven must-see spots and activities that make the Lofoten Islands a bucket-list destination in summer:

1. Svolvær | Island: Austvågøy

Original Map (c) by Kartverket, CC BY, modified

‘Wherever I stood in Svolvær and whichever way I looked, the view was just magnificent!’ Most visits to Lofoten begin in its largest town, Svolvaer, which is located along the south coast of Austvågøy. For centuries, the town served as an important port for Lofoten’s only main industry of fishing.

Today, it is still used for that, but it is equally important for bringing in visitors and tourists.

While the town has a modest permanent population of just 5,000, it can feel much bigger due to the many tourists. Its population also swells during the cod season, when many people from all over the west coast of Norway descend on the town.

As a result, there are plenty of hotels and other accommodation options in Svolvaer. Due to its many visitors, plenty of infrastructure and attractions are available at Svolvaer.

Despite its size, there is an incredible selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, which cater to both tourists and locals. You will certainly have no difficulty finding a place for a snack or a drink in Svolvaer.

There are also other amenities, such as a shopping centre, grocery store, and movie theatre.

WW2 Museum | Top Tip

One of the most popular attractions with Svolvaer is the World War 2 museum. This museum may be small. However, the level of detail and effort that has been put into ensuring that it is presented in an accurate and engaging way makes it an absolute must-visit.

The museum has over 5,000 artifacts from the Second World War, nearly all having come from the private collection of a Norwegian man named William Hakvaag.

The artifacts are displayed in such a way to really bring home the human aspect of this terrible period in the world’s history: uniforms are displayed on mannequins, making it easy to imagine how they must have looked on the young men who fought in the conflict. The variety of items also gives a fascinating and different look into the Second World War.

Some of the more unusual items include the purse of Eva Braun, Hitler’s wife, and some paintings by Hitler himself. It surely brings the conflict to life in a fascinating – if slightly unsettling – way.

Enthusiasts in particular, will be impressed by the meticulous presentation. While most of the attractions have English translations, William Hakvaag is also often there to add extra information. He will happily explain to visitors the background of his collection, as well as point out particularly interesting artifacts and pieces. It’s definitely unmissable when in Svolvaer.

2. Trollfjord

Original Map (c) by Kartverket, CC BY, modified

Departing from Svolvaer, a trip through the breathtaking Trollfjorden is one of the most popular activities, departing in both winter and summer.

Trollfjorden is a narrow corridor located off the straits of Raftsundet, and located between two imposing mountains. Popular tours through the area include whale watching, fishing trips, and sea eagle safaris.

Boat trips to this area offer jaw-dropping views as you pass through the corridor, with mountains so close on either side that you think you might just reach out and touch them. At the entrance, Trollfjord is just 100m wide.

Trolls have always had an important part in Norse mythology and are the namesake of this area. Rumour has it that the huge mountains to either side are trolls that have turned to stone after being caught in the sunlight. Maybe it is better not to touch them after all!

3. Kabelvåg | Island: Austvågøy

Original Map (c) by Kartverket, CC BY, modified

As described above, for centuries, fishing was the most important activity on Lofoten – it was how most residents made their livelihood. Even today, it remains important, although tourism has helped to diversify the industry on the islands.

One of the most famous fishing villages is the picturesque Kabelvåg on the island of Austvågøy. It has become a popular tourist destination and has a number of attractions for visitors of all ages. Visiting its attractions can also help you to learn more about the importance and history of fishing in Lofoten.

Lofoten Museum – Kabelvåg, Christoph Strässler, CC BY-SA, cropped, colored

Aquarium

Both the young and the young heart are likely to enjoy this aquarium, which also features a café and a gift shop. The aquarium shows many types of marine life commonly found off the waters of Lofoten, including cod, salmon, and prawns. There’s also the bizarrely prehistoric-looking Atlantic Wolf Fish.

The most popular attraction here, however, are the sea mammals. Outside, adorable seals delight visitors, as do the cheeky and playful otters. They are best viewed at feeding time, when their vibrant personalities are on full display!

