Food festival, hiking, more weather, and a blood-red morning sun. Lofoten offers local ingredients, a friendly host, and rugged nature experiences in magnificent surroundings.

Why do we say “more weather”? It’s a local saying, and is used instead of saying bad, windy, or rainy weather. It’s a saying we are proud of!

Autumn offers more than intense weather though. The stockfish is to be exported, the sheep are to be brought down from the mountains, and it’s time for the restaurants to serve this year’s fresh Lofoten lamb. The warm autumn colors extend far up the mountainsides, as if nature itself is preparing for the days to come. Make sure to partake in the harvest of the land, both for the body and the soul.

It’s the season for foraging, mushrooms, berries, Lofoten lamb, and lutefisk. The food in Lofoten during autumn is magical. And if you’re a “foodie” or just generally enjoy good food, then autumn is the time to visit Lofoten.

The Lofoten Lamb (Lofotlam), just like stockfish, is protected by geographical indication, and the meat is incredibly flavorful. You can find it available in stores as early as August, and it’s nearly impossible to visit Lofoten without trying it.

Another well-known delicacy also hits the market in October: Lutefisk. In Lofoten, it is enjoyed throughout the entire autumn season and up until Christmas.

Autumn in Lofoten brings more weather. The colors in the morning and evening are absolutely stunning, with the Northern Lights as the highlight for many.

With the autumn storms and more weather in general, the swells finally return for the surfers! The high season for surfing actually begins in the fall and lasts all the way until spring.

Changes in the sea also mean changes in the opportunities to see whales in Lofoten. The official whale-watching season starts from the end of October, but it’s still possible to see killer whales and porpoises until September. After September, they head off to new waters. By the way, there’s no guarantee of seeing whales in Lofoten. Instead, we recommend heading to Andenes once summer is over if you want to see whales.

Time for activities

There are normally fewer people in Lofoten outside of the holiday season (mainly July). That means more space for everyone to enjoy. And with a changing landscape, relatively warm climate, and abundant daylight, all nature-based experiences in Lofoten will be fantastic.

Of course, you choose activities based on your interests, but we can provide some recommendations. For many, surfing and the hunt for Northern Lights are high on the list. But how about diving/snorkeling, kayaking, or sea safari, combined with good food and the Lofotspa (spa/sauna) experiences?

From the Stone Age to the Viking Age, to the present day. Lofoten has a rich history and is a destination that attracts many creative souls.

Lofoten is known for its high concentration of artists. Here, creative minds draw inspiration from east to west. We can mention places like Reine, Sund, Vikten, Nusfjord, Stamsund, Leknes, Henningsvær, Skrova, Svolvær, and Kabelvåg – where in all these locations, you’ll find incredibly skilled individuals in their creative fields.

There’s a lot of events happening in Lofoten for both locals and visitors. Below, you’ll find events now in 2023 well suited for everyone. If you want the full event calendar here in Lofoten, visit our “whats’s on page“.

Høstvekka (26 aug – 03 sep)

Høstvekka has been combined with the Country Festival and is one of the largest events in Lofoten. It’s a traditional event held in Leknes every year. Read more here.

Lofoten Country Festival (31 aug – 03 sep)

The concerts are held in Lofothallen in Leknes and in the festival tent on Storgata in the center of Leknes. Tickets for the concerts in Lofothallen require a day pass or a festival pass. Tickets for the concerts in the festival tent can be purchased at the entrance. You can also get tickets through the festival’s website.

Who’s coming this year? Emma Svensson, Carina Dahl, Kurt Nilsen, Charlie Rackstead, Vassendgutane, Too Far Gone, The Boots Band, The Norwegian Creedence, Caitlin Palm, og Big B.

Lofoten High5 (02 sep)

Lofoten High5 is a spectacular mountain race that includes five peaks, all of which can be seen from Svolvær Square. The peaks are Fløya (590 masl), Blåtind (621 masl), Tuva (477 masl), Lille Kongstind (378 masl), and Tjeldbergtind (367 masl). The view from all five peaks is magical. No climbing gear is necessary, but parts of the hike (especially Fløya and Blåtind) traverse are steep and challenging terrain. Read more here.

Lofoten Art Open (one weekend in September)

Several studios, workshops, and galleries in Lofoten are open for a weekend in September for the public! You can find the various participants in Reine and Nusfjord, on the road between Stamsund and Leknes, Kvalnes, Henningsvær, Kabelvåg, and Svolvær. You can find the event here, under “September.”

Lofoten Food Festival (29 sep – 01 oct)

The food market will be even larger than last time, just as Vestvågøy Municipality will award the business and environmental prize. Of course, we will also appoint a new Food Ambassador in Lofoten. On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll make sure that children can enjoy many new activities, and we hope that the animals will be back as well. The climbing wall will also be open for kids, with skilled helpers present. Naturally, the LFK café will also participate in the festival, and both waffles and “trollkrem” (cloudberries and cream) are waiting for you! We look forward to welcoming the audience back to the Food Festival. See the full program here.

Lofoten International Art Festival – LIAF (Sep-Oct)

Lofoten International Art Festival – LIAF is the longest-running art biennial in Scandinavia, presenting works by local and international artists in a location-conscious context. It is organized by North Norwegian Art Centre in collaboration with LIAF Artistic Advisory Board.

Entrance to Lofoten International Art Festival is always free!

Find out more here.