Leknes travel guide

Photo of Haukland Beach in Leknes in Norway by David Becker
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Introduction to Leknes

With a unique historical background and an incredible variety of natural and architectural beauty, Leknes is a highlight in Norway. This town in Vestvågøy, Norway is a travel destination with plenty to offer curious travelers.

Welcome to Guide to Europe’s comprehensive Leknes travel guide.

Easily accessible from Leknes airport, Leknes is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in Norway any time of the year.

Traveling to Leknes is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

History of Leknes

Leknes, a thriving town nestled in the heart of Norway's Lofoten archipelago, has a rich and intriguing history. It was established in the 19th century, initially as a trading and fishing hub.

The town's strategic location made it a preferred harbor for fishermen from all over the region. The fishing industry flourished, leading to a population boom and the expansion of the town.

The town was officially recognized as a 'kjøpstad' or merchant town, in 1918, an endorsement of its economic significance.

During World War II, Leknes, like the rest of Norway, was occupied by German forces. The war left a significant mark on the city, but the resilient community rebuilt and thrived once again.

Today, Leknes is not only a commercial center but also a prime tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Local culture and customs in Leknes

Leknes, a charming town in the heart of the Lofoten archipelago in Norway, is known for its rich culture and unique customs. Its inhabitants, known as Leknesians, are warm, friendly, and known for their strong connection to nature. Fishing has been a part of life in Leknes for centuries, and it is customary for locals to share stories of the sea with visitors.

The locals celebrate many festivals throughout the year, with the Lofoten Fishing Season being the most significant. Visitors are encouraged to participate, offering a unique glimpse into the traditional Norwegian way of life. The local cuisine is heavily seafood-based, featuring traditional dishes like stockfish and klippfisk. A visit to one of the local seafood restaurants is a must to experience the authentic taste of Leknes.

The Norwegian concept of 'Friluftsliv' or 'open-air living' is deeply ingrained in the culture of Leknes. Nature walks, hiking, and outdoor activities are an integral part of the local lifestyle. It's also common to see locals enjoying a quiet moment in the great outdoors, embracing the tranquility of nature. Respecting the environment and adhering to the principle of 'leave no trace' is expected of all visitors.

Currency information for travelers in Leknes

The local currency in Leknes, Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), which is subdivided into 100 øre. Banks are widely available for currency exchange, and ATMs, known locally as 'Minibanks', are common, offering convenient access to cash withdrawals. While cash is accepted, Norway is increasingly moving towards a cashless society, and card payment is widely accepted, including at small businesses and for public transportation. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted credit cards. However, it's advisable to keep some cash for small establishments that may not accept cards. Budget-wise, Norway is one of the more expensive European countries, so plan your finances accordingly. It's also worth noting that tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service.

Language tips for travelers in Leknes

In Leknes, as in the rest of Norway, the official language is Norwegian. However, English is widely understood and spoken by most locals, so you shouldn't face any significant language barriers. A few basic Norwegian phrases could be helpful though. 'Hei' means 'Hi', 'Takk' means 'Thank you', and 'Unnskyld' is 'Sorry'. When shopping or dining, 'Hvor mye koster dette?' can be used to ask 'How much does this cost?'. Despite the ease of communication in English, making an effort to speak a little Norwegian can be appreciated and seen as respectful by the locals.

Best time to visit Leknes

The best time to explore Leknes, Norway, is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is typically mild, with temperatures averaging between 12°C to 15°C, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. This is also the season of the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon that provides 24 hours of daylight, offering unique opportunities for sightseeing and photography. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for higher crowd levels. If you prefer a quieter trip, the shoulder seasons of May and September provide a balance between pleasant weather and fewer tourists. For those interested in the Northern Lights, the dark winter months, particularly between October and March, offer the best viewing opportunities. Do remember that winter in Leknes can be quite cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing point, so pack appropriately. Regardless of the season, it is always a good idea to check the local weather and events schedule prior to your visit to make the most of your Leknes experience.

