In July 2025, we set off for Northern Norway on a dream trip – one designed to tick off bucket-list destinations including Tromso, Svalbard and, most excitingly, the Lofoten Islands.
The itinerary we put together was ambitious.
With just one week to fit the whole trip in, we planned to somehow cover hundreds of miles, fly to Europe’s northernmost point – the remote island of Svalbard – and keep costs to a minimum.
As a result, much of our trip would be spent on public buses, hopping on ferries and catching flights, all in the hope of experiencing the essence of northern Norway: dramatic archipelagos, crystal clear waters, polar nights and fields of wildflowers.
But, this ambition did (unfortunately) come at a price.
As we were so determined to fit in both Tromso and Svalbard, time in our dream destination – the Lofoten Islands – was sacrificed. In the end, exploring Lofoten was limited to just two nights.
Before we even left I was worried. Would two days be enough to experience a place so big and awe-inspiring? Would we spend more time getting from place to place than actually enjoying it? Could we really see – and enjoy – the Lofoten Islands in just 48 hours?
We undoubtedly had an incredible time. However, was 2 days on the Lofoten Islands really enough?
I’m not so sure – here’s why.
48 Hours on the Lofoten Islands: The Basics
How to get to the Lofoten Islands
Getting from Tromso to Lofoten
As our own Northern Norway itinerary meant we would be visiting Tromso first, we had to figure out a way to get to Lofoten from Tromso (and cheaply).
In the end, we opted to take the public bus, a journey that was both scenic and, well, apparently endless.
Tickets for the full journey cost 650–870 NOK, or around £50 – £67 (still not super cheap), and our journey was split into two parts.
Part 1 – Bus to Bjerkvik (3.5 – 4 hours)
We left Tromso early and got on a bus headed to Bjerkvik. On paper, the journey takes around three and a half hours, but in reality it took a little while longer as the bus stops – a lot.
Break in Bjerkvik (2 hours)
Once we got to Bjerkvik, we had a two hour break before our next connection. This was just enough time to grab some lunch and enjoy views of the beautiful Herjangsfjorden (we ate at a local restaurant, which was pretty unremarkable).
It was a lovely pause, but also a reminder that travelling by public transport in this part of Norway often involves a lot of waiting.
Part 2 – Bus to Kabelvag, Lofoten (arriving at 9pm)
From Bjerkvik, we continued north by bus to Kabelvag – found on the Lofoten Islands – and finally arrived around 9pm. The journey onwards had been beautiful and was filled with pastoral scenes and red-roofed homes. However, by this point, the day had been largely spent cramped on a coach, and we were tired and a bit cranky.
While public transport made the trip possible (and more budget-friendly), it also ate into our already limited time on the islands.
If you’re planning a short trip to Lofoten, this is exactly the kind of journey to factor in to your plans. If we had our time again, we’d probably look at a faster way to get there – even if it meant spending a little more money.
Other Ways to Get to the Lofoten Islands from Within Norway
Our journey from Tromso proved that while it’s possible to reach the Lofoten Islands by public transport, it’s also a time-consuming option.
If you’re short on time, then there are several other ways to get to Lofoten from elsewhere in Norway that you might want to explore.
Flying to the Lofoten Islands
If time is limited, flying is definitely the fastest way to reach Lofoten.
You can fly directly to Svolvær Airport (SVJ) or Leknes Airport (LKN).
Flights typically operate from Bodo, Oslo and sometimes Tromso, although schedules can be limited and prices high – especially in summer (up to £246–£270, especially if flying into Svolvær airport).
If we were repeating this trip with just two days in Lofoten, this is the option we’d seriously consider – even with the higher cost.
Ferry from Bodo to Lofoten
One of the most popular (and scenic) ways to reach the Lofoten Islands is by ferry from Bodo to Moskenes, on the southern end of the islands. Handily, you can also fly directly into Bodo, including from Tromso and Oslo. The crossing takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the service and food passengers go free (but can book out quickly in the summer months).
If you want to bring a car onboard, it’ll set you back about £75.
Driving to the Lofoten Islands
For those with more flexibility, driving offers the most freedom and you can easily access the Lofoten Islands by using the E6, or by taking your car onto the ferries.
