Our first day:
1. The area of the archipelago is 1227 km², and its population is 24.5 thousand people. The main occupations of the residents are fishing and sheep breeding. Norway is generally the least populated country in Europe. On average, it has 12 square kilometers of territory per inhabitant. The population of all of Norway is approximately a quarter of the population of Moscow. Can you imagine how much space they have for life and freedom? 
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2. Lofoten (Old Scand. Lófót) – sometimes confused, incorrectly called “Lofonten”. The word consists of two parts: ló "trot" and Old Norse fótr "foot". Apparently, the shape of the islands resembled the foot of a lynx. The photo shows the beautiful and unique Hemnøy. 
3. Cod fishing has been going on in the Lofoten Islands for about a thousand years, especially in winter, when cod migrate south from the Barents Sea and gather in the Lofoten Islands to spawn. The caught cod is redirected to Bergen, Big City in southwest Norway, and from there it goes to the rest of Europe. These poles, large structures, are used for drying cod. In summer, unfortunately, they are mostly empty - and you can only see dried fish in the museum... 
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4. Near the fjords, sheds (called “stabbur”) are placed on vertical logs for drying and storing fish, for storing fishing equipment and boats, as well as a bathhouse with an open hearth (“badstue”) and a barn for drying grain. Traditional buildings have a gable roof. On top of the boardwalk it was previously covered with birch bark and turf. Now, of course, new materials are winning, but previously almost all residents did this. And old houses (and many have survived from the century before last) can often be seen with a whole forest on the roof. The log houses were sheathed on the outside and inside with vertically placed boards. The platbands, cornices, and sometimes even the ridges of the roofs of a residential building (stuve) were covered with elaborate carvings. 
5. Stuve, painted in traditional red, green or blue, with white platbands and ends of the log houses, still look very picturesque against the backdrop of the harsh Lofoten peaks. And fishing villages are located along the shores of Lofoten, with characteristic fishermen's huts (“rorbu”). 
6. Lofoten are the oldest rock formations on Earth, their age is approximately 3 billion years. Their current appearance was formed 10,000 years ago, when the last Ice Age ended. 
7. The most popular islands, Eustvogey, Vestvogey, Flakstad and Moskenes, are a favorite holiday destination for writers and artists, as well as all lovers active rest Outdoors. Most Norwegians come here from southern cities just relax, go fishing, hunt. 
8. The bridges of Norway are amazing: with wide spans, massive, but at the same time looking very light - they lie between fjords and creeks. This, of course, is not the famous Stortesand Bridge that goes into the sky, but it is also beautiful. I remember this place interesting case which happened to my friend, Dimka, at this fork. We jumped ahead a little, and he was catching up with us - and drove off in the wrong direction (right in the direction of this bridge: apparently he liked the landscape). And all I could do from the mountain was watch how my group was going in one direction, and Dimka was going in the other. Well, never mind, Sasha then “stomped in” - he caught up with Dima... 
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9. At any stop there is a rest area, observation decks and bird watching towers, as well as cyclists' lodges and cafes. Some vacation spots resemble entire architectural monuments, fitting well into the landscape (straight, sharp lines, wood and concrete). And some are simpler: 
10. Lofoten Islands also called "Lofotveggen" or "Lofoten Wall". The archipelago looks like a closed wall, about 100 kilometers long and 800-1000 meters high. 
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11. It seems to me that thanks to fish production for the whole of Norway and exports, which the Vikings have been doing since the 15th century, the country is now the richest in the world (per person). Traditionally, dried Lofoten cod is supplied to Spain, Portugal and Italy, where it can be found in abundance on restaurant menus. Maybe this is because fishing requires a lot of patience, work and careful attitude to natural resources? Speaking of caring for nature: fish are now raised like this, in enclosures. Although all around is the open sea with “inexhaustible riches”... 
12. In general, getting around the Lofoten Islands by bike is quite easy, but during the high season the roads were full of cars, caravans and trailers. Everyone is very decent, but the roads are narrow and sometimes there was a traffic jam behind us. The snow-white beaches of Lofoten are very good. You step on the sand - and it seems as if there is snow under your feet... The soul rests when you see the azure sea, mountain peaks, and feel the soft sand. 
13. In Lofoten you will find many cozy “rorbu” cottages. Initially, these cottages simply served as overnight accommodation for fishermen. In fishing villages you can see large buildings near the pier ("sjøhus"), where fishermen once stored their catch. You can stay at a campsite, hotel or youth hostel. The prices are quite reasonable (by Norwegian standards, of course;)). So, renting a rorba will cost about 100 euros per day. 
