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A fishing boat off Svolvær

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Lofoten Tours Compared

Lofoten tours differ by season, length and what is included. This page compares boat trips, fishing and northern lights tours, and lists what to check before you book.

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How Lofoten tours differ

Most Lofoten tours start in Svolvær and depend on the season. The Trollfjord cruise runs from February to October, the RIB and fishing trips run almost all year, and the northern lights minibus runs from September to the start of April. Length ranges from about 2 hours on a RIB to about 4 hours for fishing or a night out under the sky.

The examples below come from single operators and show what one product costs, not a market range. A price does not show free seats on your date, so check the date, the meeting point and what the price covers.

2 to 4 hoursTypical length of the boat, fishing and aurora tours below
NOK 1,095Lowest adult price in the table, for the RIB trip and the fishing trip
8 guestsMaximum group size on the northern lights minibus
A ship deep inside the Trollfjord

Lofoten tours and day trips

Trollfjord cruises, sea eagle safaris, fishing and northern lights tours, with live prices and availability.

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Lofoten tours compared

Adult prices, which can change. Each row is one operator's product.

TourLengthSeasonAdult price
Trollfjord cruise from Svolvær3 to 4 hours1 February to 31 OctoberNOK 1,490
RIB sea eagle safariAbout 2 hoursAlmost all yearNOK 1,350
RIB Trollfjord and sea eagle safari2 hoursAll yearNOK 1,095
Fishing trip4 hoursAll yearNOK 1,095
Northern lights minibus from Svolvær3 to 4 hours1 September to 1 AprilNOK 1,295
Guided hike to MannenAsk when bookingAsk when bookingAsk when booking

For most visitors, a boat tour is the first choice from spring to early autumn, because it shows the Trollfjord from the water. In the dark months the northern lights minibus is the tour that fits the season best. Choose the RIB if you want speed and a shorter outing, and the fishing trip if you want to be active on the water.

The tour types in detail

What each one involves.

Trollfjord cruise

The Trollfjord cruise leaves from Svolvær. Meet at the main square 15 minutes before departure. The boat has a heated indoor area and toilets, food is extra, and the crew does not feed animals. Sea eagles are not guaranteed. The season ends at the end of October.

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RIB sea eagle safari

One RIB safari costs NOK 1,350 for adults and NOK 895 for children for about 2 hours, from age 8. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. A flotation suit, life jacket and goggles are included. Pregnant women and people with back problems are advised not to join. Another 2 hour RIB safari costs NOK 1,095 for adults and NOK 795 for children aged 8 to 17, meeting at 9:00 a.m. at Sjømannsgata 5 in Svolvær for a 9:30 a.m. departure.

Fishing trip

The fishing trip from Svolvær takes 4 hours and starts at 9:00 a.m., with check-in at 8:45 a.m. Adults pay NOK 1,095, children aged 0 to 17 pay NOK 695, and a family of two adults and two children pays NOK 2,795. Fishing gear, protective clothing, a life jacket and filleting are included. A catch is not guaranteed.

Northern lights minibus

The minibus leaves Svolvær at 7 p.m., with the meeting point at 6:45 p.m. Adults aged 18 to 90 pay NOK 1,295 and children aged 8 to 17 pay NOK 995. Groups have at most 8 guests, and children under 12 are not recommended. You send a booking request by e-mail. The lights cannot be promised.

Northern lights guide →

Guided hikes

Most Lofoten hikes are done on your own. A guided walk to Mannen, the 400 m mountain above Haukland beach, is offered through the Haukland beach site. Ask for the current rate and date when you book.

Other hikes, such as Reinebringen, are walked without a guide and need good shoes, extra clothing and calm weather. Read the route and safety details on the hiking page before you go.

Hikers on the Reinebringen ascent

What to check before you book

The wording differs more than the prices do.

Weather and cancellations

The operator cancels the Trollfjord cruise when conditions are uncertain and offers a rebooking or a refund. Not every rain forecast leads to a cancellation. Read the terms of any tour before you pay.

Date, product and meeting point

One operator can offer several tours with different seasons and meeting places. Check that the date, the product and the place match.

Age limits

The RIB trips start at age 8, the aurora minibus lists children from 8 but advises against it under 12, and the fishing trip lists children from 0. Check the limit for each product.

Clothing and food

RIB trips supply a flotation suit, life jacket and goggles. On the Trollfjord cruise, food is extra. For the aurora tour, wear warm layers from head to toe.

Plan the rest of your trip

Where the tours fit.

If you plan a trip across the wider north, Tromsø tours offer a bigger choice in the winter months.

Lofoten tours: frequently asked questions

Which tour should I choose in the Lofoten Islands?

It depends on the season. Boat tours suit spring to early autumn, the northern lights minibus suits the dark months, and the RIB and fishing trips run almost all year. The table compares single examples, not a ranking.

How much do Lofoten tours cost?

The examples above range from NOK 1,095 for the RIB trip and the fishing trip to NOK 1,490 for the Trollfjord cruise. These are single products for adults, and extras such as food can change the total.

Do I need to book in advance?

An offer does not show free seats on your date. The aurora minibus is booked by e-mail request, and groups are small. Check availability before you plan around a date.

Can I see the northern lights on a tour?

A tour takes you to dark places with a good view, but the lights depend on the sky and cannot be promised. The minibus runs from 1 September to 1 April.

Is this the official Lofoten tour website?

No. This is an independent guide. It is not the website of Visit Lofoten, Visit Norway, a ferry company or a tour operator.

Lofoten tours

Northern lights tours, Trollfjord cruises and hikes compared, most with free cancellation.

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