Where to Stay in Lofoten: Best Areas, Hotels & My Experience

This guide compares the best areas to stay in Lofoten, from Reine to Svolvær, and explains if and how to split the nights. It also reviews all the top-rated hotels and rorbuer in each area, including two cabins I personally tested.

I spent a week in Lofoten in early September, and the first thing I had to figure out, before any hike, was where to sleep. The Lofoten islands are linked by one long road, and the places I wanted to see were spread along the whole thing. So I split the trip in two.

For the first half, I stayed between Svolvær and Henningsvær. For the second half I moved to a cabin on the road between Hamnøy and Reine, the area with the red and yellow fishing cabins you’ve probably seen in photos. Both had private parking and a sauna I could book. From both areas, I saw the northern lights straight from the balcony.

In this guide, I write in detail about the places I slept in, and I list all the hotels and rorbuers I saw along the way that also happen to have the best hotel reviews in all the Lofoten Islands.

As I'll tell you below, if you don't have much time and need to choose only one place to stay in Lofoten, I’d go with the area between Hamnøy and Reine, by a small margin. The Svolvær side was quieter, though, and interesting in its own way, and I’m glad I didn’t skip it.

For a week or more, I’d split the nights between the Southwest side (near Reine) and the Northeast side (near Svolvær) of the islands. With only four or five nights, I’d stay near Reine. Here are my best picks, but I will include more options in the next chapters:

• Southwest / Reine side:
  • Anitas Waterfront Cabins, a modern cabin on the water between Hamnøy and Reine, with private parking and a sauna you can book. I stayed here and loved it. 
  • Sakrisøy Rorbuer, the historic yellow fishing cabins on Sakrisøy, a tiny island right next to Reine. I walked over from my cabin to check them out, and they all looked beautiful. 
• Northeast / Svolvær side:
  • Lofoten Apartments, a two-bedroom apartment in Hopen with a terrace over the water, 15 minutes by car from both Svolvær and Henningsvær. I chose this place and really enjoyed my stay.  
  • Henningsvær Bryggehotell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, right on the harbor in Henningsvær. 

Lofoten is a chain of islands off northern Norway, connected by bridges and tunnels. One main road, the E10, runs through all of them. Almost everything you’ll want to see is on that road or a short detour from it.

I'll go over the main locations, but you can directly scroll down to the map of the best areas in Lofoten if you'd rather have a visual first.

Places to keep in mind to choose where to stay:

• Svolvær (northeast): the main town, with the most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Trollfjord boat trips and the ferry to Skrova island leave from its harbor. Another town you'll see mentioned a lot is Henningsvær, a fishing village 30 minutes away from Svolvær which is a great base for many hikes.
• Leknes (center): the only other real town, with a small airport and big supermarkets. 
• Reine, Hamnøy and Sakrisøy (southwest): the villages with the red and yellow fishing cabins, and the start of the Reinebringen hike. 
• Å (far southwest, end of the road): a tiny village 10 minutes past Reine. Worth a visit, pretty famous, but too far out to be a practical base.

Driving times to know:

• Svolvær to Reine: about 120 km (75 mi), 2 hours
• Leknes to Reine: 56 km (35 mi), about 1 hour
• Leknes to Svolvær: 70 km (43 mi), about 1 hour 15 minutes
• Svolvær to Henningsvær: 25 km (16 mi), about 30 minutes

These are Google Maps times, but mine were sometimes longer. The road is narrow, the speed limits are low. This is why the side you sleep on matters. The best hikes are worth starting early, and I didn’t want two hours in the car before each one.

How you get in Lofoten:

• Leknes airport: where I landed, on a short flight from Bodø. I chose it because it sits about halfway between the two bases, there are rental car agencies on site, and overall it was the quickest and most scenic way in.
• Svolvær airport: handy if you want to start and end on the Svolvær side.
• Moskenes port: located near Reine, is the port you'll arrive at if you choose to take the ferry from Bodø instead of flying in.

All the options are compared in my guide on how to get to the Lofoten Islands.

