Leknes NorwayCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
From the tender pier, Leknes town center is approximately 4 km away. This is a scenic walk, and taxis are available. For getting around the Lofoten Islands, renting a car in advance is highly recommended due to the limited public transport. Keep in mind there's only one main road, so you'll often return the same way you came.
Shuttles are offered directly from the pier to Ballstad, an active fishing village, for 15 Euro. Bike rentals are also available at the pier for 21 euro per day, offering a way to explore the immediate surroundings. If using local buses, note that they depart from Leknes town, not directly from the pier, requiring you to reach the town first.
Attractions and Activities
Exploring the Lofoten Islands independently can be challenging, so booking a cruise line excursion is a practical option. If planning your own trip, consider these destinations:
- Ballstad: This is one of the largest and most picturesque fishing villages in Lofoten. It's accessible via a 15 Euro shuttle from the pier or approximately a 30-minute bus ride from Leknes town.
- Mortsund: Another typical Lofoten village where a fish factory operates, buying cod during the winter season for drying for the Italian market, and producing cod-liver oil and salted fish for Spain and Portugal.
- Scenic Drives: Given the stunning natural surroundings of mountains, peaks, cliffs, and white sandy beaches, even a drive along the single main road offers spectacular views.
Due to Norway's unpredictable weather, always check cancellation policies when booking excursions, especially if the experience is weather-dependent (e.g., cloud cover can obscure mountain views).
Dining & Shopping
At the Leknes pier, a dedicated shop offers souvenirs, postcards, and other services. In Leknes town, you'll find a large mall that, while somewhat out of place among the smaller structures, houses a good supermarket. Shops typically accept Euros and sometimes US Dollars, but be aware that they may use their own exchange rates. For connectivity, free WiFi is available at Pepe’s Pizza in town.
Regarding shopping hours, many smaller stores close early on Saturdays (typically 1 PM or 3 PM), and almost everything is closed on Sundays. Weekday opening hours are often 9 AM to 9 PM, with Saturdays from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Weather
Leknes serves as the main gateway to the Lofoten Islands with a cruise season from June to August, with cool, changeable subarctic temperatures between 46–60°F (8–16°C). Norwegian coastal weather is notoriously variable, and rain, wind, and dramatic light changes are all part of the experience; waterproof layers, a windproof jacket, and sturdy boots are essential. The extraordinary scenery of jagged peaks rising from turquoise fjords makes the Lofoten Islands one of Norway's most spectacular destinations.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), abbreviated as kr. Approximately 1.00 EUR equals 8 NOK. ATMs, known as "Minibank," are available. Major credit cards like Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in nearly all stores; however, be prepared to show identification (passport or driver's license) when using a credit card.