14. During the cycling route you constantly have to gain altitude. And on a boring gray day (and there were most of them), it sometimes makes you plunge into your thoughts, somehow forget about the surrounding mountains, fjords and valleys... And in this place there were wonderful blueberry fields. And another interesting thing: everywhere in wooded areas there are fences and obstacles on the road for sheep. Obstacles are pipes laid in such a way that the sheep will fall through with their hooves, which should discourage them from continuing the walk. And the fences seem to be energized (I didn’t want to try). 
15. Sometimes the weather gets really bad and you feel like a troll is watching you from the dark... 
16. The wonders of Lofoten don’t end there: along the way there are very picturesque lakes and rivers. Once I saw a sign at a tourist parking lot with the inscription “You can drink water in all bodies of water in Norway.” 
17. The theme for the story is low tide on the fjord. Of course, it greatly spoils the “photogenic” quality of the place: brown algae, remains of ship parts, gray sand instead of smooth water. But, as it turns out, you can ride a bike through the fjord at low tide! So I took a bicycle with wide tires from Denis and went driving around the fjord at sunset (it’s 2 am, almost polar day). This is how our first day in Lofoten ended. 
18. And the next day the route was like this: 
19. And again the weather was bad. It happens: gray clouds hang over the islands and don’t want to leave. It saved me that my comrades waited for me a little, and I managed to catch the gap. Apparently, this is the frame of an old ship, abandoned on the shore by a storm. 
20. The Lofoten Islands are one of those places in Norway where life is intertwined with nature, with the sea. According to National Geographic magazine, Lofoten is the third most attractive island in the world. 
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21. If you are traveling by car, you can drive through Finland to the Arctic. Then you can look at the most northern point Europe - North Cape... And the best way to return is along the coast, through all the fjords of Norway. 
22. Winter in Lofoten is quite warm, despite the fact that the islands are located beyond the Arctic Circle. Such high winter temperatures are typical for the islands due to the warm Golf Stream and its derivatives: the North Atlantic Current and the Norwegian Current. On the islands of Røst and Värøy, in winter the temperature is most often above zero, which is generally not typical for areas located above the Arctic Circle. In summer it is quite cool there, but dry. The average July temperature is +15°C. Strong winds often blow. 
23. The midnight sun does not set over the area in the summer. In the Lofoten Islands, this phenomenon can be observed from May 25 to July 17. It was in the first days that we found ourselves in these “wonderful” round the clock. This is terrible for photography - no sunsets, no sunrises, just a constant gloom in the sky. 
24. And this is a riddle for you. I am announcing a competition to guess the purpose of this structure. The answer is in the next part of the story about Northern Islands Norway. 
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25. I found an interesting story about Lofoten on norse.ru:
The captain told us that all fishermen are very superstitious and respect omens:
- You can’t start poutine on Friday. Never.
- you can't whistle.
- no waffle cakes.
- never say the word "horse".
- halibut cannot be called halibut.
- when a black bird lands on the mast, you must cut off all the nets and swim back. Here Harald remarked: “I didn’t do it, but my father did.”
- for successful fishing you must spend the night with beautiful girl. Here the captain sighed: “It was like that before...”.
(http://norse.ru/geography/norway/lofoten.html)
26. One of the churches in the suburbs of Svolvaer, on the shore of the fjord. 
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27. Next to the church lay “Trollstein” - the troll stone. Talking about Norway and not mentioning trolls is unforgivable.
Legends about trolls originated in Scandinavia. According to legends, they frightened local residents with their size and witchcraft. According to other beliefs, trolls lived in castles and underground palaces. In mythology, trolls are not only huge giants similar to ogres, but also small, gnome-like creatures that usually live in caves (such trolls were usually called forest trolls). The details of the image of trolls in folklore depend greatly on the country. Sometimes they are described differently even in the same legend. Most often, trolls are ugly creatures, from three to eight meters tall (sometimes they can change their size), almost always an attribute of the troll’s appearance in the images is a very large nose. They have the nature of a stone (they are born from a rock), they turn to stone in the sun. They eat meat. They often eat people. They live alone in caves, forests or under bridges. Trolls under bridges are somewhat different from ordinary ones. In particular, they can appear in the sun, do not eat people, respect money, are greedy for human women (they do not see them as food). There are legends about the children of trolls and human women. (wiki)
With the Christianization of Norway, the trolls had a new enemy - Olav the Saint. Olav had a special gift: he could control mountains and rocks, and knew how to turn trolls into stone. Subsequently, the giants tried to fight the churches.
