Norway: Lofoten Islands Bike Tour
Eight nights; seven days of cycling on quiet, paved coastal roads with options to hike and sea kayak. In June and July the sun never sets.
"Lodging was...amazing. Guides were the best... It will be hard to find another trip as perfect as this one - the bar has been set very high." - Mike and Joyce D.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Outstanding fjord scenery with dramatic coastal roads and towering peaks.
- Cycling near mountains, and along coastal roads linking pretty fishing villages.
- Opt for kayaking in the tranquil waters surrounding Henningsvær .
- Savour fresh Norwegian seafood – try the local fish soup!
- Stay in traditional waterfront rorbu cottages for an authentic Lofoten experience.
- Make the most of the midnight sun, with extended daylight hours for exploration.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Quiet coastal routes with mostly paved roads, rolling hills, and plenty of level stretches. The ease of riding often depends on the wind, but we strive to plan routes that take advantage of downwind conditions whenever possible. It's always best to come prepared for a variety of conditions and embrace the adventure!
Daily Distance:
- 1: Arrivals and Introductions.
- 2: Harstad to Sortland ~55km (+450m / -470m) or ~91km (+720m / -720m).
- 3: Sortland to Stokmarknes ~65km (+370m / -370m).
- 4: Stokmarknes to Svolvær ~80km (+325m / -330m).
- 5: Svolvær to Henningsvær ~25km (+160m / -160m); optional kayaking.
- 6: Vestvågøya to Ballstad ~73km (+710m / -710m).
- 7: Ballstad to Reine via Nusfjord ~45km (+615m / -620m).
- 8: Reine to Sørvågen ~10km (+160m / -150m); optional hiking.
- 9: Farewells.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Harstad, Thon Hotel, 18:00, day one.
Norweigan and SAS offer daily flights from Oslo; they also operate from Bodø back to Oslo at the end of the tour. From the Narvik/Harstad airport, the flybus has regular departures directly to the hotel. Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Finish: Moskenes ferry terminal, 10:00, day nine. Please note that ferry departures vary; consult the summer ferry schedule for Moskenes to Bodø or contact us before booking your flight.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Arrivals and Introductions.
Your Lofoten adventure begins in Harstad, the home port of the oldest sailing schooner in the world, the Anna Rogde. Guests arriving in Harstad before the tour begins may visit Trondenes Church, the world's northernmost surviving medieval building. Other activities for early arrivals include horseback riding, golf, and hiking.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Thon Hotel; or Clarion Collections Hotel Arcticus, Harstad.DAY 2:
Harstad to Sortland ~55km (+450m / -470m) or ~91km (+720m / -720m).
Leaving Harstad, you will begin your week of island hopping by cycling from the island of Hinnøya to the island of Langøya via Gullesfjorden, a 35 km-long fjord that cuts deep into Hinnøya. A short ferry, running every hour, will assist with the first of many fjord crossings in the days to come.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Scandic Sortland; or Sortland Hotel, Sortland.DAY 3:
Sortland to Stokmarknes ~65km (+370m / -370m).
Continuing along the Lofoten archipelago, you will cycle along the edge of Eidsfjorden, a massive 25 km-long fjord overlooking the Norwegian Sea. Towering peaks dot the horizon to the north as you pass through numerous small villages on your way to your lodging on the small island of Børøya.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Vesterålen Kysthotell; or Quality Hotel Richard With, Stokmarknes.DAY 4:
Stokmarknes to Svolvær ~80km (+325m / -330m).
Leaving Børøya, you will cross over to Hadseløya Island and pass through the village of Stokmarknes. From there, your ride will take you along the eastern coast of the island to the ferry terminal in Melbu, where you will catch a 25-minute ferry across Hadselfjorden to the island of Austvågøya. Placid lakes reflect mountain scenes along this afternoon’s route into Svolvær.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Anker Brygge; or Thon Hotel Svolvær, Svolvær.DAY 5:
Svolvær to Henningsvær ~25km (+160m / -160m); optional kayaking.
The short ride concludes at the fishing village of Henningsvær. Situated on a small archipelago off the southern coast of Austvågøy, this quaint village is set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. This small community, known for its winter fisheries, thrived in the early 1800s and remains largely unchanged to this day. Return to Svolvær by vehicle or bike. Time permitting, optional afternoon activities include kayaking, a boat cruise to the nearby Trollfjord, or simply relaxing at your inn.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
Same lodging.DAY 6:
Vestvågøya to Ballstad ~73km (+710m / -710m).
