Last Updated: October 21, 2022
Best Beaches in Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Islands are a very popular destination in the Arctic Circle. With picturesque beaches, ample opportunities to see the Northern Lights, and some of the best birdwatching spots in northern Norway, it’s easy to see why so many travelers in Norway set out to explore this archipelago.
This guide to the best beaches in Lofoten Islands covers all the most famous beaches on the archipelago. Some are more easily accessible than others, but the one thing they all have in common is a stunning view of dramatic Arctic landscapes.
From the best beaches to see the Northern Lights to the most popular surfing destinations in Northern Norway – here are all the best Lofoten Islands beaches!
Kvalvika Beach
Kvalvika Beach is situated on the northwestern coast of Moskenesøy Island and it can only be reached on foot. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the Lofotodden National Park. The beach is in a secluded bay and you have to hike for about an hour to reach it. That’s if you’re hiking from the Kvalvika Beach parking lot, which is situated on the eastern coast of the island.
The easiest way to find the parking lot is to drive to Frevang, and then continue driving south for another 2.5 kilometers. Kvalvika Beach is a very popular tourist destination in the summer months in Norway, which makes it practically impossible to miss the parking lot.
It takes approximately an hour to reach the beach from the parking lot and over a mountain pass, and the trail is fairly easy and suitable for beginners.
The terrain is a little rocky and exposed for the most part, but it’s nothing very challenging. The trail starts with an uphill hike until you reach a viewpoint directly over the Kvalvika beach. It’s worth noting that the views along the entire trail are absolutely spectacular and worth the uphill walk.
This is one of the most photographed beaches in northern Norway, but that’s not surprising at all considering just how incredible the view is.
Haukland Beach
Haukland Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Lofoten Islands. The white sand beach is situated on the northwestern coast, and it’s only a 10-minute drive from Leskenes. It’s one of the beaches you can drive to, with parking lots just 5 minutes away from the beach area.
The sandy beach will be a spectacular sight no matter when you visit. In the summer, it’s popular with tourists and adventurers who are brave enough to go for a cold water swim, but also people who just want to relax in a kayak or on a SUP.
Haukland beach is most popular with tourists in the summer months, so you might want to plan a visit in the off-season if you’d rather skip the crowds. Keep in mind that summer is the season of the midnight sun in the Lofoten Islands, so there’s plenty of daylight to explore the area.
Water activities likely won’t be available, but there are multiple hiking trails in the area that will take you to some spectacular viewpoints just above the beach. There’s something magical about seeing this beautiful beach covered with snow, especially in contrast to the azure sea. If you have enough time, be sure to check out the neighboring beach of Vik as well!
Uttakleiv Beach
Uttakleiv Beach is also situated in Leskenes, and it’s about an hour away from Haukland Beach. The trail between these two beaches in Lofoten follows the coast and it rewards hikers with magnificent views of Arctic landscapes.
This beach faces the north, which means that it’s one of the best places to see the Northern lights on the Lofoten Islands. Visiting the area anytime between September and mid-April should give you an opportunity to witness the spectacular phenomenon, but keep in mind that November-February is the absolute peak season for Aurora Borealis viewing in Lofoten Islands.
Uttakleiv beach is also famous for its dramatic coastal landscape with a mixture of soft sand and rocks. This beach also offers multiple hiking trails that will take you to different viewpoints, each offering a more impressive view than the next.
Bunes Beach
Bunes Beach is one of the most secluded beaches in the Lofoten Islands. It can only be reached by a ferry from Reine, which is easily accessible by road. The ferries are often at full capacity in the summer months, so it’s best to arrive at Reine early if you want to experience the beach before the huge crowds.
The grassy dunes of this beautiful beach are popular for wild camping. When the crowds disperse in the late afternoon hours, the campers can usually have this entire beach to themselves.
You’ll need to purchase the ferry tickets in advance, otherwise, they won’t let you on the boat. The distance between Vinstand and Bunes Beach is approximately 3 kilometers, and it’s more of a relaxing walk than a hike. It can be done by anyone, even families with children and total newbies to hiking.
