Lofoten Islands – Self Drive Tailormade – a 9 day Private Tour from £1,375 per person based on 2 people travelling sharing a room.
Charming small communities are very much at the heart of the archipelago of the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. Although situated well inside the Arctic Circle, these magical islands do not experience the extreme cold temperatures one may assume, and make the archipelago ideal for outdoor exploring. This is a land where nature is at its most impressive, a land of staggering beauty, enhanced by ever changing weather and light.
On this self-drive adventure, take your time in travelling through this timeless land, stopping at your leisure to drink in the majesty of the endless panoramic splendour. The choice is yours to climb craggy peaks, meander in sheltered bays, wander in tiny fishing villages or take optionally, take to the glassy waters to imbibe the perfection from a different perspective. Experience the islands from top to toe!
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Harstad
Arrive in Harstad. On arrival you will collect your vehicle from a pre-arranged location. Accommodation will be in a comfortable small scale hotel in the centre of Harstad. No meals today.
Day 02: Harstad – Andenes
(Approx. driving distance today is 185km)
After breakfast, start your adventure heading north from Harstad towards Andenes through the verdant Vesterålen islands. On your way to Andenes, enjoy the spectacular valleys and the small hamlets located on the shores of the fjords and feel free to stop and enjoy the views at your leisure. We recommend taking the route through Kvæfjord, and therefore taking the short ferry-crossing (not included) between Refsnes and Flesnes. Overnight comfortable hotel in Andenes (B)
Day 03: Andenes – Svolvaer
(Approx. overall driving distance today 210 km)
After breakfast, drive from Andenes towards Svolvaer “the capital” of the Lofoten Islands. Take your time, once again enjoying how the ever changing light transforms the landscape. We recommend making a stop in the old trading centre of Stokmarknes and optionally visit the Norwegian Coastal Express Museum (not included). End the day in the port town of Svolvær which has a bustling atmosphere in a picturesque setting, and is a good base for exploring later today and for your leisure day tomorrow. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights will be in a traditional style Rorbuer (B)
Day 04: Svolvær at leisure – optional activities
Today is given over to your own leisure to explore the islands at your leisure from Svolvaer as your base. Breakfast at the hotel and your day can be enjoyed at leisure as you explore the Lofoten Islands. There are also an abundance of activities that can be pre-booked for you as well, from nature hikes, sea eagle safaris and sea kayaking amongst others. Please contact us if you would like to tailor activities today. Overnight in a traditional style Rorbuer (B)
Day 05: Svolvær – Reine
(Approx. overall driving distance today 120 km)
After breakfast at your hotel, continue your Lofoten Islands exploration, now heading to the far southern extent of the islands. We recommend a stop in Nusfjord, a wonderfully old and authentic fishing village in a wonderful setting flanked by dramatic mountains. After spending some time here, continue to Reine, arguably the most beautiful village of the Lofoten. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights will be in a traditional style Rorbuer (B)
Day 06: Reine at leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the southern extent of the region. If you wish to continue exploring we recommend taking the short distance further south still to visit Å, a small village close to the tip of archipelago. The village contains boathouses more than 150 years old. Other activities that can be organised from Reine include kayaking, trekking or hiring bikes. Overnight in the traditional Rorbuer (B)
Day 07: Reine - Henningsvaer
(Approx. overall driving distance today 115 km)
After breakfast, start your journey back north through the archipelago to beautiful Henningsvaer, located attractively amongst several small islands. It is known as one of the prominent active fishing villages and is renowned for its traditional architecture. We recommend optionally a visit to Gallery Lofoten which contains excellent paintings from a period renowned as a golden age in Norwegian art. Otherwise simply enjoy the atmosphere of the village and take a walk around the harbour. Overnight in a traditional Rorbuer (B)
Day 08: Henningsvaer – Harstad
(Approx. overall driving distance today 180 km)
Your final day is spent driving back to Harstad. Accommodation this evening will be a central comfortable hotel in Harstad (B)
Day 9 - Depart Harstad
Drive to the agreed location to drop of your vehicle, and this is where the services will end on your Lofoten adventure (B)
We offer this tour for private departures only
Prices start from £1,375 per person, based on two people travelling sharing a room.
Call us to book.
Tour Notes
Single Supplement
Single Supplement from £1,100.
Flights and getting to the tour
Return flights from London to Harstad start from £200. Contact us for a quotation. You may also wish to travel to the start point by train. It is possible to travel all the way from the UK by train. Contact us if you are interested in travelling overland.
Want to see details of your itinerary on a map?
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44 (0)191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- All accommodation as per the itinerary
- Private self-drive transport – car rental included
- Daily breakfast apart from on Day 1
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Meals other than breakfast
- Drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Visas if applicable
- Local ferries
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional excursions on leisure days