Cycling the Lofoten Islands, Norway

The endless days and magical light around the time of the Midnight Sun provide the perfect setting for this gentle paced road tour exploring Norway’s beautiful Lofoten Islands.

This narrow chain of islands crams in more mountains per square mile than any other part of Norway. Jagged peaks sweep down to the sea leaving a narrow brim of coastal road with breathtaking views amid charming fishing villages simply perfect for cycling.

Following arrival in Bodø, we board the ferry that will take us across Vestfjorden to Moskenes and nearby Reine situated at the edge of the steep ‘Lofoten Wall’. This is a lovely place to start our time in the Lofoten, with our cycling beginning the next morning with an easy route that gives us chance to visit Tind, Vagån and Å, providing a great flavour of the islands and the cycling to come.

Heading northwards on our route, which follows a coastline of white sandy beaches, rolling hills and soaring peaks ends in Svolvær from where we head back to Bodø by boat. There are numerous highlights along the way including Henningsvær (the Venice of the North), the Long House at Borg, picture postcard Nusfjord, and the Viking powerbase of the north Kabelvåg. With daytime melding into night time, there are also lots of opportunities for ‘midnight’ walks for those with the energy.

For accommodation in the Lofotens we use the lovely quayside Rorbus; traditionally painted fishermen’s wood cabins perched on stilts. With some providing rowing boats, you may wish to try some fishing; or take a sauna and optional fjord dip for an invigorating experience, Scandinavian style.

Evening meals are either taken at the superb local restaurants, renowned for their delicious seafood, or in the Rorbus if you prefer to try your hand at cooking. Lunches en route are picnic style, packed with Norwegian delicacies.