Questions & answers
Lofoten, in short
The questions our guests ask most, grouped so you can find yours — with the short answers, and where to read more.
Planning your trip
Where is Lofoten?
A chain of islands off the coast of northern Norway, at 68° north — above the Arctic Circle, warmed by the Gulf Stream. Reached by road, by ferry from Bodø, and by two regional airports, Leknes and Svolvær.
When is the best time to visit?
Every season delivers something the others cannot: midnight sun in summer, northern lights from September to early April, white peaks in winter and spring. Choose the light you want to stand in — the season overview shows you each one.
How many days do you need?
Three to four days as a minimum, five to seven to enjoy the west properly. Guests who stay longer never regret it — the slow days are the ones they write to us about.
Getting here & around
How do you get there?
Fly to Leknes via Bodø and you land in the middle of the islands, 30 minutes from Casa Lofoten — the smoothest route. The Bodø–Moskenes car ferry brings you and your car straight to our side of the islands. The Getting to Lofoten guide compares the routes.
Do you need a car?
Yes — and it is a gift here: the E10 is one of the world's great scenic drives, and a car lets you follow the light and the weather wherever they are best. Electric works best when you charge where you stay.
Should the ferry and flights be booked ahead?
Yes — both have limited space through much of the year. The small Widerøe planes from Bodø to Leknes fill early, and so does the car deck on the Bodø–Moskenes ferry in summer — book both when your dates are set. The ferry lands at Moskenes, on our side of the islands: you drive off and are at Casa Lofoten within 20 minutes.
The seasons & the sky
Can you see the northern lights — and when?
Yes. Lofoten sits directly under the auroral oval, so even modest activity lights up a clear night here — from mid-September to early April. From a dark base like ours you watch from the door.
What is the midnight sun like?
From about 26–28 May to 14–17 July the sun never sets — and the long light nights run from May into September.
What is the weather like?
Coastal and alive — sun, cloud, rain and wind can share one afternoon, and the fast light is what photographers travel here for. Pack wool layers and a windproof shell, plan your days flexibly, and every week here contains beautiful days. The Lofoten weather guide has the full picture.
Can you swim in the sea?
Yes — short, bracing, wonderful swims off white-sand beaches, at their least cold in late summer. With a sauna a few steps from the water, the swim becomes the best part of the day.
The house, sauna & beach
Is Casa Lofoten right for a group of eight?
Yes — the house is built for it: four bedrooms and five beds for eight guests, two bathrooms, a big kitchen and room to spread out, inside and along the shoreline.
How close is the sauna to the sea?
The sauna stands in the old boathouse by our own beach — the fjord is a few steps from its door.
Is there much light pollution around Casa Lofoten?
Very little — the house sits on a quiet side fjord away from village lighting, with an open view. On clear nights you watch the aurora from the doorstep.
How far is everything from the house?
Kvalvika and Ryten trailheads are 10 minutes away, Reine and Nusfjord 20, Å 30 — and the Volandstind trail starts a short walk from the door.
Is there a shop nearby?
Yes — the Bunnpris in Ramberg is five minutes away, open every day in high season, Sundays included.
Can we do laundry and dry wet gear?
Yes — the house has a laundry and a drying cabinet: boots and shells go in wet in the evening and come out ready by morning.
Does Casa Lofoten have a sauna?
Yes — a private sauna by our own beach, with the fjord a few steps from the door. It is the single thing guests mention most. The sauna & the beach page shows how it works.
How many people can stay?
Eight, in four bedrooms with five beds: one double, two queen and one bunk bed. Two bedrooms and a bathroom are upstairs, two bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs.
Is the beach really private?
Yes. It lies directly in front of the house on the property's 14,700 m².
Can we charge an electric car?
Yes — a Type 2 charger by the door, free for guests.
What is there for children?
Four bedrooms, one of them with a bunk bed, a high chair, a beach, and a lean-to shelter on the Volandstind trail that works as a turning point for short legs. There are board games and comics in the house, and beach toys for the little ones.
When can we see the northern lights?
From mid-September onwards, given clear skies and some patience. The house sits on a side fjord with little light spill, and there are benches on the hill behind.
When can we see the midnight sun?
In summer — from the private dock you can see the sun above the horizon at 24:00.
Can we freeze and take home fish we catch?
There is a chest freezer in the laundry room in addition to the kitchen freezer, and an outdoor kitchen on the dock for cleaning fish. Export limits on fish change; check the current rules before you fly.
Is there anything noisy nearby?
No. The house is on Skjelfjorden with the water between it and the E10. Guests mention the quiet more often than almost anything else.