However, care hire in Norway is super expensive. If you’re flying into airports like Leknes or Svolvær (closer to Lofoten), prices can be especially high, sometimes over £85 per day. Furthermore, petrol in Norway is pricey. Even a short drive, like Bodo to Lofoten might cost you around £35 in petrol just one way, whereas long drives would cost upwards of a few £100.
Norway is also governed by some strict rules when it comes to driving:
- Cars must have headlights switched on at all times while driving
- The legal limit is 0.02% blood alcohol content
- Fines are incredibly expensive and will bottom out your budget, quickly
Consequently – and while driving gives you lots of freedom – if you add it altogether, including car hire, tolls and ferries, the total can rival what you’d ultimately spend on flights or even private transfers.
Summary: Best Way to Get to the Lofoten Islands
In all honesty, it really depends on how much time you have.
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Short trip (2–3 days): Flying is definitely worth the extra cost (I wish we had gone for this option).
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Longer trip (4–7 days): Ferry or driving makes more sense
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Budget-focused travel: Public transport or ferry as a foot passenger
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Slow travel lovers: Train or fly to Bodo and then take the ferry
For us, travelling by bus from Tromso made sense on paper, but in reality, it cost us almost an entire day. With just 48 hours on the Lofoten Islands, I think we probably made a mistake in going for that option.
If we had our time again, we’d probably choose a faster route, even if it meant spending a little more money.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in the Lofoten Islands?
With just 48 hours on the Lofoten Islands, where we based ourselves definitely mattered.
The islands aren’t a destination you can casually hop between villages in minutes. The distances are deceptive on paper because roads are slow and winding – and time disappears quickly.
As such, we decided to stay just outside the very practical base of Svolvær.
Svolvær
Svolvær sits roughly in the centre of the Lofoten archipelago, which makes it a really practical base, especially if you’re short on time. It’s a great place to explore both east and west of the islands, without committing to long, one-direction days.
We stayed in the village of Kabelvag, just outside of Svolvaer, as it was slightly cheaper (and prettier).
One of the biggest advantages of basing yourself near Svolvær is how well connected it is. If you’re arriving by public transport (like we did) then this is very handy. Buses run more frequently here than in smaller villages, and many routes either start or finish in Svolvær.
Before we arrived, I read that Svolvær often gets described as functional rather than beautiful.
I’d say that while it’s not the most breathtaking spot on Lofoten, it’s far from soulless. There’s a working harbour feel, an incredible mountainous backdrop and some fantastic places to eat. When the sun is shining (as it was for us), it really was a lovely place to stay.
If we had more than just 2 days on the Lofoten Islands, we’d probably base ourselves further west – somewhere quieter, more remote and closer to the island’s iconic beaches and peaks. But for a short, time-limited visit, staying just outside Svolvær worked pretty well for us.
Reine
If we were staying on the islands for longer, I think we’d definitely have opted to stay in Reine.
If you were scrolling Instagram in 2015, it’s likely you came across a picture of Reine. Featuring jagged peaks, mirror still water and the islands famous red rorbuer (traditional wooden homes with red roofs), Reine really is the poster boy for the Lofoten Islands.
Here you’ll find some of the islands most dramatic scenery, some amazing hikes and you’ll get to experience that real rugged sense of the Lofoten Islands (rather than the more civilised atmosphere found in Svolvær).
However, Reine is a little more isolated in terms of its location – found in the far western corner of the archipelago. It can take a while to get to and once you’re there, you might find yourself a bit isolated.
I’d therefore only recommend staying there if you’re visiting the Lofoten islands for at least a week and have plenty of time to travel around. However, for just 48 hours, Reine can feel like a bit too much of a commitment.
Henningsvær
Again, if we had a week or so on the Lofotenm Islands, we would have loved to have based ourselves on the beautiful, colourful and creative Henningsvær.
Spanning 13 islands, this is a great place to stay if you want to experience creative and crafty Lofoten. It’s home to many galleries, local artists and some great shops, alongside a thriving fishing trade.
It’s also a popular place to stay for climbers, thanks to the vast mountains and walls to the north of the village.
