Explore the Arctic winter landscape, with snow-covered mountains, frozen fjords, and activities like ski touring or fishing trips. Or spend a quiet day in the cabin with the fire lit, watching the weather in Lofoten in winter — it can be both fierce and impressive at once. Food lovers can look forward to peak season for fresh seafood: buy it straight from the fish landing station, or visit one of the local restaurants that will prepare the day's catch for you. A trip in this period gives you a rare chance to experience Lofoten with quiet, authentic Arctic experiences, and the magical atmosphere that winter — and the first taste of spring — brings.
Self-catered or ready-made
Explore the range of options in Lofoten and enjoy being part of the fishing culture. You can join an exciting fishing trip, catch your own fish, and enjoy cooking fresh ingredients in a well-equipped cabin kitchen. Whether or not you try your luck fishing, there's a good chance to get hold of some of the day's catch — visit the local fish landing station and pick something from the catch. The Lofoten cod fishery runs during exactly this period, so the supply of good ingredients is especially strong. Dig out a cookbook and learn how to prepare fresh cod roe, and how to fillet and cook a really good cod.
Good restaurants nearby
For those who'd rather have the food served, there are several good options within easy walking distance of the cabin — Maren Anna, Havet Restaurant at The Tide, and Holmen Lofoten are all just a short stroll away. The same ingredients are used, but it's rather nice to simply sit down and wait for the most delicious dishes. After the meal you can stroll home slowly and contentedly, and if you're really lucky the sky will be painted with the most incredible patterns of the northern lights. If you want to explore even more of the area's culinary range, under 20 minutes' drive away you'll find Restaurant Gammelbua in Reine and Anitas Sjømat on Sakrisøy, among others.
See our full overview of places to eat nearby →Skiing, or a walk with crampons
Through the winter, Lofoten's nature opens up for varied but unpredictable experiences. Depending on conditions, you might set out on a lovely ski tour, or bring out the gear for a backcountry ski trip. Sudden shifts in weather can make a walk with crampons, or a skate on one of the many nearby lakes, your best option instead.
A summit is rewarded many times over
Flexibility is the key, but the truly lucky ones may get to experience a magical backcountry ski tour. This can be done a short distance from the cabin, or with a 30–40 minute drive — opening up an even wider choice of routes. The long, demanding climb is rewarded many times over: first some proper exercise, then a panoramic view over the sea, and best of all, feeling the skis glide down through untouched snow, turn after turn in the soft surface. The joy lasts all the way until the skis reach the shoreline rocks. Winter in Lofoten lets you embrace the unpredictable, and create memories for life.
Looking forward to it
Writing this makes me look forward even more to making the trip back to Lofoten and Sørvågen soon. What weather and experiences await us, we don't know — but that the light, the view and the ever-changing weather will impress us again, that much I do know.
We're grateful to all the guests from around the world who have chosen to visit our cabins. The feedback is clear: Lofoten, and the location of our cabins, is something truly special and well worth experiencing.