Best Hotels & Rorbuer in the Lofoten Islands, Norway
Cabins on stilts, fjord views, and the kind of place that looks too pretty to be real
It was so difficult to work at Rostad Retro Rorbuer!
The Lofoten Islands aren’t just a place to sleep — they’re a place to dream. Where jagged peaks rise straight from the sea, where the air smells of salt and pine, and where every window could frame a postcard.
Staying here is part of the adventure: quiet villages, fishermen’s cabins perched over turquoise water, and saunas that steam in the Arctic air. Whether you’re coming for hiking, the Northern Lights, or the feeling of being at the edge of the world, choosing the right stay matters, as it’s part of the experience.
We’ve tested a few ourselves — from rustic rorbuer to modern apartments — and prepared a list of the dreamiest ones.
Plan your trip:
Find your dream rorbu, rent a car to explore the islands, or book a local tour — everything starts here.
When to see the northern lights in the Lofoten Islands
The aurora season in Iceland runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across the world, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Best rorbuer & hotels in the Lofoten Islands
We loved Skarungen’s sauna and hot tub after all the hiking!
Rostad Retro Rorbuer — Reine
We got a great last-minute deal here — and it turned out to be one of the best views we’ve ever had! Rostad Retro Rorbuer sits right on the water in Reine, with vintage-style cabins overlooking the mountains that make every photo look edited (they’re not).
It’s the perfect mix of old-school charm and unbeatable location — a few steps from hiking trails, harbor cafés, and that surreal Arctic light that changes every ten minutes.
When we arrived, jazz music was on, and the vibe was just perfect.
Skarungen — Kabelvåg
What used to be a rustic rorbu place has grown into one of Lofoten’s best wellness stays. Skarungen offers airy rooms and modern rorbuer overlooking Vestfjorden — plus a sauna, a restaurant serving local fish, and that famous outdoor hot tub with mountain views. Whether you’re coming back from a hike or a winter swim, it’s the perfect place to thaw.
I stayed there in a very basic rorbu in 2015 and we came back for the sauna and hot tub (with icy plunge in the ocean, of course). What a change, and we thoroughly enjoy that blissful treat on a snowy day after all the hiking!
👉 Book Skarungen here
Reine Rorbuer — Reine
One of the most iconic stays in Lofoten. Reine Rorbuer sits under jagged peaks with direct views of Reinefjorden. Each cabin blends traditional design with modern comfort — think wood walls, sea views, and the smell of salt in the air.
👉 Book Reine Rorbuer here
Eliassen Rorbuer — Hamnøy
The postcard one. Those red cabins you’ve seen all over Instagram? That’s Eliassen Rorbuer. You can literally walk onto the bridge for sunrise shots. Perfect for couples, photographers, and anyone who loves dramatic light.
👉 Book Eliassen Rorbuer here
Sakrisøy Rorbuer — Between Reine & Hamnøy
Smaller and quieter than its famous neighbors, Sakrisøy Rorbuer glows gold against the sea. The cabins have big windows, full kitchens, and an on-site restaurant serving the best fish burger in Lofoten.
👉 Book Sakrisøy Rorbuer here
Nusfjord Arctic Resort — Nusfjord
For travelers wanting to splurge a little, Nusfjord Arctic Resort is an entire restored fishing village turned boutique stay. Expect candlelight dinners, a sauna by the fjord, and perfect winter silence.
👉 Book Nusfjord Arctic Resort here
Kaikanten Rorbuer — Sennesvik (near Leknes)
If you’re after peace and open views, Kaikanten Rorbuer in Sennesvik is exactly that kind of place. A small cluster of waterfront cabins looking out across the fjord toward rugged peaks — pure postcard calm.
It’s a great base if you want to explore the middle of the islands without the crowds of Reine or Hamnøy. The rorbuer are modern but simple, with terraces that catch the evening light and kitchens for slow, cozy dinners.
We stayed there in October for a steal, and thought the value was incredible. We even had a northern lights show right by the peer!
The café’s waffles are delicious, and it’s a hotspot for locals.
👉 Book Kaikanten Rorbuer here
Enjoying the view at Kaikanten Rorbuer!
Hattvika Lodge — Ballstad
If you want comfort with adventure, Hattvika Lodge is your base. Modern lodges tucked among fishermen’s houses — with kayaking, sauna sessions, and mountain trails right outside.
👉 Book Hattvika Lodge here
Scandic Svolvær — Svolvær
For easy logistics, Scandic Svolvær sits right in the capital of Lofoten. Walkable to restaurants, ferry terminals, and even a glass igloo bar. Great for the first or last night of your trip.
👉 Book Scandic Svolvær here
Thon Hotel Svolvær — Svolvær
Modern comfort right on the harbor. Thon Hotel Svolvær blends sleek Scandinavian design with floor-to-ceiling sea views — perfect if you want hotel amenities but still want to watch fishing boats drift by at sunrise. The breakfast here is one of the best in the islands (and you’ll need it before a cold day of exploring).
