Norway Lofoten — Midnight Sun & Fjords

Lofoten — Why these islands are my drone paradise

There are places you see for the first time in a photograph and think: This can't be real. The Lofoten Islands were such a place for me. Jagged mountains rising straight out of the sea. Fishing villages with red wooden huts clinging to rocky shores. And in summer, a sun that simply never sets. 24 hours of light. 24 hours of opportunities for the perfect picture.

I spent ten days in the Lofoten Islands—with a rental car, a tent as a backup, and of course, my DJI Mini 5 Pro. What surprised me most: The Lofoten Islands aren't just a highlight. They ARE the highlight. Every bend in the road, every bridge, every viewpoint offers a picture you could instantly print as a poster. Here's my complete guide—from getting there and the best drone spots to the question everyone asks: How much does it really cost to have fun in Norway?

Getting there — How to best get to the Lofoten Islands

Flight to Bodø or Harstad-Narvik

Most people fly via Oslo to Bodø (BOO) or Harstad/Narvik-Evenes (EVE). From Bodø, a ferry goes to Moskenes at the southern end of the Lofoten Islands—a 3.5-hour, spectacular journey through the Vestfjord. Tickets start at 180 NOK (approx. €16) for pedestrians and 500 NOK (approx. €44) with a car. From Evenes, you can drive directly to the islands via the E10—approx. 2.5 hours to Svolvær.

My tip: Fly to Evenes and drive the E10 from east to west. This way you'll experience the most dramatic change in landscape right in front of you—from the wide Norwegian coast to the ever-narrowing islands with their jagged peaks. The drive itself is an experience.

Rental cars — the only option

A car is essential in Lofoten. The islands are connected by bridges and tunnels, and the E10 is the lifeline. It's only 170 kilometers from Svolvær in the east to Å in the west—but you'll need at least a week because you'll want to stop every five minutes. Rental cars from Evenes start at €60 per day for a compact car and €80 for a small SUV. Book early—everything is fully booked in the summer.

The highlights — From east to west across the Lofoten Islands

Svolvær — the gateway to Lofoten

Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten—which is relative, as it only has 4,600 inhabitants. But it's the perfect starting point: supermarkets for provisions, cafés with really good coffee (Norwegians are coffee world champions), and a picturesque harbor. The landmark is the Svolvær Goat (Svolværgeita), a striking rock formation with two horns that climbers love to scramble up.

For me, Svolvær was primarily a logistics hub and the starting point for a boat trip into the Trollfjord—a fjord only two kilometers long with vertical rock faces 1,000 meters high on both sides. The boat squeezes through a narrow passage barely wider than its hull. Filmed from above with a drone: the small boat between the towering rock walls—one of my most powerful videos.

Henningsvær — the Venice of Lofoten

Henningsvær is, for me, the most beautiful place in Lofoten. A fishing village spread across several small islands, connected by bridges, with colorful wooden houses and the famous football pitch right by the sea, surrounded by water and mountains. You've definitely seen this football pitch on Instagram—it's one of the most photographed spots in Norway. And yes, from above with a drone, it looks just as surreal as in the pictures.

In Henningsvær, you should eat at Fiskekrogen — one of the best fish restaurants in all of Lofoten. The stockfish (Tørrfisk) is a specialty: cod that has been dried for months in the Arctic winds. It might sound unusual at first, but it tastes fantastic — especially as Tørrfisk gratin. Main courses start at 250 NOK (approx. €22).

Pure — the postcard motif

If you've ever Googled a picture of the Lofoten Islands, it was probably Reine. The red rorbuer (traditional fishermen's cabins on stilts) against the backdrop of the jagged mountains—that's THE Lofoten image. And it looks even better in real life than in photos, because the sheer scale of the mountains can't be captured by any wide-angle lens.

The best view of Reine is from Reinebringen — a steep hiking trail that climbs to 448 meters in an hour. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking: the entire fishing village at your feet, the fjord, the mountain range, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the open sea. Stone steps have been built to stop erosion — but it's still steep. Good shoes and a good level of fitness are essential.

