A mythical archipelago in northern Norway, the Lofoten Islands unfold a cinematic backdrop of jagged peaks, red-painted fishing cabins and beaches that rival the tropics in the Arctic.
Why the Lofoten Islands? Situated above the Arctic Circle, this mythical Norwegian archipelago unfolds jagged peaks, fishing cabins and Arctic beaches.
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May
In may, the climate in Lofoten Islands is good. The weather is generally undefined, with maximum temperatures around 9°C and about 7 rainy days. Tourist crowds are moderate.
The archipelago stretches roughly 200 km along the E10, the road that crosses the Lofoten from northeast to southwest. A classic 5-to-7-day itinerary starts in Svolvær (in the north) and gradually descends to Å (in the south), stopping in each village along the way. Henningsvær, with its iconic football pitch surrounded by water, Reine and its postcard-perfect panorama, Hamnøy and its photogenic rorbuer, and the wild beaches of Haukland and Uttakleiv punctuate the route.
Reinebringen (448 m) offers the most photographed view in Norway, overlooking the village of Reine and the fjords — allow about 2 hours return via the Sherpa stone staircase. Ryten (543 m) towers above the secret beach of Kvalvika, accessible only on foot. Svolværgeita is a challenge for experienced climbers. For beginners, the hike to Offersøykammen provides a 360° panorama for moderate effort.
The quintessential experience is staying in a rorbuer — traditional fishermen’s cabins on stilts, converted into comfortable accommodation. You’ll find them in Reine (Eliassen Rorbuer), Hamnøy, Henningsvær and Kabelvåg. Book several months in advance for summer — they are in very high demand. More conventional hotels are available in Svolvær and Leknes. Wild camping is permitted thanks to the right of public access (allemannsretten).
Dried cod (stockfisk and tørrfisk) is the gold of the Lofoten — you’ll see fish-drying racks everywhere from February to June. Also try the skrei (migratory Arctic cod, in season from January to April), royal fjord shrimp and the whale burger (controversial but traditional). The Børsen Spiseri restaurant in Henningsvær and Anita’s Sjømat in Sakrisøy are essential addresses.
Pack waterproof and warm clothing even in summer — the weather changes rapidly. Driving on the E10 is straightforward but secondary roads can be narrow. Mobile coverage is good in inhabited areas but not on hiking trails. Be mindful of the environment: the Lofoten suffer from overtourism, so stay on marked paths and do not camp in prohibited areas.
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