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Deciding where to stay in Lofoten Islands can be a daunting task. There are so many beautiful little towns to experience and it can be hard to understand which would be the best spot for you!

This blog post will go over all of the main towns to stay in, as well as why you would want to stay there and the best places to stay in each town.

Many of these hotels are gorgeously designed and will be wonderful to experience! 

Here are the best places to stay in Lofoten Islands Norway. 

Disclaimer: This blog post features affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you :)) !

Table Of Contents

1. Lofoten Islands Overview

2. Things To Consider

3. Lofoten Islands Map

3. Svolvaer

4. Henningsvaer

5. Ballstad

6. Nusfjord

7. Reine-Hamnoy

8. A

Lofoten Islands Overview

Situated in the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway, sits the Lofoten Islands. A stunning landscape of jagged mountain peaks, mind blowing fjords and the cutest fishing villages you have ever experienced.

The Lofoten Islands are made up of seven principal islands with hundreds of smaller islands and are considered an “archipelago” which is essentially a cluster of islands. 

The Lofoten Islands are the ultimate destination for those who love the outdoors and exploration. You could spend weeks road-tripping around these gorgeous landscapes, hiking and exploring your heart out.

 Things To Consider

When choosing where you want to stay while visiting the Lofoten Islands, the main thing you will want to consider is where you want to visit and explore.

For instance if you are hoping to explore the Southern area of the Lofoten Islands it wouldn’t make much sense to stay in Svolvaer the entire time. 

My best tip is to either make a map with all the locations pinned that you would like to go and find the most central town, or to change hotels as you move South or North during your trip.

You can find my Lofoten Road Trip Itinerary here with all of my top recommendations on what to see and what area to stay in while visiting those locations.

Lofoten Islands Map

Image Courtesy of Svinoya

Svolvaer

About The Area

First up is the unofficial capital of Lofoten, it is the largest city in the Lofoten Islands and is the first city you will drive through when driving into the Lofoten Islands. Svolvaer boasts the most transportation options in Lofoten, with an airport, ferries and speed boats. 

Being the largest city in the area, you will find the most modern hotels here along with the most options for dining! While it is considered a city, Svolvaer still has some of the charms of a small fishing village and you can still find cute cottages to stay in. 

In Svolvaer you have a large amount of things to do, including hiking, touring local art galleries and museums and heading out on a hike, kayaking trip or fjord boat tour. 

Why Stay Here

This is a wonderful place to stay for those who want access to more restaurants and transportation options.

It can be a great place to fly into and then stay for a couple days or you can base yourself here, although many of the most beautiful destinations in the Lofoten Islands will be about a 2.5 hour drive away.

The Best Places To Stay Near Svolvaer

Scandic Svolvaer, Svolvaer

Situated in the city center of Svolvaer on the docks of a harbor the Scandic Svolvaer is a beautiful hotel with cozy maritime themed rooms and views of the sea. This hotel has a modern design with a restaurant and bar attached.

Nordis Apartments, Svolvaer

This modern, luxurious hotel is located on a beautiful harbor. The hotel has 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, each has a mountain view, are beautifully furnished and the hotel features a terrace, restaurant, and bar.

Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvaer

This gorgeous collection of Rorbu– or traditional, seasonal houses normally used by fisherman, has been built to be gorgeous suites and houses for guests! At this resort you can find originally built rorbu cabins, rorbusuites and historical houses all situated along the water and designed to be cozy and warm. 

READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In Lofoten Islands Norway

Photo from Unsplash by Joshua Kettle

Henningsvaer

About The Area

Next up is Henningsvaer, only a 25 minute drive from Svolvaer, this cute little fishing town is perched on some smaller islands right out in the Norwegian Sea. 

Here you will find the famous football field of Norway! It is a gorgeous field, located in one of the most scenic areas on earth!

This cute town has evolved to be one of the hippest spots in Lofoten, with small boutiques, quaint cafes, art galleries and restaurants lining its streets.  You can be sure to find some gorgeous souvenirs and cultural experiences.

Why Stay Here

If you love quaint little towns then Henningsvaer might be the place for you.

It has also become famous as a center for outdoor adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and even snorkeling!

This could be a charming area to stay in at the beginning or end of your trip while you explore the northern part of the Lofoten Islands. 

Where To Stay In Hennigsvaer

Henningsvaer Bryggehotell

Located in the heart of Henningsvaer, this new hotel complex is inspired by traditional architecture combined with modern luxury! It is located on a pier with stunning mountain and sea views.

Cornerview Apartment, Hennigsvaer

This stunning A Frame cabin has a gorgeous view of the sound. The light wood, sleek black metal framing and cozy furnishings makes this apartment a great option for exploring Northern Norway.

Leilighet Med Fantastisk

Another gorgeous A Frame Cabin with beautiful mountain views from the floor to ceiling window at the front of the cabin. According to guests everything is within walking distance and you are not far from the city center.

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Ballstad 

About The Area

About an hour south of Hennigsvaer sits the cute little town of Ballstad! Ballstad is Norway’s largest operational fishing village.

You can stay in a fisherman’s cabin, experience diving, kayaking and snorkeling here or hike to the top of Skottind. 

Why Stay Here

Ballstad is one of the most centrally located towns in the Lofoten Islands- it also is on the larger size for towns here so you will be able to easily find grocery stores, a small airport (in Leknes) and restaurants. 

