Located in the heart of the Lofoten archipelago, Leknes is a lively town on Vestvågøy island that’s surrounded by craggy mountains and white sandy beaches. It’s town centre is one of the only in the archipelago not located by the sea, although its nearby harbour is one of the most important in Norway.
Things to do in Leknes
If you’re interested in the region’s Viking heritage, don’t miss a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum, which is located a short drive north of Leknes. Step into a recreated chieftain’s longhouse and see costumed artisans at work, then step onto one of the Viking ships in the summer months. There’s an activity area that will keep young children entertained, as well as a variety of friendly farm animals.
Leknes can be used as a base for exploring the Lofoten National Tourist Route, which stretches around 300 kilometres between the Raftsundet strait and the village of Å. It features spectacular natural scenery, including dramatic mountain peaks and pristine beaches, as well as charming fishing villages that seemingly cling to the shore.
For a day at the beach, head to the sands of Hauklandstranda, which is backed by grasslands on the west coast of Vestvågøy. A coastal trail leads across the Mannen ridge to Uttakleiv Beach, another coastal gem that’s a popular destination for experiencing the midnight sun in summer.
Getting around Leknes
Leknes Airport is a five-minute drive from Leknes’ town centre and has regular flights to destinations across Norway. Cars can be rented at the airport for getting around the Lofoten Islands, with public buses and boats also available. The centre of Leknes is small enough to explore on foot.