Why this road
There is one main road through Lofoten and it is the scenic one, so this drive is about doing it well. In about 2.5 hours without stops you cross four islands: the mountains of Austvågøy, the farmland of Vestvågøy, the north-facing beaches of Flakstadøya and finally Moskenesøya, where the peaks crowd so close to the fjords that the villages sit on the last bits of flat rock. The red cabins of Hamnøy and Reine are the pictures everyone knows, and they look like that in real life.
The route
- ASvolvær
Leave the harbour town west on the E10. Look back for the rock pinnacle above the town, called the Svolvær goat.
- 1Leknes
Over the bridges via Gimsøy to Vestvågøy, a greener island with farms. The Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg is just off the road before Leknes.
- 2Ramberg
Through the subsea tunnel under Nappstraumen to Flakstadøya. Ramberg has a long white beach facing north, and the red Flakstad church is close by.
- 3Hamnøy
Over the bridges to Moskenesøya. Hamnøy is a cluster of red fishing cabins on a rock below sheer mountains, and just after it the yellow cabins of Sakrisøy.
- 4Reine
The best-known village of Lofoten, on a strip of land between fjord and sea. The steep path up Reinebringen starts here.
- BÅ
The last few kilometres, through short tunnels to the end of the E10. Old fish-drying racks, a fishing village museum and the open sea.
Stops worth it
Twenty minutes on the beach. White sand and clear green water, cold even in July.
Stop in the car park before the bridge and walk back for the view of the cabins and the peaks behind them. Do not stop on the bridge.
Walk through the village and out to the harbour. If you are fit, the climb up Reinebringen is steep stone steps the whole way, but the view over the fjords is the famous one.
Light and the best time
The E10 runs mostly south-west, so in the afternoon the sun is ahead of you and to the right. From late May to mid-July the sun does not set at all: around midnight it hangs low in the north, over the sea at the north-facing beaches like Ramberg. That is why this drive starts in the late afternoon, so you reach the outer islands in the long evening and night light. Around Reine and Hamnøy the peaks block the low sun for part of the day, so the villages are often in shade while the summits glow. From September the nights get dark again and northern lights become possible.
June to August is the main season, with midnight sun until mid-July and the most places open. July is very busy, with many campers and narrow bridges, so expect queues and full car parks. The E10 is open all year: from autumn on there is snow and ice, short days, and around Christmas the sun does not rise at all.
By vehicle
A wonderful ride, with bridges, tunnels and curves along the water. Expect wind, rain and cold even in summer, and wet tunnel floors.
Easy driving, but slow in July. Some stretches and bridges are narrow, let faster traffic pass where you can.
Very popular, which is the problem: many lay-bys are signed no overnight parking. Stay at campsites or places where it is allowed, and be patient on the narrow bridges.
Lovely on a calm summer evening, but take warm clothes. The weather changes quickly here.
Good to know
We know of no toll on this stretch of the E10, but Norway collects tolls automatically by number plate on many roads, so check before you go. Fuel is available in Svolvær, Leknes and a few other places, fill up before the outer islands. Use the marked car parks and never stop on the road or on bridges for photos. Wild camping and overnight parking are restricted in many places, follow the signs. The car ferry from Bodø lands at Moskenes, a few minutes from Å.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does it take to drive through Lofoten?
About 2.5 hours of driving from Svolvær to Å without stops. With stops and a walk, plan a full day, or better two or three.
Do I need a ferry to get to Lofoten?
No. The E10 connects Lofoten to the mainland by bridges and tunnels. The ferry from Bodø to Moskenes is a shortcut if you come from the south.
When is the midnight sun in Lofoten?
Roughly from late May to mid-July. The sun then stays above the horizon all night, low in the north.
Can I drive the Lofoten in winter?
Yes, the E10 is open all year, but you need winter tyres and experience on snow and ice. Days are very short, and around Christmas the sun does not rise.
Is wild camping allowed in Lofoten?
It is restricted in many places because of overcrowding. Many lay-bys forbid overnight stays. Use campsites or check local rules where you want to stop.