Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Remote Road Trip in the Lofoten Islands Exploring Norway’s Rugged Landscapes & Traditional Villages
Norway – Kabelvag – Reine – Nusfjord – Henningsvaer
Spend this six-day journey discovering the charming towns of Kabelvag and Reine, staying in converted fishing huts along the way. Kayak the islands’ coastal waters, pausing at tiny fishing villages en route to sample their catch of the day; hike up the surrounding hills for panoramic views of the archipelago; and reward your efforts with traditional dinners of seasonal fare.
Delve into Norwegian history at the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you can learn about the country’s legendary Norsemen who gave rise to the Viking Age, set sail on a static life-size Viking ship and have a go at axe throwing. With a pitstop in Nusfjord (one of the region’s most beautiful spots) and a night in vibrant Henningsvaer as your journey wraps up, this is sure to be a road trip you never forget.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your flight to Oslo departs from London mid-morning, arriving two hours later in the Norwegian capital. Breeze through the airport to join your connecting domestic flight north to Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes, which lands in the early evening. Pick up the keys to your hire car, before kicking off your road trip with a drive into town for a night at a cosy hotel in Evenes.
Your trip gets properly underway today as you head to Kabelvag, one of the prettiest towns in the Lofoten Islands. The drive takes just under three hours, but that’s without factoring in stops to pull over and admire the views, and like any good road trip, today is about the journey, not just the destination – so there’s no clock watching here. Expect plenty of pitstops, snapping some glorious shots for your holiday album and soaking up the spectacular scenery. Along the way, you can also add in a fishing trip from the pretty village of Henningsvaer to learn about how the sea has sustained the Lofoten Islands for centuries.
Arriving in Kabelvag, discover what makes staying in the Lofoten Islands so special. Your home tonight is a rorbuer; a converted fisherman’s cabin on stilts, looking over the harbour. Rorbuers typically have two bedrooms, a living area and a kitchen, and although quite basic, they’re always cosy, characterful and in unbeatable waterfront locations.
This morning, head south-west through even more dramatic landscapes towards Reine, which is near the tip of the Lofoten Islands and will be your base for the next two nights. The journey takes around two hours, but on the way we recommend visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum to learn about the legendary Norsemen who so influenced British and world history. The museum has several fun interactive elements, including a life-size Viking ship you can help to row, and an introduction to the thrilling art of axe throwing.
Head on to Reine, arriving in time for an afternoon kayaking trip along the beautiful coastline. As you paddle with a private guide, learn about the flora and fauna that call this remote part of Norway home.
This evening, bed down in another rorbuer, savouring its cosy simplicity and the captivating scenery beyond.
See more of Reine and its surroundings this morning as you explore by bike. The scenery might be mountainous, but your legs will be pleased to learn that the roads and cycle trails tend to stick to the flatter coastline. Hop in the saddle to tour the local area, visiting tiny fishing villages and quaint local churches before returning to Reine for lunch.
This afternoon, experience a different perspective on the landscape with a hike up one of the local hills. There are several good routes nearby, suited to all fitness and experience levels, and the breathtaking panoramic views of the Lofoten Islands act as the reward for your exertions.
After working up an appetite, enjoy dinner at a charming village restaurant, sampling delicious local delicacies and seasonal dishes that show off the best of this region’s fare.
From the south-western tip of the Lofoten Islands, it's time to start heading back east. And while your road trip is very nearly complete, there's still plenty to explore en route. Just under an hour from Reine is possibly the most charming of all the Lofoten fishing villages, Nusfjord. This lovingly preserved village makes a perfect pitstop for lunch, before a wander around the boathouses, more rorbuers, the local museum and the one-time cod liver oil production factory.
Saying goodbye to scenic Nusfjord, enjoy the picturesque one-hour drive to Henningsvaer, where there might just be time for another afternoon kayak trip, bike ride or hike. The day ends with a final dinner of Lofoten specialities, a nightcap to toast your trip and one last serene sleep in a rorbuer.
It's an early start this morning for the three-hour drive back to Harstad/Narvik Airport (admiring the last miles of spectacular scenery as you go). Drop off your hire car, whizz through the airport, then board the late morning domestic flight to Oslo, which takes an hour and forty-five minutes. From here, connect to the two-and-a-half-hour flight back to London, arriving in the UK in the late afternoon. Home from a wonderful holiday, now the only dilemma is: where next?
Why visit Norway with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Norway
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
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