Norway: Vesterålen and Lofoten Self-Drive Adventure

Arrive into Harstad/Narvik Airport and transfer to a 25-minute connecting flight to the fishing village of Andenes, located on the island of Andoya, also known as “Island of the Ducks”. Spend two nights at the Andenes Suite Hotel, formerly the village’s elementary school. Collect your hire car in Andenes.

In the morning, go on a puffin or whale safaris. 80,000 pairs of puffins, minke, humpback, orca and sperm whales frequent the waters off Andenes. Later, explore the village shops and bakeries – we recommend trying a Norwegian Skoleboller, a coconut and vanilla custard bun!

Visit Norway’s only operational space centre, the Andoya Space Centre to learn about Northern Lights research and take a virtual trip to Mars. Self-drive approximately two hours, 15 minutes to Hinnøya Island on the Vesterålen archipelago, home to Kvitnes Gård for your next overnight stay. This evening, experience an outstanding four-hour tasting menu dinner made with ingredients grown only on the farm or sourced locally.

After a wholesome breakfast of cured meats, porridge, local cheeses, farm eggs, rhubarb marmalade and home made breads, spend the morning on a farm tour, go fishing or hiking, or explore the fjord on a zodiac safari. If time allows, escape to the sauna, perfectly positioned on the edge of the fjord. The next leg takes you to the Lofoten Islands, staying in the charming village of Henningsvær, approximately two hours, 35-minutes from Kvitnes. Overnight at Henningsvær Bryggehotell.

Spend the morning exploring Henningsvær. Perhaps do a private tour of contemporary art museum, the KaviarFactory, do a private glassblowing workshop, or take the short walk to Henningsvær Football Stadium for spectacular views across the Norwegian sea. In the afternoon, drive to Svolvaer for a RIB-boat safari to see white-tailed sea eagles, with a wingspan of up to 2.45 metres. Overnight in Henningsvær.

Enroute to Ballstad, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, or learn the process of cheesemaking at Lofoten Gardsysteri. Stop by Unstad Beach to watch the locals Arctic surfing, cinnamon bun in hand – they claim to be the best in the world! For dinner, experience a seafood chef’s table at Lofoten Food Studio in Ballstad (additional cost). Overnight at Solsiden Brygge.

With a local guide explore the Lofoten landscapes on foot or by private boat. During summer, experience the midnight sun by kayak and in the winter do an evening paddle in search of the Northern Lights. Stay overnight at Nusfjord Arctic Resort, where there is little light pollution; perfect conditions for aurora viewing.

After the first night in an original fisherman’s cottage (Rorbu), explore Nusfjord, one of Lofoten’s oldest and most preserved fishing villages. Visit the former cod liver factory, now a small museum within the resort, and enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat in the cafe/shop, which has been recreated to how it would have been in the 1800s.

Before departing for Moskenes, unwind in the sauna and hot tub, or brave a cold sea plunge. Drive to Reine, a picturesque fishing village dotted with red and white fishermen’s cottages across a chain of islands, linked by bridges. From here, hike the local peaks with a guide, or kayak around the islands. Overnight at Holmen Lofoten.

Explore Moskenes Island, such as The Norwegian Fishing Village Museum in Å, which houses a boathouse, a cod liver oil factory, a bakery and a post office from the 1800s. In the evening, dine at Holmen’s Kitchen on the Edge.

Depart from Lofoten and take the early morning car ferry to Bodø (approximately three hours), crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2024. On foot, explore the city’s shops and restaurants, making time to visit Craig Alibone Pâtisserie for chocolate and champagne. Stroll along the pier to see the city skyline and the mountains of the Lofoten Wall in the distance. Overnight at the Wood Hotel.

Bodø has an abundance of attractions, including the Norwegian Aviation Museum, the Jekt Trade Museum, Kjerringoy Handelstedd – Norway’s best preserved old trading post – and zodiac excursions to Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom, where 400 million cubic meters of water cross the narrow strait. Final night at the Wood Hotel.

After breakfast, return the hire car for onward travel home.