15 Fun Facts About Lofoten

The Lofoten Islands are a true gem of the Arctic. An archipelago known for its stunning natural beauty and quaint fishing villages, there is so much to discover about this unique region in northern Norway.

Here are 15 facts about Lofoten you may not be aware of.

1. Lofoten is in the Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle is an imaginary circle at the top of the globe, covering the area from 66 degrees north up to the North Pole. In addition to Norway, the Arctic Circle covers parts of Sweden, Finland, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Canada and Alaska in the USA.

2. A Cinematic Haven: Lofoten's Role in Film

Lofoten stands out not only as a paradise for travelers but also as a magnet for the cinematic world. This dramatic backdrop has captured the imagination of filmmakers, contributing to Lofoten's appearance in a variety of film productions:

"The Wave" (2015): Although primarily filmed elsewhere, "The Wave" utilized the stunning Lofoten landscapes for certain scenes, adding to the film's dramatic aesthetic.

"Downsizing" (2017): This Hollywood production featuring Matt Damon included scenes shot in Norway, with Lofoten's breathtaking scenery making a notable contribution.

"Twin" (2019): A Norwegian TV series starring Kristofer Hivju, "Twin" took advantage of the picturesque Lofoten setting for several of its scenes, further showcasing the area's natural beauty.

3. The sun never sets in summer

Between the end of May and mid-July each year, the Lofoten Islands experience 24 hours of sunlight every day. Also called the midnight sun, this phenomenon is due to its northern latitude and the Earth's axis tilting towards the sun during these months. Of course, during the winter months Lofoten experiences the opposite effect—polar nights last from November to January where the sun doesn't rise at all.

4. Vikings lived in Lofoten

In 1983, archaeologists discovered the world's largest longhouse, dating back to around 500 AD. This Viking-era structure is located in the village of Borg and is now open to the public as the Lofotr Viking Museum. This living museum allows visitors a chance to explore history through exhibitions, artifacts and more.

5. More than 1,000 years in the cod industry

Between January and April each year, cod fish migrate from the Barents Sea to the coast of northern Norway to spawn. They are particularly abundant in Lofoten, which has made it possible for fishing villages on the islands to thrive for more than a thousand years.

6. Lofoten has one of the world’s largest higher temperature anomalies

Because of Lofoten's location in the remote north, some may assume it has a cold, harsh climate. However, the archipelago's proximity to the Gulf Stream means Lofoten is blessed with warm ocean currents and mild winters. In the winter, the average temperature is around zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the warmest temperature in the world for this latitude.

7. The world’s largest deep water coral reef

Did you know that 25% of all deep-water coral reefs are found off Norway's coast? The largest of them is a 10,000-year-old reef called Røst Reef (Røstrevet), located just outside Lofoten. It is 43 kilometres (27 miles) long, 6.9 kilometres (4.3 miles) wide and located 300 meters (984.25 feet) below the surface.

8. Home to mainland Europe’s largest seabird colony

The Røstrevet deep-water coral reef teems with marine life and warm ocean currents bring scores of fish to the area, making this an attractive setting for birds to settle. The Lofoten Islands have large populations of sea eagles, puffins, cormorants and many more seabirds making this a wonderful bird-watching spot.

9. You can surf in Unstad and Flakstad

Most people think of tropical beaches when they hear the word "surfing," and yet the Lofoten Islands are known for their world-class surfing conditions! The water is cold, but wetsuit technology allows for surfing year-round. Between September and April, storms in the Norwegian Sea produce powerful swells, which attracts experienced surfers from around the world.

10. Lofoten has one of the world’s strongest whirlpools

Moskstraumen is located at the tip of Lofoten, between the islands of Moskenesøya and Mosken. It's one of the world’s strongest whirlpools and measures about four kilometres (2.49 miles) across and 50 metres (164 feet) deep. The whirlpool was first described in Old Norse Sagas in the 13th century and has also been featured in the work of writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Jules Vern.

11. A popular filming location

For many years, Norwegian filmmakers have used Lofoten as a picturesque backdrop and as it grows in recognition, this area is getting attention from Hollywood movie producers as well. Some recent blockbuster films filmed in Lofoten include Downsizing (2017) starring Matt Damon, The North Drift (2022) and After Death (2023).

12. Lofoten inspired the Disney movie Frozen

If you've visited this beautiful area before, then it's no surprise that the colorful homes, towering mountains and stunning landscapes of Lofoten were a powerful source of inspiration for the architecture and scenery in Frozen, which is set in Norway. Since its release in 2013, tourism to Lofoten and Norway has seen a dramatic increase with all kinds of Frozen-themed tours available for fans.

13. Driving through Lofoten

The drive through the entirety of Lofoten, from its southern tip in Å to its northern point in Raftsundet, is a journey that presents travelers with some of the most breathtaking views in Norway. Spanning approximately 166 kilometers (about 103 miles), the trip can generally be completed in around 3 to 4 hours, without accounting for stops. This is about as far as it is to drive from Miami to Key West.

14. The size of Lofoten

Lofoten, a Norwegian archipelago, covers an area of about 1,227 square kilometers (around 474 square miles). Comparing its size to European and American cities, Lofoten is considerably larger than Paris, France, which spans roughly 105 square kilometers. In contrast, it's slightly smaller than Los Angeles, USA, which extends over approximately 1,302 square kilometers. However, unlike these densely populated cities, Lofoten encompasses a range of natural landscapes, including mountains, fjords, and fishing villages, presenting a stark contrast to urban environments.

15. Lofoten got its name from a lynx

Vestvågøy, one of the islands in Lofoten, was originally called Lófót because of its likeness to a lynx foot (ló = lynx; fót = foot). Over time, the name was given to the entire archipelago and eventually became the Lofoten Islands.

This is a small glimpse of what the Lofoten Islands have to offer. Who knows what you'll discover on your next trip to northern Norway!