Lofoten
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Positives
- Long empty pointbreaks
- Midnight sun
- Unrivalled arctic scenery
- Friendly vibe
Negatives
- Cold summer conditions
- Short surfing season
- Difficult coastal access
- Super expensive
Lofoten surf travel guide
Way up north, above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is now considered as the primo destination for surfing Norway and has been highlighted in countless magazines and surf films. These mountainous islands 100km off the north Norwegian coastline, plunge steeply into the wild North Atlantic ocean, awaiting the arrival of autumn swells that are then transformed into some classy waves over boulders, reef and sand.
Surf spots in Lofoten
Research the 8 surf breaks in Lofoten and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 8 breaks in Lofoten.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Lofoten
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- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Lofoten.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 5,688,000
- Population
- 5,421,241
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NOK
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 7.5 NOK NOK
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +47
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Norwegian, Sami
Electricity
- Plug Type
- f
Visas
While Norway isn’t signed up to the EU, it is a Schengen state and 90 day visas issued on arrival are usually a formality for most nationalities.
Getting There
Fly from Oslo (OSL) to Bodø with Norwegian and SAS. It takes three days to drive from Oslo.
Daily flights depart from Bodø (BOO) to Svolvær (SVJ) taking 25mins. The same journey by road is 170km (106mi) taking 9hrs by bus or car.
The Coastal Express ferry from Bodø to Svolvær calls daily at Stamsund taking 7hrs. The internal route via Skutvik takes 4h30mins.
Getting Around
Bridges and tunnels have replaced the ferries between the largest islands in Lofoten. Use ferries to get to the southern Lofoten islands from Bodø. Rental cars cost 800$/wk, rent a wreck is cheaper. Unleaded is $1.20/litre.
Accommodation
The place to stay is Unstadt Arctic Surf which is a collection of cabins, a restaurant and surf school with rentals. Favour “rorbu” camping or self-catering units for cheaper stays, budget at least $50/d. If surviving on a budget (min $20/meal), cod and potatoes are cheap and shop in large supermarkets (Leknes or Svolvær).
Activities
“Skrei” (spawning cod) are caught during the winter, so boats could be available for chartering in autumn. Seals, killer whales and white-tailed eagles are often observed. Hiking, biking, downhill skateboarding, climbing, skiing and fishing. Northern lights from late autumn to early spring.
Hazards & hassles
Rips and fin snapping boulders are the main dangers! Digging cars out of the snow and drying wetsuits can be major chores. Take plenty of cold water wax.
Handy Hints
Arctic Surf rent out a variety of boards and suits fr $40. Nearest shop is SrfSnoSk8 in Stavanger, 2000 km away! It takes 3 days to drive from Oslo to Unstad. Rental cars cost 800$/wk. Board and suit rental $100/d for both. Bring a pointbreak fast gunny board with extra float to carry the rubber. Alcohol is expensive.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.