11 Best Sights in The Lofoten Islands, Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands

One of the best-known museums in the Lofoten Islands, the family-run Galleri Lofoten is home to the largest collection of northern Norwegian artwork from the last century, including renowned painters like Otto Sinding, Gunnar Berg, Even Ulving, Adelsteen Normann, Einar Berger, Ole Juul, and Thorolf Holmboe. Take a load off at the on-site café.

Hidden on the northern side of Moskenesøy, the only way to reach this beautiful beach is by walking. Wedged between the mountains, this golden-sand beach is a gem. Once you are parked, the hike here takes around 45 minutes. Amenities: parking. Best for: walking.

A labor of love, this brewery has been supplying the Lofoten Islands with refreshing craft beer since 2014. You can take a tour of the brewery and learn about the fermentation and brewing process.

One of the top historical sites in Europe, this museum 13 km (8 miles) north of Leknes portrays the lifestyle and culture of the Vikings through magical reconstructions of typical buildings and ships. The re-created Viking chieftain's longhouse, on the foundations of a real chieftain's home, has been built according to authentic methods, including grass-turf walls, load-bearing poles, and fireplaces. Inside, it's divided, just like the original, into a lobby, living quarters, great hall, and byre (barn). Nearby, several other reconstructed buildings include a smithy and boathouse, and three ships that can be boarded in summer. The exhibition halls display more Viking artifacts and show a 12-minute film about the history and people of the region. Artisans are at work on-site, and there's a chance to taste Viking food. There's even an activity area for kids, which makes the museum a popular choice for families.

Henningsvær is quite possibly the most famous fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, and there's no better place to get a feel for its history than the harbor of Heimgårdsbrygga. It's also one of the most photogenic backdrops in the region, with many of its historical structures still intact.

History enthusiasts love this World War II bunker. Although it has been swallowed up by nature and is pretty rusty, it still tells a powerful story.

One of the most scenic road trips in the world, this route stretches 230 km (142 miles) between Raftsundet in the north and the village of Å in the south. Whether heading north or south from Leknes, the craggy rock peaks, white sand beaches, and emerald green seas make it difficult to keep your attention on the road, especially when seen as a backdrop to seaside fishing villages. At regular intervals and particularly scenic spots, rest areas, viewing platforms, observation towers, and restaurants encourage further exploration.

This museum is dedicated to the industry that fortified this village for decades. It takes you back to a simpler time when the whole population's livelihood depended solely on what the seas brought in. It reenacts (in a realistic manner) the old life in the Lofoten Islands, showing how people baked, worked, and did the hard labor that built the islands to what they are today. There is a café on the premises.

One of the most photogenic beaches in northern Norway, Uttakeiv Beach is 12 km (7 miles) from Leknes. This beach has unmatched aurora shows during winter and a spectacular midnight sun in the summer. Amenities: parking. Best for: walking.