Of Mountains and oceans: A 10 to 21-Days self-drive itinerary for Northern Norway (Lofoten, Senja, Andøya, Vesterålen)

Looking for an itinerary just for Lofoten? We've got you covered here!

When to travel and what route to pick

Best time

The best time to travel to Northern Norway depends on what you are looking for. The winter months can have their appeal with plenty of snow activities such as snowshoeing, (dog) sledging and skiing. And don't forget the Northern Lights! If you are an avid hiker, June to end of August are best, but these are also the busiest months in this region.

In my personal opinion, the best time to travel to Northern Norway is from mid-May to mid-June, as well as from end of August to early October: This will give you a nice balance between (relatively) good weather and fewer crowds. However be aware that if you are mainly coming here to hike, you might catch a year that has snow until early June or where it already starts falling mid September. Not all trails are off-limits in snow though! You just need to be sure to take the right equipment or hire snowshoes. I personally loved tracking through Lofoten, Andøya, Vesterålen and Senja in early May, but we also had to forego a few trails we would have liked to hike due to the conditions we encountered. If in doubt, check Alltrails - the reviews there of people heading out at similar times will give you a good indication of whether the hike you have your eye on is possible with snow or not.

Planning the route

I would argue that the route you should best go for actually depends on the season you intend to travel in. From July up until mid-August is the busiest time on the Lofoten (and the destination is already well-know to begin with). If you plan to travel during that time window, you might consider shortening your time there and spending more time in the lesser known regions, such as Senja for example.

This route assumes that you fly into Harstad/Narvik Airport, as it's the most common choice when travelling to Lofoten, Senja or Andøya. You could also fly into Svolvaer on Lofoten and adapt the route accordingly (it passes through Svolvaer). If you fly into Tromsø, you could either take a bus from there to the Narvik airport (5h), where you pick up your car, or take Hurtigruten or Havila ship to Svolvaer (~17h). If you fly into Bodø, there is a daily ferry (3.5h) that could take you to Svolvaer on Lofoten.

How long should you spend in Northern Norway?

Ten days gives you a good first impression of the region and will make you want to come back for more! However, it'll be impossible to include all the islands listed here - Lofoten, Senja, Andøya and Vesterålen - in that short of a time. 14 days will allow you to explore the region a bit deeper. If you really want to immerse yourself in the region, 3 weeks/21 days would be the best amount of time. This will let you explore all of the islands and go on the best hikes in the region, without it feeling too rushed.

Know before you drive

Here are a few things you might want to consider before you drive:

• Renting a car in Norway can be very expensive, especially if you travel during the high season months from June - end August. Consider looking into local providers and foregoing the big names. We got a great offer from Lofoten Rental Car and their service throughout the five weeks of our rental was stellar. Another option would be to rent a camper van, in which case you could save accommodation costs.
• Watch out for the moose while driving across the region! They can suddenly appear seemingly out of nowhere, and hitting them with your car can be fatal - for both you and the moose.
• Norway is incredibly safe. In fact, the way we "rented" our car was by just picking it up from the airports parking lot - it was parked there, key in the glove compartment, unlocked. The owner never even requested a copy of our passports nor our driving licenses.
• And a general note: "Vesterålen" is actually the name for a group of islands, including Senja and Andøya, as well as Hadseløya and Langøya that are also part of this route.

Map Overview

To orient yourself throughout this article and all the locations mentioned here, let's first take a look at a map of the region:

10 day itinerary for Northern Norway: Days 1-5

The first part of the itinerary is on Lofoten - just a few notes and tips:

You could consider booking a hotel/AirBnB just in one (or max two) locations on Lofoten and following the itinerary below from there. Distances are not that far if you have access to a car (Svolvaer to the Southernmost tip of Lofoten in Å is ca 2.5h driving time) and it would mean you don't have to always pack and unpack in every place.

For the hikes I am suggesting here, I am alternating between some very popular ones that can get quite crowded (especially in summer) and some less famous ones.