Lofoten Museum

Easy walking distance away from the aquarium is the Lofoten Museum, which has displays of traditional Norwegian houses and gives information about life on the islands of Lofoten. As well as the houses, there are some photographs and also a video about life on Lofoten in the past.

There are also demonstrations of traditional crafts and activities, such as blacksmithing. Be sure to grab an English language brochure because not all of the attractions have English translations and it can be a tad disorientating. Well worth a short visit, however, especially if it is too rainy to enjoy the outdoor activities!

Vagan Church

This beautiful and picturesque church is the largest wooden church north of Trondheim. The church is incredibly photogenic, especially in winter when it arises from a blanket of snow. The church is still in use today, so be respectful when visiting.

The area that surrounds the church is also beautiful – keep an eye out for “Troll’s Rock” which is nearby. It’s easy to spot as it has a large Christian cross on it.

4. Å | Island: Moskenesøy

Original Map (c) by Kartverket, CC BY, modified

The most westerly point in Lofoten, this unusually named village boasts exceptional views that must be seen to be believed. It also has a number of tourist attractions and is a great launching off point for a cycling tour of the island.

Å i Lofoten by Christoph Strässler, CC BY-SA, cropped, colored

• Lofoten Stockfish Museum: It may sound like an unusual thing to have a museum for, however stockfish has been Lofoten’s most important export for centuries. For over a thousand years, fisherman have made stockfish by catching and then naturally curing the fish on drying racks over the winter months. Much of the stockfish is then exported, although plenty of it remains in Lofoten and is used in numerous traditional dishes. The stockfish museum is set out like a working fish factory – with all the sights and smells you would expect! On display are many pieces of equipment used to make stockfish, each with explanations in multiple languages. If that’s not enough, the owner of the museum is extremely enthusiastic, and wanders around giving more information in an impressive variety of languages. Upstairs, there’s also a great café to stop and also watch a short film about how to process stockfish. Although it might seem like an unusual topic for a museum, it is well worth a visit.
• Norwegian Fishing Village Museum: Learn even more about life as a fisherman over the last 250 years at the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. Here, you can learn about how difficult life was for those who made their living through fishing in years gone by – inspect a typical fisherman’s hut, and tour a produce storeroom. While it is possible to self-guide through the museum, it is recommended to go on the official tour to really understand the exhibits, as not all of them are in English. The tours are 15 to 60 minutes in duration. Year round, they are held in Norwegian, English and Spanish, but they do offer additional languages. There are also some interactive exhibits, such as a demonstration on how to extract cod liver oil. There is also a bakery which sells delicious goods – the cinnamon rolls are a particular favourite!

5. Røst | Islands

Original Map (c) by Kartverket, CC BY, modified

The furthest flung of the Lofoten islands and located some 100km from the mainland, towards the southernmost part of Lofoten, Røst is made up of hundreds of islands, islets, and reefs.

Although it does have some permanent residents, they are few and far between – just 600 in total, although the number does climb in the fishing season, when as many as 1,500 fishermen arrive.

While the population is modest, there is a selection of good bars and restaurants to enjoy.

In the winter months, you may also catch the beautiful Northern Lights. Perhaps the best place to see them is Røstlandet, which is the highest point on the island and has amazing panoramic views.

The islands also have many interesting festivals, including The Puffin Festival (Lundefestival) in June, the music festival Querinidagene in August, and “In the Name of Cod” each March.

Rostlandet by Ian Cochrane, CC BY, cropped

Røst’s geography is perfect for exploring by bicycle, as it is very flat – the highest point in the whole municipality is just 11m about sea level. Covering an area of approximately 11.2km, one of the biggest drawcards of Røst is its seabirds, especially the beloved puffins.

Here, you will find over 3 million puffins, many near the beautiful Skomvær Lighthouse. The Skomvær Lighthouse was built in 1887 and stands an impressive 30 metres tall. Considered one of the first Atlantic outposts, it is now under the protection of the Norwegian Coastal Association.

