Arctic Getaway, Anyone? 12 Stunning Beaches Norway
By Sam Lee, 2025. Did you know many of the world's best beaches sit above the Arctic Circle? Surprising, right?
Read on to discover 12 stunning (and absolutely pristine) beaches on the Lofoten Islands in Norway — the perfect holiday destination if you love adventure and tranquility.
01 —
Haukland Beach
In the heart of Lofoten, on the north side of Vestvågøy island, lies Haukland beach. Considered one of Norway's most stunning beaches, it is a mere 10-minute drive from Leknes, with parking right by the shore. It boasts bright white sand, turquoise water, and mountainous surroundings.
Stroll along the old road around the mountain and you'll discover Uttakleiv, another picturesque beach.
On your return journey, follow the old road over the mountain pass (or venture up Mannen Mountain) for breathtaking views of Haukland Beach and the surrounding Lofoten area.
Haukland Beach is a great place to swim during the summer months and to see the Northern Lights during winter.
NOTE: A quick heads up…I’ve marked all beach locations on an interactive map at the end of the article.
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Kvalvika
Kvalvika is one of the best beach destinations on the Lofoten Islands, nestled in the Lofotodden National Park with steep green mountains rising from the sea.
Kvalvika's two beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot.
These secluded beaches have fine sand and azure water, and the dramatic scenery is impressive. If you're up for a longer hike, you can also climb the mountain Ryten, which offers a stunning view overlooking Kvalvika.
Wild camping is popular at Kvalvika Beach, which is only accessible by hiking 1.5 hours through muddy and sometimes rocky terrain.
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Eggum Beach
Eggum Beach is a little-known gem and simply amazing. It receives very few visitors, so you'll likely have this little piece of paradise all to yourself.
Situated near the tiny fishing village of Eggum, the beach boasts chalk-white sand and some of the most transparent blue water in all of Lofoten.
Stroll the beach. Kayak the tranquil blue waters — even better during the midnight sun. Start the coastal hike towards Unstad Beach. There is even a nearby WWII radar tower to explore. Oh...and Eggum's wide-open views also make it a great spot to watch the Northern Lights.
04 —
Gimsøy & Hov Beaches
An idyllic Lofoten beach with brown rocks, white sand, and green mountains in the distance, Gimsy Beach is a hidden gem. Gimsøy has extensive protected areas with rare fauna and an exciting bird life. Its also north-facing location also makes it ideal for watching the Midnight Sun.
A short drive northwest of Gimsøy Beach is Hov Beach, where you can take a guided horseback ride along sandy beaches and old Viking trails or enjoy a round of golf with spectacular views.
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Rørvik Beach
Rørvik beach is just off the E10 as you're heading towards Henningsvær. It's a stunning beach with the perfect view over to Vestvågøy. On warm summer days, the beach is crowded with locals and visitors sunbathing, barbequing, camping, and generally enjoying themselves. Jump in for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear sea!
Tip: It's better to visit this beach during low tide as it disappears during high tide.
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Ramberg Beach
Ramberg Beach is on the north side of the island Flakstadøy. This beach is worth a visit and is easily accessible from the road. Its blue water and mountain views at Ramberg Beach make it one of Lofoten's best beaches.
Right in front of the beach, in the grassy area, you'll find a small red wooden shed that has become a famous photography subject in Lofoten.
There are also great hiking trails nearby.
07 —
Skagsanden Beach
Skagsanden is an iconic beach on the Lofoten islands and a hotspot for watching the Northern Lights, thanks to minimal light pollution. The beach is known for its unique patterns from the rivers running into the ocean and the black sand which mixes with the white sand. It's easy to reach and offers everything you would expect from a classic Lofoten beach — a long stretch of sand, clear water, and a mountainous backdrop.
Skagsanden Beach is also a great place to surf in Lofoten. The beach has no rocks or dangerous currents, so it's perfect for beginners. You can take surf lessons from Lofoten Beach Camp, just a few steps from the beach.
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Horseid Beach
How can I describe Horseid Beach? Stunning? Isolated? Fabulous? It's all that and much more.
Reaching Horseid Beach is an adventure, requiring a ferry ride from Reine to Kjerkfjord followed by a (reasonably easy) two-hour hike.
Being off the beaten track helps limit visitor numbers, making the beach a tranquil retreat better suited to an overnight camping destination. The best camping spots are on the small hill on the right side of the beach.
The beach receives far fewer visitors than its neighboring beaches, Kvalvika and Bunes, and that's part of its appeal!
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Bunes Beach
Bunes Beach is a fantastic remote beach that's more accessible than Horseid Beach. Park your car in Reine, then take the boat to Vindstad and walk over the mountain pass for about 40- 50 minutes to Bunes Beach. It has a good path and is suitable for children.
Bring your lunch and spend the day at the beach, enjoy the untouched sand and endless horizon, then take the boat back to Reine.
10 —
Unstad Beach
Unstad Beach is the most famous surfing spot in the area and is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
It is more suitable for experienced surfers since the waves here are larger and the seabed is rocky. Skagsanden Beach is better for novice surfers.
Unstad Beach also has a small hotel with a cozy cafe known for having the best cinnamon rolls in the world (and they are amazing, so give them a try if you visit).
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Puinn Beach
Punn Beach is a beautiful, yet remote beach on the Lofoten Islands, situated on the island of Værøy, one of the most south-westerly in the group. Punn Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it's easy to see why.
Visiting Punn is something of a trek. It's best to take a 90-minute ferry ride to Værøy Island, and then hike to get a view of the beach. However, to reach the beach, you'll need a boat.
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Uttakleiv Beach
Uttakleiv Beach is a popular destination for camping and watching the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer. Its shoreline has interesting sand and rock formations that attract photographers. From Uttakleiv, you can climb up to Himmeltinden, the highest mountain in Vestvågøy.
Tip: A quick warning that the area can get a little crowded during summer. Plus, you’ll be automatically charged when driving into the car park. You’ll need to pay your fee within 48 hours via the designated app or website.
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Explore the map
Explore the map for my recommended beaches on the Lofoten Islands.
That’s a wrap. What do you think?
Have these stunning beaches won you over? I hope this article inspires you to add the Lofoten Islands to your travel bucket list — I don’t think you’ll regret it!
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