Why this ride
From Melbu it runs 126 km to Leknes; allow about 1 h 53 of riding. It suits an unhurried touring pace.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Lofoten Norwegian Scenic Route · short arc
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 126 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 1 h 53
- Journey
- One way; return travel is separate
Distance and timing basis
Ordered leg totals agree within rounding. Stop distances are approximate sums of rounded legs. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: planning record, not independently verified geometry.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distances and riding times are planning figures. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Raftsundet
The cliffs are black and wet, the peaks are jagged, and in winter they hold snow to the shore. The strait is part of the route the Hurtigruten coastal steamer takes, and on a good day a ship can be seen inching between the walls.
Read the complete Raftsundet write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Raftsundet is where the day begins. Next is Svolvaer.
2. Svolvær
The Svolværgeita, the Svolvær Goat, is a pair of rock horns on a peak above the town, and climbers jump the gap between them for the thrill of it. That is the sort of place Svolvær is. It is the largest town in the Lofoten islands, with some four thousand people on the island of Austvågøya, and it sits on the edge of a harbour surrounded by jagged mountains that rise straight out of the sea.
Read the complete Svolvaer write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Svolvær comes up about 126 km into the recorded legs. Next is Leknes.
3. Leknes
Leknes is the practical heart of Lofoten, a modest town with a lot to be grateful for. It sits on Vestvågøy, the flattest of the larger islands, and has the airport, the biggest supermarkets and the hospital, so everything you forgot to bring can probably be bought here. If you have ridden the long, scenic road from Svolvær, the sight of a proper grocery store is welcome.
Read the complete Leknes write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
The route ends here after 126 km.
Leg by leg
Raftsundet to Svolvaer
Raftsundet → Svolvaer is 56 km of rhythm rather than effort. Let it flow and let the view breathe.
Svolvær to Leknes
Svolvær → Leknes is 158 km of rhythm rather than effort. Let it flow and let the view breathe.