Rørvikstranda
Rørvikstranda is a beautiful beach nestled in the embrace of the mountains, conveniently located right along the main road of the Lofoten Islands, making it an easily accessible destination. The beach is set in a charming cove where turquoise sea waves lap against the light sandy shore. The water, while inviting for a swim, remains very cold even in the middle of summer, and with the air being a bit chilly, swimming wasn’t particularly appealing. We prefer swimming in warmer waters 😄️.
The beach is a popular spot for camping, which is no surprise given its stunning scenery. On a previous trip, we camped here overnight, but this time the beach was crowded, and we couldn’t find a free and peaceful spot, so we decided not to stay the night.
There are public toilets available at the beach, which cost about 1€ and can be paid with a bank card. While we usually praise the cleanliness and maintenance of public toilets along Norwegian roads, these were an exception. The toilets were quite dirty, and not all were functional. There is also a water point where you can refill your water supplies.
Henningsvaer
The road to Henningsvær starts from Rørvikstranda, and it is a stunning drive! The road itself is a sight to see, and at the end, the popular and beautiful village of Henningsvær awaits, making the visit highly recommended. The road winds along the coast, crossing bridges with magnificent and imposing mountains rising on the other side—the scenery is simply breathtaking.
Henningsvær is located at the end of the road on two islands, often called the Venice of the Lofoten Islands. The village is very cozy, featuring small shops, several restaurants, and cafes. One of the village’s most famous landmarks is the football field at the end of the island, which, especially when photographed by drone, is a unique sight. The green field, nestled amidst the rocky terrain, spans almost the entire width of the narrow island, standing out prominently in the landscape.
There is a larger parking area in the village, but it can easily be full, especially during peak season. There are larger parking lots on the islands before the village, which likely have space even during busier times. Just before the village, there are several narrow bridges where traffic is controlled by lights, allowing traffic to flow in one direction at a time.
Next to Henningsvær is a fantastic hiking destination, Festvågtind mountain. From here, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Henningsvær islands and the surrounding mountains. You can read more about this hike in the dedicated post about Festvågtind ➛
We stayed in this area for a couple of nights because it was so beautiful that we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave. The first night we spent in the car here, and for the second night, we found a superb spot near Rørvikstranda beach, where we parked the car with a magnificent view of the sea and mountains right from the trunk.
