Bodo to Lofoton Islands

Wouldn't you like to spend at least some of this trip on the water? You could do part of the trip on one of the coastal steams, maybe from Alesund to Bodø or Lofoten.

Looking again, I assume you will get from Flåm to Balestrand by ferry. But still, a trip along the coast is really special.

Norway isn't exactly known for stunning cuisine. Since food is so important to you, you'll need to devote a bit of time to researching the possibilities. I wasn't willing to pay what gourmet meals would cost in Norway, so I'm afraid I can't help on that score. I mostly ate out of supermarkets.

I'm not sure there's a car-rental agency in Flam.

I'd want to see one of the spectacular, narrow fjords from a boat. Two options are the Naeroyfjord (via ferry from Flam to Gudvangen) and the Geirangerfjord (accessible from Alesund).

There are airports at Alesund and Bodo. Whether Bodo is the best gateway for the Lofoten Islands, I don't know; I didn't go that far north. The coastal ferries (Hurtigruten or Havila) would be an option.

One-way rentals are very expensive in Norway. Instead of Flåm, I recommend to rent in Voss or in Bergen already to explore part of Hardanger fjord route on your first leg.

What is the best way to get to the Lofoton Islands?

Define "best": fastest, cheapest, most scenic, ...?

Flying from Alesund to Bodo.

Why not approaching an airport on Lofoten islands directly?

is there anything we are missing in this agenda that is a “must do”?

Yes, Midnight Sun. And you miss Oslo with great museums.

Norway isn't exactly known for stunning cuisine.

Veto from my side. If you can afford it, Norway offers great kitchens.

You are not going to find a rental car in Flåm that can be dropped off elsewhere. I'm guessing same problem in Bodo or the Lofoten Islands.

To include everything on your list: I would fly into Bergen staying for several nights.. Take either the Norway in a Nutshell package or DIY to Oslo overnighting in Flåm. This would include the very scenic ferry between Gudvangen and Flåm. In Flåm you could rent a car or purchase a tour that could include Borgund Stave Church and the Stegastein Viewpoint. Spend at least an overnight in Oslo on arrival. From Oslo you could easily fly to Ålesund.

In Ålesund, with a rental car you could do a circuit that would include Loen, Geiranger and the famous Trollstigen.

From Ålesund take the coastal ferry to Bodo. It will require 2 nights on the ship. From Bodo rent a car for travel to the Lofoten Islands and back to Bodo. Then fly back to Oslo or Bergen for your flight home.

You will want to check the cruise schedules for Flåm, Geiranger and Ålesund to avoid the mega ship crowds.

Regarding meals, we were in Norway in 2023. There are many excellent restaurants especially if you enjoy seafood. In Bergen we had an wonderful dinner at Bryggeloftet on the harbor. Not gourmet, but very good traditional Norwegian food in a lovely atmosphere. In Oslo we enjoyed a seafood dinner outside at Fiskeriet Youngstorget. In Ålesund the more upscale Apotekergata No. 5 was excellent. These were the best meals we had of the places on your list and all should be reserved in advance.

Our most disappointing meal during our 2½ weeks was in Flåm at the often recommended buffet in Hotel Freitheim. It was terribly overpriced for the limited options offered that evening. I don't know if it was because the restaurant had just opened for the season but a picnic on our hotel balcony would have been a better choice.

Enjoy planning and discovering Norway.