Lofoten is a group of islands in Nordland County, while Vesterålen lies just north of Lofoten. These neighbouring archipelagos offer some of the most incredible scenery on the planet, and is a must-see for anyone travelling to Norway.

Experience the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten is administered by the municipalities of Vågan, Vestvågøy, Flakstad, Moskenes, Værøy and little Røst, far out in the ocean to the southwest. This region offers a variety of experiences. Enjoy a whale safari or kayak trip. Go horse riding, or use your legs to reach the many mountaintops. Go sea fishing for metre-long cod, take a cycle-camping expedition or stay in authentic fisherman’s huts.

No one forgets a visit to Lofoten. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Lofoten:

• Stay in a Rorbu, a fisherman’s hut
• Visit the quaint fishing villages
• Hike distinctive mountains such as Svolværgeita, towering over white, sandy beaches and azure-blue lagoons
• Experience the Midnight Sun in summer
• Fishing for cod under the Northern Lights in winter
• Sail through the spectacular passage Risøyrenna and past Lofotveggen

Keep reading: Discovering the majestic scenery of the Lofoten Islands

Vesterålen

The Vesterålen area, with its mountains, islands and skerries, was all but forgotten. However, Hurtigruten founder Richard With led the development of a canal through Risøyrenna that has allowed this pearl of nature to be included in the Hurtigruten schedule.

Vesterålen lies to the north of Lofoten across the five municipalities of Andøy, Bø, Hadsel, Sortland and Øksnes. People have lived here since the Stone Age, and the inhabitants developed several important trading stations early on in history. Today, all the islands are linked to each other and the mainland, by several bridges.

Visiting Lofoten and Vesterålen with Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten arrives at Lofoten at Stamsund on its way north, after crossing from Bodø. It then proceeds to Svolvær, calling at Stokmarknes, Sortland and Risøyhamn; then continues to Harstad. On the southbound voyage, the route follows the same path, but in reverse order.

• See all cruises to Lofoten and Vesterålen