Itinerary for 2 days on the Lofoten Islands: What We Managed to See
So, with just 48 hours on the Lofoten Islands – what did we see and do? Below is our full itinerary.
9pm – Arrive in Kabelvag
Although we were scheduled to arrive earlier (around 8pm) – in the end we arrived in the small village of Kabelvag (just outside of Svolvær) at 9pm.
Thankfully – and due to the incredible midnight sun – 9pm appeared to be no different than 3pm. The sun shone brightly, it was relatively warm and fishermen were still gently cruising on the water.
Kabelvag is a great introduction to the Lofoten Islands – a sort of soft launch into island life. It’s a quiet, residential village – with colourful houses scattered along the shoreline, boats bobbing in the harbour and an absolute stunning background of peaky mountain ranges.
While in Kabelvag, we stayed here and while it was basic, it very much did the job.
After checking in, we headed straight back out again for dinner – the nocturnal sunshine giving the impression that it was just early evening and not nearly 10pm .
We ate at the local Brygge Restaurant on the water’s edge (note, there are not many restaurants in Kabelvag) and enjoyed beers in the sunshine, alongside burgers and fries.
Following this, around 11pm, we took the surreally well-lit walk back towards our hotel. The midnight sun really is incredible, yet a little disconcerting (prepare to have your sleep disrupted). Although we’d be spending just 2 days on Lofoten, the extensive sun filled hours meant we could at least fit more into our days.
Day 1
Trollfjord Cruise & Sea Eagle Safari
With just two days on the Lofoten Islands, we were conscious that every activity needed to earn its keep. As such, the Trollfjord cruise and sea eagle safari felt exactly like the right sort of thing to experience; promising a high-impact experience that delivered a lot in a relatively short space of time.
The tour departed from Svolvær harbour, which fit well into our 48 hour Lofoten Island itinerary.
After breakfast, we made the short journey from Kabelvag to Svolvær and headed straight to the harbour (which is well worth a look around – it’s gorgeous).
On arrival, we were given insulated flotation suits and goggles, which were (apparently) essential, even in summer. It was unseasonably warm while we waited and we were already overheating in the suits, but as soon as we headed out onto the water, the extra layers made sense.
It was freezing.
The safari lasted around 1.5 hours, but we managed to experience a lot of Lofoten’s gorgeous scenery in that time.
The RIB boat travelled at speed, weaving through the dramatic landscape of the Trollfjord, before we headed out into open water in search of sea eagles. These magnificent birds are northern Europe’s largest eagle, with a wingspan reaching up to 2.65 meters – and are an incredibly impressive sight.
We were genuinely surprised by just how many we saw (and just how close they came). Watching these enormous birds glide low over the water was easily one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
From a practical point of view, it’s probably worth noting that the ride was fast and bumpy at times. If you’re prone to seasickness, taking a tablet beforehand is perhaps a good idea. A few people in our group did exactly that and were glad they had.
If you’re wondering whether Lofoten is worth visiting for just two days, this is a great example of an experience that proves it can (just about) be. In under two hours, we saw dramatic fjord scenery, unique wildlife, waterfalls and experienced the islands from the water – something that would have been impossible to replicate by road.
We booked our tour with XX Lofoten and it cost roughly £100 per person – not cheap, but worth it.
The same company also run fishing tours from the harbour and 2 hour kayaking excursions, which look amazing (and you might even spot some otters, puffins and seals along the way).
Lunch in Svolvær
After an exhilarating 2 hours exploring the stunning shoreline of the Lofoten Islands, we headed out to explore more of Svolvær.
Although small, this harbour-side town is a great entry point to the Lofoten Islands (and therefore a great place to visit if you’ve only got 2 days on the islands).
Having perched on this rocky edge of the islands since the 1500s, the town became known for its importance as a cod fishery – an industry that continues to thrive today. Its old harbour reflects its long heritage and we had a lovely wander around the town’s working boats and traditional buildings.
As we visited Lofoten in July – the weather was unseasonably, well – nice. The sun was shining and we stripped down to just T-shirts (although locals reassured us that usually the town is blanketed in fog, drizzle or pouring rain). We took advantage of the good weather and walked through the whole town, exploring its many shops, before having lunch at the famous Børsen Spiseri.
