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Few places on Earth serve up such a pure dose of Norway’s wild character as this long sweep of Arctic islands. Over roughly 650 kilometres, you pedal through landscapes that feel carved for cycling, not because they’re easy, but because every turn brings another scene you’d regret rushing past. From Bodø, the ferry glides you out toward Lofoten in about four hours. When the weather behaves, the mainland fades behind you and the islands stand ahead like a frontier at the edge of the world.
The tarmac is smooth the whole way, and the gradients rarely trouble the legs — a small miracle considering the mountains that loom above. The real challenge is popularity: in high summer, motorhomes and rental cars pile into Lofoten’s postcard roads. Push onward, though, and you’ll find the next island chains quieter, with views every bit as striking and occasionally more honest in their beauty.
This is the far north stripped back, clean air, sea on both sides, villages hanging on to the coast. It’s built for human pace. Sit in a car and you’ll blink past what matters. Travel by bike and you actually meet the place.
The Full Route Information page is the most comprehensive guide ever put together for cycling in the Arctic. Join our paid membership to unlock everything — essential detours, an interactive map with key attractions, beaches, camping spots, and important tunnel notes — all in one place.
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The prime window is late June to late July when the midnight sun, open services, and more stable weather make riding easier, though you’ll share the road with plenty of campervans. A slightly riskier but quieter option is late May to mid-June, with dramatic snow-topped peaks and fewer tourists, but cooler nights and some places still closed. Mid-August into early September brings calmer roads, more space to breathe, and the first autumn colours, though days shorten and Atlantic storms are possible. Later in September will bring possible Northern Lights sightings, but the temperatures can dramatically drop, and days will be much shorter. Outside these periods, harsh weather, darkness, and closed facilities make cycling a challenge, but doable with the correct gear (i.e. winter tyres) and clothing. If you want a full winter wonderland experience, February is the best month (if you can handle the cold)!
Reaching the start is straightforward if you plan ahead. For Lofoten, most riders fly into Bodø, assemble their bikes, and roll straight onto the ferry to Moskenes, simple and reliable. Those starting farther north usually fly into Tromsø, where you can rebuild the bike at the airport and ride out the same day. Trains only reach Bodø from the south, so if you want to avoid flying, factor in a long rail journey. Either way, pack your bike properly, expect handling fees, and give yourself time at the start. Nothing ruins a trip faster than rushing your first day in the Arctic.
During the summer, the E10 through Lofoten is one of the busiest roads in northern Norway. With narrow lanes, campervans drifting over the centre line, and impatient locals trying to pass. The long sea tunnel (Nappstraumen) between Flakstad and Vestvågøy is loud, steep and not to everyone’s liking. Crosswinds can slam into you on exposed bridges such as Hamnøy and the Gimsøy strait. In summer rain, painted surfaces and metal grates turn slick fast. And once you move beyond Lofoten, services stretch out. The member’s full story page will go into detail about hazards and how best to mitigate them.
Bodø
– Experience North – Bike & E-Bike Rental: Central Bodø rentals with touring bikes and e-bikes suitable for day trips and longer tours.
– Wood Hotel Bodø – Electric Bike Rental: Electric mountain bikes for exploring the city, forests and the surrounding coastline.
Lofoten
– Lofoten Rorbuer – Bicycle Rental (Svolvær): Standard bikes, trailers and panniers, ideal for touring between Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær.
– RETUR Lofoten – Ski, Bike & Outdoor Rental: Hybrid, gravel and e-bikes based in Lofoten, good for both short rides and multi-day trips.
– Reine Rorbuer – Bike Rental (Reine): Regular bikes and e-bikes, perfect for exploring western Lofoten towards Å.
– Lofoten Harbor – E-Bike Rental: Electric bikes for day touring around Lofoten Harbour and nearby villages.
Tromsø
– Tromsø Outdoor – Bike & Equipment Rental: Wide range of touring and mountain bikes with local route advice and accessories.
– Tromsø Ski & Bike Rental: Trek and other brand bikes for road and light gravel riding in the Tromsø region.
Matthew Tolley, Founder of Cycle Norway
A jaw-dropping ridge hike that begins just outside the village of Reine and climbs 1,978 stairs to a summit offering what many consider the best panoramic view in Lofoten: fjords, fishing villages and jagged peaks all laid out below. Hike early or late to miss the midday crowds.
A jaw-dropping ridge hike that begins just outside the village of Reine and climbs 1,978 stairs to a summit offering what many consider the best panoramic view in Lofoten: fjords, fishing villages and jagged peaks all laid out below. Hike early or late to miss the midday crowds.
A practical hub for cyclists on the islands, offering covered bike parking and a 'greenhouse' style heated upstairs sleeping area. An essential free overnight stop for those on a budget or looking for protection from the elements. The location can be found on our premium members interactive map.
A practical hub for cyclists on the islands, offering covered bike parking and a 'greenhouse' style heated upstairs sleeping area. An essential free overnight stop for those on a budget or looking for protection from the elements. The location can be found on our premium members interactive map.
On the coast road around Andøya, this rest-area has gained fame for being one of the world’s “best loo-with-a-view” — a public toilet set right by sea and sky, where you can pause on a ride, take in wild ocean views, and enjoy a little quiet northern-coast magic.
On the coast road around Andøya, this rest-area has gained fame for being one of the world’s “best loo-with-a-view” — a public toilet set right by sea and sky, where you can pause on a ride, take in wild ocean views, and enjoy a little quiet northern-coast magic.
A striking coastal spot on Senja: smooth rocky shoreline, sea-water pools at low tide, and dramatic sea-and-mountain vistas. It’s a good stop to stretch legs and enjoy the raw coastal beauty of northern Norway, especially after a day’s pedaling.
Our Full Story page goes through every must-see highlight of this remarkable journey. Join now
A striking coastal spot on Senja: smooth rocky shoreline, sea-water pools at low tide, and dramatic sea-and-mountain vistas. It’s a good stop to stretch legs and enjoy the raw coastal beauty of northern Norway, especially after a day’s pedaling.
Our Full Story page goes through every must-see highlight of this remarkable journey. Join now
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
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