28. There are stories that trolls sometimes appear among people in human form. Usually a person cannot immediately guess who he is dealing with. However, it is recommended that if he suspects something is wrong, he should under no circumstances shake the stranger’s hand. They can also take the form of a dog, a black goat, or a friendly man with a tail. The main thing is to know how to handle them. First, keep your name a secret. Do not accept treats from the troll and run away so that your tracks form a cross with the furrows of the plow on the arable land. If you meet him in a gorge, invite the troll to follow you to the light: he will turn to stone when the bright sun appears.
When you drive along the roads of Norway, clouds gather over the mountains and darkness sets in - you seriously begin to think about trolls...
29. Trolls often kidnapped people. However, folklore tradition provided several ways to defend against or resist trolls. First of all, this is, of course, the Christian cross, the sound of church bells and everything else that is associated with the Christian religion. If it was necessary to free a troll captive from the mountains, then the bells had to be rung. If the church was so far away that the bell could not be heard in the mountains, then the bell was brought to the mountains and rung there. Later in Moscow, Sasha even gave me a wonderful book about Trolls, which very clearly describes ways to combat them. The photo is just about the falling twilight on the fjord: 
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30. And another photo of the fading light: 
31. On northern lands almost nothing is grown. Norwegians simply cut the grass from the fields and sell it for livestock feed. We have never seen grain fields... 
32. In one day in Lofoten you can visit a huge number of picturesque places. In each of them you want to stay at least for the whole week. Maximum - for life. 
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33. Sometimes it is not at all clear where the lake ends and the fjord begins. Until you taste the water or look at the shores, you won’t know. Sometimes the rivers mix with water from the fjord. 
34. Our second day has come to an end. There don’t seem to be any trolls around, so we go to bed. Although the desire to photograph the troll is still alive. And our next day began: 
35. This day has so far broken all records for inclement and boring weather. Low tide again on the fjord, a giant desert. 
36. In spring, millions of birds flock to the coast of Norway, on their way north to their polar nesting grounds. In places like Jæren, south of Stavanger, you can spot loons, grebes, herons and other wild birds. On a boring gray day, I decided to organize a photo hunt for these birds. What kind of bird this is, I don’t know. 
37. By the way, this photo hunt was my first; only before the trip I bought a Nikkor 70-300. 
38. In July and early August, the banks of Lofoten are overgrown with grass and fireweed. On a rainy day they add color well to the landscape. 
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39. Norwegian tunnels are very famous. How much work does it take to build so many tunnels for the convenience of its citizens? It seems that if some grandmother from a fishing village wants to go for berries without crossing the pass, the government will build a tunnel especially for her.
Norway breaks all records for the length of tunnels. The longest road tunnel in the world is the Norwegian mountain tunnel Laerdal (24.5 km), which is part of the highway connecting the capital of Norway, Oslo, and the western port of the country, Bergen.
To be honest, the feeling is the same when you drive into an underwater tunnel: you drive down for about 15 minutes without pressing the pedals with only one thought - how long will it take you to go up! And it’s great downstairs: wet walls, drops dripping from the ceiling. The stones make noise against the tunnel walls... Some are not ventilated (even for 3-5 km!). And you clearly feel a lack of oxygen.
40. And on a gray day you can shoot something unusual. For example, such a large panorama of an ordinary lake. 
41. The day ends. Not rich in “catch”, but simply pleasant. Again the ferry, fjords, lighthouses, mountains... For the night we stop right next to the shore, just a little way up from the ferry station. Overlooking the fjord. 
42. We planned to climb Moisalen for this day, big mountain over the fjords. 
43. But it didn’t work out: there were clouds over the mountains. It's raining. We would definitely not be able to see anything at an altitude of more than a kilometer. It's a pity. But there is a reason to return. 
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44. This is the weather in Norway. Sun and rocks would be too deceiving. 
45. In many corners of Lofoten - no one. On a cloudy day, life seems to stand still. Peace and quiet. 
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46. We take the dirt road to Zigelfjord. Near the road there are swamps and houses in the swamps;) 
47. Here is our primer. Driving on asphalt gets boring. Although the roads in Norway are very good. It's amazing how they manage to keep the road surface in such good condition. After all, rains wash away everything, and the rock moves. 
48. In the evening it began to rain heavily. We were all wet to the last thread. But we were not broken in spirit. The reward is a beautiful sunset. 30 minutes of amazing light over the fjord. 
49. The rain is dripping, the sun brightly illuminates the heavy lead clouds with its rays. 
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49(2). And one more shot: 
50. Shades of green change every minute. 
51. And this is a river flowing into the fjord, taken in the other direction from the fjord. Clouds are settling on the mountains... 