This is a fantastic restaurant – one of the best restaurants on Lofoten, in fact – and housed within a quayside warehouse dating back to 1828.
It’s not only a wonderfully atmospheric building, but also serves incredibly fresh and locally caught food. I can highly recommend their fish soup, which was out of this world and went perfectly with a glass of white wine from their wine room (which is well worth a look at).
As a side note, the company that looks after the restaurant also has an incredible looking Manor House on a nearby island, that you can book to say in. It looks heavenly, especially the sauna with views of the island’s snowy mountain range.
Afternoon Hike to Lineken Peak
After a lazy lunch in the sun, it was time to stretch our legs with a hike up to the nearby Lineken Peak.
As we were short on time, we decided to hike up to Lineken Peak rather than a full moutain trek. From central Svolvær, the hike takes around 50 minutes to the top (although it is quite steep in places) and around 45 minutes on the way back down.
It’s therefore ideal for an afternoon walk and offers the most brilliant views back over Svolvær.
The trail officially starts just before the Svolvær fire station, at a sign pointing to ‘Tjeldbergtind’. From here, follow the gravel road all the way up to the top of Lineken and enjoy those amazing views (on a sunny day, at least).
Dinner at Nyvager
After our hike, we walked back from Svolvær to Kabelvag (an additional 30 minute walk). After a quick shower, we headed back out to dinner – enjoying, once again, the Lofoten Islands’ never-ending midnight sun.
This time, we walked to the outskirts of the village to enjoy an amazing dinner at Restaurant Nyvager.
Even with the sun still blazing outside at 9pm, this was a super cosy restaurant with an incredible menu – showcasing North Norway’s very best and freshest ingredients. The menu is short (reflecting its seasonability), but incredible.
I had the freshest and tastiest scallops of my life here. It’s a little on the pricey side, but well worth it for an exceptional dinner.
Day 2
With just two days on the Lofoten Islands, we woke up on our second day a little panicked.
Aware that we had to leave later that afternoon (we were heading back to Tromso, in order to fly further north to Svalbard), it dawned on us just how little time we had given ourselves to explore this magical archipelago.
Additionally, and in order to save money, we had (yet another) long public bus journey, before a ferry ride to get to Tromso. If we had our time again, we’d definitely plan a faster way to get back to Tromso, to ensure we had a few more precious hours on the Lofoten Islands.
Explore Kabelvag
Although small, Kabelvag reminds me of a Microsoft wallpaper – providing postcard worthy shots from almost every angle. Alongside being beautiful, there are also a surprising number of things to do in Kabelvag.
Things to do in Kabelvag
Like Svolvær, Kabelvag served as a centre for the region’s rich cod fisheries as early as the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.
Lofoten Cathedral
Although a deceptively quiet and sleepy village, Kabelvag’s former significance is symbolised by the Lofoten Cathedral (Vagan Church), built in 1898 – which is the largest wooden church north of Trondheim.
You do have to pay to get in – 50 NOK per person, or just over £3, but it’s a beautiful and lofty building to explore (keep an eye out for concerts, as it would be well worth going to one).
Explore the Lofoten Museum in Storvågan
Just a short stroll from town, this open-air museum brings the region’s fishing history to life with old cabins, boathouses and manor halls. It’s a great way to connect with how life here shaped the Lofoten fishery over centuries. The museum costs 120 NOK to enter, or roughly £7.
Meet marine life at the Lofoten Aquarium
Surprisingly, Lofoten’s very own aquarium happens to be positioned close to Kabelvag.
Here, visitors can learn about the North Atlantic seas with an up-close look at cod, pollock otters and seals. The aquarium’s setting is informal, but lovely – and great if you’re visiting with kids.
The aquarium costs 150 NOK to enter – around £11.
Enjoy art at Gallery Espolin and Little Kabelvag
Kabelvag is a creative little place and it’s a great spot to soak up some of Lofoten’s best artwork and handmade trinkets.
Gallery Espolin showcases works that capture Northern Norway’s colours and character, while Little Kabelvag (a little shop in the Brygga) has a big collection of local art – and an amazing chance to stock up on little treats and souvenirs.
