Norway
Norway - Self-drive tour: Beautiful Lofoten and Vesterålen islands
Norway - Self-drive tour: Beautiful Lofoten and Vesterålen islands
Duration
10 days
Start/End
Bodo
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
The Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos reach far into the Atlantic and enchant with their nature and the special light by the sea. On this self-drive tour you travel from Bodø via Harstad and Sortland to Svolvær and Mortsund – with time for walks and activities along the way.
Islands have always held a special allure. The Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos are exceptionally diverse and captivate visitors with their stunning natural beauty. Located off the Norwegian coast, they extend far into the Atlantic Ocean. Many artists live in these island paradises, enchanted by the unique light at sea and the often remote locations. If you, too, appreciate the unique character of islands, then this trip is perfect for you.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Bodø
Hotel in Bodo
Individual flight to Bodø. Pick up your rental car at the airport (not included). Saltstraumen, the powerful tidal current, is located half an hour from Bodø. Overnight stay in Bodø. You have the option of arriving by plane from an airport near your home. You will then pick up your rental car on site.
Arrival in Bodø
Day 1
Hotel in Bodo
Individual flight to Bodø. Pick up your rental car at the airport (not included). Saltstraumen, the powerful tidal current, is located half an hour from Bodø. Overnight stay in Bodø. You have the option of arriving by plane from an airport near your home. You will then pick up your rental car on site.
Day 2
Bodo – Harstad
Hotel in Harstad
approx. 315 km
Continuing north, you'll pass Hamarøy, a true natural beauty and the place where Horst Tappert (Derrick) had his holiday home. Crossing the Vestfjord, you'll reach Lødingen and catch your first glimpses of the Lofoten Islands. Then you'll arrive in Harstad.
Bodo – Harstad
Day 2
Hotel in Harstad
approx. 315 km
Continuing north, you'll pass Hamarøy, a true natural beauty and the place where Horst Tappert (Derrick) had his holiday home. Crossing the Vestfjord, you'll reach Lødingen and catch your first glimpses of the Lofoten Islands. Then you'll arrive in Harstad.
Day 3
Harstad – Sortland
Hotel in Sortland
approx. 75 km
A short, beautiful day's journey lies ahead. Your destination is Sortland, the blue city in the Vesterålen archipelago. Two nights in Sortland.
Harstad – Sortland
Day 3
Hotel in Sortland
approx. 75 km
A short, beautiful day's journey lies ahead. Your destination is Sortland, the blue city in the Vesterålen archipelago. Two nights in Sortland.
Day 4
Vesterålen
Hotel in Sortland
You have a free day in the Vesterålen archipelago. Among the many options, we recommend a whale watching tour. A boat departs daily from Andenes – weather permitting – to observe these magnificent marine mammals. The journey there and back offers a chance to explore more of the islands.
Vesterålen
Day 4
Hotel in Sortland
You have a free day in the Vesterålen archipelago. Among the many options, we recommend a whale watching tour. A boat departs daily from Andenes – weather permitting – to observe these magnificent marine mammals. The journey there and back offers a chance to explore more of the islands.
Day 5
Sortland – Svolvaer
Hotel in Svolvaer
approx. 120 km
The journey continues to the Lofoten Islands. Your destination for the day is Svolvær, the main town in the heart of this stunning archipelago. The picturesque harbor lies on the Vestfjord. From here, boat trips depart through the Trollfjord.
Sortland – Svolvaer
Day 5
Hotel in Svolvaer
approx. 120 km
The journey continues to the Lofoten Islands. Your destination for the day is Svolvær, the main town in the heart of this stunning archipelago. The picturesque harbor lies on the Vestfjord. From here, boat trips depart through the Trollfjord.
Day 6
Svolvaer – Mortsund
Fisherman's hut in Mortsund
approx. 80 km
A real adventure awaits you this morning. You'll depart from the harbor in Svolvær in a RIB boat for a thrilling ride towards the fjords. Your destination is the Trollfjord, renowned for its spectacular scenery and narrow cliffs. Keep an eye out for the resident white-tailed eagles. The next leg of your journey takes you past small fishing villages to Mortsund. Kabelvåg is the charming old island center with a market square, harbor, and a large wooden church. Henningsvær, situated on the strait, is perfect for a stroll. Three nights' accommodation in Mortsund in a traditional rorbu (fisherman's cabin).