They’re good at different things, so the right choice depends on what you came to do.

Reine Side (West Lofoten)

• Best for: hikers and anyone who wants the famous Lofoten scenery outside the window.
• Hikes nearby: Reinebringen, the stone steps right above Reine, and the loop to Kvalvika, a beach you can only reach on foot, with Ryten, the viewpoint above it.
• Villages: Reine, Hamnøy and Sakrisøy are minutes apart, Å is at the end of the road, and Nusfjord, a historic fishing village, is about 50 minutes away.
• Where I ate: Anita’s Sjømat in Sakrisøy and Café Bringen in Reine, for coffee and cake after Reinebringen.
• Crowds: busier than the Svolvær side, since almost everyone drives down here at some point.

Svolvær Side (East Lofoten)

• Best for: fjord cruises, boat trips, kayaking and more choice of restaurants.
• Hikes nearby: Festvågtind, the peak right above Henningsvær. Djevelporten, a short climb from Svolvær to a boulder stuck between two cliffs.
• Villages: Henningsvær, Svolvær and Kabelvåg, all within 30 minutes of each other.
• Where I ate: Fiskekrogen restaurant in Henningsvær, Bacalao restaurant on the Svolvær waterfront, and Lysstøperiet in Henningsvær for cinnamon buns.
• Crowds: quieter, at least in early September.

Two of my favorite days came from this side. The silent boat trip into the Trollfjord, a narrow fjord you can only see from the water, and a kayak tour around Skrova both leave from Svolvær.

Leknes and Ballstad (Central Lofoten)

• Best for: I wouldn't suggest staying in this area, but sometimes travelers pick it for short trips of three nights or fewer, hoping to see both the West and the East from here. 
• Hikes nearby: Mannen, above Haukland Beach, and Offersøykammen. I did both on my arrival day, straight from Leknes airport.
• Villages: Ballstad is a working fishing village 10 minutes from Leknes. Leknes itself is a practical town.
• Where I ate: nowhere, I only drove through.
• Crowds: less of a destination, so fewer people stop.

My pick: the best scenario is to stay for at least 6 nights, and split between the West and the East. You can explore the villages and the hikes in the central area from either locations. However, if you can only choose one area to stay, choose the Reine side. The villages and trails there were a bit more impressive to me. The Svolvær side came very close, and it’s where I’d go for cruises and kayak day-trips.

My rule after this trip is simple: at least three nights per base. That was enough to do the hikes on each side without long drives. How I’d split the nights:

• 4 to 5 nights or fewer: all of them near Reine, the area I’d pick if I could only have one base.
• 6 nights: three on the Svolvær side and three on the Reine side. This is exactly what I did, and I wouldn’t change it.
• 7 nights or more: the same two bases, just staying longer. A central base doesn’t add much at that point, because the drives from each side are manageable. I’d use the extra days for adding more activities from the same bases.

Why I personally wouldn’t go below five nights in total: the weather. It changes incredibly fast, from sun to rain and back within an hour, and I had one full day of rain in six nights. With a shorter trip, one bad day takes a big bite out of it.

1. Anitas Waterfront Cabins (Where I Stayed)

• Ideal for: couples, families or two couples traveling together, and anyone hoping to see the northern lights without driving around at night.
• Price: in 2027, from about $300 a night, depending on the specific cabin and period. I booked three months ahead and paid $800 for three nights in a two-bedroom cabin in September 2026. 
• Rooms: modern cabins in red wood, right on the water. Mine, called South, had two bedrooms, one bathroom and a big living room with a full kitchen.
• Parking: private, right outside the door.
• Location: on the main road between Hamnøy and Reine, facing the little island of Olenilsøy. I walked to Hamnøy and Sakrisøy, and Reine is a few minutes by car. Anita’s Sjømat, one of the best seafood spots around, is across the road.
• What makes it special: there’s very little light around at night. When the aurora came out, I watched it from the balcony first, then crossed the road for the view over Hamnøy. There’s also a sauna house next to the cabins, Anitas’ Wellness, that you can book for an extra fee, and a terrace on the water just for guests.
• Booking: Anitas Waterfront Cabins

It was quiet and had a great view, and I honestly have nothing to complain about.

