Lofoten is a beautiful destination in Norway that offers stunning views and a rich cultural experience. If you are planning a trip to Lofoten and only have 48 hours to explore you are somewhat screwed. It’s definitely a place that deserves more time for exploration. However, there are still plenty of things you can do in that limited time frame.

Day 1:

After arriving in Moskenes on the last ferry, my family and I headed straight for a camping spot. We were exhausted from the long drive, but the excitement of exploring Lofoten kept us going. We couldn’t wait to hike the Reinebringer and take in the breathtaking views.

At 3 am I was surprised to see that the sky was as bright as it was during the daytime. It was a surreal experience to witness the midnight sun, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. I took a few photos to capture the moment, made a mental note to always remember this unforgettable experience and went straight for bed.

Visit Reine Village

Reine is a beautiful village in Lofoten that should not be missed. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and crystal clear waters. You can also explore the village on foot and visit the local shops and cafes. Don’t forget to try the fresh seafood, it’s a must! Reine is a great place to experience the charm and natural beauty of Lofoten.

Hamnøy and Sakrisøy

If you have some extra time during your trip to Lofoten, consider making a stop in Hamnøy. This charming fishing village is known for its picturesque scenery and traditional rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) that are now used as accommodations. Take a walk along the harbor, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, and don’t forget to take a picture of the very famous yellow cabin in Sakrisøy with Olstin Mountain in the background.

Hike Reinebringen

Starting the hike early is a great idea if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the stunning views of the islands and fjords in peace. The 24 hours of daylight is definitely a unique experience that adds to the beauty of the hike. The views from the top of Reinebringen were breathtaking and well worth the effort of climbing the 1978 stairs built by Nepalese Sherpas. It was amazing to see the beautiful village of Reine and the majestic mountains that surround it from the summit. And the wildflowers in full bloom were a lovely touch to the already picturesque scenery.

The Trail

To reach Reinebringen, you’ll need to start at the west side of Ramsviktunnel and follow the old road around the outside of the tunnel until you reach the stairway. Once you’re at the stairway, take the first step and continue until you reach the summit ridge. From there, to get to the end of the ridge on the right, there is a steep, muddy path just before the summit.

Day 2:

We spent the second night in Sandbotnan Bay. The wildflowers were everywhere and added to the already stunning scenery. Being so close to the beach was perfect, and we enjoyed a calm and peaceful night by the sea. I didn’t want it to end.

Hike to Kvalvika Beach

Kvalvika Beach in Lofoten is an absolute must-visit! The location is secluded and the surroundings are picturesque, making it the perfect spot for hiking, camping, and surfing. You can take a scenic walk from the nearby village of Fredvang to get there, and the trail itself is stunning, though muddy, offering amazing views of the coastline and mountains. Looks like Hawaii actually!

Parking

To get to Kvalvika Beach, there are two starting points you can choose from. One is via Ryten, which is a popular option. If you choose this starting point, you will need to pay for parking, which costs 100 NOK per vehicle. You can pay at a cashier using cash or a card. The second starting point is located on E10 from Torsfjord along the road. After approximately 3 km (from the Fredvang turn), you will see a red boat shed on the left near the water. The parking here is free while the toilets are not, but it’s only able to fit around 10 cars.

The Trail from Torsfjord

After about 10-15 minutes of walking, you’ll leave the trees behind and make your way towards the center of the pass to the north. The elevation gain is gentle at this point as you navigate between the two mountains. Once you’ve been hiking for about 30-40 minutes, you’ll reach the top of the pass and begin your descent to the beach. The trail will become steep and rocky in places, and may be slippery if wet. Just continue on towards the beach, following either your sight or the sound of the waves if you’re in the clouds. You should reach the flat, grassy dunes at the back of the beach about an hour after leaving the parking. Enjoy the stunning views and the serenity of this secluded place!

Midnight Sun Lofoten

Did you know that unlike Iceland, which is often referred to as the ‘land of the midnight sun,’ the summer sun on Lofoten, located almost 200 kilometers north of the arctic circle, will not sink below the horizon for nearly two months? Lofoten calls this phenomenon late summer twilight. If you’re looking for a unique experience, make sure to catch this stunning sight while you’re in Lofoten. The landscape is already beautiful, but the sun at midnight really adds to the feeling of being in the Arctic and on another planet.

Getting to Lofoten

Airports

There are two airports located on Lofoten: Leknes and Svolvær.

Car/RV

Driving through Norway is very scenic. It allows you to take your time and enjoy the beautiful sights along the way. However, it’s important to note that there are frequent automated toll roads, especially in southern and central Norway. It’s something to keep in mind when planning your trip. Our RV was registered with the Norwegain AutoPASS through our RV rental.

Unfortunately, unless you want to do a lot of walking, having a car/rv is the only way to get to many of the more remote and beautiful parts of the islands.

Ferry

The 3 hour trip by ferry trip from Bodø to Moskenes was an exciting one. The crossing of the Vestfjord was smooth, even in summer. But if you’re prone to sea sickness, flying will be a better option. Foot passangers are free, the cost for a car was 754 NOK.

So, it’s definitely possible to enjoy Lofoten in just 48 hours! There are so many amazing experiences to be had on these beautiful islands. Whatever you choose to do, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time in this beautiful part of the world! The whimsical landscapes of Lofoten were everything they promised to be secluded, otherworldly, and unlike anything I had experienced before.

Trollstigen

We really wanted to stop at the famous Pulpit Rock Preikenstolen on our way back to Oslo, but we had to consider the RV rental and flights. Sadly, it was no longer an option. I was on my way back to Sweden for some final hurrah, while my aunt and her hubby were heading back to Poland. However, we still managed to do something very touristy on a whim.

The Trollstigen, an impressive mountain pass that twists through eleven hairpin bends up the steep mountain sides in Romsdalen valley. While some may argue that it’s touristy and overrated, I have to disagree. Each bend on the Trollstigen road has its own name, often named after the foreman of the construction team that built it, adding a unique historical touch to the experience. Plus, it’s hard to deny the awe-inspiring views from the top. Although it’s not a natural phenomenon, it’s still a must-see for anyone visiting Norway. In fact, I can’t imagine a trip to Norway without visiting the Trollstigen. It’s an iconic experience and the perfect way to end any trip to this beautiful country.

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Related

The natural beauty of Lofoten reminds me of Kauai. Have you had the chance to visit either of these amazing places?

Happy Trails!