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  • Self-drive

7 days - Seeing is believing - these islands are magical

Get ready for an authentic experience in the Lofoten Archipelago - our secret gem in the Northern part of Norway. Laid out against summer greens and yellows, Lofoten's razor-sharp peaks poke dark against a clear, cobalt sky. In the pure, exhilarating air, there’s a constant tang of salt and, in the villages, more than a whiff of cod, that giant of the seas whose annual migration brings wealth. Its a dream for hikers, fishermen and all nature lovers.

The Lofoten Islands are located just north of the Arctic Circle where you find the sea on one side and dramatic mountains on the other, offering great views everywhere you look. The archipelago offer a number of activities such as walking, cycling, diving, excursions by hire car, sea safaris and much more. Lofoten is one of our favourite destinations along the long Norwegian coast.

One of the world's greatest seasonal fisheries takes place in Lofoten in spring, and the place is full of life. The arctic cod swim down from the vast, nutritious areas of the Barents Sea in their millions, en route to the spawning grounds near Lofoten in order to ensure the survival of the species. Overhead you will see huge Sea Eagles soar in search of their own feast.

Self-drive this world's most stunning archipelago!

Day 1
Arrival Day into Svolvær
Day 2
Silent Trollfjord Cruise with wildlife, steep mountains and white-tailed eagles
Day 3
From Svolvær to Ballstad, via the Lofotr Viking Museum and Farm Visit
Day 4
Explore Ballstad and surroundings
Day 5
Drive to Reine
Day 6
Kayak across the Reinefjord
Day 7
Drive to Leknes Airport for departure
Start Place
Leknes, Norway
End Place
Svolvær, Norway
Country Visited
Norway
Duration
7 Days
Start Date
Flexible
Travel Style
Independent
Code
50DN0555

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

Details

Transportation

Car hire - Compact, 4-5 Door, Automatic, Aircon, Toyota Corolla Aut. or similar

Included
  • Car hire 7 days; Compact, 4-5 Door, Automatic, Aircon, GPS, Toyota Corolla Aut. or similar
  • 2 nights in self contained rorbu with kitchen and private facilities
  • 2 nights in a hillside cabin
  • 2 nights in deluxe rorbu cabin
  • Breakfast daily
  • 3 hour kayaking tour on the Reinefjord
  • Entry to the Lofotr Viking Museum
  • Silent Trollfjord Cruise
  • Private farm tour with cheese tasting
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • Taxes and service fees
Not Included

One-way car hire fee needs to be paid locally. We will let you know how much this is at time of enquiry.

International flights, Norwegian Coastal voyages, meals not specified and items of personal nature.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Day into Svolvær

Fly into Svolvær and pick up rental car. There is just a short 10-minute drive to your self catering Fisherman's Cottage over the Svinøybrua bridge. There is a variety of cabins - one bedroom, two or three bedrooms or alternatively hotel style. Each cabin has one to three double bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen-cum-lounge, and a modern bathroom with shower and toilet. There is a restaurant attached to the complex as well as a small gift shop and museum.

Svinøya Rorbuer is centrally situated in Svolvær harbour. The island is accessible by the bridge and is within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Accommodation
Svinøya Rorbuer

Day 2 - Silent Trollfjord Cruise with wildlife, steep mountains and white-tailed eagles

Enjoy your morning at leisure or enjoy some self-driving exploration.

In the afternoon, experience Lofoten’s majestic Trollfjord in complete silence and comfort on board a purpose-built hybridelectric ship. Trollfjord is famous for its rich population of White-tailed Eagles and steep mountains. On the way you will enjoy the breath-taking views in comfortable, panoramic lounges and multi-level decks, inside and outside.

Departing from Svolvær harbour, you set out for the stunning Trollfjord. The friendly crew will share their knowledge about the wildlife, landscape and history of the resilient communities that live in this epic coastal landscape.

On board you can purchase warm drinks, alcoholic beverages, warm lunch, sandwiches and pastries.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Svinøya Rorbuer

Day 3 - From Svolvær to Ballstad, via the Lofotr Viking Museum and Farm Visit

Enjoy today´s drive to Ballstad (1h & 30min direct), stopping along the way for included activities and to enjoy the sights. We recommend the scenic detour via Henningsvær Village.

Lofoten Gårdsysteri opens their doors for you to enjoy a private guided farm tour with cheese tasting. This goat farm produces organic cheeses and deli products. The green mountains around the farm are an excellent pasture area for the goats and also hiking area for people. Enjoy lunch in their cafe if it suits.

Next stop, Lofotr Viking Museum is a picturesque museum along the way with Viking archeological exhibits in reconstructed longhouse, plus recreated ships. As you leave be sure to head to the beach close by the see some art sculptures.

Arrive at your hotel at your own leisure today.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Hattvika Lodge

Day 4 - Explore Ballstad and surroundings

Free day to enjoy the historical atmosphere of Ballstad and surrounding area. Why not try to catch your own dinner from the sea on a fishing safari? Or go snorkeling or scuba diving. Looking for something really different - consider a seaweed harvesting rib boat adventure.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Hattvika Lodge

Day 5 - Drive to Reine

This morning, head further west along the islands to Reine, diverting to Nusford, which is one of Norway's oldest and best preserved fishing villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small fishing hamlet is a living museum with several protected buildings and a unique restaurant panoramic views across the fjord.

The village or Reine has often been called "the most beautiful place in the Lofoten" with its majestic peaks serving as a backdrop for the string of red and white fishermen's cottages dotting the shoreline.

In Reine you will stay in a quaint and cozy "rorbu", a traditional Fishermen's cottage with all modern comforts.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Reine Rorbuer

Day 6 - Kayak across the Reinefjord

Explore the village of Reine and its beautiful surroundings. We have planned a 3 hour kayaking tour on the Reinefjord today, different start times available.

There are other options we can substitute for this tour, such as a guided hike, or upgrade to a private guided tour. We also recommend taking the steep hike up to Reinebringen from where you have panoramic views over the fjord and Lofoten. Alternatively you could take a short ferry from Reine to reach the golden sandy beaches of Horseid or Bunes, both of which require a hike from the respective ferry stops. The hike to Horseid takes approximately two hours each way from Kjerkfjorden, where as the hike to Bunes from Vindstad is also suitable for families.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Breakfasts available only in High Season

Day 7 - Drive to Leknes Airport for departure

After a hearty breakfast, drive to Leknes/Svolvær Airport (1.5 hrs / 2.5 hrs direct drive) and return rental car before departure.

Alternative departure: combine your Lofoten adventure with a Hurtigruten voyage. You can also catch a ferry across to Senja or Bodø. Ask us for options.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Dates & Prices

All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative due to the current uncertainty across Europe with increasing energy and volatile fuel costs. For last minute bookings: prices are subject to availability.

Dates
Valid From
Valid To
From Price
Status
Accommodation
1 May 2024
30 Sep 2024
1 May 2024
30 Sep 2024
NZD 4,139
On request
Standard
1 May 2025
30 Sep 2025
1 May 2025
30 Sep 2025
NZD 4,524
On request
Standard

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