2. Sakrisøy Rorbuer (Top-Rated Rorbu)

• Ideal for: couples, families and anyone who wants to sleep in one of the classic yellow fishing cabins.
• Price: from about $300 a night.
• Rooms: full fishermen’s cabins, plus some rooms and apartments, all with a private bathroom and a kitchenette.
• Parking: free, on site.
• Location: on Sakrisøy, a tiny island just before Reine, connected by bridges. Anita’s Sjømat and a Coop supermarket are on the same island.
• What makes it special: these are the yellow cabins on stilts from almost every photo of Reine, an old fishing station run by the same family for generations.
• Booking: Sakrisøy Rorbuer

3. Eliassen Rorbuer (Most Famously Photogenic Rorbuer)

• Ideal for: photographers, couples and families who want the postcard view from their door.
• Price: from about $330 a night.
• Rooms: renovated fishermen’s cottages with a living room, a private bathroom and a kitchen. Some have views of the harbor and the Reinefjord, others look onto the village.
• Parking: free, on site.
• Location: on Hamnøy, about 10 minutes by car from Reine.
• What makes it special: the red cabins on Hamnøy are the view from the bridge that ends up in so many Lofoten photos. There’s a casual restaurant on site, Krambua, with local food.
• Booking: Eliassen Rorbuer

4. Reine Rorbuer Fisherman’s Cabins (Best for Staying in Reine)

• Ideal for: couples and anyone who wants to walk to cafés and restaurants in the evening.
• Price: from about $300 a night.
• Rooms: traditional fishermen’s cottages with a kitchenette, and some simpler guest rooms. All have fjord views and a private bathroom.
• Parking: free, on site.
• Location: in Reine itself, so Café Bringen and the Reinebringen trail are a walk away.
• What makes it special: it has its own restaurant, Gammelbua, which focuses on local fish, and you can rent boats and bikes on site.
• Booking: Reine Rorbuer

5. The Tide Hotel (Best Hotel with Breakfast)

• Ideal for: couples and families who’d rather have a hotel, with breakfast and someone at the front desk.
• Price: from about $250 a night, usually with breakfast included.
• Rooms: modern hotel rooms with sea, lake or mountain views, a walk-in shower and air-conditioning. There are family rooms too.
• Parking: private parking on site (charges may apply depending on the room). 
• Location: in Sørvågen, between Reine and Å, a short drive from the Moskenes ferry.
• What makes it special: a proper restaurant and bar in the building, plus a small grocery shop and coffee shop, which is handy at the end of the road. They also offer plenty of organized tours and experiences like rib safari, fishing trips, northern lights safari, and mountain hikes.
• Booking: The Tide Hotel

6. Lofoten Apartments (Where I Stayed)

• Ideal for: couples, families and small groups who want space, quiet and a nice kitchen.
• Price: from about $230 a night on Booking. I booked three months ahead and paid $750 for three nights in early September 2026.
• Rooms: a small building with two apartments and a penthouse on top. Mine had a sea view, roomy bedrooms, a big living room with a full kitchen and a terrace over the water.
• Parking: private, right outside.
• Location: in Hopen, a quiet spot on the Hopspollen inlet just outside Kabelvåg. The restaurants in Svolvær and Henningsvær are both about 15 minutes by car, and the Kiwi supermarket is 10 minutes away.
• What makes it special: a barrel sauna on a deck by the water, with a ladder straight into the sea. It costs NOK 300 per person for two hours, towels included, fits up to six people, and the host sends you a booking link. I used it on a rainy day, got into the water up to my knees and decided that was enough. The host can also arrange guided kayak trips and hikes. The area is also dark enough to fully see the northern lights, if you're lucky
• Booking: Lofoten Apartments

