Cycling in Lofoten
Lofoten is known for its dramatic nature and many opportunities for great experiences on a bicycle. You can cycle through easy terrain between mountains and fjords in most parts of Lofoten. See where you can rent a bike in Lofoten, find tips for bicycle rides and find out what you can see on two wheels.
Rent a bicycle
One of the most environmentally friendly ways to explore Lofoten is on a bicycle. You also get a lot of fresh air, and you experience nature in an entirely different way. If you do not bring your own bike, you can rent one here: (Link til nettsiden)
Lofoten is a very popular destination in the summer and in the high season you may experience a lot of traffic on the E10. If you decide to go before or after July, you can avoid most of the busy summer traffic. In any case, there are plenty of great detours away from the main road, with many opportunities to see some of the most beautiful places in Lofoten. Many places you can enjoy by cycling almost all alone in wide open and peaceful landscapes. You may see the sea eagle sail over the sky or discover a curious otter on the sea shore.
If you decide to take your bicycle out at night, heading west and north, you can even ride your bike under the midnight sun. Here you can read more about where to experience the midnight sun in Lofoten.
Road conditions and distance
The total distance from Fiskebøl to Å is 160 km. This distance along the E10 has no ferries and it is tarmacked. Some of the side roads off the E10 are gravelled. There are few cycle roads and walk ways in Lofoten, so most of the cycling will be along the main road. The roads vary from double lane to single lane or even narrower some places.
Along the main road there are ten tunnels, with a total length of 7.5 kilometres. The Nappstraumen-tunnel goes under the sea and it is 1780 metres long. In the summer, you can avoid this tunnel by taking the bicycle ferry between Ballstad and Nusfjord.
BICYCLE TOURS IN LOFOTEN
Fiskebøl-Laukvik-Vestpollen-Svolvær: 68 km
From Fiskebøl, you follow the route along the outer side of the Austvågøy through beautiful surroundings and little traffic. In the summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun between Fiskebøl and Laukvik. The landscape varies from sandy beaches to fjords and inlets, which inspire you to spend a lot of time on this route. The last part of the route from Vestpollen to Svolvær follows the E10.
Svolvær-Stamsund: 66 km
Follow the cycle road from Svolvær to Ørsnes, and then follow the E10 until you have crossed over the Gimsøy-bridge. Here you can either follow the main road at Gimsøy or go from Barstrand to Hov. This is a great area along the Gimsøy-current with long white sandy beaches that makes the ride very pleasant and it is a perfect place to see the midnight sun.
The route continues over the Sundklakk-bridge onto county road 815. Here you continue towards Stamsund on the Valberg road. This is an area with very little traffic and you get a view over the sea and the mountains at the inner side of Lofoten.
Stamsund-Ballstad-Nusfjord: 24 km
The road from Stamsund to Ballstad goes either over the Hagskaret pass or via Steine, Sennesvika or Mortsund. From Ballstad you can take the bicycle ferry over to Nusfjord.
The bicycle ferry between Ballstad and Nusfjord
In the summer, you can enjoy Lofoten from the seaside by taking the local boat between Ballstad and Nusfjord. The boat follows the old travel route at the inner side of the Lofoten islands, and this boat trip gives you a fantastic experience of nature in Lofoten. There are daily departures from Ballstad at 10.00 am and from Nusfjord at 11.00 am between 1 June and 1 September. Go to the website «Ballstadgutt» to book a trip.
Equipment and clothing
We recommend that you bring rain and wind proof clothes, good shoes, a reflective vest, a bicycle helmet, good light on the bike and a first aid kit. Take care and be considerate when you ride your bicycle along the road.
Frequently asked questions:
In July, there can be a lot of traffic on the roads, but if you avoid the rush hours and use the roads off the main road, you can avoid most of the traffic.
Yes, but we do not recommend this because of road quality in the tunnel. The alternative is to take the bicycle with you on the bus or take the bicycle ferry between Ballstad and Nusfjord.
In the summer, the ferry departs at 10.00 am from Ballstad and at 11.00 am from Nusfjord.
Yes, you make a reservation on the website «Ballstadgutt».
This depends on where you are going, so you need to check with the rental company.
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