Experience Winter Like Never Before

DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM LONDON TO LOFOTEN NOW AVAILABLE

Welcome to the magic of Lofoten in winter—a season where the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and the majestic mountains put on their snowy caps. If you’ve ever yearned for an epic winter experience, capturing the scenery through your camera lens, walking on snowshoes, skiing from mountain tops, trying out unique arctic food, or catching massive fish on the open sea, you’ve found your haven.

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The Gateway to the arctic

It’s never been easier to visit the world’s most beautiful islanDs.

Direct flights from Gatwick (LGW) to Harstad/Narvik Evenes Airport (EVE)

This winter Norwegian offer weekly direct flights from London-Gatwick to Harstad/Narvik Evenes Airport, situated 2,5h by car/bus from Svolvær in Lofoten. The airport is the gateway to our larger arctic region and includes Vesterålen, Harstad, Narvik and Lofoten.

  • Flight starts 2. November
  • 1x flight per week – on Saturdays
  • Flight time: 3:15h
  • Departure from London: 12:25
  • Arrival in Evenes: 16:40
  • Return to London from Evenes: 08:40
  • Arrival in London: 10:50

Tickets on sale! Book your trip now, then come back and explore our website to plan every detail of your adventure.

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, often referred to simply as Norwegian, is a Norwegian airline that operates commercial scheduled flights based out of 8 hubs in NorwayDenmark, FinlandSweden, and Spain.

IT’s cooler than cold

Foto from The pre Christmas adventure in Henningsvær by Hallvard Kolltveit.

You might be wondering, is it suuuper cold?

Saved by the Gulf Stream: Lofoten experiences relatively mild winters for its Arctic location, thanks to the Gulf Stream. However, conditions can change quickly, ranging from mild and wet to cold and snowy.

Snow-Covered Landscapes: Lofoten usually receives its first snowfall around late November or early December, transforming the archipelago into a winter wonderland. However, the mountain peaks often start to see snow as early as October. The snow cover typically lasts through April, depending on the area.

Polar Night and Northern Lights: The Polar Night, a period when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, occurs roughly between early December and early January. This dark period makes it an excellent time to view Northern Lights, stars and the cool blue light, known as “Blue Hour”—when there is neither full daylight nor complete darkness.

Does the animals escape during winter? While not as abundant as in other seasons, winter still provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including sea eagles and various seabirds.

Where to sleep?

From traditional fisherman cabins (Rorbu) to modern hotels – Foto from “Lofoten Ski Lodge”.

Find a place to stay

One of the things that makes Lofoten so magical is the versatility of the archipelago – the unique groups of scattered islands. Lofoten offers memorable experiences – all year round and around the clock. A good night’s sleep is important for a successful holiday, but the accommodation is also a major part of the experience.

Go big, go Arctic Ocean Fishing

deep sea fishing and the Lofoten fishery.

Great fishing & long traditions

Fishing in Lofoten isn’t just a hobby; it’s a deeply rooted tradition that paints the rhythm of our winters. If you’ve ever wondered where to find authentic cod fishing, your compass points directly to Lofoten between January and April. During these frosty months, the Northeast Arctic cod, locally known as Skrei, make their annual pilgrimage to the fjords of Lofoten to spawn. Just as they do, our commercial fishermen don their iconic sou’westers, board their boats, and set sail into the Arctic seas—a ritual that has remained unchanged since the days of the Vikings.

If you’re aiming for the quintessential Lofoten fishery experience, we highly recommend opting for a boat-based expedition. While renting a boat is an option for those with a boatman’s license, the guided tours have an extra edge—the local guides know exactly where to find the most bountiful catches.

SKI TOURING

Skiing with an ocean PANORAMA view – PHOTO from Northern Explorer

Calling all powder hounds

Spectacular snow-capped mountains, arranged like pearls on a string out at sea, offer breathtaking views and a fantastic Ski Touring experiences with professional IFMGA Mountains Guides.

In Lofoten, you can ski through powder snow from towering alpine peaks all the way down to the pebbled shores. It’s no wonder that a ski touring adventure in the Lofoten islands is a must on the bucket list of many ski enthusiasts.

SNOW SHOES – be an explorer!

snow shoe hike – Foto by lofoten aktiv (Jann Engstad)

Skiing is not everyone

While Norway takes immense pride in its skiing heritage, we understand that skiing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That’s where Snow Shoe Exploration comes in as an inviting alternative. Designed to suit a variety of terrains, snowshoes are your ticket to explore the gentler, rolling hills of Lofoten. The best part? Our knowledgeable local guides customize itineraries to fit your fitness level and the day’s weather conditions, ensuring you have a fulfilling and comfortable outdoor experience.