Svolvaer – Mortsund
Day 6
Fisherman's hut in Mortsund
approx. 80 km
A real adventure awaits you this morning. You'll depart from the harbor in Svolvær in a RIB boat for a thrilling ride towards the fjords. Your destination is the Trollfjord, renowned for its spectacular scenery and narrow cliffs. Keep an eye out for the resident white-tailed eagles. The next leg of your journey takes you past small fishing villages to Mortsund. Kabelvåg is the charming old island center with a market square, harbor, and a large wooden church. Henningsvær, situated on the strait, is perfect for a stroll. Three nights' accommodation in Mortsund in a traditional rorbu (fisherman's cabin).
Days 7–8
Lofoten
Fisherman's hut in Mortsund
There's plenty to see on the islands: museums like the reconstructed Viking farm in Borg, galleries and art workshops, as well as the picturesque town of Reine. If you'd like to hike, you can take a boat across Kirkefjord and walk to the secluded beaches in the west.
Lofoten
Days 7–8
Fisherman's hut in Mortsund
There's plenty to see on the islands: museums like the reconstructed Viking farm in Borg, galleries and art workshops, as well as the picturesque town of Reine. If you'd like to hike, you can take a boat across Kirkefjord and walk to the secluded beaches in the west.
Day 9
Mortsund – Bodø
Hotel in Bodo
approx. 170 km including ferry
In Moskenes, you leave the Lofoten Islands and take a ferry back to Bodø, a lively port city with many islands just offshore. The city center is located on a peninsula in the fjord, where you'll stay in a hotel by the harbor. North of the city, you'll find Kjerringøy, a beautiful old trading post.
Mortsund – Bodø
Day 9
Hotel in Bodo
approx. 170 km including ferry
In Moskenes, you leave the Lofoten Islands and take a ferry back to Bodø, a lively port city with many islands just offshore. The city center is located on a peninsula in the fjord, where you'll stay in a hotel by the harbor. North of the city, you'll find Kjerringøy, a beautiful old trading post.
Day 10
Return journey
Individual journeys home begin from the airport near the city of Bodø.
Return journey
Day 10
Individual journeys home begin from the airport near the city of Bodø.
Price from
€1,450.00
Services
What's included
6 nights including breakfast in good mid-range hotels in a room with shower/toilet
3 nights including breakfast in a Rorbu (traditional fisherman's cabin), shower/toilet, bed linen, towels, final cleaning
Approximately a 2-hour sea eagle safari by RIB boat in the Trollfjord
Domestic Norwegian ferry: Moskenes–Bodø
Pocket travel guide of your choice
Street map available upon request
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Rental cars (we would be happy to create a suitable offer for you)
Ferry crossings, tolls and fuel, unless listed as included.
Optional excursions, activities and entrance fees
Meals not included in the services
personal expenses
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This self-drive tour is ideal for those who enjoy driving themselves and exploring the countryside independently. Daily distances range from 75 to 315 kilometers, and include several ferry crossings. Along the way, there's plenty of time for walks, sightseeing, and local activities.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Extra bed (adults)
pro Person, Season 01.05.–30.09.2027
€1,210.00
per person
Extra bed for child up to and including 12 years
per child, season 01.05.–30.09.2027
€650.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Route
approx. 760 km from/to Bodø
Traveling with an electric car
Scandinavia is ideal for traveling by electric car. Norway alone has over 15,000 charging stations. Many hotels also offer this option to their guests. Additionally, Google Maps already shows many charging stations along your route. Feel free to contact us!
Notes
Extend your stay in Lofoten! Just ask us! We'll book your rental car from/to Bodø for you at the current daily rate with our selected partners. Itinerary changes are possible. Generally, this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. In individual cases, we are happy to check whether we can still accommodate your travel wishes. Just ask us.