Things to do in Ballstad, Lofoten

Ballstad, Lofoten is an incredible part of Lofoten and well worth spending some time. This blog will make sure you don’t miss out on any thing in the area.

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Where to stay for Ballstad

Best accommodation for Ballstad is the magical Hattvika Lodge. We can’t say enough about this gorgeous accommodation. It is perfect to stay in to visit the area. Hattvika Lodge is incredible, there are cottages and hillside chalets. This is one of the prettiest and most beautifully decorated places we’ve stayed. We stayed in the hillside chalet which was magical, check out our review on our stay at Hattvika Lodge.

Is there an easier way?

This tour is really highly recommended and well organised. Check out: Northern Norway Explorer.

What to do in Ballstad, Lofoten

Ballstad is one of the smallest and cutest villages on Lofoten. The area is full of fun things to do and some really great local experience. There is a lot to do in and around Ballstad, these are our favourite things:

See the Northern Lights!

We stayed at Hattvika Lodge and saw the northern lights, it was incredible! We had the best time here and can’t wait to return again soon.

Visit the harbour at Ballstad

Take in the very pretty and charming views at this little harbour. There are rorbuers lining the water and the cottages make the prettiest views along the harbour. The rorbuer are very important to the Lofoten islands as they were shelter and a place to sleep for fishermen in the bitter winter cold. Now renovated they make the most delightful accommodation for modern travellers.

Nappskaret Viewpoint

This is a beautiful panoramic point, easy to locate and with relative parking. The parking spot leads to the path which you follow to reach the viewpoint for the panorama of the valley. Here you will see lakes, mountains and houses scattered across the landscape. It is easy to reach and only takes a few minutes, you will see tourist signs along the E10 for the location.

Nusfjord

Nusfjord is one of the tinies towns and possibly one of the cutest. You can’t actually reach it via public transport and I have heard that it can cost to enter the town at certain times of the year although we didn’t experience this. Regardless it is one of the most visited villages and with good reason, it is incredibly beautiful. While there visit the Hvalmuseum, Nusfjord Lighthouse, Panorama Nusfjord. There is a parking lot as you get very close to the town, we were not charged to park there. It can be quite icy so be careful walking there.

Hikes around Ballstad

Hiking in Lofoten is a very popular pastime, always take care when hiking and be well prepared. Bring food, water, wear proper hiking shoes and clothing. Make sure to bring a camera and phone!

Stornappstinden Trail – Stornappstinden often first looks like a large jagged peak towering over the water of the Nappstraumen. An easy, worn trail leads to the summit, with views across the Lofoten landscape.

Offersøykammen Trail – An easy trail to the sumit of Offersøykammen makes it a popular hike amongst locals. It is a small peak on the edge of Vestvågøya, the views from the summit overlook Vestvågøya and Flakstadøya.

Nonstinden – Lovely mountain hike, good paths, steep at the beginning before reaching a plateau. Here you can continue up to Nonstinden.

You can also go on a snowshoe hike which looks really cool!

Horse Riding in Lofoten at Gård

Horse riding on the Lofoten Islands was an actual dream come true and Gård was the perfect place. Hov Horse Farm (Hov Gård) is located out on the water at Gimsøysand. Riding these beautiful horses through the countryside was magical, especially as it was snowy at the time. Even as a beginner I was made to feel confident in no time with the experienced guides. There is a restaurant and accommodation options here as well. Check out my blog on my experience at Hov Gård. You can book your horse ride here or even better book a ride to try and see the northern lights on horseback!

our Icelandic horse ride at Hov Gard Lofoten Islands

Visit Lofoten Gårdsysteri dairy farm

Lofoten Gårdsysteri is a lovely dairy farm that sells their products from the farm as well as a café where you can take order delicious cheese plates and cakes. The farm is really pretty and well worth a visit. It is located on the way to Unstad Beach, it makes the perfect lunch or morning tea spot.

Viewpoint Sortland & Steinsfjorden

Viewpoint Sortland & Steinsfjorden is a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the water. It is an easy place to reach, you just have to pull over. It is on the road to Unstad and makes a great stop off.

Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum in Bøstad

Bøstad is located almost in the centre of the Lofoten Islands. Although there is not a large town it is here you will find the Viking Museum. Lofotr Viking Museum is a large open air museum with lots of wonderful exhibits depicting the life of Vikings.

Unstad

The famous surfing beach of Norway! This beach is an easy drive from Ballsatad if you are staying there and there is a little township with cafes and cottages also. We drove here in the hop e of seeing the surfers take to the icy waters, one did turn up when we were leaving so maybe we were a little to early. It is a lovely long beach, there are a couple of spots to park we drove along to the right and parked here. It was really cool to see a snowy beach as we had to trek through the snow to get down there, it is also a good place to go and try to see the northern lights.

Best tours near Ballstad

Brewery Tour – visit the Lofoten Islands’ only craft brewery, see the production area and learn how beer is made and end the tour with a beer tasting.

Trollfjorden Wildlife RIB Cruise – check out the mountainous scenery, take a boat trip from Svolvaer to reach places you wouldn’t by foot, head through the strait of Øyhellsundet to the dramaticly steep Trollfjord, look for see eagles and seals.

Luxury Lofoten Islands Fishing Trip – Deep-sea fishing trip on a luxury yacht, local captain, first mate and guide, enjoy a hot vegetable soup (add your fresh fish), take home your fresh Lofoten fish.

Winter photography tour to Reine – See the beauty of the Lofoten Islands, travelling with a professional photographer and enjoy multiple photo stops.

Private Midnight Tour To Gimsøya – experience the midnight sun, hike the easy hike up to Hoven and enjoy the beauty of the light.

Lofoten Northern Lights Hunt by Van with Snacks – experience the Nordic wilderness searching for the Northern Lights with a dedicated guide, enjoy a warm drink and snack, take photos of the Northern lights and leave with a souvenir photo.

Lofoten PRIVATE Tour from Leknes – Small group (1-4 pax) – take the panoramic drive along some of the most beautiful views in the world. Take in the white sandy beaches with emerald waters, deep fjords surrounded by towering peaks and charming fishing villages characterised by the typical fishermen’s red cabins. Learn the history of “skrei”, cod, taste a delicious fish soup or fish burgers. Take in all the photo stops as you want, with no rush and no pressure.