Day 1: To Svolvaer

Fly into Evenes and make your way to Svolvaer (driving time: 2h45min, 170km). If you got in early and are not jetlagged, stop on the way at Møysalen National Park. It's a beautiful area and you could hike a small portion of this hike if you feel like it. You won't have time for the whole hike and it gets quite strenuous towards the end. It's a great introduction to the area though and you'll already get some nice views

//Where to stay and eat in Svolvaer//

• Restaurant The Kitchen: Great place to try all kinds of traditional Norwegian Food!
• Sakura Lofoten Svolvær: If you are craving sushi, this is the place!
• Svinøya Rorbuer: Nice hotel with huts directly over the water.

For a full list of recommendations, head to our Travel Guide to Norway!

Day 2: Svolvaer

In the morning, tackle the famous Devils Gate hike. It takes around 2.5 - 4h depending on your pace. The hike gets a bit challenging towards the end, but oh it's so worth it! If you're not an avid hiker or are looking for something a bit more chill, you could go for this hike instead. It is much shorter, but also offers great views!

In the afternoon, head to the War Museum in Svolvaer. It has an impressive collection of World War 2 items and teaches you more about Norway during this time. Alternatively, if you still feel like more excerise, you could do the Tjeldbergtinden hike. It takes around 2h to complete and also offers some beautiful views!

Day 3: Kabelvåg, Henningsvær and more hikes

In the morning, explore first Kabelvåg and then Henningsvær. Kabelvåg is just a short stop on the way - there's not too much to see but it's a cute village to wander around in.

Henningsvær is a beautiful small fishing village. Just driving towards it you are already greeted with amazing views of the sea, mountains and behind the typical Norwegian red and white houses. There are several art galleries and small shops you could check out while here - e.g. Gallery Lofoten and Engelskmannsbrygga. Or you can just wander around and admire the picturesque landscape. This is a great stop for some pictures and you can also get a great view of the famous stockfish "fields" on Lofoten if you are visiting between February and May. Beware the smell though!

In the afternoon I would recommend you hike to Svarttinden. The hike takes around 3-4 hours and - again - you can expect some breathtaking views.

//Where to stay and eat in the region//

• Restaurant Lofotmat: Another great place to try some food from Lofoten.
• Lysvoldbrygga: Beautiful huts right on the water.
• Gamle Skola: Great coffee and delicious pastries!

Day 4: Ballstad, Haukland and Mannen

In the morning, make your way to Ballstad and hike Nonstinden and Ballstadheia - the trail is of moderate difficulty and takes around 2 - 2.5 hours to complete. Ballstad is a picturesque village, so make sure you also check it out.

After lunch, drive to Hauklandstranda and hike Mannen on Vestvågøy - a beautiful hike that takes around 2-3h to complete.

Note that both of these hikes are very popular and can get quite crowded!

If you don't feel like more hiking, you could add the Lofotr Viking Museum to your itinerary.

//Where to stay and eat in the region//

• Villa Lofoten: Nice huts with a historic feel to them.
• Chocolateroom: Super colourful and cozy cafe with some delicious pastries!
• Lofoten Seafood Center: Both a restaurant and a seafood museum.

Day 5: Nusfjord to Å

If you'd like, visit Nusfjord in the morning - there are some mixed opinions on this small fishing village, as it asks for 8EUR entrance fee and is not very large (we skipped it in our itinerary). Then, make your way to Fredvang and hike the Ryten. This is an incredibly beautiful trail, but also so busy during high season! Consider starting your day super early to avoid the crowds. It's a challenging hike and takes 3-4h to complete.

After the hike and lunch, drive to Reine and embark on another famous and gorgeous trail: Reinebringen. It takes 2-3h out and back and is only stairs to the top, so albeit short can get quite strenous.

In the early evening, drive the short distance left to the southernmost tip of Lofoten - to the village Å. Wander around a bit in the cute village. We even saw some whales from the shore!

10 day itinerary for Northern Norway: Days 6-10

Day 6: To Hadseløya

Set out early on day 6 and make your way to the island of Hadseløya via the car ferry in Fiskebøl. If you skipped one of the hikes from the other days of this itinerary, you could still do it on the way, otherwise, once on Hadseløya, this is a great hike that offers beautiful views of Lofoten in the distance.

Spend the night on Hadseløya.

