Røst is the far edge of the Lofoten archipelago, a low-lying scatter of islands where the sea rules the mood and the skies feel enormous. People come for puffins and other seabirds, for the stockfish heritage that ties these islands to Italy, and for the feeling of being small in the best possible way. Røst is not about high peaks or busy villages. It is wind, light, salt, and quiet.
If you are wondering whether Røst is worth the detour, the short answer is yes. Come for two nights if you can, at least one if that is all your schedule allows. Plan for a bird safari, rent a bike, eat fresh cod, and give yourself permission to slow down. The island rewards those who move at its pace.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Røst and how to make the most of your trip.
Where Is Røst and Why Go
Røst sits southwest of the main Lofoten chain, roughly 100 kilometers out in the open sea. The main settlement is on Røstlandet, a flat island surrounded by smaller rocky islets and the legendary bird cliffs of Vedøy and the lighthouse at Skomvær. This is one of Norway’s great seabird realms. Puffins nest here, along with kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, cormorants, and sea eagles that patrol the air like they own it.
The islands built their life around cod. In winter, the Arctic cod known locally as skrei runs along the coast, and for centuries the fish have been hung to dry on wooden racks. Much of that stockfish ends up in Northern Italy and the Basque Country. If you have eaten baccalà, you have likely tasted Røst’s climate working its magic.
Best Time To Visit Røst
The classic window is late May to August when seas are less rough, birdlife is at its peak, and daylight is long. From late spring through mid summer you can experience the midnight sun, which paints the sea a soft gold at impossible hours. If puffins and a boat trip to the bird cliffs are the priority, go in summer and book early.
September and October bring quieter days, softer light, and the first chance of northern lights if the skies are clear. Winter is for the hardy and the curious. It is dramatic and authentic, but ferries can be delayed by weather, and many visitor services run on minimal hours. If you choose winter, you choose the weather as a companion.
How To Get To Røst
There are two main ways in and out: ferry and plane.
Ferry. The car ferry typically connects Bodø with Værøy, Røst, and Moskenes in Lofoten. Crossing times vary with the route and stops, but you should plan for several hours. In summer, capacity fills up quickly, especially for cars, so reserve well in advance. Even with a booking, keep an eye on the forecast. Strong winds can cause schedule changes. If you are traveling without a car, the ferry is still a scenic and cost friendly option.
Plane. Widerøe operates short flights to Røst from Bodø and sometimes via other regional airports. It is an easy hop on a small aircraft, and for many travelers this is the most reliable choice, especially if you are timing a bird safari. Seats are limited, so book early in peak season.
I tend to arrive by ferry and leave by plane when time is tight. It gives you both the sea approach and a quick departure if the weather acts up.
Getting Around On Røst
Røst is wonderfully simple to navigate. The roads are flat and quiet, and distances are short. Walking works for the village area, but a bike is perfect for exploring the coastline, harbors, and viewpoints at your own pace. Several accommodations and local providers offer bicycle rental. If you bring a car, expect easy parking and no traffic. There is no need for a car to enjoy the island unless mobility is a concern or you are carrying a lot of gear.
Public transport on the island is limited. Taxis can be arranged through your accommodation with some notice. Most visitors plan their days around their own feet and the winds.
Where To Stay
You will find a handful of small hotels, guesthouses, and classic rorbuer cabins on or near the harbor. The rorbuer tend to be the most atmospheric, with simple kitchens and a front row seat to fishing life. Because capacity on Røst is modest, book your accommodation before you lock in ferry or flight tickets in high season. In shoulder months, you may have more flexibility, but it is still smart to plan ahead.
If you are traveling with a group, cabins give you space to cook, which can be both cozy and budget friendly on a remote island.
What To Do On Røst
Go on a bird safari. This is the signature experience. Boats head out to the bird cliffs around Vedøy and, when conditions allow, farther to Skomvær Lighthouse. Expect close encounters with puffins skimming the water, the drama of sea eagles, and thousands of birds wheeling over the cliffs. The boat ride itself is half the joy, so dress for spray and wind. Bring binoculars and choose a tour that prioritizes wildlife respect and safety.
Bike the island. Follow the coastline around Røstlandet, pause at the fish racks, and watch working life in the harbor. The ride is gentle and gives you space to soak up the wide open horizon. If the wind is strong from one direction, consider riding out against it and returning with the breeze at your back. That detail alone can turn a decent day into a terrific one.
Taste the sea. Cod is the obvious choice, but look for stockfish prepared in local style, fish soup, and simple dishes that let the raw materials shine. I am partial to meals where you can look out over the racks and the working harbor while you eat. In summer, some places offer outdoor seating protected from the wind. If you cook in a cabin, ask about local fish for sale at the dock or small shops.