Want to elevate your Snow Shoe Exploration experience? Consider booking a private tour. This allows for a flexible departure time tailored to your schedule and the unique option to combine your outing with a delectable wilderness meal. Make the trip truly your own by personalizing every element to suit your preferences. Be sure to check with the provider – they know their stuff!

THE Celestial Dance

Northern Lights Over Olstind – Image by cody duncan

Unveil the Magic of Lofoten’s Sky: A Northern Lights Experience Like No Other

Few places rival Lofoten when it comes to offering an unparalleled arena for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. If you seek a backdrop that’s as extraordinary as the celestial dance itself, then a Northern Lights safari is your ticket to awe and wonder. Here, science meets spectacle, and even in an age where explanations are just a click away, the celestial dance show can still ignite a sense of spiritual connection or deep awe—even if just for a fleeting moment.

Why choose Lofoten for your next Northern Lights adventure? It’s not just the dramatic and majestic landscapes that make the islands an ideal vantage point; it’s also our prime geographical location. Lofoten sits squarely within the Northern Lights Oval, also known as the auroral oval, offering a panoramic display that fills the sky like an ethereal blanket. This unique positioning significantly boosts your chances of witnessing this elusive natural wonder—in fact, it’s as close to a Northern Lights guarantee as you can get.

The ocean and the wildlife

white-tailed eagle catching some prey

Wild nature up close

In the rugged yet stunning natural landscapes of Lofoten, you’ll find an array of wildlife that adds to the region’s allure. Whether it’s elks, foxes, and stoats roaming the forests and mountains, or hares specifically inhabiting the islands of Flakstadøya and Moskenesøya, there’s always a chance for an encounter with the local fauna. Along the coast, seals and otters make frequent appearances, while above, the majestic white-tailed eagle soars with its impressive wingspan.

Ocean safaris and kayaking

Lofoten Explorer RIB Safari
LOFOTEN EXPLORER RIB SAFARI

Embarking on a winter sea safari or in a kayak offers a memorable way to explore the archipelago’s natural beauty and wildlife. Whether you visit well-known locations or discover hidden treasures, the experience is bound to leave an impression. Some tour operators provide various ocean related excursions, so it’s advisable to reserve your spot well in advance to ensure availability.

Remember to RElax

SAUNA AT Hov gård

Experience the unique serenity of a Lofoten sauna

Lofoten sauna, where the natural wonders and towering mountains meets the expansive sea. Not only does it offer an invigorating reprieve from the elements, but it also grants a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring forces of nature. Imagine transitioning from a chilly swim in the ocean to the warm embrace of a sauna, all under a sky so dark that the stars light up both the fjord and the majestic mountain tops. It’s an unique experience!

cultural heritage

LOFOTR Viking Museum. Image by kjell ove storvik

What might surprise you most about Lofoten is the local art and culture scene

Delve into Lofoten’s rich tapestry of history and culture, a captivating narrative that spans from the Viking Age to contemporary art. The Lofotr Viking Museum serves as a time capsule, taking you back to the days of Viking valor, while the region’s historic architecture—from quaint fishing villages to stunning churches—acts as a living museum. Whether it’s the Artscape Nordland sculptures that captivate your artistic soul or the immersive galleries inspired by Lofoten’s natural beauty, you’ll find endless cultural enrichment.

But the cultural experience in Lofoten doesn’t end with static displays; it comes alive in the form of annual events that engage and inspire. From the The Pre Christmas Adventure in Henningsvær to the World Championship in Cod Fishing in Svolvær in March, there’s always something stirring the cultural pot. With a plethora of well-preserved churches that not only showcase remarkable architecture but also serve as community gathering points, you can absorb both the ancient and the contemporary in a setting like no other. In Lofoten, culture is not just seen; it’s felt, heard, and experienced.

Christmas atmosphere from November to December

Christmas in Lofoten is a cherished time, steeped in tradition. Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that lingers in the heart. Enjoy cozy Christmas markets, festive concerts, and so much more.

A destination for foodies too!

Two hands with tattoes are plating a fish dish in a deep plate.
Plating a fish dish in a deep plate at Maren Anna (foto by Max Emanuelson).

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Lofoten, where local culinary artisans and restaurants make it a point to serve dishes sourced from the surrounding landscape. From velvety ice creams and tangy yoghurts to an array of dried meats, fish, and seaweeds, the region offers a palette of unique tastes. Savor handcrafted jams, artisanal cheese, and locally-brewed beer, each telling a story of the land and sea. Not to be missed is the Skrei, part of a time-honored global stockfish tradition. Prepared in a multitude of ways, this local delicacy adds another layer to Lofoten’s rich culinary heritage.

Start planning your epic winter experience – in Lofoten

Haven’t booked your flight yet? Don’t wait! Norwegian is still offering great prices, but they won’t last forever. Book now and secure your seat!