Lofoten by Rental Car

Lofoten Islands belonging to the top 10 scenic places on earth.

The Lofoten Islands are undoubtedly one of the most remarkable destinations in the world, widely recognized as Norway's most scenic region.
It's easy to see why, as the stunning landscape is breathtaking year-round. However, during the winter months, the harsh and long season transforms the already picturesque views into an unseen world of snow and ice. A visit during the winter season could reward you with the mesmerizing sight of the Northern Lights elegantly dancing across the night sky. In the summer you will experince the midnight sun, its steep mountains and it torquise waters and it will create unforgeable pictures for your memories.

Driving to and in Lofoten

Although the shortest route is not always the easiest, renting a car or camper van to explore the famous Lofoten islands can be an amazing experience.
However, getting from the main Norwegian travel hub, Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL), to Leknes or Svolvær can be a little more complicated than you might expect.
First of all, there are no non-stop flights from Oslo to Leknes or Svolvær, meaning that you'll have to make a stopover in Bodø. From there, you'll need to take the local airline Widerøe or a ferry to Moskenes, which can be quite challenging when it comes to matching schedules.

After organizing trips to Lofoten since 2012, we've learned that most of our customers prefer to go directly to the capital of the North, Tromsø.
With several international non-stop flights and many daily flights from Oslo, it's faster, cheaper, more comfortable, and more reliable to get there. Going from Tromsø to Lofoten is a day trip by car, taking approximately eight hours. However, this isn't a hassle at all.
Quite the opposite, getting closer and closer while crossing more and more islands connected by bridges, the approach is one of the most scenic coastal road trips on earth. As a bonus, you can make a short detour and explore the stunning island Senja, and even Vesterålen and Kvaløya are just on the way.

Lofoten in Winter

Winter on the Lofoten Islands is a magical time, attracting many travelers with the promise of snow-capped mountains and the enchanting northern lights. Once the night sky darkens, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring sight of the Aurora, showcasing the natural beauty of this stunning region. The Northern Lights are visible between September and March when the skies are clear.

However, the winter weather on the Lofoten Islands is known for its ferocity. It's not just wild, it's stay-inside kind of weather. The Arctic Sea's winds and frequent snowstorms can make it challenging to time your visit perfectly, but these storms also add to the rugged charm of the islands, providing some incredible scenes.

Lofoten in Winter

Winter on the Lofoten Islands is a magical time, attracting many travelers with the promise of snow-capped mountains and the enchanting northern lights. Once the night sky darkens, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring sight of the Aurora, showcasing the natural beauty of this stunning region. The Northern Lights are visible between September and March when the skies are clear.

Renting a car in Lofoten vs. in Tromsø

If you're planning to rent a car for your trip on the Lofoten Islands, it's worth check prices with car rental companies up North in Tromsø. The rental cost in Leknes of Svolvær will likely be higher than if you were to rent a car in Tromsø. This is because almost everything on the Lofoten Islands comes with a higher price tag, due to the region's popularity as a tourist destination, but also everything has to be transported to the islands.