By any criteria, the Lofoten Islands are beautiful: a rugged Arctic landscape of deep blue fjords and mountains that rise in kilometre-high peaks. It’s all peppered with gorgeous beaches and colourful fishing villages, blessed with fantastic displays of the Northern Lights and summer's Midnight Sun.

What’s more, the archipelago is delightfully explorable. Although the snow-dusted elevations and jagged shorelines might look imposing, they’re knitted together by well-maintained hiking routes and coastal roads, sweeping between sheltered bays on bridge hops. They’re perfect for an ultra-scenic road trip. And, as something of a high-altitude anomaly, winter in the Lofoten Islands is delightfully mild, making them ideal for a trip to spot the Northern Lights. The regular displays are set to some of Europe’s most impressive fjord backdrops.

The Northern Lights over the Lofoten Islands

There’s also plenty to entertain back at base, with the islands' idyllic fishermen’s villages. Here, you’ll spend your nights in iconic red cabins, stilted out over the water. There’s perhaps nothing cosier than returning after a day’s exploration to a roaring fire and spectacular views over a secluded bay. You’ll also be able to indulge with some of Norway’s finest just-caught seafood, invariably paired with a thoughtfully chosen wine.

The village of Reine

Then, over summer, the Northern Lights are replaced with another celestial phenomenon – the Midnight Sun. The Earth’s axial tilt means that the sun rarely, if ever, dips below the horizon, bathing the islands in a gorgeous soft glow. It’s a photographer’s dream and perfect for some outdoor fun. Alongside hiking and cycling, you might want to hit the waters for everything from kayaking and fishing to snorkelling and diving. It’s also the best time to join a sea safari in search of local wildlife, including grey seals, sea eagles and killer whales. Then, for a lesson in the islands’ history, get yourself to the Lofotr Viking Museum – a reconstruction and archaeological excavation of a thousand-year-old chieftain’s village.

Inspired? Browse our selection of itineraries below, or get in contact today with one of our Norway experts today.