//Where to stay and eat on Hadseløya//

Our Travel Guide to Norway has a full list of places for all stops this itinerary :-)

• Keramikk Kafé Blå: Super cozy cafe with great cakes.
• Galleri Uver: Both a gallery and a cafe, this place also has a great outdoor seating area!
• Quality Hotel Richard With: Solid option right in Stokmarknes.

Day 7: Hurtigruten and Trollfjord

This day is a recreation of the activities we did for Cordts birthday while we were living on Hadseløya - it was one of the most fun days in all of our travels!

Today is all about the Hurtigruten and its fascinating history: In the morning, head to the Hurtigrutemuseet and spend a few hours exploring their great exhibition about this coastal ship line. In the afternoon, take the Hurtigruten or Havila ship that leaves Stokmarknes at 3.15pm to Svolvaer (leave your car in Stokmarknes). The journey takes ~3 hours and takes you through stunning Fjords of the Lofoten - a great chance to seeing them from a different point of view. The port-to-port tickets are incredibly affordable (ca. 17-25EUR/person one way) and you can take your own food on board. Watch out for whales and other marine life! We saw a pod of orcas from deck when we took this journey.

Have dinner in Svolvaer and then take the 10.15PM ship back to Stokmarknes. The Hurtigruten will stop at the majestic Trollfjord on its journey back to Stokmarknes - standing on deck of the big ship and seeing how it approached the majestic mountains that make up this fjord, exactly at 12AM, with the last rays of the midnight sun playing with the fog, was a magical experience that I will never forget.

Make sure you book your tickets for the journey in advance as in high season they can get snatched up quickly.

Day 8: Stokmarknes to Andøya

On Day 8, make your way to Andøya - from Stokmarknes, it's a 2h drive. And what a drive it is! Take your time, stopping at all the beautiful viewpoints. I would suggest you pack your lunch as there are not that many options on the route.

Arrive in Stave and embark on the Måtinden hike. It's a steep trail and takes around 3-4h to complete. You get some breathtaking views of the many secluded beaches that dot the coastline of Andøya.

//Where to stay and eat on Andøya//

• Smithy Pub & Cafe: Here you can get drinks and some bar food.
• Andenes Suite Hotel: Good hotel right in Andenes, the main town on Andøya.
• Lysverket kafé: Good coffe and pastries await!

Day 9: Andøya

All year round, you can see both puffins and whales on Andøya - even from the shore if your keep your eyes peeled for them! In the morning, embark on a Puffin safari or on a whalewatching tour. Puffin Safari AS in Bleik is a good option.

In the afternoon, either relax or embark on another memorable hike - to Breitinden and Trolltinden

Day 10: Make your way back

After 10 amazing days, your journey through the wonders of Northern Norway is coming to an end. Make your way back to the airport in time to fly out. If you are leaving from Evenes, it's a 3.5h drive. If you still have time and feel like it this is a great 2-hour hike you could do on the way back.

14 day itinerary for Northern Norway

Day 10: To Senja

For a full guide to visting Senja, see our article here!

For days 1-9, follow the itinerary above! On day 10, instead of driving back to the airport to fly out, make your way to Senja. From June to August, you can take the car ferry from Andenes on Andøya to Gryllefjord on Senja. Schedules can be found here. The crossing takes 1.5h.

If you are travelling outside the main season, you need to drive to Senja - but don't worry, it's a very beautiful drive! It's a total of 6 hours and I would recommend you drive via Harstad and take the car ferry (leaving every 20min) to Sørrollnes to make for a more beautiful drive.

Day 11: Senja

On your first day in Senja, drive the Senja Scenic Route, which circles much of the island and is dotted with incredible viewpoints. Stop at Tungeneset, where a wooden walkway leads you to panoramic views of the rugged Okshornan peaks, and continue to the Bergsbotn utsiktsplattform for a fantastic fjord overlook. If you have time, head to Mefjordvær, a small, picturesque fishing settlement near the water.

As you follow the coastline, make sure you visit a few of Senja’s fishing villages:

• Gryllefjord – Explore the harbor and grab some takeaway at this spot.
• Bøvær – Known for its white-sand beach framed by dramatic peaks.
• Husøy – A tiny community perched on its own island, connected to Senja by a narrow bridge.

