Best Rorbu Cabins Lofoten 2025: Live Like a Fisherman🏠🛶
Rorbu are traditional red houses on stilts where Lofoten fishermen have lived for centuries. Today, they have become the most photogenic accommodation option around! Windows that look out over pointed peaks, terraces hanging over turquoise waters, and freshly caught cod drying on kitchen tables – what more could you ask for? Demand is absolutely skyrocketing as more and more people discover this amazing place! The best houses are already booked six months in advance, and prices vary depending on the season, the view of the fjord and the range of services (boat, sauna, kayaks).
We are thrilled to share with you the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Lofoten rorbu. We compared prices on Booking, checked the information with the owners of Reine Rorbuer, Hattvika Lodge and Nusfjord Arctic (June 2025) and added some amazing practical tips: when to book, how to save 15%, where to park your car and what to consider if you are travelling with your furry friend. The guide is updated every three months, so you can be sure you're always getting the latest and greatest.
What are rorbu and why do travellers choose them?🌊
A rorbu is a wooden house on stilts. Half of the house is on the shore and half is over the water. Outside, it is painted in classic red or ochre falun, while inside, it is minimalist "hygge": whitewashed wood, a stove and panoramic windows. The best thing about it is the feeling of living on board: you can hear the sound of waves and seagulls. Rorbu cottages are different from normal cottages because they have their own pier, a room to store fish, and you can rent a boat or go on trips with a local captain. They are easy to photograph, authentic and close to the best spots, so they are a must-stay in Lofoten.
Which Lofoten rorbu are in the top 10 for 2025? 🏅
- Reine Rorbuer (Reine)
- Eliassen Rorbuer (Hamnøy)
- Nusfjord Arctic Resort is in Nusfjord.
- Svinøya Rorbuer (Svolvær)
- Hattvika Lodge is in Ballstad.
- Å-Rorbuer (the village of Å)
- Sakrisøy Rorbuer (Sakrisøy)
- Lydersen Rorbuer (Stamsund)
- Tyskhella Rorbu (Henningsvær)
- Solbakken Rorbu (Kabelvåg)
All properties have a rating of ≥ 9.0, offer views of the fjord, Wi-Fi 50-100 Mbps and the option to rent a boat. Prices for a cottage for 2-4 people range from €180 in winter to €420 in July.
How much does it cost per night and how can you spend less money?💰
Winter (January–March) — €180–220, Off-season (April, October) — €230–280, Peak season (June–August) — €320–420. Ways to save:
- The "Stay 3 Pay 2" deal at Reine Rorbuer is available until 15 May.
- Use the code ARCTIC10 on the Hattvika website to get 10% off.
- You can book a free 2-hour boat trip with Svinøya directly — that's a saving of 600 NOK.
Plan your trip for September: the weather is still mild, you can see the northern lights and prices are 15–20% lower than during peak season.
When and how do I book a Rorbu so I can be sure of getting a cabin?📅
The best Waterfront Premium cabins are booked 6–9 months in advance, especially for July and the first week of August (Cod Stock festival). Pay the Flexible 30 rate — it costs €20 more, but you can cancel up to 30 days before the trip. After you have confirmed your booking, please send us your arrival time. Many reception desks close at 9pm, so after this time you can check in yourself using a code. If you change your plans, try going mid-week (Tue–Thu) — owners are more likely to offer a 10% discount on dates that haven't been booked.
What facilities are there inside the rorbu?
The room has everything you need: a kitchen with a stove, microwave and dishes; Wi-Fi; a shower and toilet; a double bed and a sofa bed; 1,000 W heating; and a dryer for coveralls. You can get Nespresso coffee capsules at Reine Rorbuer and Eliassen Rorbuer for the same price as the accommodation. You don't have to go to the sauna. Svinøya costs 200 NOK for one hour. Hattvika is free in the morning. There is a place to clean and freeze fish on the pier. Bed linen is provided, but you will have to pay extra for the final cleaning (600–900 NOK). However, you might get a discount if you book directly.
Which rooms have the best views of the fjord?
Eliassen Rorbuer cabins: 1–5 are along Hamnøy Bridge and offer a view of Olstind. Reine Rorbuer — "Premium Sea Cabin" category on the western edge of the pier; you can see the sunset without anything in the way. Nusfjord Arctic — "Yellow Waterfront" is right above the crystal-clear lagoon. When booking, ask for a "corner unit" or "end of pier" — the corner offers both sunrise and sunset in one frame.
Which Rorbu is best for families or groups of 4–6 people?👨👩
Svinøya Rorbuer XL is a 3-bedroom, 70-square-metre cottage with a kitchen island. Prices start at €420 per night in winter. The Hattvika Lodge Fisherman Suite is a two-storey house with a sauna and a fireplace. It can accommodate up to six guests. Nusfjord Family Rorbu has three bedrooms and a loft, and a free cot is provided. Here's a secret: if you're staying for more than five nights, you can get a 10% discount and free final cleaning.
Can I stay in a rorbu with my pet?
Yes, but check in advance. Reine, Nusfjord and Sakrisøy allow dogs weighing up to 20kg, but there is an extra charge of NOK 300–400 per stay and a mandatory final cleaning fee. Lydersen Rorbuer in Stamsund does not allow pets. Bring your pet's veterinary passport with you, as you might be asked to show it when you board the Bodø–Moskenes ferry. There are dog walking areas that are clearly marked on the map. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash during the bird nesting season (15 April–31 July).
What you need to know about renting a boat and organising a fishing trip.
Eliassen and Svinøya have a motorboat (40 HP) for NOK 1,750 per day, but you have to pay extra for fuel. You will get life jackets, an echo sounder and spinning rods for the price. You don't need a licence to go sea fishing, which is free, but you have to stick to the 18kg catch limit per person. The catch is frozen at 50 NOK/kg. Book the boat and the cabin together — there are not many places available, especially in July. You can only sail when the wind is less than 10 m/s.
Where is the Rorbu? And where can you park your car?🚗
The Bodø–Moskenes ferry takes 3 hours and 15 minutes and is free for passengers. Car fares start from NOK 1,164. Reine, Å and Sakrisøy are between 5 and 15 minutes' drive from the port; you can park for free at the cabins, but there are only a few spaces, so it's best to register your license plate number in advance. If you are flying to Leknes, it is a good idea to rent a car in advance (from €65/day) because a taxi to the rorbu costs NOK 1,100. In winter, take studded tyres and keep your fuel tank more than half full, as there are few petrol stations in the south of the archipelago.
Come and experience the true rhythm of Lofoten — book your rorbu (a traditional Norwegian boat) today, choose the perfect location with a view of the fjord and create memories you will want to return to again and again!
