Leknes Airport (LKN/ENLK): The Essential Gateway to Norway’s Magical Lofoten Islands
Leknes Airport (LKN/ENLK) stands as the primary aerial access point to the spectacular archipelago of Lofoten, a world-renowned destination famous for its dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and picturesque fishing villages. Strategically located in the heart of the islands, Leknes Airport is the crucial first step for travelers seeking to experience the raw, natural beauty of Northern Norway, from the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) to the idyllic beaches like Haukland.
General Information
Leknes Airport is more than just a transit hub; it is the vital logistical center for the Vestvågøy municipality and the surrounding islands. Its proximity to key attractions ensures a quick start to your Lofoten adventure.
| Category | Details |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | LKN / ENLK |
| Location | Leknes, Norway, positioned just 2 km (1.2 miles) from the vibrant city center. |
| Coordinates | 68° 9′ 12” N, 13° 36′ 32” E |
| Description | Serving as the main entry point for tourists, LKN provides convenient access to cultural highlights such as the Lofotr Viking Museum, the traditional fishing village of Reine, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nusfjord. |
| Operation | The airport is exclusively domestic, owned and efficiently operated by Avinor, Norway’s state-owned airport operator. |
| Runway | Features a single asphalt runway (02/20) with a length of 1,070 meters (3,511 ft). It is primarily designed to handle short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft, essential for regional air travel. |
| Statistics | Handling a significant volume of regional traffic, the airport historically recorded over 100,000 passengers annually (e.g., 2014 data), underscoring its pivotal role in connecting the isolated islands to the mainland. |
Airlines and Key Destinations (Current Schedule)
As a vital link in Norway’s regional air network (known as the FOT network), Leknes Airport’s operations are primarily focused on domestic connectivity, facilitating easy transfers to larger national hubs.
| Category | Details |
| Main Airline | Widerøe is the dominant carrier, utilizing their Dash 8 fleet to provide essential scheduled services. |
| Destinations | Leknes Airport offers frequent, non-stop scheduled passenger flights to core destinations across Norway, including: Bodø (BOO), Oslo (OSL) (often via a quick stop), Bergen (BGO), Røst (RET), and Tromsø (TOS). Connectivity is crucial for tourism and local life. |
| Longest Route | The longest non-stop or direct route is typically to Bergen (BGO), covering approximately 597 miles (961 km). |
| Future Outlook | Planned enhancements for 2025 and beyond include potential capacity increases and optimized flight schedules to meet the consistently growing demand from international tourists visiting the Lofoten region. |
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Leknes Airport operates a single, compact terminal designed for efficiency and ease of use. It reflects the practical, welcoming nature of regional Norwegian airports.
| Service Area | Availability and Details |
| Terminal Operations | The small terminal opens shortly before the first scheduled departure and remains operational until after the last arrival. |
| Amenities | Free, reliable Wi-Fi is available under the network name “Avinor_Free_WiFi”. A small café/kiosk provides light refreshments, snacks, and local convenience items. |
| Accessibility | The terminal is fully equipped with facilities and support services to ensure comfortable access for disabled travelers. Advance notification to the airline is recommended. |
| Payment Options | Transactions within the airport are primarily conducted using the Norwegian Krone (NOK), though credit/debit cards are widely accepted. |
| Lost Baggage/Property | For inquiries regarding lost or misplaced items, passengers should contact the airport services desk directly at +47 67 033 900. |
Airport Transportation and Access
Getting to and from Leknes city center and other key locations in Lofoten is simple, offering several convenient options for travelers. The airport is easily accessed via the FV818 road.
| Transportation Type | Details |
| Taxi Service | A swift taxi ride to Leknes city center takes approximately 5 minutes and typically costs around 100 NOK. You can pre-book or hail a taxi by calling Lofoten Taxi at +47 76 07 10 00. |
| Car Rental | Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the extensive Lofoten Islands. Major international and local agencies operate desks at the airport, including: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Getaround. Booking in advance is essential, especially during peak season. |
| Walking | Due to its close proximity, the Leknes city center is a comfortable and scenic 20-minute walk from the terminal building. |
| Parking | A small, complimentary short-term and long-term parking area is available immediately outside the terminal for passenger use. |
Nearby Accommodation
For travelers with early departures or late arrivals, or those simply wishing to stay close to the central hub of Leknes, several highly-rated hotels are located nearby:
- Thon Hotel Lofoten: A modern hotel offering excellent views and amenities, situated conveniently in the city center.
- Scandic Leknes Lofoten: Another comfortable option providing quality service and easy access to both the airport and the town.
Important Traveler Information
When planning your journey through Leknes Airport and into the Lofoten region, please observe the following essential advisories:
- Schengen Area Status: Norway is a member of the Schengen Area. Travelers from non-Schengen countries (including those requiring a visa) must ensure they possess the appropriate Schengen visa prior to travel.
- Winter Travel Advisory: The Lofoten Islands experience severe weather during the winter months (October to April). Flights are frequently subject to delays, cancellations, or diversions due to strong winds, snow, or fog. Always check your flight status and build flexibility into your travel plans.
- Check-in Recommendation: Due to the regional nature of the airport, and to allow for potential security and winter-related procedures, it is generally recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes to two hours before their scheduled domestic departure.
Contact Information
For all general airport inquiries, service questions, or specific needs, please use the contact details for the operator, Avinor:
| Category | Details |
| Address | Avinor, 8370 Leknes, NORWAY |
| Phone | +47 67 033 900 |
| Official Website | www.avinor.no/en/airport/leknes |