Lofoten, with its dramatic peaks, picturesque fishing villages, and stunning natural beauty, is a dream destination for many. For most international travelers, arriving by air is the most convenient way to begin their Lofoten adventure. Navigating the flight options can seem complex, but since summer 2024, accessing Lofoten by air has become significantly more streamlined with new direct routes. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Where To Fly To Visit Lofoten, ensuring a smooth start to your unforgettable trip.
Key Airports for Accessing Lofoten
When planning your flights to Lofoten, understanding the main airports that serve this region is crucial. While Lofoten does have smaller airports within the islands, most international travelers will arrive at larger airports in Northern Norway and then take connecting flights or ground transportation.
Harstad/Narvik Airport (Evenes) (EVE)
Harstad/Narvik Airport, often referred to as Evenes Airport (EVE), is increasingly becoming the primary gateway for travelers heading to Lofoten. Located approximately 170 km from Svolvær, the largest town in Lofoten, EVE offers enhanced accessibility, especially with the introduction of new direct international flights in recent years.
Since the summer of 2024, several airlines have launched direct flights to EVE from major European cities, making it significantly easier to reach Lofoten directly from abroad.
- Direct European Connections:
- Frankfurt (FRA): Discover Airlines/Lufthansa provides year-round direct flights to EVE, commencing in April 2025, offering a convenient route for travelers from Germany and beyond.
- Zürich (ZRH): Edelweiss/SWISS operates direct flights to EVE during both the summer and winter seasons, catering to travelers from Switzerland and connecting regions.
- Paris (CDG): Air France offers direct flights to EVE during the summer months, providing a direct link for visitors from France and other parts of the world.
Bodø Airport (BOO)
Bodø Airport (BOO) serves as a crucial transportation hub for reaching Lofoten, particularly for domestic flights within Norway. Located on the mainland, Bodø is a primary connecting point for flights to smaller airports within Lofoten.
Widerøe, a regional airline, operates numerous daily flights from Bodø to both Svolvær Airport (SVJ) and Leknes Airport (LKN) in Lofoten. This makes Bodø a vital transfer point for travelers arriving from Oslo or other Norwegian cities.
Svolvær Airport (SVJ) and Leknes Airport (LKN)
For those seeking to fly directly into Lofoten, Svolvær Airport (SVJ) and Leknes Airport (LKN) are the two main airports located within the island chain. These airports primarily handle smaller aircraft operated by Widerøe, with frequent connections to Bodø and, during the summer, direct flights to Oslo.
Flying into SVJ or LKN can significantly reduce travel time within Lofoten, placing you closer to your final destination. However, flights to these airports often involve a transfer in Bodø.
Værøy Heliport (VRY)
For a truly unique arrival experience, consider flying by helicopter to Værøy (VRY), one of Lofoten’s southernmost and most isolated islands. Lufttransport offers helicopter services from Bodø to Værøy, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Lofoten archipelago. This option is ideal for those seeking adventure and a rapid transfer to Værøy.
Airlines Flying to Lofoten
Several airlines play key roles in connecting travelers to Lofoten, offering a range of options depending on your origin and destination.
Norwegian
Norwegian Air (www.norwegian.com) is a major airline operating flights to Northern Norway. They offer year-round daily direct flights from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to both Bodø (BOO) and Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes (EVE). During the summer season, Norwegian also provides direct flights from Oslo to Andøya Airport (ANX), although Andøya is less commonly used as a gateway to Lofoten compared to EVE and BOO.
Norwegian also facilitates connections from various European cities to Lofoten via Oslo. Furthermore, they partner with Widerøe, allowing you to book combined itineraries for seamless travel to and from Lofoten.
Widerøe
Widerøe (www.wideroe.no) is essential for domestic air travel within Norway, particularly for reaching regional airports like those in Lofoten. Widerøe provides direct flights from Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) and Bergen Airport (BGO) to Lofoten during the summer. Crucially, Widerøe operates numerous daily flights connecting Bodø (BOO) to Svolvær (SVJ) and Leknes (LKN), making them the primary carrier for accessing Lofoten’s local airports.
Widerøe also offers flights between Bodø and Røst Airport (RET), and between Røst and Svolvær, catering to travel within the Lofoten region.
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
SAS (www.flysas.com) provides extensive international and domestic flight networks. SAS offers direct flights from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) to Bodø (BOO) and Tromsø (TOS). From Bodø, you can easily connect with Widerøe flights to Svolvær (SVJ) and Leknes (LKN). While Tromsø also offers connections to Leknes, Bodø remains the more common and frequent transfer point for Lofoten.
SAS partners with Widerøe, KLM, Air France, and Finnair, enabling you to book connecting tickets from virtually anywhere in the world to Lofoten through their network and partner airlines.
Flight Tips for Your Lofoten Trip
To secure the best flight options and prices for your trip to Lofoten, consider these helpful tips:
- Book in Advance: Airlines often offer cheaper tickets when booked in advance, especially for popular destinations like Lofoten, particularly during peak seasons.
- Check Airline Websites Directly: Regularly visit the websites of Norwegian, Widerøe, SAS, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss/SWISS, and Air France to check for special offers, seasonal tickets, and the most up-to-date flight schedules.
- Consider Direct Flights to Evenes: If you are traveling from Frankfurt, Zurich, or Paris, take advantage of the new direct flights to Harstad/Narvik Airport (Evenes) for a more direct route to Lofoten.
- Oslo as a Major Transit Hub: Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is the primary international gateway for Northern Norway. With numerous daily departures to Bodø and Evenes, connecting through Oslo is often a smooth and efficient option if direct international flights to EVE are not available from your origin. Oslo Airport boasts direct flights to approximately 100 international cities, facilitating global connections.
- Oslo Airport Awareness: Be mindful that the Oslo area has multiple airports. Flights to Northern Norway predominantly depart from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL). Sandefjord Airport Torp (TRF), located further south, is mainly used by some low-cost carriers and is not typically relevant for flights to Lofoten. Always verify the airport location when booking, especially when looking for budget fares.
Important Note: The aviation landscape is dynamic, with routes and schedules subject to change. Always verify the latest information with the airlines directly when planning your travel.
By understanding your airport and airline options, you can effectively plan your journey and fly to Lofoten, ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Norway.
