If you plan to cycle on the main E10 route through the Lofoten Islands, it is advisable to take particular care owing to periodically heavy traffic and narrow stretches of road. In the summer months especially, it can be wise to choose an alternative route where possible.
With clothing suited to the conditions and good equipment, Lofoten can be comfortably enjoyed not just in the busiest weeks of summer. Lofoten is in general easy cycling country, with the highest point approximately 130 metres above sea level and the lowest approximately 130 metres below sea level.
We recommend taking a cycle with good tyres. Although the E10 is tarred the entire way, there are innumerable fantastic little side roads that are unmade or gravelled.
Remember to bring waterproof and windproof clothing and good shoes, as well as gloves, reflector vest, safety helmet, plenty of lights and reflectors on your cycle, and a first aid kit. The inhabitants of Lofoten are fond of people - so be sure to contact those you meet along the road if you have any queries or need help!
The midnight sun is visible in the areas on the western and northern side of Lofoten from the end of May to mid-July. Seabirds, including the sea eagle, can be seen along Lofoten's entire coastline - all year round.
Digermulen-Fiskebøl: 43 km
Raftsundet is a wonderful area for cycling, with its quiet country roads and relatively little traffic for large parts of the route. Excellent walking country! Combine your tour with the high-speed boat service from Svolvær to Holandshamn on some days of the week or the ferry from Digermulen to Finnvik, staying at Store Molla. On the road from Raftsundbrua to Fiskebøl there are three tunnels: the Myrland tunnel (1910 metres), the Falkfjord tunnel (500 metres) and the subsea Sløverfjord tunnel (3340 metres). The Sløverfjord tunnel has a steep descent and ascent, but is light, offers good visibility and has a powerful ventilation system.
Fiskebøl-Laukvik-Svolvær: 68 km
From Fiskebøl the route runs along the outer side of the island of Austvågøya and into a stretch of beautiful coastline. Fine sandy beaches and excellent walking country are guaranteed to make you want to take your time exploring this route. In summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun in Laukvik. The landscape varies between marshy areas, lakes and the arms of fjords. Large sections of the route are unmade roads with little traffic. The last part of the route goes on the E10.
Svolvær-Henningsvær: 26 km
Separate walking and cycling path westwards through Kabelvåg to Ørsnes. From Ørsnes you will need to cycle on the E10 through the Rørvik-skar tunnel, which is 745 metres long. At Rørvik bathing beach, take the road to Henningsvær. This area, from Svolvær to Kabelvåg and Henningsvær, offers many attractions, including art galleries, museums, charming restaurants and cafés, and plenty of activities.
Henningsvær-Stamsund: 63 km
Returning to the E10, past Lyngvær you can cross the bridge at Gimsøybrua (views of Bø in Vesterålen). Take time to explore the island of Gimsøy: little traffic, unmade roads, wonderful walking country and long, white, sandy beaches combine to make this a delightful tour. In summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun from the northern side of the island. There is also overnight accommodation at Hov. Continuing to the island of Vestvågøy, you will need to cross the water at Sundklakkstraumen. Follow the RV 815 route on the southern side, before turning off at the Valbergveien road and continue cycling to Stamsund. Valbergveien has a firm surface and relatively little traffic.
Stamsund-Ballstad: 27 km
From Stamsund the road climbs over Hagskaret (approx. 100 metres above sea level) before descending to Fygle. Alternatively, you can take the road via Finnstad/Sennesvik. Take a pleasant detour to the active fishing village of Mortsund. Leknes is the administrative centre of Vestvågøy Municipality. Take the route north again and visit the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg (follow the E10 north for 14 km). Unstad and Eggum are also worth seeing, and here the midnight sun is visible in summer. Both places are excellent for getting to by bike. Returning to Leknes, continue to Ballstad, a working fishing village offering restaurants, cafés and a range of activities.
Ballstad-Nusfjord: 29 km
Special service offering cycle transport by boat from Ballstad to Nusfjord over Nappstraumen in the summer months. Or you can cycle out to the E10 again and continue westwards through the subsea tunnel (1780 metres) to the island of Flakstadøy. Note there is a steep descent and ascent. A visit to Vikten (midnight sun in summer) is recommended when cycling on the E10 between the Nappstraumen tunnel and the turn-off to Nusfjord. Dramatically beautiful countryside and idyllic sandy beaches will make you want to stop along the way.
Nusfjord-Å: 51 km
Ride out onto the E10 again and continue westwards. Nesland, Ramberg, Fredvang/Selfjorden and Sund are all places that should be seen. Ramberg and Fredvang also offer views of the midnight sun in summer. Carry on cycling across a number of islands connected by bridges. Idyllic fishing villages line the coast of the island of Moskenes like a string of pearls. There is a lot to see, experience and enjoy on Moskenes. Take time out to enjoy a boat trip from Reine and into the Reinefjord - perhaps combined with a walk from Vindstad and over to Bunesstranda. Allow plenty of time! The E10 is narrow and winding along large stretches of this road.
Værøy: 22 km
The island of Værøy, with its 22 km of roads, offers fine opportunities for enjoying the magnificent scenery. Good walking trails on both the north and south sides of Værøy. You will also find a range of activities, attractions, cafés and galleries here. The midnight sun is visible from the north side of the island. The characteristic puffin can be seen here from early May until early August. Many other species of seabird and sea eagles can be seen all year round. The roads are tarred almost the entire way and have relatively little traffic.
Røst: 12 km
The people of Røst live on the island of Røstlandet, which has 12 km of roads. The highest point on Røstlandet is only 12 metres, which makes getting about quite easy. The midnight sun can be seen from all over the island. The ruins of the stone church from 1839 are worth a visit. A boat trip between the islands of Røst is virtually obligatory! Here, too, you can experience teeming bird life all year round, including puffins from early May to early August. At the very extremity of the Lofoten Islands shines the lighthouse at Skomvær Fyr.
For more information, tips and advice, we recommend the following websites:
Lofoten Sykkelklubb (cycling club): www.lofotensk.no
Syklistenes Landsforening (national association of cyclists): www.slf.no