If the weather holds, stop by Ersfjord Beach (beautiful but breezy) or Bøstranda for a stroll.

//Where to eat and stay on Senja//

For a full list, check our Travel Guide to Norway!

• Tranøya: If you are looking to get away from it all, this is the place you should go. A quaint hotel on its own tiny island, you will have to take a boat from Senja to reach here.
• Senja By Heart Restaurant: Serves authentic Norwegian dishes (fresh fish is a must-try!).
• Vertshuset Gibostad: A tiny local place that we happened upon while exploring the island. Don't expect anything fancy, but it's food prepared with love.

Day 12: Senja

Spend Day 12 tackeling one of Senja’s iconic peaks:

Hesten Summit

• Highlights: A challenging trail that rewards you with sweeping views of Segla across the fjord.
• Conditions: Snow can linger until early June, so bring proper gear if you’re here in the off season.

Segla Summit

• Highlights: Another famous summit right next to Hesten. From its peak, you’ll see the dramatic drop-offs and ocean views that often grace Senja postcards.
• Tip: Even if you’ve done Hesten, Segla is worth it for a different vantage point.

After your hike, you could head to Bøvær Beach for a relaxing walk or drive into Ånderdalen National Park if you want a gentler forest trail. Either way, you’ll get a sense of Senja’s varied landscapes—from rugged peaks to lush, rain-fed forests.

Day 13: Senja

Use your final day on Senja to check out a slightly less demanding hike or see the island from a different angle:

• Skaland to Husfjellet – A rewarding route with fantastic views, but easier on the legs than Hesten or Segla.
• Sukkertoppen – Translating to “Sugar Top,” this moderate trail meanders through verdant terrain before opening up to panoramic vistas.
• Sea Kayaking – If you’re craving a change of pace, book a kayak trip (for example with Senja Wild) and paddle along Senja’s dramatic shoreline. You might spot seals or sea eagles en route!

Day 14: Way back to airport

Take the day to make your way back to the airport in time to fly out. It's a 2h45min drive from Finnsnes, the main village on Senja, to Harstad/Narvik airport. If you still have time, this is an amazing hike to do on the way back.

21 day itinerary for Northern Norway

Day 14: To Brosmetinden

Follow the itinerary above for days 1-13. On day 14, make your way towards Brosmetinden. In order to do so, take the car ferry from Botnhamn to Brensholmen (somehow, Google Maps does not know this ferry exists, but you can check its schedule here). It takes 35min to cross to Brensholmen. Make a small detour over Sommarøy - it's a beautiful drive and you should not miss getting coffee here.

Another 90min drive brings you to Brosmetinden. On the way there, stop to hike either Tverfjellet (hard, 3h 30min) or Nattmalsfjellet (easy, 1h20min). On the way, make sure you stop at Ersfjord view point.

Day 15: Brosmetinden (and Tromtinden)

Today is all about two hikes: Tromtinden, and if you still have energy afterwards, Brosmetinden. Both trails offer incredible views, but Tromtinden is the more challenging choice. I'd advice you pack lunch for this day, otherwise Bryggejentene AS is a good option in the area.

The Store Blåmann Summit Hike is another great hike in case you have more time in the area. Beware though - this is a tough hike that requires some scrambling.

If you are looking for something a bit easier, Smørstabben is a great option.

Days 16-18: Tromso

Spend three days in Tromsø. Here are the sights I would recommend:

Attractions

• Arctic Cathedral
• Telegrafbukta

Museums

• The Polar Museum
• Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden
• The Arctic University Museum of Norway

Hikes

• Bønntuva
• Laukslettfjellet
• Tromsdalstinden

Day 19: Drive halfway back

Drive from Tromso towards Evenes in preparation for tomorrows hike. If you have the time and are not sick of driving, Gorsa bridge and the accompanying hike make for a great detour.

Day 20: Hike Spanstinden

It's time for one last epic hike before you conclude these unforgettable 3 weeks in Northern Norway: Spanstinden. This is a challenging hike, but in the end you are rewarded with breathtaking, 360 degree views - often you can see until Lofoten!

Day 21: Fly out

Make your way to the airport and fly out.