Lofoten
Lofoten hotels: fishing cabins and hotels from Svolvær to Reine
Red fishing cabins on stilts above the sea, peaks plunging into the ocean and the aurora over the fishing villages. These are the hotels and rorbuer in Lofoten we recommend, from Svolvær and Henningsvær to Nusfjord and Reine.
There are few places in the world with a landscape as dramatic as Lofoten. Sharp peaks rise straight out of the sea, white beaches shelter beneath the mountains, and in the fishing villages the red rorbuer, traditional fishing cabins, stand on stilts above the water. Staying in a rorbu is part of the experience, whether you come for the aurora in winter or the midnight sun in summer.
These are the hotels and fishing cabins in Lofoten we recommend, from east to west.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Svolvær: the capital of Lofoten
Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten, with an airport, restaurants and a great base for exploring further. You stay centrally, with the Svolværgeita peak right above town.
Svinøya Rorbuer: classic cabins by the sea
Waterside fishing cabins with a restaurant, on the islet of Svinøya in Svolvær.
Book your stay: See rooms at Svinøya Rorbuer
Thon Hotel Lofoten: modern by the harbour
A modern hotel on the harbour in Svolvær, with views of the sea and mountains.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thon Hotel Lofoten
Henningsvær: the village on the islets
Henningsvær sits at the end of a chain of islets south of Svolvær, and is one of Lofoten’s most charming fishing villages, with galleries, cafés and the famous football pitch out at sea.
Henningsvær Bryggehotell: on the quay
A hotel on the quay in the heart of Henningsvær, with the sea right outside your window.
Book your stay: See rooms at Henningsvær Bryggehotell
Gimsøy and Nusfjord
Lofoten Links Lodges: under the midnight sun
Lodges by the golf course on Gimsøy, with sea views and the midnight sun in summer.
Book your stay: See rooms at Lofoten Links Lodges
Nusfjord Village & Resort: a preserved fishing village
Stay in the old fishing village of Nusfjord, one of the best preserved in Norway.
Book your stay: See rooms at Nusfjord Village & Resort
Reine: the postcard view
At the western end of Lofoten lies Reine, with its red cabins, peaks and Reinebringen, one of Lofoten’s best-known hikes. Read our guide to the Lofoten Islands.
Reine Rorbuer: cabins beneath the peaks
Classic fishing cabins by the sea in Reine, with peaks and aurora over the water.
Book your stay: See rooms at Reine Rorbuer
The aurora season runs from September to March or April. Photo: Picolo
When should you visit Lofoten?
Winter: From September to March is aurora season, and from January to March the skrei cod fishery brings the villages to life.
Spring: Long, light days and often stable weather, great for hiking and photography.
Summer: Midnight sun, white beaches and mountain hikes. High season, so book early.
Read more about the aurora in our guide to the northern lights in Norway.
Getting to Lofoten
Fly to Svolvær or Leknes, take the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, or drive the E10 through Lofoten. With a hire car you can drive all the way from Svolvær to Reine, stopping in the fishing villages along the way.
Food and experiences in Lofoten
Lofoten is famous for stockfish and fresh cod, and many fishing villages have seafood restaurants. In winter you can join the cod fishery, and in summer you can kayak between the islets, hike or surf at Unstad.
Rorbu or hotel?
A rorbu gives you the real Lofoten feeling, with the sea right outside and often your own kitchen. A hotel gives you more service, breakfast and a restaurant in-house. Many combine the two: a few nights in a hotel in Svolvær, and a few nights in a rorbu further west.
Tips before you book
Book early for summer: The cabins fill quickly in high season.
Choose your base: Svolvær is practical, while Reine and Nusfjord put the drama right outside your door.
Stay in several places: Many split their stay between eastern and western Lofoten.
Check for a kitchen: Many rorbuer have their own kitchen, making self-catering easy.
Frequently asked questions about Lofoten hotels
Where should you stay in Lofoten?
Svolvær is a practical base, Henningsvær and Nusfjord offer fishing village charm, and Reine is perfect for dramatic peaks and hikes.
What is a rorbu?
A rorbu is a traditional fisherman’s cabin on stilts by the sea, where fishermen lived during the Lofoten fishery. Many are now holiday accommodation.
Can you see the northern lights in Lofoten?
Yes, Lofoten lies in the auroral zone, and from September to March you can see the aurora on clear nights.
When is the best time to visit Lofoten?
In winter for the aurora and the cod fishery, and in summer for the midnight sun and hiking.