Å Rorbuer sits in the village of Å, where the E10 road runs out at the southern tip of the Lofoten islands, and that position is the whole appeal. This is a place of red and ochre fishing buildings, drying racks for stockfish, a small harbour and mountains that fall into the sea. A rorbu is a traditional fisherman cabin, built on stilts over the water, and a stay in one gives you a taste of how life here was organised around the winter cod fishery. The cabins are run under the Classic Norway Hotels banner, which means a consistent standard of comfort behind the traditional look. Expect a simple, cosy interior, wooden floors and walls, a small kitchen in many units and views over the water from the windows or the terrace. Being at the end of the road means you can walk to the village sights, the stockfish museum and the harbour, and you will have the area almost to yourself once the day visitors have left. For summer it means long evenings in the midnight sun; in winter, quiet nights and, with luck, northern lights over the bay.
Location and getting around
The village of Å is a short drive from Reine and Hamnøy, and the road ends here, so you do not pass through on the way to anywhere else. A car makes the islands much easier to explore, and the drive north along the E10 is one of the great scenic routes in Norway.
In winter, check road and weather conditions before you set off, and note that daylight is limited between late November and January. There is a ferry from Moskenes to the mainland for those linking Lofoten with a longer trip.
Rooms and facilities
Cabins vary in size and layout, from compact units for two to larger ones for families and groups, so read the room descriptions carefully. Kitchen facilities, bed linen and breakfast arrangements can differ by cabin and by rate, so check what is included when you book. There are few shops and restaurants in the village, so many guests bring groceries from the nearest town or eat at the local places nearby, which can close early outside the main season.
Who it suits
Couples, photographers, hikers and travellers who want an authentic setting in the south of the islands. It is less suitable if you want a city-style hotel with nightlife and a large breakfast hall. Book well ahead for summer, when the rorbuer of Lofoten fill up, and keep your plans flexible in winter, when the weather decides what is possible. The reward is a quiet night on the water at the end of the road.
Why stay here
- ✓Traditional rorbu cabins
- ✓Waterfront setting
- ✓Village at the end of the E10
- ✓Mountain and sea views
- ✓Stockfish village atmosphere
- ✓Private bathrooms
- ✓Heated cabins
- ✓Reached by car or tour
Good questions
Where is Å Rorbuer?+
It is in the village of Å at the southern end of the Lofoten road, in the municipality of Moskenes, beyond Reine and Hamnøy.
Do I need a car?+
A car is the easiest way to explore the islands, though buses and tours cover part of the route. Check schedules, especially in winter.
Do the cabins have kitchens?+
Many rorbuer have kitchen facilities, but they differ by cabin type, so check the details when you book.