Drone footage from Reinebringen: DO NOT fly from the summit — it's too windy and there are too many people. Launch from the road below and fly up. The drone will easily reach the altitude, and you'll get that epic reveal shot: first the village, then the camera pans up to reveal the entire mountain range. Goosebump-inducing footage.

Å — the end of the world

Å (yes, the place is really just called Å) is the western end of the E10 and it feels like it, too. A tiny fishing village, a museum about the stockfish tradition, and beyond that, only the open sea. Here you feel the wildness of the North Atlantic—waves crashing against the rocks, seagulls screeching, and the wind tugging at your jacket.

The Norwegian Fisheries Museum showcases the lives of the fishermen who have eked out a living from the sea here for centuries. Entry costs 100 NOK, and it's surprisingly captivating. From Å, you can also take a boat trip to the Moskenstraumen tidal current—one of the strongest tidal currents in the world, immortalized in a story by Edgar Allan Poe.

Midnight sun — The light that changes everything

What the Midnight Sun really means

From the end of May to mid-July, the sun doesn't set in Lofoten. Not even a little bit. Not at all. At midnight, it hangs low on the horizon, bathing everything in that golden, almost surreal light, and then it rises again. 24 hours of golden hour. As a photographer and drone pilot, it's an absolute dream—and simultaneously a curse, because you never go to bed.

My trick: Sleep from 2 pm to 8 pm (when the light is harshest) and be outside from 10 pm to 4 am. During these hours you have soft, warm sidelight, no other tourists, and a silence that is almost otherworldly. The mountains cast long shadows across the fjords, and the surface of the water is mirror-smooth. Perfection.

The best spots for midnight sun

Uttakleiv Beach: The most iconic beach in Lofoten. Large, round stones, turquoise water, and the mountains as a backdrop. Often deserted at midnight, and the light is breathtakingly beautiful. Drone flying over the beach under the midnight sun — check. Picture of the year — check.

Haukland Beach: Right next to Uttakleiv, but with finer sand and shallower water. At low tide, sandbanks appear that, from above, look like watercolors—turquoise, green, white. One of my all-time favorite drone spots.

Gimsøya: The island between Svolvær and Henningsvær is frequently visited by boat, but it offers the most expansive views. Flat meadows, scattered sheep, and a panorama stretching across the entire Vestfjord to the mainland. Perfect for time-lapse photography of the midnight sun.

Fjords — The other side of the Lofoten Islands

Trollfjord

I've already mentioned Trollfjord—accessible by boat from Svolvær (tours from 600 NOK, about €53, 2-3 hours). But the Nappstraumen and Sundstraumen straits between the islands are also spectacular. When the tides change, whirlpools and currents form, which you can observe from bridges and viewpoints. White-tailed eagles circle above the fjord—flying a drone at the same altitude as one was a magical moment. But please be respectful: always maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from birds and animals.

Kayaking in the Vestfjord

If you really want to experience the fjords, get in a kayak. Guided tours are available from Reine and Svolvær — 3 hours for about 900 NOK (80 euros). You'll paddle along beneath the cliffs, hear the echo of your paddle, and if you're lucky, a seal might surface next to your kayak. For me, it was one of the most intense nature experiences I've ever had. Flying a drone from a kayak also works surprisingly well — as long as there's no wind and you avoid landing on the water.

Practical tips for the Lofoten Islands

Best time to travel: June to mid-July for the midnight sun. September to October for the northern lights and autumnal colors. March to April for the combination of snow and increasingly bright light. I was there in June—perfect for drone flying and photography.

Accommodation: Rorbuer (traditional fishermen's cabins) offer the most authentic experience — from €120 per night for a cabin with a kitchen, living room, and fjord view. Hotels are available in Svolvær and Leknes from €150. Camping is permitted everywhere thanks to the right of public access (Allemannsretten), even wild camping — but please be respectful. Stay at least 150 meters from inhabited houses and leave no trash behind.

Food and costs: Norway is expensive. A main course in a restaurant costs 200-350 NOK (18-31 euros). A beer costs 100-120 NOK (9-11 euros). A coffee costs 50-60 NOK (4.50-5.30 euros). My money-saving tip: Shop at the supermarket (Rema 1000 or Coop) and cook in the rorbu (traditional fisherman's cabin). A complete dinner with fresh salmon, potatoes, and salad costs about 150 NOK (13 euros) for two people at the supermarket.

