8-day road trip on Norway's Lofoten Islands

Tromsø

Day 1: Welcome to Tromsø

After arriving into Tromsø airport, you will take a comfortable airport bus (15 minutes) into the city center. 

Check into your hotel and settle in. If you have the energy after your travels, we highly recommend you explore the city a little, or even take a ride on the cable car which takes you up to a mountain ledge in just four minutes. From here you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounting islands, mountains and fjords. 

Tromsø - Senja

Day 2: Journey to Senja

After breakfast, pick up your rental car and take a scenic three-hour drive (130 miles / 210km) to Senja, Norway's second largest island. Enjoy incredible views throughout the journey and we recommend a stop at Nordkjosbotn - a tiny village at the end of the Balsfjorden - for a snack and some fresh air.

Before you know it, you'll be in Senja. This beautiful island is home to traditional villages sheltered by mountains that are ripe for exploration. There are many eateries here where you can sample local delicacies: try char fished from Altevatn Lake, cod from the seas around Senja or goats cheese from Balsfjorden. 

On arrival, settle into your hotel, have some lunch, and get ready to explore your beautiful surroundings.

This afternoon we suggest you go for a moderate (but family-friendly) hike up Husfjell. It takes around 3h40m to complete and there are spectacular views from the top. 

Senja

Day 3: Exploring spectacular Senja

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for your first activity.

Kayaking Bergsfjord

Of everywhere in the Lofoten Islands, this is the place to go kayaking. After a short briefing at the harbour, paddle off over the crystal clear waters to explore white sand beaches and scattered islands whilst keeping your eyes peeled for seals and eagles. You will go ashore on one of the islands to relax and enjoy some warm homemade fish soup and hot drinks before heading back to the harbour. 

Afternoon at leisure

This afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Hop in the car and go for an explore... Senja is criss-crossed with walking trails suited to all abilities, but you can also combine hiking with other activities such as biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply sunbathing on one of Senja's beautiful sandy beaches. Our top recommendation is to hike the iconic Mount Segla for epic views.

Senja - Andenes

Day 4: Onwards to Andenes

After breakfast, pack up and take a 1.5 hour ferry to Andenes, a village on Andøya Island within the archipelago of Vesterålen. This place is heaven for nature lovers, with blissful beaches, craggy mountains and dramatic fjords which play host to whales year-round. 

This afternoon, take to the waters on a 2-4 hour whale watching tour. You will be in an ocean-going RIB vessel, similar for those used for sea rescue, which have high speeds (allowing you to explore a greater area) and also are known to be better for those suffering sea sickness. They also have a relatively low profile, so you will be much closer to these magnificent sea creatures than in many other vessels. 

Andenes

Day 5: Self-guided exploration of Andøya

Today is yours to spend as you please.

Go walking or biking between the five different islands linked together by bridges or tunnels. The routes are mostly flat along asphalted roads. To avoid crowds, skip the E10 highway in favor of lesser-traveled roads.

Walk along breathtakingly beautiful Bleik, the longest beach in northen Europe.

Visit Andøya Space Center, a rocket launching range with an education-based visitor center. 

Hike to the summit of Mount Måtinden - no routes are overly challenging but most have some steep climbs. The views are ample reward!

Bukkekjerka - a lively fishing village used to be here, but a major storn in the 1870s reduced it to rubble. Remains of Iron Age buildings, burial grounds and old boat landings can still be seen. 

Bleiksøy bird colony - the cliffs of Bleiksøy island are home to thousands of birds including white-tailed eagles, gannets and puffins. 

Andenes - Svolvær

Day 6: Dinner cruise between Svolvær and Henningsvær

Pack your car and drive to Svolvær. This is your last destination before leaving the Lofoten Islands. 

On arrival, we recommend you take a stroll and have lunch in one of the charming restaurants like Børsen which serves delicious seasonal fare.

Evening dinner cruise to Henningsvær  

End the day with a well-deserved dinner cruise from Svolvær to Henningsvær - a picturesque Lofoten village full of local shops and small galleries. On board, a delicious arctic tapas of local produce will be served. This is a truly wonderful experience - the boat is fully electric and travels soundlessly on the sea, so make use of the underwater drone and hydrophone to see some marine life and hear the whales.

Svolvær

Day 7: Explore around Svolvær

Today is the perfect day for a self-guided exploration at your own pace in the surroundings of Svolvær. With a rental car, you can get to the lesser-visited areas... 

Gimsøya: Only 35 mins from Svolvær, this beautiful island offers rich birdlife and hiking opportunities. 

Eggum: A fishing village on the seaward side of Vestvågøy island and a great place to experience the midnight sun. 

Unstad: A cool little village which is an artic surf destination - come for a chilled out vibe and great local food.

Bøstad: Check out the Lofotr Viking Museum and (in August) the annual Viking Festival. 

Vikten: Come for amazing scenery and a glass blowing experience. 

After an adventurous day, relax at the floating sauna in Svolvær harbour. You will have a 2 hour private experience. Inside there are separate men's and women's dressing rooms, towels and showers to rinse off after a refreshing dip in the sea. 

Svolvær

Day 8: Farewell Norway

Enjoy breakfast and pack up before checking out of your hotel and driving to the airport to drop off your hire car. We hope you had a wonderful time exploring northern Norway with us!