Nestled in the heart of the Lofoten archipelago just above the Arctic Circle, the Leknes cruise port is a gateway to one of Norway’s most breathtaking regions.
Leknes is located on the island of Vestvågøya and is one of the archipelago’s largest towns, with around 3,550 inhabitants. It is known for its fishing culture and stunning landscapes, which include pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, and crystal-clear waters.
Visitors can explore the islands’ natural beauty, enjoy numerous outdoor activities, or explore the cultural heritage of this region. If you’re coming here between late May and mid-July, you may experience the “Midnight Sun”, a magical phenomenon where the sun never sets and the region experiences continuous daylight.
Together with Svolvær, another port in the Lofoten archipelago, Leknes is a frequent stop in the Arctic and Norwegian Fjord cruise itineraries.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into practical information about the Leknes cruise terminal and share the 7 best things to do in Leknes port.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Bergen, Oslo, Tromso, Alesund, Geirangerfjord, Honningsvag, Haugesund, Flam, Trondheim, Olden, Kristiansand
Leknes Lofoten Islands Cruise Port
Cruise ships up to 230 m in length may dock directly at the Leknes cruise terminal (Leknes Havn), while the majority of large cruise ships anchor offshore and use tender boats to transfer them to a small tender pier. The tender ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Within the cruise terminal, you will find facilities such as a tourist information office, souvenir shops, wi-fi, money exchange, car/bicycle rental, post office services, and restrooms.
Leknes town center is located about 3,5 km northeast of the port of Leknes, and the ride takes about 5 minutes. Taxis, tour buses, and shuttle bus services are available at the terminal.
Besides stunning landscapes, there’s not much to do in the port itself and the best way to get around is on a guided sightseeing shore excursion.
7 Best Things To Do In Leknes Cruise Port
From visiting the picturesque Haukland Beach and hiking the scenic trails of Offersøykammen to exploring the local culture, history, and cuisine, Leknes port has something for everyone!
1. Hike to Offersøykammen
Offersøykammen is a popular hiking destination located around 5 km from Leknes cruise port, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Lofoten archipelago.
The hike, while relatively short and moderately challenging, rewards adventurers with stunning vistas of surrounding fjords, mountains, and beaches, including the turquoise waters of Haukland Beach and the iconic peaks of the Lofoten skyline.
The trail is well-marked and accessible, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels.
To get there, you can take a taxi, which will take around 5-10 minutes, or join a guided tour that includes transportation to the trailhead. Once you arrive at the trailhead, a relatively easy yet rewarding hike to the summit of Offersøykammen awaits.
As you climb, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of Leknes and its stunning coastal landscapes, with panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and islands.
Explore hiking tours and activities
2. Haukland Beach
Spend a relaxing day at the iconic Haukland Beach (Hauklandstranda), one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches nestled 13 km (a 20-minute drive) northwest of Leknes cruise port.
Framed by dramatic mountain peaks and known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the beach features a picturesque setting that is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
For those feeling adventurous, Haukland Beach also offers opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife spotting, and even surfing or paddle boarding in the brisk Nordic waters.
Alternatively, simply find a comfortable spot on the beach to relax and enjoy a picnic with views of the stunning surroundings.
The beach also features a little, cozy cafe, a surf club and public toilets.
Check out beach tours and activities
3. Lofotr Viking Museum
Dive into the world of Viking history with a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum, located in the village of Borg, 17 km (a 20-minute drive) from the port. This interactive museum allows visitors to travel back in time and experience life as it was during the Viking Age.
Central to the museum is a reconstructed chieftain’s longhouse, the largest ever discovered, which provides a fascinating glimpse into Viking daily life, social structure, and craftsmanship.
You can explore interactive exhibits, watch demonstrations of traditional Viking skills, and even participate in activities such as axe throwing and rowing a Viking ship.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts various events, including Viking festivals and reenactments of ancient rituals and ceremonies, both fun and educational for visitors of all ages.
4. Lofoten War Memorial Museum
Located 72 km (a 1-hour 10-minute drive) from the port of Leknes, the Lofoten War Memorial Museum offers a moving tribute to the region’s wartime history and the brave efforts of its residents during this difficult period.
You’ll find a collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that illustrate the role of Lofoten during the war, including the daring Operation Claymore and subsequent occupation by German forces.
Visitors can learn about the courageous actions of the Norwegian resistance fighters who carried out daring sabotage missions against German forces, as well as the role of the Lofoten Islands as a strategic base for Allied operations during the war.
5. Lofoten Islands Scenic Drive
Lofoten Islands feature breathtaking nature and spectacular panoramic views of rugged coastline, towering mountains, and picturesque fishing villages nestled along the shores of crystal-clear fjords.
You can rent a car or join a guided tour to explore the winding roads and picturesque villages of this beautiful archipelago. Various tour companies provide scenic drives departing from Leknes and bringing you on a customized journey through the region’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through charming fishing villages, where traditional red fishing cabins, known as rorbuer, line the shores and add a splash of color to the rugged coastline.
Make sure to stop off at scenic viewpoints along the way to capture photos of the scenery or simply to soak in the tranquil ambiance of your surroundings.
Explore Lofoten Islands tours and activities
6. Experience the Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs in polar regions during the summer months when the sun remains visible for 24 hours or nearly so, never dipping below the horizon.
In places like the Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun creates a truly magical atmosphere, bathing the landscape in a soft golden glow even at midnight.
When visiting Leknes in the summer months, join a guided tour alongside knowledgeable guides who will lead you to prime viewing spots and share fascinating information about the celestial phenomenon and its significance in Norwegian culture and tradition.
Alternatively, you can search on your own for a scenic spot with a view of the horizon, whether it’s atop a hill, along a fjord, or on the sands of a secluded beach.
Make sure to bring a camera to capture the mesmerizing colors of the Midnight Sun as it bathes the surroundings in golden light!
Explore the Midnight Sun tours
7. Sample Local Cuisine
Indulge in the flavors of traditional Norwegian cuisine in Leknes’ local restaurants and cafés, where you can taste the region’s gastronomic heritage firsthand. Try local delicacies like stock fish, a popular Norwegian delicacy made from dried fish that has been cured and preserved using a centuries-old process.
For a taste of the wild, try reindeer meat, a prized ingredient in Norwegian cuisine known for its tender texture and rich, gamey flavor. And of course, you can’t leave Leknes without sampling the freshly caught seafood!
To top off, pair your meal with locally brewed beer or aquavit, traditional Norwegian spirits that complement the flavors of the cuisine.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Copenhagen, Invergordon (Inverness), Glasgow (Greenock), Tallinn, Stockholm
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