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52. Rays of the setting sun... The miracles did not end there. We wanted to dry off in the “Hütte”, this is a house in the mountains especially for tourists and hunters. But, unfortunately, the hutta was busy that day. And we were just about to get upset when a local hunter came up to us and invited us to stay in his house. He apologized to us for a long time, saying: guys, I don’t have a toilet and the house is very small. But we were amazed at how neatly everything was done there. Wood, soft beds for the first time in a week, warm radiators. This was a gift for us. But we didn’t remain in debt either. This morning we made him pancakes with blueberry jam that we had just made. True, he fed them to us. We also met his little curious spaniels in the morning. 
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53. Here is our next day. We decided to cut the route a little: we didn’t have time. We decided to take a high-speed ferry from Harstadt in the evening directly to Finnesnes, to Senya. 
54. In the morning we went down to the fjord and boarded the ferry. The ferry took only 10 minutes, but the “luxury” here was traditional (remembering the Sevastopol ferry with wooden benches). Any ferry is usually decorated with paintings by local artists. There is definitely a cafe with traditionally high prices. 
55. This day has now definitely broken all records for “grayness”. These are the tranquil landscapes that followed one another. 
56. You almost fall asleep on the move from such an idyll... 
57. During the day we already arrived in Harstadt, walked around the city, and in the evening we boarded the ferry, which took us like the wind to Finnesnes. The ferry itself goes to our destination - Tromso. But we still have Senya and the Lingen Alps ahead of us! The ferry is not a cargo ferry, it travels very quickly - cutting through the surface of the water. It's amazing to watch from the window how quickly it cuts through the waves and picks up speed, like a plane on the runway. 
Evening - and we are already on the Seine... There is a separate story about this island in the next part.
The Lofoten Islands (Norway) have attracted the attention of tourists from all over the world for many centuries. The nature here is so picturesque and has such magical powers that novels were written about the islands, poems, music were dedicated, paintings were painted and sculptures were sculpted.
There is hardly a place in the world where you can go snowshoeing and surfing, visit a whale safari and see the most dangerous whirlpool in the world, climb the mountain peak, relax on the beach and admire the northern lights. Even a long flight, unstable weather and high prices will not spoil your holiday on the Lofoten Islands.
general information
Lofoten (Norway) is an archipelago located in the Norwegian Sea. The islands are located in northwestern Norway and cover an area of more than 1220 square meters. km. The population of the archipelago is almost 24 thousand people.
Lofoten consists of many islands, coastline which is indented with bays and comfortable beaches. main feature holiday in Lofoten - privacy, silence, tranquility and wild, untouched nature.
Despite geographical location islands, the weather here is relatively warm. This is due to the close proximity of the warm Gulf Stream.
It is important! You can stay on the islands in a hotel or in a rorb - a private house owned by local fishermen. However, the majority of Lofoten residents are wealthy people and rent their homes at prices that are higher than hotel prices.
Things to do and see
Whale Safari
Whales are incredible animals and have long been considered magical creatures. In addition, whales are the largest animals on the planet. Judge for yourself - the weight of a whale’s heart is 700 kg, and the weight of its tongue is equal to the mass of an elephant.
Interesting fact! Another name for whales is sea canaries. They are called that because whales are the only mammals that can and love to sing.
Since 1986, there has been a worldwide ban on commercial whaling. Since then, whales have become the object of an amazing safari, during which you can admire the beautiful and intelligent animals and photograph them.
The best place for a whale safari – Lofoten Islands. Killer whales and sperm whales hunt here from spring to early autumn. Huge animals swim next to the boats, and in the winter months they are clearly visible from the shore.
In the city of Annenes there is a Whale Center and a thematic museum. It is from here that boats and yachts depart for whale safari. It is enough to move a few kilometers away from the shore and the whales will be a few meters away from you. In winter there is a chance to even see sperm whales.
This is interesting! According to statistics, in 96% of cases tourists manage to see whales jumping out of the water. If vacationers experience 4% of unsuccessful cases, the organization that conducts the safari takes tourists to a repeat event at any convenient time or returns the money.
Cafes and restaurants in Lofoten are serving whale meat because Norway has not signed a ban on whale fishing.
Fishing in Lofoten Islands
Fishing in this part of Norway is attractive because good catches are possible throughout the year. The fjords located off the coast do not freeze even in winter. The most favorable conditions for fishing occur in the second half of April and persist until mid-October.