7. Svinøya Rorbuer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Rorbuer in Svolvær)

• Ideal for: couples and families who want a classic rorbu within walking distance of town.
• Price: from about $180 a night. Some rates include breakfast.
• Rooms: fishermen’s cottages and apartments with a full kitchen. Some have a fireplace, a balcony or even a private sauna.
• Parking: free, on site.
• Location: on Svinøya, a small island linked to Svolvær by a bridge, about 1 km (0.6 mi) from the center.
• What makes it special: Børsen Spiseri, the restaurant on site, is one of the best-known places in Lofoten for local fish. Northern lights trips and boat trips to the Trollfjord can be booked at reception.
• Booking: Svinøya Rorbuer

8. Henningsvær Bryggehotell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Hotel in Henningsvær)

• Ideal for: couples who want to stay in the prettiest village on this side.
• Price: from about $215 a night.
• Rooms: classic hotel rooms with sea or mountain views, soundproofing, a minibar and a coffee machine. They’re on the small side, around 24 m² (260 sq ft).
• Parking: spaces are limited in Henningsvær, so check the details with the hotel when you book.
• Location: right on the harbor in Henningsvær, a short walk from the cafés, galleries and restaurants, Lysstøperiet and Fiskekrogen included.
• What makes it special: a restaurant and bar in the hotel, and a breakfast that guests keep praising in the reviews. Check if your rate includes it.
• Booking: Henningsvær Bryggehotell

9. Thon Hotel Svolvær ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Hotel in Svolvær)

• Ideal for: anyone who prefers a full hotel, with breakfast included and a 24-hour front desk.
• Price: from about $240 a night, breakfast included.
• Rooms: modern rooms with parquet floors, bathrobes and slippers, a minibar and streaming on the TV. There are family rooms too.
• Parking: private parking at the hotel.
• Location: on the harbor in central Svolvær, a short walk from the boats to the Trollfjord and Skrova.
• What makes it special: the easiest base if you’re planning boat trips, plus a fitness room, a restaurant and electric car charging.
• Booking: Thon Hotel Svolvær

10. Nyvågar Rorbuhotell (Best for Families)

• Ideal for: families and groups of four.
• Price: from about $190 a night. Breakfast costs extra, around $30.
• Rooms: two-floor fishermen’s cottages with a living room, a kitchenette, a bathroom and a balcony or terrace.
• Parking: free, on site.
• Location: in Storvågan, Kabelvåg, about 10 minutes by car from Svolvær and close to Hopen, where I stayed.
• What makes it special: the Lofoten Aquarium is a three-minute walk away, and there are barbecue facilities on the property. The restaurant serves fish dishes in summer.
• Booking: Nyvågar Rorbuhotell

Search for a place to stay in Lofoten and the word “rorbu” shows up everywhere. Here’s what each type actually means.

• Rorbuer (singular rorbu): traditional fishermen’s cabins, usually red and often on stilts over the water. The name comes from “ro”, to row, and “bu”, a small house. They were built for the fishermen who came every winter for the cod season, and the first ones date back to the 1100s. Today most are renovated with a kitchen, a bathroom and one to three bedrooms. The ones on Sakrisøy are yellow, which is rare.
• Modern cabins and apartments: newer buildings, often in the same red wood and right on the water, built for visitors from the start. They usually feel more spacious and have bigger windows. Both of my bases were this type. My cabin near Hamnøy looked a lot like a rorbu from the road, but it was never used by fishermen.
• Hotels: there are only a handful, mostly in Svolvær, plus a few in Henningsvær, Leknes and near Reine. Good if you want breakfast included and a front desk.
• Guesthouses and hostels: the cheapest beds, found in places like Svolvær, Kabelvåg, Leknes and Å. Some have shared bathrooms and kitchens.
• Camping: Norway’s right to roam allows tent camping in nature, at least 150 m (500 ft) from houses, but several popular spots in Lofoten now ban it, and motorhomes can’t spend the night at most rest areas along the E10. If you’re planning to camp, check the restricted zones and the official camping sites first.