Weather in Leknes

Leknes, located in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, is known for its cool and temperate climate. The city experiences a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, even during its driest months. The average annual temperature is around 4.7°C, with July being the warmest month at an average of 12.3°C, and January the coldest, at an average of -1.3°C.

The city experiences daylight 24 hours a day during the summer months, a phenomenon known as the 'Midnight Sun.' In contrast, during winter, Leknes experiences the 'Polar Night,' where the sun does not rise above the horizon, resulting in nearly 24 hours of darkness. This natural phenomenon might influence your travel plans.

Snowfall is common in the winter months, which can sometimes lead to disruptions in travel schedules. It's important for travelers to monitor the weather and plan accordingly. Despite the chill, the city's winter climate offers a unique, serene beauty that many travelers find appealing.

Local tip for visiting Leknes

One insider tip that locals of Leknes, Norway often share is the strategic timing to visit the Haukland Beach, an incredibly picturesque site in the city. While most tourists flock to the beach during the midday, the locals recommend visiting during the early morning or late evening. These off-peak times not only offer a serene and less crowded experience, but they also provide a unique opportunity to witness the stunning natural phenomena that are the midnight sun in the summer and the Northern Lights in the winter. Furthermore, the soft lighting during these times offers excellent conditions for photography, allowing you to capture the scenic beauty of Haukland Beach in a unique manner. So, when in Leknes, take a cue from the locals and time your beach visit wisely to experience the city’s natural beauty in all its glory.

Top services in Leknes

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Leknes, Norway. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 75 airlines that fly to Norway. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Leknes.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Leknes, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Leknes on your vacation in Norway.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Leknes from our free 24/7 customer support.

Learn more about Norway

There are many reasons to visit Leknes, but a trip to Norway needs no explanation.

Exploring Norway, which spans 385,207 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Norway offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Norway.

What to see in Leknes

Leknes has something for everyone.

Top attractions in Leknes

Leknes is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Norway.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Norway, check out our list of top attractions in Leknes below.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Leknes.

Things to do in Leknes

Enrich your travel experience in Leknes by joining tours and activities. Leknes offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking.

Discover the most popular experiences in Leknes below.

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What to eat in Leknes

For culinary enthusiasts, the best places to eat in Leknes offer a variety of experiences ranging from traditional Norwegian dishes to international cuisine. The city's dining district is a blend of cozy cafés, bustling street food stalls, and high-end restaurants. Begin your gastronomic adventure with a visit to Fiskekrogen, known for its fresh seafood dishes, especially the traditional 'Bacalao'. If you have a taste for game meat, try the reindeer stew at Huset Café, a dish that perfectly reflects the culinary heritage of Leknes. For dessert, the local 'Multekrem', a creamy cloudberries dessert, is a must-try. Street food lovers should not miss the chance to taste the hearty Norwegian sausage at local food trucks. For a fine dining experience, Restaurant Kjoekkenet offers an exquisite menu with a beautiful view of the city. Be sure to pair your meal with the local Aquavit, a traditional spirit distilled from potatoes. Most eateries in Leknes accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors. Remember to reserve a table in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Exploring the local cuisine is an integral part of the Leknes experience, offering a taste of Norway's culinary traditions infused with fresh, local ingredients.

Nightlife in Leknes

Leknes, nestled within the Arctic Circle, offers a unique nightlife experience, particularly due to its surreal Midnight Sun and Northern Lights phenomena. The Storgata area is considered the best area for bars in Leknes, teeming with cosy pubs like Fruene på Torget and Lofoten Gårdsysteri, where you can enjoy locally brewed beers and artisan cheeses.

For those seeking a lively atmosphere, Leknes Nattklubb is a popular choice, playing a range of music from classic rock to modern chart-toppers. It's not uncommon for patrons to dance the night away under the glow of the Midnight Sun in summer or the shimmering Aurora Borealis in winter, an experience unique to the Arctic Circle.

For a quieter evening, the quaint cafes around the harbour, such as Kafé Banken, offer the opportunity to enjoy a warm drink while overlooking the serene Norwegian seascape. Remember, due to Leknes' northern location, the nightlife can be a bit more subdued during the winter months, so it's always best to check the opening hours of bars and clubs in advance.

