Flashpacking in Lofoten Islands is the option for us who like to be comfortable but don’t want to use the entire budget on accommodation when traveling. Making the most of your money when flashpacking in Lofoten is all about traveling smart, splurging when you can, and enjoying the free things, also known as nature.
Sustainability in Lofoten
Travel Less & Explore More
Remember that Lofoten Islands are a petite community spread over several areas. The number of inhabitants in the tiny villages you visit reveals the magic and fragileness of the archipelago in Lofoten.
In Sørvågen with Reine, the population is 415 people. Only a group of ten people will increase the population by 2,65%. Every person visiting Lofoten can make an impact on the Island. How will your footprint be in Lofoten? Make your best to preserve the breathtaking nature in Lofoten, travel with respect, stay inside trails, leave no trace and when you can travel by public transportation and eat local support the small communities around Lofoten Islands. Thank you!
Stay at Runhild of Reine When Flashpacking in Lofoten Islands
Runhild Oslen is born in Reine, Lofoten, like you – she is also an adventurous person. After many years of working as a theatre actress and a sailor, she moved back to her Island in Lofoten. She bought the town hall and decided to make some dreams come true, and now has the most lovely and heartwarming guesthouse in Reine named Catogården.
Catogården – Botique Home & Activty Centre
Catogården has excellent accommodation with private rooms but shared bathrooms. You get the community feeling and the privacy for your sleep and relaxation. Best of all, she even offers Kundalini Yoga every morning at 8 AM, a 90-minute kundalini class, and you are more than welcome to join, FREE of charge. What a great way to start the day before an active day of exploring in Lofoten. After some yoga, you can go for her guided kayak tours on the Lofoten Islands. Also, Catogården is maybe the best place to be and socialize if traveling solo, since you are only paying for the room – but still have a great common area with lounges and a tiny community kitchen.
Book your stay at Catogården – Boutique Home & Activity Centre.
Do not fall into the trap of rushing from place to place without ever getting to know any of the sites you visit. After all, you did leave the hamster wheel to indulge in some sorely-needed rest and recreation.
Catogården
Reine in Lofoten with the Famous Reinebringen
Why go to Reine? Well, you are almost at the end of the Lofoten Islands. That’s where you go into being in Lofoten and living the Lofoten life. In Reine, you are mesmerized by jaw-dropping landscapes, including the most famous hike to Reinebringen – Read: Hiking in Lofoten with 3 Spectacular Hikes. And best of all you can walk to hike Reinebringen from Reine, which means no need for a car.
Places to Stay in Moskenes
Other places to stay in Reine are Reine Rorbuer & another favorite of mine is Sakrisøy Rorbuer. If you want to splurge even more money you could also stay at the newest hotel in Sørvågen – The Tide – Rorbuer.
The Local Fjord Cruise aka The Ferry A Great Way to do Flashpacking in Lofoten
Other fantastic benefits: You are only 300 meters from Reine Hurtigbåtkai, and from there, you can take the charming MS Fjordkyss ferry, a 25-minute spectacular trip across the Reine Fjord with the local ferry from Reine to the petite settlement of Vindstad. Your goal will be Bunes Beach to enjoy your packed lunch as you are becoming a true Norwegian;) At Vindstad there are no distractions – No noise. No roads. No cars. Only the fjord, the birds, and the clear blue sky. Read More about it at Catogården – Beaches.
Dinning with Local Ingridents
For dinner in Reine, I recommend visiting Gammelbua for some local dishes made out of stockfish and fresh fish and meat based on the season. You will have yourself an authentic Lofoten Experience. Other places to eat in Lofoten are many, explore and choose what the heart desires, but you can not leave Lofoten without having the stockfish or the Bacalao. Two different ways of preserving the cod in Lofoten. The main difference is that Stockfish is dried with natural sea salt coming from the wind by hanging in the Arctic air, and bacalao is typically sold into sections rather than a whole fish. It is skinless, boneless, and white, preserved with sea salt flakes.
How to Save Moeny When Flashpacking in Lofoten?
If you arrive in Lofoten and you wonder how to save money? My best advice would be to bring your car or travel by local transportation. What eats up your budget is renting a car due to the high demand for renting a car in Lofoten.
Visit Lofoten in April for Tranquilty & Pure Nature Bliss
Suppose you can travel to Lofoten in April. In that case, you will have another view of Lofoten, which is very magic. Best of all, you are more alone in the Islands. The accommodation prices are friendly due to the low season but still left with the Northern Norway charm and tranquil atmosphere. The birds, wildlife, and local inhabitants are excited about the spring season – this you will notice. If not you traveled too fast.
Airports in Lofoten & Public Transportation
When traveling to Lofoten, you can choose different airports. The most popular and more expensive one is Svolvær Airport, of course then you are at the very beginning of Lofoten. The other semi expansive airport would be Leknes Airport which leaves you in the middle of the Island. Then we have Hastad/Narvik Airport, which could be a good option if renting a car in Lofoten. Then the other option could be Bodø Airport, and you will cross over the fjord by the local ferry. A good choice for solo travelers because you will see a great deal of Lofoten by paying the local ticket price on a ferry and not a cruise. Another option if traveling solo is Leknes & Svolvær Airport, where you will have convenient access to the local transportation system.
Map over Airports in the area of Lofoten Islands.
Travel By Bus The Very Best Option When Flashpacking in Lofoten Islands
A great option if traveling solo or with only two people is doing the Lofoten Arctic Summer Tour by Bus, which gives you the flexibility to move around the Island without getting broke by renting a car. You travel more sustainably, meet other travelers, and save money on gas. You give more cash to the local community by spending money on fun activities like kayaking, surfing, and eating good local food at restaurants.
A great way to support the community since you are now putting money into the local community and not on gas & rental cars.
Airport Express Bus to Lofoten
Another Alternative for Public Transportation: Lofoten Arctic Summer Tour by Bus
- Season: 01 Jun – 31 Aug 2022
- Departure point: Three times a day (Thursday-Sunday) on both routes Svolvær–Leknes and Reine–Leknes.
Flashpacking in Lofoten Islands, Norway
If you are traveling by car, you can read more about that in this road trip in the Lofoten blog post. Also, if you are wondering what you should pack for a Lofoten visit, you should pack for all seasons because the weather is constantly changing. If you need more ideas for things to do in Lofoten, there are many options to explore, but the most important ones are hiking, kayaking, SUP, surfing, and fishing. Most of all, have time to perfect the art of doing nothing, don’t forget it is a vacation you should have time to enjoy by just being present in the moment.
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