Cycling in the Lofoten Islands

© Kristin Folsland Olsen

Lofoten is an Eldorado for tourists – including those on two wheels. There are sights to see at every turn. Charming and authentic fishing villages with boathouses lining the shore, lively atmospheres and unspoiled countryside as far as the eye can see.

The crash of waves beating against the shore, white sandy beaches, the tang of the salty sea air, racks of fish hung up to dry in the open air, the midnight sun, screeching seagulls, headwinds, tailwinds, sun, and rain, wild mountains surging straight up from the sea. On two wheels you come close to nature and have plenty of time to savor the myriad impressions assailing your senses.

The Vestfjord Route

This is a cycle-friendly route that is rich in things to do and see. It runs along the whole of Lofoten on the one side and outer Salten on the other side of Vestfjord. Choose for yourself whether you want to take the full package around the fjord basin, cycle one side or just a short stretch.

It is up to you where you start your journey, but if you take the full package, Bodø is the most common starting and stopping point. The fast passenger ferry will also accommodate your bicycle, which means you are not so dependent on road bridges and car ferries as you would be if you were driving.

Suggested itinerary

  • Day 1. Arrive Bodø. Fast passenger ferry or Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) to Svolvær. Overnight stop in Svolvær or Kabelvåg.
  • Day 2. Svolvær–Henningsvær, 24 km. Easy day stage.
  • Day 3. Henningsvær–Hov, 32 km. Easy day stage.
  • Day 4. Hov–Stamsund, 50 km. Medium day stage.
  • Day 5. Stamsund–Ballstad, 33 km. Medium day stage.
  • Day 6. Cycle ferry from Ballstad to Nusfjord. Nusfjord–Sakrisøy–Reine, 40 km. Medium day stage.
  • Day 7. Rest day in Reine.
  • Day 8. Cycle to Moskenes, 5 km. Ferry to Bodø.