About
Leknes is a town in the Lofoten Islands of Norway, set on Vestvågøy, the island that serves as the commercial centre of the archipelago. For many visitors it is the practical base from which to explore the wider islands, with the services, shops and places to stay that a longer trip needs.
What the town offers
Leknes is the place to restock supplies, arrange onward travel and find a bed before heading out into the landscape. Its role as the local hub means it has the everyday amenities that smaller villages around the islands may lack.
The landscape around it
The town sits among dramatic peaks and pristine beaches, and the surroundings are what draw most people here. Among the activities the area is known for are:
- Hiking through mountain terrain, with routes for a range of abilities
- Surfing along the island's coastline
- Fishing, a long-standing part of life in the Lofoten Islands
Is it worth a visit?
If you are travelling through the Lofoten Islands, Leknes is a sensible place to plan around. It suits visitors who want an active trip, with mountains, coastline and water all close at hand, and who appreciate a working town that makes the rest of the islands easy to reach. Those seeking quiet villages or a single headline attraction may find the town more of a gateway than a destination in itself, so it pays to think about how you want to spend your days before you arrive.
