Short answer: the best place to rent a campervan for a Lofoten trip is Tromsø. Arctic Campers, Norway's largest camper van and motorhome rental company, rents out camper vans and motorhomes from its Tromsø station, a few minutes from Tromsø Airport and open all year. From there it is about 410 km (about 7 hours) by road to Svolvær in Lofoten without a single ferry, or a beautiful island route over Senja and Andøya in summer.
We know the islands well: Arctic Campers started in Lofoten in 2014, with three self-built camper vans.
Why start in Tromsø
• Flights: Tromsø has many direct flights from Oslo and from abroad; the airports in Lofoten are small.
• Two trips in one: Tromsø, Senja and Vesterålen are on the way – and in winter, the northern lights.
• A station open all year, with winter-ready campers and 4x4 models.
The two routes
• By road via Narvik and Lofast: about 410 km to Svolvær and about 540 km to Å at the tip of Lofoten, open all year, no ferries.
• The island route over Senja and Andøya: two ferries, Brensholmen – Botnhamn (all year) and Gryllefjord – Andenes (summer only, in 2026 from 13 May to 27 September).
Many guests drive one route there and the other back. Distances, ferries and tips: Tromsø to Lofoten by camper.
How many days do you need?
Plan at least 7 days for Tromsø – Lofoten – Tromsø: about two days of driving and four to five days in Lofoten. With 10 to 14 days you can add Senja and Vesterålen without rushing.
Summer or winter?
• Summer (June to August): midnight sun from late May to mid-July, long days for hiking and beaches, and the summer ferry over Andøya. Book early – it is the busiest season in Lofoten.
• Winter (October to March): northern lights, snowy mountains and few tourists. Days are short in December and January. All our campers have studded tyres in winter; for snowy side roads choose a 4x4: Comfort Camper 4x4 or Cabin Camper 4x4. More in Winter camping in Norway.
Which camper for Lofoten?
• For two: Smart Camper, or the electric EV Camper ID. Buzz.
• For three, or in winter: Comfort Camper, Comfort Camper 4x4 or Cabin Camper 4x4.
• For families of four: the motorhomes Norway Explorer and Compact RV.
A week from Tromsø costs from about 10.200 NOK in the low season, all mandatory fees included: what a campervan costs in Norway.
Good to know in Lofoten
• Empty the camper toilet only at dump stations, not in the toilets at rest areas.
• Some popular spots don't allow overnight parking – follow the signs.
• Campsites, camp spots, hikes and beaches: Lofoten in our Camper Guide.