🏝️ Lofoten: rorbu with Wi-Fi — how to find and what to avoid

‘I work during the day and catch the light and sea in the evening’ — a classic scenario for the archipelago. To ensure that your remote work goes smoothly, it is important not just to see ‘Free Wi-Fi’ in the ad, but to check the communication channel and logistics in advance: which provider, where is the nearest coworking space in case of force majeure, and how things stand with mobile backup. Below is a short, practical guide to three questions: where to find a rorbu with fibre optic, what pitfalls to avoid, and why (and when) you need an eSIM/portable router.

⚡ How to find a rorbu with fibre optic/real fast Wi-Fi? [Lock: Lofoten]

Look for the provider and connection type in the description. The gold standard on the islands is Lofotkraft Bredbånd (Altibox partner): this is local fibre from Svolvær to Røysta. If you see ‘Altibox / Lofotkraft fiber’ in an advertisement, that's a good sign. Ask for a screenshot of a speed test during peak hours (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) with the down/up and ping numbers; 1.2–3.8 Mbit/s is enough for HD calls, but it's more comfortable to live with tens/hundreds of megabits. As a backup, note the nearest hub: Lofoten Cowork (Svolvær) or Hovedkontoret (Skrovå) — they will help if there is a storm or network repair in the house.

Checklist before payment:

• ask for a screenshot of the measurement via cable (Ethernet);
• clarify the router model and whether there is mesh in the rooms;
• ask for a photo of the socket/ONT (sign of ‘optics’ in the house);
• check if the channel is shared with neighbours via a ‘thin’ 4G router.

❌ What are the most common mistakes made when booking?

Believing the word ‘Wi-Fi’ without specifying the provider. Many rorbu have fibre optics, but there are also LTE routers. Ask for the name of the tariff: Altibox/Lofotkraft — plus stability.

They don't check mobile coverage in a specific bay. There are ‘grey areas’ outside city centres. Before booking, check the Telenor/Telia coverage maps and check your location (village, bay).

Don't factor in storms. In winter and between seasons, storms and wet snow occasionally knock out electricity/communications even in well-established places — it's useful to have a plan B (see below).

Ill-conceived ‘work corner’. Rorbu often have a ‘living room-kitchen’. Ask for photos of the table (120–140 cm), sockets and where the router is located; thick walls/stone block Wi-Fi — ask for a cable.

Don't think about logistics. If you need infrastructure ‘at hand’, choose Svolvaer/Leknes and the surrounding area; in very quiet bays, everything is fine as long as the weather is good and there is light, but it is more difficult to get to the hub.

📶 Do I need a backup eSIM/router?

Yes, as insurance. Get an eSIM from one of the major operators — Telenor or Telia (both officially support eSIM). This is a lifesaver if you have temporary poor reception in your cottage or need to work on the road. For stable reception, place your phone/router near a window and turn off automatic switching to marine/ship networks on ferries (expensive satellite). For video calls, keep in mind that Zoom in HD requires ~1.2–3.8 Mbit/s, so even an ‘average’ 4G connection will be enough for a meeting.

Mini ‘anti-storm’ kit: eSIM with packages from a local operator, unlocked access point on your phone/portable 4G/5G router, extension cord + Ethernet cable, 20,000 mAh power bank, offline maps and a list of the nearest rescue points (Lofoten Cowork / Hovedkontoret).

The algorithm is simple: look for ‘Altibox/Lofotkraft fiber’ in the rorbu description, request a screenshot of the speed test during prime time, check the coverage maps for your bay, and keep a spare eSIM. In case of bad weather, mark the nearest coworking space in Svolvær/Skrov in advance, and your workation will go smoothly, even if it's raining and windy outside. Enjoy your calls and the soft light on your evening walks!