It shouldn’t take you more than 45 minutes to return to the port, but give yourself an hour just to be on the safe side. It’s also worth noting that there’s usually nothing open in Vinstand, so you should bring your own food and drinks if you’re going to stay at this magnificent beach for a while.
Horseid Beach
Situated on the northern coast of
The trail is grassy and overgrown at times, but the terrain is by no means difficult. This is a fairly easy walking trail that anyone can conquer, even if they have no previous hiking experience.
The first part of the trail is an ascent to the mountain pass, where the terrain flattens out. From there, the trail descends over somewhat steep and muddy terrain. It’s not an extremely easy descent, but as long as you’re wearing appropriate footwear and you take your time, it shouldn’t be very challenging.
You should quickly reach the sand after the muddy descent, and then you’re about 15-20 minutes away from the water. In total, the distance between the pier and Horseid Beach is some 4 kilometers, and it shouldn’t take more than an hour to cover that distance even if you walk rather slowly.
Unstad Beach
Situated on the northern coast of Vestvågøya island in the Lofoten archipelago, Unstad Beach is the Norwegian equivalent of a surfer’s paradise. The beach has been a popular surfing destination since the 1960s, and over time it has gained such a reputation that surfers from all over Norway – and wider – come to this beach just to catch waves.
There’s even a small arctic surf school near the beach, where you can get wetsuits and even surfing lessons if you’re up for it.
The beach is quite easy to reach by car and there is parking just above the beach. On top of that, it’s important to note that Unstad Beach faces north, which makes it an excellent destination for Northern Lights viewings.
Ramberg Beach
Ramberg Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Lofoten Islands. It’s one of the most visited beaches in the archipelago because it’s easily accessible by road. The beach is situated on the northern coast of Flakstadøya island, and there’s a parking lot just a few minutes away.
There’s even a luxury three-bedroom villa on this beach, which is available for rent. Wild camping is also possible in the area, you just need to make sure you’re not pitching a tent on someone’s property since there are quite a few houses in close proximity to the beach.
The contrast between the turquoise sea and the white sand is the most impressive thing about Ramberg Beach. It is a truly magical sight and the main reason why this is one of the best-known beaches in the Lofoten Islands. It’s also worth noting that the beach is situated in a relatively populated area, so you don’t have to bring food and drinks if you don’t want to.
Skagsanden Beach
Skagsanden Beach is situated in Flakstad, a popular hiking area on Flakstadøya island. It faces the north, so it’s a great place to visit in Lofoten Islands if you want to chase the Northern Lights.
The beach is easily accessible by road and there are several parking lots in the area.
There’s even a campsite nearby, making this a great destination for all van lifers who are living on the road in Norway. The campsite is on a grassy plot just behind the beach, and you can admire the fabulous views from the comfort of your campervan!
This golden-sand beach is best known for the intricate patterns in the sand. It’s also a popular spot for arctic surfing, so don’t be surprised if you see people having fun in the water when you visit.
If you stay in the area for more than an afternoon, be sure to check out the rest of Flakstad. There are several walking trails that will take you to scenic viewpoints, but also some incredibly charming local attractions.
Can you swim at the Lofoten Island beaches?
If you’re okay with swimming in cold water, you can absolutely swim at the Lofoten Islands beaches. The sea temperatures aren’t as cold as you might expect, especially during the summer months. Between June and September, the water temperature ranges between 10°C and 15°C, which isn’t too bad for swimming in a wetsuit.
It’s not recommended to swim in water colder than 12°C, so July and August would be the ideal months for swimming at Lofoten Islands beaches. The water temperature ranges between 12°C and 15°C, which is safe for swimmers.
You can also surf at some of the Lofoten Island beaches if you don’t mind the cold! Arctic surfing has become very popular in Norway over the years, and a few of the beaches featured here offer excellent surfing opportunities.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
