Lofoten Islands Overview

A jumble of emerald mountains, glassy waters, and colorful villages, the Lofoten Islands are some of the most strikingly gorgeous vistas in Scandinavia, proving that there is more to Norwegian beauty than fjords. The chain consists of four main islands (Moskenesøy, Flakstadøy, Vestågøy, and Austvågøy) but extends from Røst in the south to Austvågøy in the north.

Transportation. The Hurtigruten express boat runs from Trondheim to Stamsund (31hr.; departs daily at noon, arrives at 7pm the next day; 1873kr). Another option is to take a train to Bodø (11hr., 2 per day, 200-940kr depending on the day and time. Book ahead if possible). From there, catch a ferry, departing from behind the train station, to Moskenes (3-4hr., 4-6 per day, 155kr, with car 561kr; buy ticket at ferry) or take the Hurtigruten (departs daily 3:00pm) to Svolvær (6hr., 425kr, student 1/2 price.) via Stamsund (4hr.; 397kr, students 1/2 price). Flights go from Bodø to Leknes Airport, Lufthavnveien 30 ( LKN; ☎05 55 80), on Vestvågøy (45min., 5-6 per day, 783kr). Check www.wideroe.no for more info and discounts. Within the islands, local buses (☎76 11 11 11; www.nordtrafikk.no) are the main form of transport; pick up a schedule at a tourist office. In summer, buses #4-5 travel from Å to Leknes, where you can catch buses to the rest of the islands. Renting a car is the easiest way to see the island chain and visit locales off E10, the main highway. Agencies at Leknes Airport include: Avis (☎76 08 01 04) and Hertz (☎76 08 18 44). Berres Bil and Bât (☎76 09 32 40) is in Ramberg, southwest of Leknes on Flakstadøya.