👉 Book Thon Hotel Svolvær here
Henningsvær Bryggehotell — Henningsvær
Chic meets Arctic. Henningsvær Bryggehotell sits in one of the most charming fishing villages in Norway — surrounded by art galleries, sea air, and tiny cafés. Rooms are modern but warm, with panoramic harbor views that feel like a painting. Perfect for travelers who want Lofoten’s character without sacrificing comfort.
👉 Book Henningsvær Bryggehotell here
Penguin Trampoline tip:
If you’re in Henningsvær, visit the workshop for Lofotlys — lights made from sea-urchin shells harvested in Lofoten’s icy fjords. Then walk to Fiskekrogen for Arctic cod and harbour views before you wander back to your rorbu. More details and tips in our Lofoten Travel Guide!
Map of rorbuer and hotels in the Lofoten Islands
Zoom in below to explore the dreamiest rorbuer and hotels in the Lofoten. All locations update live with real prices and availability.
Getting around Lofoten
You’ll need a car to reach the best hiking trails (here at Mt. Ryten)
You’ll need a car to get between islands — ferries connect the far ends, but the E10 highway is one of Europe’s most scenic drives. Winter driving is safe with good tires, but always check vegvesen.no for road conditions before setting off.
Getting around Lofoten:
The islands stretch far apart, and public transport is minimal — having your own wheels makes all the difference. Rent a 4x4 if you’re coming in winter and always check road conditions before you go.
When to Visit Lofoten
October in the Lofoten — Voted best photo of the month by Foap!
Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, kayaking, and long hikes.
Autumn (September–October): Quieter, colorful, and good chance of Northern Lights.
Winter (November–March): Aurora season + frozen beaches.
Spring (April–May): Empty trails, cheaper stays.
| Tool | Why We Use It |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Booking.com | Best range of Lofoten hotels & rorbuer with free cancellation |
| 🚗 Rentalcars.com | Essential for hopping between islands & chasing auroras |
| ❄️ Heymondo Insurance | 5–15% off — covers cancellations, weather delays & car issues |
Whales & wildlife in the Lofoten Islands — and a way to follow them
Rostad Retro Rorbuer — Best view we ever had!
Between late autumn and winter, the waters around Lofoten and Vesterålen can fill with life — orcas following herring, humpbacks passing through, and sea eagles circling above the fjords. If you fall in love with these Arctic animals (we always do), you can actually keep following them after the trip: our partner Fahlo has animal-tracking bracelets that support marine research and let you track a real whale or other sea creatures in the North Atlantic.
💙 🐋 Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track a real whale with Fahlo
FAQ: Where to stay in Lofoten
Can’t get enough of Lofoten rorbuer!
What is a rorbu?
A rorbu (plural rorbuer) is a traditional Norwegian fisherman’s cabin, usually built on stilts over the water. Most of the ones in Lofoten have been renovated into super cozy stays — wood, big windows, sea views — but they still keep that “we live by the ocean” feeling.
Where is the best place to stay in Lofoten?
If it’s your first time, stay around Reine / Hamnøy / Sakrisøy for the postcard views. Svolvær and Kabelvåg are better if you want restaurants and ferries. Henningsvær is the artsy one. All of them have rorbuer right on the water.
Do I need a car in Lofoten?
Yes. Public transport exists, but it’s not made for slow travelers. A car lets you stay in a rorbu in the middle of nowhere and still get to hikes, cafés, and photo spots. In winter, drive carefully and always check road conditions.
Can you see the Northern Lights from your rorbu?
Totally — that’s half the fun. If the sky is clear and you’re away from big village lights, you can just turn off the cabin lights and look up. Some places even have hot tubs or saunas with a view.
Is Lofoten expensive?
Yes — especially summer. Rorbuer can sell out and prices go up fast. Book early, cook some meals in your cabin, and travel outside July if you can.
Do I need travel insurance for Lofoten?
We recommend it. Lofoten is remote, weather can change ferry/flight plans, and winter driving isn’t a joke. We use Heymondo — our readers get 5–15% off, and it covers cancellations and medical stuff in Norway.
Lofoten isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling, an experience, something that stays with you and call you back again and again (trust us).
The smell of salt and wood, the stillness of the fjord at dawn, the glow of cabin windows under the aurora. Whether you stay in a boutique lodge or a fisherman’s hut, you’ll remember the sound of the sea long after you leave.
Planning a trip to Lofoten and other Arctic islands? Check out our guides:
⛰️ Lofoten Travel Guide — Dramatic ridges, secret beaches, and cod-drying racks in Arctic Norway.
🌋 Iceland Guide — Volcanoes, waterfalls, and the road trip of your geothermal dreams.
🇮🇸 Things to Do in Iceland in Winter — Ice caves, auroras, and all the frozen magic you didn’t know you needed.
🌊 Faroe Islands Guide — Clifftop hikes, puffins, waterfalls, and the place we chose to unofficially get married.
🐋 Greenland Travel Guide — Icebergs, ferries, and Inuit traditions in the wildest place we’ve ever been.
🧊 Svalbard & Jan Mayen — Polar bears, ghost towns, and next-level Arctic mystery in Norway’s far north.
❄️ Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide — How to explore, survive, and avoid becoming a polar bear’s lunch.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