Weather: It can change hourly. Pack layers — merino base layer, fleece, windproof and waterproof outer jacket. In June, I had temperatures between 8 and 18 degrees Celsius, often foggy in the mornings, then suddenly bright sunshine. Rain is part of it — but afterwards comes the best light.

Drone: Norway is drone-friendly. Drones under 250 grams don't need registration, but you can't fly higher than 120 meters and must keep a safe distance from airports. The Lofoten Islands have two small airfields (Svolvær and Leknes) – there's a 5 km no-fly zone there. Everywhere else: paradise. Wind is the biggest enemy – the fjords channel the wind, and gusts of 30-40 km/h are normal. Fly in wind force 3 or less for stable footage.

Costs — What you need to budget for 10 days in Lofoten

category	budget	middle class	comfort
Flight (D to Evenes, Return)	200-350 EUR	350-500 EUR	500-750 EUR
Rental car (10 days)	600-850 EUR	850-1,200 EUR	1,200-1,800 EUR
Accommodation (9 nights)	400-700 EUR (Camping/Hostel)	900-1,300 EUR (Rorbu)	1,300-2,200 EUR (Premium Rorbu)
Food and Drink	250-400 EUR (self-cooking)	500-800 EUR (mix)	800-1,400 EUR (Restaurant)
Activities (boat tour, kayaking)	100-200 EUR	200-400 EUR	400-700 EUR
petrol	80-120 EUR	100-150 EUR	120-180 EUR
IN TOTAL	1,630-2,620 EUR	2,900-4,350 EUR	4,320-7,030 EUR

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about the Lofoten Islands

Are the Lofoten Islands worth the high price?

Yes, without a doubt. The Lofoten Islands are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful travel destinations in the world. Yes, Norway is expensive. But the experiences here—midnight sun, drone flights over fjords, hikes with panoramic views—are priceless. If you plan cleverly (self-catering, camping, or simple rorbuer), you can significantly reduce costs. And don't forget: In Norway, there's no entrance fee for nature. The best experiences are free.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Lofoten?

September to March, with the best chances from October to February. The Lofoten Islands lie within the aurora belt and statistically have more clear nights than the mainland. The Norwegian Lights app shows the current forecast. Important: Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun are mutually exclusive—in summer it's too bright for the Northern Lights, and in winter there is no Midnight Sun. So choose carefully what's more important to you.

Is it possible to surf in Lofoten?

Yes, indeed! Unstad Beach on the north side is one of the northernmost surf spots in the world. The best waves arrive in winter—2 to 3 meters, sometimes more. And yes, you'll surf under the Northern Lights. In summer, the waves are smaller (0.5 to 1.5 meters), but the midnight sun makes it a unique experience. A 5/4 mm wetsuit is a must—the water temperature ranges from 7 to 13 degrees Celsius, depending on the season. Surfboard rentals and lessons are available at Unstad Arctic Surf starting at 800 NOK (70 euros).

How many days do I need at a minimum?

The absolute minimum is 5 days. This will allow you to see the highlights from Svolvær to Å, but you'll have little time for hikes and spontaneous stops. Ideally, you should spend 7 to 10 days. This gives you time to hike Reinebringen, take a boat trip, enjoy the beaches under the midnight sun, and simply spend a day without a plan—which often provides the best moments in Lofoten.

Is it worth taking the ferry from Bodø or is it better to drive via Evenes?

The ferry from Bodø to Moskenes is an experience in itself—3.5 hours across the Vestfjord with views of the Lofoten Wall (the mountain range that rises like a wall from the sea). If the weather cooperates, it's spectacular. The downside: the ferry is often fully booked (especially with cars), the schedule is inflexible, and it's canceled in stormy weather. Traveling via Evenes offers more flexibility and faster access to the islands. My suggestion: travel there via Evenes, and return by ferry from Moskenes to Bodø—that way you get the best of both worlds.

About the author: Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here.