Discover Norway's Hidden Gem: The Littleisland Lighthouse

Far away in the northern corners of Norway there is a hidden treasure with a unique story called Littleisland Lighthouse. This small island guesthouse offers a secluded retreat experience unlike any other, and that's why we just had to share it. This island is far removed from the chaotic rhythm of city life, a place where people can still find tranquility and simplicity. It feels like you are on the edge of the world and you find no cars, shops, or the usual daily distractions.

The journey to Littleisland Lighthouse is an adventure by itself. The closest local airport is Skagen. An airport shuttle can take you from there to Sortland town. From Sortland you can continue to Steine in Bø by local bus. The final leg of the trip will be the boat ride to the lighthouse. The owners have an open RIB boat, which takes you to Littleisland Lighthouse - Litløy Fyr at your convenience. When the weather is good the ride takes around 15 minutes from the closest mainland harbour in Bø - a bit longer if the sea is uneasy.

Littleisland Lighthouse isn't just a place to stay, it feels more like an invitation to be in the moment. The island can be visited throughout the year, offering a different kind of beauty with each changing season. Whether it's the white winter landscape or the island's beauty during summer, there's something for everyone. This lighthouse serves as a reminder in every season of the tranquility and beauty that still exist in hidden corners of the globe. Just keep in mind that during winter months the sun doesn't rise and the weather can be harsh.

Winter days at Littleisland Lighthouse from Litløy Fyr Lighthouse Island on Vimeo.

The cherry on top of the island is the historic lighthouse tower itself. It is transformed into a spectacular suite. This suite has three floors and offers a glass-enclosed top. This provides an amazing 360-degree view of the vast ocean and the Lofoten mountains.

The Beginning of Littleisland Lighthouse

The first light in the lighthouse was lit in 1912, but in 2003 the last keepers left the island and the lighthouse and residence fell into disrepair. Afterwards, 60-year-old Elena felt the call to start living on the tiny Norwegian island of Litløya. After a journalistic and humanitarian career in the Middle East, she radically changed course seventeen years ago by buying this uninhabited island, including a lighthouse.

For fourteen years, Elena was the sole resident of Litløya, until 2020, when carpenter Frode came to help her with odd jobs. They fell in love, and he joined Elena on her island and they started a unique guesthouse. Elena now takes care of correspondence, while Frode greets guests upon their arrival by boat.



To connect to the mainland, they depend entirely on their boat. The sea can be regularly so rough that sometimes they cannot leave the island for days. Really big things are delivered by helicopter, though this is very expensive. The rest of the supplies needed for renovation must be brought by boat and carried up 300 steps. And there are more challenges; there is no drinking water on the island, and no trees grow.

Elena's commitment to sustainability shines through in the little things, like growing her own mint for tea and organic sprouts and veggies. Her hospitality also shows in the kitchen, where she prepares traditional Norwegian meals. Each meal tells a story of the island's rich history.

Elena and Frode have created a true oasis. They have mastered comfort, eco-friendly practices, and integrated the natural surroundings in a way that's truly inspiring.