The Lofoten Islands may look small on the map, but getting around takes time, so choosing the right base is important. Whether you're looking for dramatic mountain views, charming fishing villages or easy access to amenities, each area offers something different.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in the Lofoten Islands, who each place is best suited for and share my top accommodation recommendations.
Overview of the Lofoten Islands
As I previously mentioned, getting around the Lofoten Islands can take longer than you might expect. For example, the drive from Svolvær, the largest town, to Reine, one of the most iconic villages, takes around two hours. Therefore, choosing a central location is key if you're aiming to see different parts of Lofoten.
There are lots of small fishing villages you can stay in, but in this guide I will highlight the best ones to choose from based on our own experience and what they offer.
If you're planning a road trip (like we did!), staying in multiple locations is a great way to explore more without backtracking long distances. If you need help planning your trip to Lofoten, check out our 5 day itinerary guide.
Chloe Butcher
Best for photography & hiking - Reine, Hamnøy & Sakrisøy
These three villages are what most people picture when they think of Lofoten -dramatic mountain peaks, red rorbuer cabins and scenic fjords. If you’re into photography or hiking, this is where you’ll want to be.
Ive grouped these three villages together as they're all right next to each other and Hamnøy and Sakrisøy are tiny villages. Reine is the most well-known of the three, but we'd honestly recommend any of these villages as they're all within 10 minutes of each other.
These three villages offer easy access to the iconic Reinebringen hike and plenty of photo spots like Hamnøy Bridge.
Chloe Butcher
We stayed in one of Reinefjord Sjøhus’ traditional fisherman’s cabins, which is just on the edge of Hamnøy. The cabins are cosy, well equipped and have some of the best views of Lofoten, so we'd highly recommend booking a stay here.
- The Famous Yellow House (Luxury) - The iconic yellow rorbu in Sakrisøy, with stunning fjord views.
- Reinefjorden Sjøhus (Mid-range) - Modern & spacious cabins on the water, offering incredible views.
- Lofoten Bed & Breakfast Reine (Budget) - A cosy, affordable option with everything you need for a comfortable base in Reine.
Best for amenities, restaurants & tours - Svolvær & Leknes
Svolvær and Leknes are two of the most developed towns in Lofoten; both have airports, supermarkets, restaurants, shops, petrol stations and easy access to guided tours.
Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten and is where many people fly into, so it's a great starting point. It's a great base for boat tours, fishing trips, kayaking, and even sea eagle safaris, so it's ideal if you're not renting a car.
However, Svolvær is quite far from lots of the other iconic villages, hikes and hot spots, so it's not ideal if you're wanting to fully explore the Lofoten Islands as it would involve a lot of driving.
Leknes, while less scenic, is centrally located and works well for road-trippers who want to explore both the western and eastern parts of the islands; it's an hour's drive from both Reine and Henningsvær.
Both Svolvær and Leknes have more hotels and apartments rather than rorbu cabins, and have more affordable options than small villages like Reine.
- Thon Hotel Svolvær (Luxury) – A waterfront hotel with modern rooms and stunning views over the harbor.
- Lofoten Basecamp (Mid-range) – Cosy and affordable cabins just outside Leknes with beautiful views.
- Fast Hotel Svolvær (Budget) – A budget-friendly, self-service hotel in Svolvær.
Best for boutique stays & a lively village atmosphere - Henningsvær & Ballstad
If you're looking to stay somewhere with a mix of traditional fishing village life and a lively atmosphere, Henningsvær and Ballstad are both great options.
Henningsvær is made up of several small islands and is lively and artsy, known for its colorful harbor, independent art galleries and inviting cafés. It's a great base for creative travellers or those wanting a walkable, social village atmosphere.
Henningsvær
However, Henningsvær is a 25 minute drive from Svolvær, which also means it's quite far from Reine and all the other popular spots at the tip of the Lofoten Islands.
Ballstad offers a quieter vibe, but still has plenty of access to restaurants, activities and hiking trails. Tucked between dramatic peaks and the sea, Ballstad is slightly more central than Henningsvær, only taking you an hour to reach Reine.
- Lofoten Waterfront Luxury Lodge (Luxury) – A modern waterfront cabin in Ballstad with a private sauna and incredible mountain views.
- Hemmingodden Lodge (Mid-range) – A cozy and well-located lodge in Ballstad offering comfortable rorbuer with sea views.
- Været – Your Lofoten Basecamp (Budget) – A stylish yet affordable apartment in Henningsvær.
Best for quiet & remote - Å, Tind & Sørvågen
If you’re looking to disconnect, slow down and fully immerse yourself in the remote landscapes of Lofoten, the southern villages of Å, Tind and Sørvågen are ideal.
Located at the very end of the E10 road, these peaceful fishing villages are surrounded by towering peaks, rugged coastline and some of the best hiking trails in the region.
It’s the perfect base for nature lovers, hikers or anyone wanting to escape the more touristy spots. While amenities are more limited here, the quiet atmosphere and dramatic scenery more than make up for it.
- Holmen Lofoten (Luxury) – A boutique luxury retreat in Sørvågen offering fine dining and architectural cabins.
- High-End Sea Cabins at Å in Lofoten (Luxury) – Modern waterfront cabins with unbeatable views and a peaceful, end-of-the-road location.
- Tind Seaside Cabins (Mid-range) – Cozy, well-equipped cabins with sea views in the quiet village of Tind.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Stay in Lofoten?
If we had to pick just one area to base yourself, we’d personally recommend staying in or around Reine, Hamnøy, or Sakrisøy. These villages are not only incredibly scenic but also well-positioned for exploring both the southern and northern parts of the islands, making them a great central base.
That said, if you’re planning a road trip through Lofoten, which we highly recommend, staying in a couple of different locations can make your experience even better. It allows you to reduce driving time, experience more unique stays, and really soak in the different vibes each village has to offer.
Useful resources for planning your trip to Norway 👇
Chloe Butcher
Chloe Butcher
Rory Watson