Additionally, if you’re in town when it’s open, stop by Lofoten Glass. Here you can watch glass being blown in real time and purchase some gorgeous pieces to take home.
Journey back to Tromso
After a few hours spent exploring Kabelvag and having a quick coffee at the Brygga, it was unfortunately time for us to leave Lofoten – catching the bus to Harstad. From here, we then took a ferry directly to Tromso (£51 for a one way journey).
As we waited for the public bus (around 3pm), I couldn’t help feel that not only had we barely scratched the surface of the Lofoten Islands, but that we should have found a more direct way to Tromso.
Although the public bus drives through the archipelago – and offers some stunning scenery – it’s slow and stop start, meaning we had to leave the islands far earlier than we wanted to.
Nonetheless, and after casting one last look across the waterside mountains in front of us, it was time to leave the Lofoten Islands – after (just under) a whirlwind 48 hours.
48 Hours on the Lofoten Islands: What We Missed
So, was it worth visiting the Lofoten Islands for just 2 days?
Did we miss much?
Well, the truth is that yes: we missed a lot. An awful lot. Two days (while still a privilege) only really gave us the briefest taste of life on this beautiful, bucket-list destination.
With only two days in Lofoten, there were several iconic places we simply couldn’t fit in – spots that kept coming up in conversations and photos afterwards, reminding us how much more there was to see.
Lofoten isn’t a place that lends itself to rushing (as we found out) and while two days gave us unforgettable memories, it wasn’t nearly enough time.
If we had spent more than a couple of days on Lofoten, we could have seen these unmissable places.
Reine & Hamnoy
Often described as the heart of Lofoten, these western villages are famous for their dramatic mountain backdrops and fjords reflecting the area’s iconic red houses. They feel like places best enjoyed slowly – which we (ironically) really did not have time for.
Reinebringen Viewpoint
The steep hike up to this famous Lofoten viewpoint is apparently short but demanding – and we didn’t have the time (or energy) to do it justice. The panoramic views over Reinefjorden look like something straight out of a postcard and I wish I’d had time to sit there with my camera.
Å at the End of the Road
One place we were all disappointed we didn’t visit was the famous village of Å – the westernmost end of the archipelago’s main road.
Its traditional buildings and fishing history would have been a perfect way to understand how life here once revolved entirely around the sea (plus the photographs would have been incredible).
Lofotr Viking Museum
A little niche, but as we only had 48 hours on the Lofoten Islands, we missed the chance to step back into Lofoten’s Viking past at this reconstructed longhouse and living-history site. It genuinely looks like a brilliant place to visit.
Unstad Beach
Famous for its wild beauty and Arctic surfing scene (sounds a little chilly), Unstad is one of those places that looks both rugged and unexpectedly vibrant – but (again) it requires a bit more time and flexibility than we had.
Haukland & Uttakleiv Beaches
These pale-sand beaches, backed by sharp peaks, look almost tropical in photos, despite their Arctic location. Offering some of the most famous views in the Lofoten Islands, I am so disappointed that we didn’t have time to visit.
Conclusion: Is it worth visiting the Lofoten Islands for 2 days?
I will cut to the chase – honestly, no.
Two days is not enough to truly explore or experience the Lofoten Islands. In fact, I hold my hands up – we made a mistake by making our itinerary so hectic and jam packed.
Lofoten is breathtaking – the mountains rising straight from the sea, the picturesque villages and (come summer) that magical midnight sun. But two days, as much as we enjoyed them, only allowed us a fleeting glimpse of life in this magical archipelago.
We scratched the surface of the islands; ticking off a few highlights and enjoying memorable moments like sunny lunches by the harbour and short hikes, but there’s so much we missed: the iconic villages of Reine and Hamnoy, hidden beaches and endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking and wildlife spotting.
Ultimately, we very quickly realised that Lofoten rewards those who take their time there.
A longer stay would have let us experience the islands at a more relaxed pace, chase the light across the fjords and discover those hidden corners that make the archipelago so special.
Our tip – stay for a week and ignore all other distractions.
Lesson learned.