6. Vestvågøy

Original Map (c) by Kartverket, CC BY, modified

This island has wide open spaces, making it a favourite for those who come to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and even some of the more crowded parts of Lofoten.

Although it is fairly quiet, there are still many nice shops, restaurants and bars. Interestingly, this island was once called “Lofotr”, and it was this that eventually became Lofoten, the name for the whole area.

Vestvågøy by Frode Bjorshol, CC BY, cropped

One of the main industries in Vestvågøy is farming, so there is a lot of fresh local produce that can be bought and enjoyed. Food lovers may also enjoy touring the farms to actually see how traditional produce is made.

Vestvågøy’s geography is also well suited to cycling, so one suggestion is to spend a day cycling around, perhaps with some local produce in your backpack to have a makeshift picnic. There are many, small picturesque villages on the island, and cycling between them is a great way to see them (although a car works too, particularly in bad weather!).

Another group popular on the islands are surfers – Vestvågøy boasts some of the best surf beaches, not just in Norway, but in all of Europe! Surfers from all over the world come to Vestvågøy to surf the breaks on the main surfing beach, Unstad.

Even if you are not much of a surfer, you’re bound to enjoy the beautiful beaches and fresh sea air. There are many great walks around here, or you can just relax on the beach – perhaps with a book in hand!

Norway_0567 Viking Lofoten by Alessandro Malatesta, CC BY-ND, cropped, colored

Lofotr Viking Museum

One of the most popular attractions on the island is located in Bøstad. In approximately 500AD, a Viking chieftain built an impressive home on the spot – today, the original house is no more, but the museum has reconstructed it.

The Museum is set up as a Viking adventure and is great for kids and also kids-at-heart. The adventure begins with an introduction to the life of the chieftain and his family via video. From there, visitors can tour around the house, learning about what life would have been like in historical times.

The museum is quite interactive, which adds to the fun – visitors can try Viking activities such as weaving. There are a few artifacts that were discovered in the dig of the site, but it tends to focus more on interactive exhibits and activities.

There are also outside activities, although some of them close in summer. These activities include rowing a Viking boat, and shooting a bow and arrow. Kids in particular, are sure to have a lot of fun here, where the emphasis is on learning through doing.

7. Reine | Island: Moskenesøy

Original Map (c) by Kartverket, CC BY, modified

With the very impressive title of “most beautiful village in Norway”, it is no wonder that Reine has attracted creative types, such as painters and poets, for centuries. They have been inspired by the stunning views of mountains and fjords – just as modern visitors are, too. There are only 300 permanent residents, but there is a good selection of amenities like shops and cafes.

Magical Lofoten – Reine by Christopher Michel, CC-BY, cropped

One of the most impressive sights near Reine is that of Moskenesstrømmen. From the elevated places near Reine, it is possible to get an impressive view of this incredible phenomenon, where various strong currents clash, causing a super powerful whirlpool that is both impressive and terrifying.

No wonder it inspired the dark genius, Edgar Allen Poe. For a closer look, it is possible to take a boat ride through Moskenstraumen – don’t worry, your expert guides will make sure you don’t get too close to the whirlpool!

Rorbuer – Fishermen Huts [Special Bonus Place]

One of the most recognizable sights in all of Lofoten is the beautiful wooden red fishing huts, which are strikingly beautiful against the natural environment. Originally built to offer humble lodgings to the fishermen who lived modest lives in Lofoten, today, they are one of the premier tourist attractions.

The buildings are typically two or three stories high and are dotted around the islands of Lofoten, up above the waters where the fishermen would catch their livelihood.

Today, many of them have been converted to offer accommodation for those staying on Lofoten. These restored huts cater for all interests and budgets – they range from the rustic basics with a bunk bed and gas stove, through to the ultra-luxurious.

There is possibly no better place to make your “home base” for exploring the attractions on the Lofoten islands – staying in one of these quintessentially Lofoten huts will surely be one of the highlights of your trip.

Even if you don’t stay in them, be sure to snap some photographs, as they make for beautiful, and recognisable, souvenirs of your time on the Lofoten islands.