📷 Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø

Cross from Bodø to the far end of Lofoten, then drive the E10 back through fishing villages, white beaches and a Viking longhouse.

Distance: 228 km (141 mi)
Driving: 3 h 08 min
Suggested days: 5
Stops: 8
Countries: Norway
Updated: July 15, 2026

At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 228 km (141 mi) with 8 stops, from Bodø to Svolvær. About 3 h 08 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Norway

Route description

The car ferry from Bodø to Moskenes takes about three and a half hours across the Vestfjord, and it is the best way to arrive: the wall of peaks grows slowly on the horizon. Book a place for the car in summer, as it fills up days ahead.

Drive first to Å at the very end of the E10, with its stockfish and fishing village museums, then turn back north to Reine and Hamnøy, where red and white fishermen’s cabins stand on stilts below the mountains. Fit walkers can climb the stone steps of Reinebringen for the classic view.

Cross the bridges to Flakstadøya and take the side road to Nusfjord, one of the best preserved fishing villages in Norway. On Vestvågøy, turn off for Haukland Beach, then visit the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg.

The E10 continues to Henningsvær, a village built over several islets with a famous football pitch, and Svolvær, the main town of the islands. From here you can return to the mainland via the Lofast road, or take the ferry from Svolvær to Skutvik. Wild camping is increasingly restricted in Lofoten, so use campsites and designated parking areas.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Bodø
Norway
Start
2

Å
Norway
112 km
3

Reine
ViewsReine, Norway
Red fishing cabins below sharp peaks in the Lofoten Islands. Many rorbuer can be rented.
9 km
4

Nusfjord
Norway
20 km
5

Haukland Beach
NatureLeknes, Norway
White sand and turquoise water under steep peaks on Vestvågøy. The short climb up Mannen next to the beach gives a view over both Haukland and Uttakleiv.
25 km
6

Lofotr Viking Museum
HistoryBorg, Norway
A reconstruction of an 83 m chieftain’s longhouse on the site where the original was excavated, with a Viking ship on the lake below.
14 km
7

Henningsvær
Norway
26 km
8

Svolvær
Norway
22 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Bodø → Å · 112 km · 1 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Moskenes Camping (4 km); Akkarvikodden Teltplass (12 km).
Day 2: Å → Reine · 9 km · 0 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Moskenes Camping (4 km); Fredvang Strand og Skjærgårdscamping (19 km).
Day 3: Reine → Nusfjord · 20 km · 0 h 16 minOvernight nearby, for example: Lofoten Beach Camp (8 km); Sjøstrand Rorbuer (9 km).
Day 4: Nusfjord → Lofotr Viking Museum · 39 km · 0 h 32 minOn the way: Haukland Beach.Overnight nearby, for example: Brustranda Fjordcamping (7 km); Lyngvær Lofoten Bobilcamping (19 km).
Day 5: Lofotr Viking Museum → Svolvær · 48 km · 0 h 39 minOn the way: Henningsvær.Overnight nearby, for example: Lofoten Feriesenter (2 km); Kabelvåg Feriehus & Camping (5 km).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Norway: Electronic tolls by number plate. Automatic toll roads and toll rings; many routes include car ferries. Motorway limit for cars: 110 km/h.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø?

5-day road trip of about 228 km (141 mi) with 8 stops, from Bodø to Svolvær. About 3 h 08 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø?

We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø start and end?

It starts in Bodø and ends in Svolvær.

Which countries does Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø pass through?

Norway.

Where can you camp along Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø?

OpenStreetMap lists 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Geitvågen Bad & Camping, Saltstraumen Camping and Moskenes Camping.

When is the best time for Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø?

Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)