Walk the shoreline. There are no mountains here. That is the point. Walk the beaches and low skerries at low tide, look for driftwood and seabird prints, and feel the weather moving across the sea. The highest places are modest bumps with big views. The light changes constantly, so keep your camera in reach.
Learn the stockfish story. Even a brief conversation with a local about how fish is cut, hung, and graded opens a doorway into Røst’s connection with Italy and Spain. You will notice the racks arranged in careful rows and the way the weather dictates the workday. It is living heritage, not theater.
A One To Three Day Itinerary
One day. Arrive in the morning, drop bags, and rent bikes. Ride the coast, stopping for coffee and a bite in the harbor. Afternoon or evening bird safari if the sea allows. Dinner on the quay. A late walk to watch the light slide around the horizon.
Two days. Day one as above. Day two for deeper exploration by bike and foot. Visit different harbors, watch the rhythm of the fishing fleet, and plan your bird trip for whichever day has better weather. If the wind is up, swap plans, read by a window, and step out during calm spells.
Three days. Use the extra day as a weather buffer. If conditions are flat, aim for a longer boat tour toward Skomvær. If it is breezy, double down on slow travel. Bring a good book and let the island do its quiet work.
Practical Tips From A Local
Pack for wind first. A waterproof, windproof shell is the single most useful layer you will bring. Even on sunny days, the breeze at sea undercuts the temperature. A warm hat and gloves in a pocket weigh nothing and make a big difference on the boat.
Footwear matters. Choose sturdy shoes with good grip for wet decks and slippery rocks at landings. You do not need heavy hiking boots, but you do want reliable traction.
Plan food smartly. There are small shops and places to eat, but hours can be seasonal and Sundays are quiet. Stock up on essentials before arrival if you are self catering, especially in shoulder seasons.
Respect nesting areas. In bird season, some zones are off limits or require extra distance. Follow your guide’s instructions, keep noise down, and never approach nests or cliffs on your own. Telephoto lenses are kinder to wildlife than feet.
Build a buffer into your schedule. Weather controls everything. Give yourself flexibility between Røst and your next long distance connection on the mainland or elsewhere in Lofoten. If you must catch an international flight, do not plan to arrive the same day from Røst.
Cashless is the norm. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. There is no need to carry large amounts of cash, though a small backup never hurts.
Costs And Booking Advice
Røst is remote, so prices reflect transport and seasonality, but you can keep spending sensible. In summer, accommodation is the main cost. Bookings for bird safaris should be made in advance, particularly in June and July. Ferry reservations for cars are important in peak season. If traveling as a foot passenger, you will generally find space, though earlier bookings still help.
Eating out for lunch is often better value than dinner. If you enjoy cooking, a cabin with a kitchen can save you money and give you a slow morning with coffee and sea views.
Weather And Daylight
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Røst stays relatively mild compared with mainland spots at the same latitude. That means more wind and moisture, less heavy snow. Summer temperatures are moderate, and evenings at sea can feel cool even in July. The reward is long, luminous nights in early summer and a real chance of northern lights from late autumn to spring when the sky clears. The two are never in season together, so choose which experience matters more.
Røst With Kids
Children tend to love the boats, the birds, and the feeling of freedom. Pack extra layers, snacks, and a thermos for warm drinks on the water. Choose a calm day for the bird trip if possible. Bikes with child seats are often available through rentals or accommodations. Tide pooling and beachcombing can fill surprising amounts of time between meals.
Sustainability And Etiquette
Røst lives from the sea, and the scale here is small. Travel in a way that supports that reality. Book local guides, eat local fish, and leave no trace on beaches and skerries. Drones can disturb birds, especially during nesting, so only fly if clearly permitted and you are well away from wildlife. Ask before photographing people at work; a quick nod and smile go a long way.
What To Pack
Bring a compact daypack, windproof jacket, warm midlayer, hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars. A dry bag for camera and phone is useful on the boat. If you are sensitive to motion, pack seasickness tablets and take them in advance of sailing. For self catering, cloth shopping bags and basic spices make life easier.
Combining Røst With The Rest Of Lofoten
Many travelers link Røst with Værøy for a islands-at-sea theme before heading to Moskenes and the classic Lofoten route of Reine, Hamnøy, and Å. If you are coming from Bodø, Røst can be your first stop or your last hurrah. I like starting in the outer islands, letting the silence reset my pace, then moving inward to the dramatic peaks. You notice more once you have learned to slow down.
Final Nudge
Røst will not shout for your attention. It will offer you wind, light, birds, and a working harbor where life still revolves around tides and weather. Give the island a couple of days and it will give you a feeling you will carry home. Even the ferry back to the mainland feels different after you have been out on the edge.