Ballstad is a great place to stay that will allow you easy access to all of the Lofoten Islands as there are stunning destinations in all directions!

If you really wanted to stay in one place the entire time, my best recommendation would be Ballstad as it is the most centrally located.

Best Places To Stay Here

Solsiden Brygge

Staying at Solsiden Brygge offers cozy waterfront accommodations in Lofoten, with beautiful views and easy access to outdoor activities.

The lodge combines modern comfort with traditional charm. Take your pick from modern hotel rooms, 1-3 bedroom suites and entire houses!

Hatvikka Lodge, Ballstad

Hattvika Lodge in Norway is a charming retreat in the Lofoten Islands, surrounded by stunning mountains and fjords. It offers cozy cabins with rustic decor and various outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Lofoten SeaZens Panorama, Leknes

Offering modern accommodations with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea!  The property features beautiful apartments, ideal for relaxing.

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 Nusfjord 

About The Area

Nusfjord is one of the most historical areas in Lofoten, it is a beautifully preserved fishing village located down a windy road only 32 minutes from Leknes. 

This area has some gorgeous sights and offers you the ability to stay in some lovely, newly refurbished fishing cottages.

Why Stay Here

If you want to stay off the beaten path, Nusfjord is a gorgeous, tiny town that offers a beautiful resort and even more stunning nature.

You can go for a hike, hop on a fishing boat or go kayaking right near your hotel! 

If I had a good amount of time in the Lofoten Islands, I would happily book a few nights stay in Nusfjord just for a beautiful, calm experience. 

Where To Stay In Nusfjord

Lofoten Cottages, Nusfjord

Lofoten Cottages in Nusfjord offers charming cottage accommodations with stunning views of the fjords and mountains, perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures.

The property provides easy access to hiking, fishing, and the rich history of one of Norway’s best-preserved fishing villages!

Nusfjord Arctic Resort, Ramberg, Norway

Nusfjord Arctic Resort in Ramberg, Norway, features stylish cabins and lodges that blend modern design with traditional Nordic elements, set against the breathtaking coastal backdrop of the beautiful Nordic sea.

The resort offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking, along with a focus on sustainability and local experiences.

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Reine & Hamnoy

About The Area

Traveling about an hour south of Nusfjord we find the iconic town of Reine and Hamnoy.

When you think of the iconic photos of Norway’s small towns amongst giant fjords these are probably the towns you are picturing. 

Reine is probably one of the most picturesque towns in all of Lofoten! In Hamnoy and Reine you can find some iconic photography spots and access to some of the most famous hikes in all of Lofoten.

Why Stay Here

In Reine you have the opportunity to stay in some of the most iconic red huts in all of Norway. Each cottage has a gorgeous view of the fjords surrounding it and sits along the water.

In Reine you will find some cute little restaurants and a small grocery store as well as access to some of the most beautiful hikes and areas of Norway! 

I would highly recommend staying in Reine for a good chunk of your trip. There are tons of hikes to do in this area, places to photograph and day trips to take.

This is the best town to stay in to explore the Southern portion of the Lofoten Islands. 

Where To Stay In Reine & Hamnoy

Eliassen Rorbuer

Eliassen Rorbuer offers traditional fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer) on the picturesque Lofoten Islands, providing guests with a unique, authentic experience by the water.

The cabins are well-equipped and set against stunning natural scenery, making it an ideal base for exploring outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Sakrisoy Rorbuer, Reine

Sakrisøy Rorbuer offers traditional Norwegian fisherman’s cabins with modern amenities, located in the scenic Lofoten Islands, surrounded by fjords and dramatic mountains.

It’s ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking, while providing stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere near the picturesque village of Reine.

Reinefjorden Sjohus, Reine

Reinefjorden Sjøhus offers cozy waterfront accommodations in Reine, featuring cabins with modern comforts and stunning views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.

Its prime location makes it perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the Lofoten Islands, with easy access to hiking, fishing, and boat trips.

READ MORE: Explore This Arctic Paradise In Lyngenfjord Norway

Photo From A Rorbuer Classic Norway Hotels

A

About The Area

Far to the south sits A (prononuced aw). This little town is the most southern point of the Lofoten Islands! Here you can find a cute town complete with a bakery, and a Norwegian fishing museum.

Why Stay Here

Here in A you can find a great budget hotel along with some lovely peace and quiet.

It is about a 13 minute drive from Reine, so if you do want to be a bit more reserved but still explore the southern portion of the Lofoten Islands, this could be a good option. 

Where To Stay In A

A Rorbuer By Classic Norway Hotels

This hotel offers cozy, renovated fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer) nestled along the waterfront of this historic Lofoten village.

Guests enjoy stunning views of the surrounding fjords, mountains, and sea, combining rustic charm with modern amenities

Å-Hamna Rorbuer

Å-Hamna Rorbuer offers traditional yet comfortable fisherman’s cabins in the historic village of Å, providing stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

Its location at the end of the Lofoten archipelago makes it perfect for exploring the area’s rich fishing heritage and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and boating!

Conclusion: The Best Places To Stay In Norway

The Lofoten Islands truly are spectacular. I hope this list of the best places to stay in Lofoten Islands helped make your planning easy and concise! 

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