In 7 days, spend 3–4 nights in the west (Reine: Reinebringen, Bunes beach, Hamnøy, Å, Kvalvika) and 3–4 nights in the middle (Lyngvær: Henningsvær, Festvågtind, Kabelvåg, Svolvær, Gimsøy, Haukland and Uttakleiv). Keep one flexible day for weather. Fly into Leknes or arrive by ferry in Moskenes, and fly out of Svolvær or Evenes.
This is the trip we'd plan for friends: one week, two bases, no rush. It's built around our two houses, but it works with any base in the west and the middle of the islands.
Days 1–4: The west, from Reine
Day 1 – Arrive. Fly into Leknes or take the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes. Pick up groceries, light the sauna, look at the mountains.
Day 2 – Reinebringen and Reine. Climb Reinebringen early in the morning (summer, autumn; not in winter conditions). Afternoon: wander around Reine, Hamnøy and Sakrisøy.
Day 3 – Bunes beach and Å. Take the boat from Reine to Vindstad and walk to Bunes beach. Later, drive to Å at the end of the road for the museums and the bakery.
Day 4 – Kvalvika and Ryten, or a flexible day. If the weather's good, hike from Fredvang to Kvalvika and up Ryten. If it isn't, visit Nusfjord and the beaches at Flakstad and Ramberg.
Days 5–7: The middle, from Lyngvær
Day 5 – Move east. Drive along the E10, stop at Haukland and Uttakleiv beaches and the Viking museum at Borg. Evening: sauna and sea view in Lyngvær.
Day 6 – Henningsvær and Festvågtind. Hike Festvågtind in the morning, then spend the afternoon and evening in Henningsvær.
Day 7 – Kabelvåg, Svolvær or the Trollfjord. Visit Vågan Church and the Lofoten Museum, or take a boat trip into the Trollfjord from Svolvær. Final sauna.
Departure from Svolvær, Leknes or Evenes.
In winter
Swap the big hikes for low walks, villages and museums, and keep the evenings free for the northern lights. Our winter guide has more ideas.
Stay in both houses
This is exactly why we have two. Stay at our Reine house for the first half and our Lyngvær house for the second. Tick "both houses" when you send an enquiry.
Good questions
Is 7 days enough for Lofoten?
Seven days is a great length – enough for the highlights in both the west and the middle, with a buffer day for weather.
Which direction should I travel through Lofoten?
Either works. Arriving by ferry from Bodø or flying into Leknes suits starting in the west; flying out of Svolvær or Evenes suits ending in the middle.