For me, a Rorbuer or cabin with a kitchen made the most sense. Restaurants are expensive, and some days after a long hike, it was nice to cook something simple and eat with a view of the water.

Private Parking

For me this was the most important filter. Parking in Lofoten is limited, often expensive, and the rules are strict.

• Fines are common: I saw a parking attendant ticket a car that had one wheel just over the white line. Keep the whole car inside the markings.
• Most parking is paid: the bigger lots usually work with the EasyPark app, linked to your license plate, and you can end the session early. Prices vary a lot: I paid about NOK 22 an hour at Haukland Beach and NOK 260 for three hours at the Reinebringen lot.
• Some free lots have a time limit: they need a parking disc on the dashboard. The souvenir shop at the parking lot in Å sells them.
• You cannot stop on the roadside: pulling over for a quick photo, or in one of the small passing places on narrow roads, is one of the most common fines for tourists.

A place with its own parking saves you all of this at the end of the day. More driving tips are in my guide to renting a car in Lofoten.

Dark Skies for the Northern Lights

From September to early April, it gets dark enough at night to see the aurora. If that’s on your list, stay away from the lights of Svolvær and Leknes and pick a place on the water with little around it.

I saw the northern lights straight from my balcony in both locations I stayed at. Between late April and August this tip doesn’t apply: the nights are too bright, and from late May the sun doesn’t set at all.

A Sauna for Rainy Days

The weather in Lofoten changes fast, from sun to rain and back within an hour, and some days it just rains. I had one full day like that in six nights. I spent it on a cruise in the morning and in the sauna at my apartment in the afternoon, which turned a lost day into one of the nicest.

Both places I stayed had a private sauna you could book for an extra fee. When you compare options, it’s worth filtering for one, if you're interested.

A Kitchen and a Supermarket Nearby

Eating out in Lofoten adds up fast. Dinner for two at Fiskekrogen in Henningsvær, with two fish soups, a big portion of mussels and fries and one beer, was around NOK 1,100. At Bacalao in Svolvær, two reindeer burgers, a beer and a dessert came to about the same.

A kitchen lets you cook some evenings and pack snacks for the hikes. Check how far the closest supermarket is. Mine were 2 and 10 minutes away by car. Most supermarkets in Norway are closed on Sundays, so stock up on Saturday.

When to Book

• Summer (June to August): book as early as you can. The best rorbuer sell out up to 6 months ahead.
• September and the shoulder months: I booked both places three months ahead and still had a good choice.
• Free cancellation: many places on Booking offer it until a few weeks before arrival, so you can book early and still change plans.

Is accommodation in Lofoten expensive?

Yes, compared to most of Europe. In spring and early fall, the places in this guide start at around $180 to $500 a night for two, and summer is higher. I paid about €220 to €240 a night for both of my bases in early September, and having a kitchen helped keep the rest of the budget under control.

Do I need a car to stay in Lofoten?

For almost every place in this guide, yes. Buses exist, but they’re infrequent, and the trailheads, beaches and villages are spread along the whole E10. Without a car, Svolvær is the most practical base, since you can walk to restaurants and many boat tours leave from the harbor. I covered pickup, insurance and road rules in my guide to renting a car in Lofoten.

Do I need to stay in Bodø before going to Lofoten?

Only if your flights don’t connect on the same day. My flight from Oslo landed in Bodø in the evening, so I slept one night there and took the short Widerøe flight to Leknes the next morning. On the way back, everything worked in a single day. The full route plus other options are in my post on how to get to the Lofoten Islands.

Is Lofoten crowded with tourists?

I didn’t find it that way in early September. The famous spots get busy: on the way down from Reinebringen around 10 am, the steps were so full there were small queues. Most of the time, though, the trails and beaches were calm. July and August the month locals warn about in terms of crowds.

Are rorbuer good for families?

Many of them are. Rorbuer and cabins often have two or three bedrooms and a full kitchen, which works well with kids. Most sit right on the water’s edge with little or no fence, so check the layout and keep an eye on younger children.

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