Lofoten Islands Road Trip: A Journey for Alternative Travelers

Manuela Lenoci
Jun 18
5 min read

Discover where the Lofoten Islands are, what to see, and the best time to go for unforgettable hikes, saunas, and Arctic adventures in Norway

Traveling from southern Italy to the Arctic Circle is not just about distance—it's a journey of transformation. It’s a way of saying: “I can go farther than I ever imagined.”

The Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway are more than a destination—they're an experience. Hidden beyond the usual tourist routes, they offer raw, wild beauty and deep emotions. This isn’t a typical vacation. It’s for those who want something real, something that shakes you up inside and stays with you forever.

Why Visit the Lofoten Islands?

The Lofoten archipelago is where dramatic peaks rise directly from the sea, and the light seems endless. This remote corner of Arctic Norway is often called one of Europe's best-kept secrets. It’s a place for travelers, not tourists. People come here to feel alive, to embrace silence, and to reconnect with nature—and themselves.

There are no luxury resorts or city lights here—just stunning landscapes, deep fjords, and raw emotions. It’s a place for those ready to step outside their comfort zone and fall in love with the world again

Where Are the Lofoten Islands?

The Lofoten Islands are located above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway, around 200 kilometers from Tromsø. The name “Lofoten” means “lynx’s foot” in Old Norse—fitting for these jagged, dramatic islands.

There are seven main islands, connected by the breathtaking E10 scenic route (also known as Lofast). Driving this road is an unforgettable experience in itself. The main islands include:

Austvågøya
Gimsøya
Vestvågøya
Flakstadøya
Moskenesøya

You can explore by car, bike, or on foot, crossing bridges, tunnels, and winding roads with sea views at every turn.

When to Go to the Lofoten Islands

Midnight Sun (May to July):From late May, the sun doesn’t set. You can hike, cycle, or explore even at midnight. It’s a magical time when the Arctic light never fades.
Northern Lights (October to March):In winter, the islands are one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights dancing over red fishing cabins and snow-covered peaks.

How to Get to the Lofoten Islands from Italy

✈️ Fly from Bari to Oslo: I flew with Lufthansa from Bari to Frankfurt, then to Tromsø. On the way back, I departed from Bodø, with stops in Oslo and Munich before landing back in Bari.

✈️ From Rome or Milan: There are direct flights to Oslo.From Oslo, you can take a domestic flight to Tromsø or Bodø.

🚗 From Tromsø or Bodø: Rent a car and start your road trip toward the Lofoten Islands, heading to Svolvær, the gateway to the archipelago.

Best Road Trip in Norway: Drive the E10

The E10 highway is one of Norway’s most scenic drives. It connects the main Lofoten Islands and offers breathtaking views of fjords, mountains, fishing villages, and the open sea.

Just rent a car or bike and drive slowly. But be careful—speed cameras and police controls are everywhere. Fines are high, and limits change quickly (from 80 km/h to 30 km/h in seconds), so always follow the road signs—not just Google Maps.

Highlights of a Lofoten Road Trip: What to See and Do

🗺️ Epic Hiking Trails:Trek mountain paths with panoramic views of the ocean and fjords.

🏘️ Fishing Villages:Visit Reine, Henningsvær, Nusfjord—colorful villages with red cabins on the water.

🛶 Outdoor Activities:Go kayaking, whale watching, or Arctic surfing (yes, it exists!).

📸 Photo Spots:Capture the midnight sun, aurora borealis, or reflections in mirror-like fjords.

🛏️ Where to Sleep:Stay in traditional rorbuer cabins or cozy lodges with sea views.

🍽️ Where to Eat:Try Arctic cod (skrei), fresh salmon, or cinnamon buns from local bakeries. But remember: restaurants often close kitchens at 20:00–21:00.

I took on this journey with the free spirit that has always guided me, together with Viaggi Avventure nel Mondo—a way of traveling that, for me, is more than just a trip. It’s a real school of life.A group of travelers, a backpack (and a suitcase in the hold), and a distant destination—that’s all you need to discover that true beauty often lies in the places that feel a little scary to reach.

I challenged myself—the part of me that wants to give up before reaching the summit, the voice that asks, “Why are you doing this?”I pushed through rough trails, under skies that never turned dark, surrounded by an Arctic landscape that doesn’t forgive easily—but gives everything back, if you know how to respect it.

Arctic Sauna and Cold Sea Dip: A Nordic Ritual

Here’s a tip: take a traditional sauna (up to 100°C), then dip into the freezing Norwegian Sea. It’s a true Nordic experience—one of the most intense and refreshing feelings ever. Your body will tremble, but your mind will fly. Try it once in your life—you won’t regret it.

Dall’Italia alle Lofoten: si parte dal Sud, direzione Circolo Polare

Per raggiungerle:

✈️ Vola da Bari a Oslo - Con Lufthansa da Bari ho fatto scalo a Francoforte e poi da li sono volata a Tromso. Al ritorno sono partita da Bodo (a sud) scalo ad Oslo, successivo scalo a Monaco e poi Bari.
Da Roma o Milano ci sono voli diretti per Oslo
Da Oslo, è possibile prendere un volo interno per Bodø o Tromso
Da Bodø, o da Tromso consiglio di noleggiare auto, e via verso le Lofoten direzione Svolvaer

Endless Light, Nights That Don’t Exist

At the end of May, the sun stops setting. And you stop sleeping. You head out at midnight for a hike, a solo bike ride, or just to watch the shadows stretch instead of fade. It’s the midnight sun, a surreal explosion of endless time.

In winter, it’s the opposite—the polar nights light up with Northern Lights, dancing above the red rooftops of the fishing villages.

On the road lungo la E10: la strada più bella della Norvegia

Se le Lofoten fossero un film, la E10 (Lofast) sarebbe la colonna sonora perfetta. Una strada che corre su ponti, attraversa tunnel e costeggia fiordi blu profondo. Attraversa le isole principali — Austvågøya, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøya, Moskenesøya — ed è un viaggio nel viaggio.

Ti basta guidare o pedalare lungo la costa e lasciarti sorprendere. (attento ai limiti di velocità e agli autevelox, La norvegia non perdona e le multe sono salatissime)

Why You Should Go (At Least Once in Your Life)

Because travel changes you. Because even from a small village in southern Italy, you can reach the wild heart of the Arctic. And when you return, you’ll be different. Stronger. More alive.