Norway is more expensive than Sweden, more than Finland, almost as Switzerland. Lofoten is the northernmost and logistically hardest part of the country. Budget for a 7-day self-drive trip below.
Flights
| From | Return |
|---|---|
| Berlin → Oslo → Bodø → Leknes | €350-550 |
| London → Oslo → Bodø → Leknes | €300-500 |
| New York → Oslo → Bodø → Leknes | €650-1100 |
| Alternative: to Bodø + ferry to Moskenes | +€40 ferry per car |
Car rental
Hard to do Lofoten without a car — buses are rare. Prices:
- Economy (VW Polo): €75-110/day summer
- Mid (Skoda Octavia): €90-140
- Camper van: €180-280
- Fuel: ~€2.20/L, consumption typically 7L/100km
Accommodation
| Type | Double/night |
|---|---|
| Camping (tent) | €15-25/person |
| Rorbu (fisherman's cabin) | €150-300 |
| Guesthouse | €120-200 |
| Hotel | €180-350 |
| Premium rorbu (Reine, Henningsvær) | €350-500 |
Book 2-3 months ahead for June-August.
Food
- Dinner at restaurant: €40-70 per person
- Burger at café: €18-25
- Coffee: €4-6
- Beer: €10-13 at bar, €4-5 at Vinmonopolet
- Groceries 2 days at Rema 1000 / Kiwi: €50-70 for two
Activities
- Hikes — free (see top 5 hikes)
- Sea tour to bird island (Røst): €80-120
- Fishing with a local fisherman: €100-150 for half day
- Orca safari (winter): €150-200
- Museums (Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg): €18
7-day budget for two
- Flights (2 × €400 Berlin-Leknes): €800
- Car rental 7 days: €700
- Fuel: €100
- Accommodation 6 nights in rorbu: €1,200 (€200/night)
- Food (50% cafés, 50% cooking): €350 (€25/day/person)
- Activities (1 sea tour, museum): €200
- Misc: €100
Total: ~€3,450 for two = €1,725 per person.
How to save
- Camping or camper van. Saves €700+ over 7 days.
- Cook from Rema/Kiwi. Minus €300 vs restaurants.
- Free hikes — main activities are already free.
- Vinmonopolet for alcohol — supermarkets don't sell, bars charge €13 beer.
- Buy at Duty Free on arrival — cheapest.
- Off-season (May, September) — hotels 30% cheaper, white nights still there.
Related: Lofoten packing list, top 5 hikes.