Best shopping in Leknes

Leknes, a bustling gem in Norway's Lofoten archipelago, showcases a unique blend of modern shopping facilities and traditional crafts. The Leknes town center is the best place to go shopping in Leknes. With a variety of shops ranging from clothing, electronics, and home goods to local craft stores, it caters to all tastes. For fashion enthusiasts, the city's distinct fashion can be found in stores like 'Moods of Norway' where they sell contemporary Norwegian designs. For those interested in local craftsmanship, 'Lofoten Design' offers handcrafted gifts and souvenirs made from local materials. Local specialities like dried fish, freshly ground coffee, or hand-knitted woolen garments make for perfect souvenirs. The city's main shopping center, Lofotsenteret, boasts over 20 stores and eateries, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. Additionally, if you're visiting in the summer, don't miss the Leknes Market, an outdoor marketplace featuring local produce, crafts, and food. Remember, most shops in Leknes open from 10 am to 8 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays. Happy shopping!

Best Free Things to Do in Leknes

In the heart of Lofoten, Leknes, a small bustling town, offers a wealth of experiences without the need for a hefty budget. Among the best free things to do in Leknes, exploring the stunning Norwegian landscapes tops the list. Begin with a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the unique Arctic atmosphere, vibrant local life, and the charm of the quaint wooden buildings. Don't miss out on the picturesque Leknes Havn, a bustling port offering splendid views of the surrounding mountains and the fjord. Nature enthusiasts will love the scenic walking trails at Justadtinden, where a hike to the summit provides panoramic vistas of the entire Lofoten archipelago. For a slice of local history and culture, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum's outdoor areas, where ancient longhouses and artifacts can be viewed without an admission fee. Finally, no visit to Leknes would be complete without enjoying the truly breathtaking sight of the Northern Lights, a spectacle that's absolutely free and unforgettable. These experiences make Leknes a budget-friendly destination without compromising on the richness of the journey.

Vacation packages in Leknes

The best and easiest way to visit Leknes is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Norway.

Booking a vacation package to Leknes means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Leknes to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Leknes is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Leknes, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Find vacation packages in Leknes

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Leknes get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Norway. Your customized holiday package to Leknes is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Leknes

International travelers can fly to Leknes by booking flights with any of the 1 airline that offer direct flights to Leknes airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Leknes airport are Widerøe, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and Airlink (SAA). Go to this page to compare all flights to Leknes.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Leknes, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Leknes airport and Leknes below.

Find cheap flights to Leknes

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Leknes, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Norway. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Leknes, Norway, in July.

The cheapest one-way flight to Leknes costs around 204 EUR and is offered by the airline Norwegian.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Leknes cost approximately 136 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on December 30 and the return flight is scheduled on December 13. The flight time is around 3 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Tromsø Airport, Langnes.

Where to stay in Leknes

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation.

The best place to stay in Leknes usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Leknes offers a ton of benefits.

Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Leknes planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Norway can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Leknes.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Leknes in the next sections.

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Car rental in Leknes

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Leknes. Leknes has 3 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Leknes start from 42.48 EUR per day or 297.37 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Toyota Yaris.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Leknes, starting from 40.91 EUR per day or 286.38 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Toyota Aygo.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Leknes, Norway, below.

Search for car rental in Leknes

Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Leknes, Norway, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

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Popular destinations to visit after Leknes

So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Norway has it all.

Norway is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! The most popular travel destinations in Norway are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Norway

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Norway. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Leknes

A taste of Norway through a visit to Leknes can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Leknes to another remarkable destination in Norway.

Popular domestic flights from Leknes

Travelers in Norway can catch flights to domestic airports in Bodø, Trondheim, Oslo, Mosjøen, and Mo i Rana. Domestic flights in Norway are operated by 2 airlines: Widerøe, and Wider?e. There are around 22 scheduled flight routes operating to Leknes on a weekly basis.

From Leknes, travelers can book scheduled flights to 21 domestic destinations.

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Traveling to another city or region in Norway? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Leknes to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Norway on the selected dates.

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