Begin today with a transfer to your starting point on the island of Vestvågøya. From there, continue along the southern coast, passing through numerous seaside villages and coves. The ride concludes in Ballstad, a picturesque village nestled in the shadow of Skottinden, a 700-meter peak towering overhead.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Solsiden Brygge Rorbuer; or Hemmingodden Lodge, Ballstad.DAY 7:
Ballstad to Reine via Nusfjord ~45km (+615m / -620m).
A mid-morning ferry takes you to the neighboring village of Nusfjord, where you will begin your ride to Reine, a charming village of 300 inhabitants near the southern tip of the Lofoten Archipelago. Reine is often hailed as the most beautiful fishing village in Norway, and we are confident you will agree. A late-afternoon or evening hike to a lofty perch atop Reinebringen comes highly recommended.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Reine Rorbuer; or Sakrisøy Rorbuer, Reine.DAY 8:
Reine to Sørvågen ~10km (+160m / -150m); optional hiking.
Ride a short distance to Sørvågen at the end of the Lofoten Archipelago. On the return journey, stop for a short walk to Kvalvika Beach—one of Lofoten’s most iconic stretches of coastline, nestled between steep cliffs and turquoise waters. Afterwards, continue back to your lodgings in Reine for a final evening of Lofoten hospitality.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 9:
Farewells.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Moskenes ferry terminal, where your Freewheeling adventure officially concludes.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2025 DATES:
2026 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 7995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, full time vehicle and guide support, maps and route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 7595 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps and route instructions, emergency on-call support, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1495
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Change to Road: C 150
Change to E-bike: C 300
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is June to August.
- Spring, April to May, averages high temperatures range from 6 to 10 °C (43 to 50 °F). Note that seasonal businesses and routes may still be closed, or on off-season hours, until mid-June.
- Summer, June to August, typically peaks around 17 °C (62 °F).
- Autumn tends to be the rainy season, though temperatures in September and October can still be mild, similar to spring.
GET TO THE START
Fly into Oslo International Airport (OSL) and take a connecting flight to Narvik/Harstad (EVE). Norwegian and SAS offer daily flights from Oslo.
From the Narvik/Harstad airport, the flybus (www.flybussen.no) has regular departures directly to the first hotel of your Freewheeling Adventure. Tickets can be purchased upon your arrival from airport kiosks or in advance by booking online. Taxis are also available from the airport.
AFTER THE FINISH
On the morning of day nine you will be transferred to the Moskenes ferry terminal for a 3 hour ferry crossing to Bodø. Tickets are purchased at the time of departure. Please note that ferry departures vary; consult the summer ferry schedule (ruteinfo.thn.no) for Moskenes to Bodø or contact us before booking your return flight. To get from the ferry to the airport, it’s 15 minutes by bus, or 5-10 minutes by taxi.
Alternately, you may take a leisurely and picturesque route and travel from Bodø back to Oslo by train. https://www.vy.no/en. The train station is very close to the ferry terminal – 10 minutes’ walk.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
An extra day of activity in Reine at the end of your trip is recommended before catching the ferry to Bodø. Boating, kayaking, or hiking are good choices, or simply relax and enjoy this very special, tranquil area.
If you have several days:
Consider extending your Scandinavian adventure by joining one of Freewheeling's Iceland tours.
We recommend the following accommodations in Oslo for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations in this city, or at your inns in Harstad or Reine.
Comfort Hotel Grand Central, Ph: +47 22 98 28 00
Villa Frogner B&B, Ph: +47 22 56 19 60
Saga Hotel, Ph: +47 22 55 44 90
The Thief, Ph: +47 24 00 40 00
MORE READING
North of the Arctic Circle, lying between the 68th and 69th parallel, the Lofoten Islands is the furthest north Freewheeling has ever adventured. What lies upon this archipelago of craggy, often snow-capped peaks jutting into the Norwegian Sea is one of the best kept secrets in the cycling world. Long fjords, narrow waterways, and picturesque fishing communities dot the landscape and make the beauty of these islands staggering.
With the aid of ferries, your ride will take you across all four of the main islands; Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy and Moskenesøy. Your route follows quiet, paved coastal roads that link one fishing village to the next, and although mountains loom overhead, the route is relatively flat. Despite being so far north, the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, prevailing tailwinds, and the long days of summer create an ideal climate for cycling. Accommodations each evening reflect the charm and humility of the Norwegian people, and are often in the form of a fisherman's cabin set on stilts at the end of a wharf.
We recommend catching a flight from Oslo to the Narvik/Harstad airport. Harstad is a small town and a pleasant place to acclimatize following your travels; if you decide to arrive early, please ask for help securing lodging. At the end of your bike tour, you will want to arrange a flight from Bodø back to Oslo; both routes are operated by Norweigan and SAS.