In spring, cod descends to the coast of the islands to spawn. At this time, you can catch fish weighing from 15 to 20 kg. The Lofoten Islands are an ideal place for deep sea fishing. At a depth of 30 meters, pollock, salmon, flounder, haddock and lure live. If you fish at a depth of 80 meters, you can catch monkfish, moth and sea bass.
Advice! The most productive fishing occurs during high tide and about 30 minutes after low tide.
Fishing by month:
- April-May is an excellent period for fishing for cod, catfish, and haddock;
- in summer there is a good catch of pollock, stingray, mackerel, moth, halibut, flounder, salmon, trout, herring;
- in the fall they catch trophy fish, big fish, but you should take into account the severity and unpredictability of the northern weather - storms begin to rage from the end of September.
For fishing on the islands, you can stay in one of the many fishing bases, rent a watercraft and the necessary equipment.
This is interesting! The warm Gulf Stream provides ideal conditions for fishing. In winter, the air temperature varies from 0 to +10 degrees, and in summer the air warms up to +30 degrees. From late May to mid-July there is no night on the islands because the Sun does not set below the horizon.
Surfing in Lofoten Islands
Cold water skiing is rapidly gaining momentum around the world. This is largely due to the development of technology and the use of special wetsuits.
Features of surfing in Lofoten:
- the water is cold throughout the year;
- the climatic conditions here are as comfortable as possible for surfing;
- After surfing you can warm up in the sauna.
The waves here are typical for the entire northern hemisphere - small in summer and high in winter. Newcomers come here in June, July and August. In winter you can meet real professional surfers here.
This is interesting! There is a surf school on the Lofoten Islands where you can rent a comfortable cottage or come with your own tent, but in this case you will have to pay for tent accommodation. The school is located in Unstad. Cottages are of any size, with a sauna and kitchen, shower and toilet.
- Viking Museum Lofotr. This is a unique, impressive reconstruction of a Viking Age settlement. Plunge into the cruel, brutal world of the Vikings and feel how the last Viking leader Olaf Twennumbruni lived. The 83-meter-long dwelling has a bedchamber and a honey room. Here, the appearance of the premises and decoration have been restored with maximum precision. In addition to the leader’s house, you can walk around the farm, visit the forge, and admire the Viking ships. Tours are conducted by guides dressed in historical costumes. The museum is located in the small village of Borg, near Båstad.
- Museum of dried fish. Founded at the end of the last century and is part of a colorful, authentic fishing village in the style of the 18th century. All events organized in the village take place in national traditions and reflect the life of Norwegian fishermen for two hundred years. The museum is located in the westernmost part of the archipelago, in the village of O, Moskenes municipality.
- Museum of fishing villages. It is located in the same village and reflects the peculiarities of the life of Norwegian fishermen. The exhibition consists of many interesting objects, a blacksmith's shop, a residential fisherman's house, a rorbu - a house on stilts, a bakery and much more.
Hiking
The best time for hiking is summer, when the polar day lasts on the islands. Night hiking in the mountains is a special, incomparable adventure. There are many organized events on the islands tourist routes, each of which will give a lot of impressions and emotions. The most spectacular routes on the island of Eustvogøy. In the center of the island there is Mount Runnfjellet, with incredible views from its top.
You can also climb other mountains:
- Fløya – the climb is difficult, from the top you can see the entire capital – Svolvær;
- Reinbringen - the climb is quite steep, from the top you can see islands up to the island of Hamnøy and the village of Reine;
- Stolva – the lifting height is 750 meters.
This is interesting! Mountaineering is well developed on the Lofoten Islands.
Many tourists test their endurance while climbing to the icy peaks. Optimal routes have been developed on the islands of Austvøya and Moskenøya. Cycling is common in these areas and there are special cycling routes. Every year on the summer solstice you can take part in cycling competitions, but be prepared that you will have to travel through all the islands of the archipelago.
Fascinating natural phenomena
Near the farthest island of Moskenøya there is a unique natural phenomenon - the Maelström whirlpool. It was formed as a result of the meeting of several rapid currents. The first mention of Maelstrom is found in the studies of the Greek scientist Pytheas 2 thousand years ago. Since then, the whirlpool has been marked on all nautical charts.
The Northern Lights Extravaganza is another natural light for which tourists from all over the world come to the Lofoten Islands. The northern lights belt begins from the archipelago. When choosing an observation location, consider several factors:
- optimal conditions for observing the northern lights are dry air, clear skies and the absence of the Moon in the sky;
- The best time to go on a trip is from 22-00 to 00-00;
- you will need to move further out of the city and away from electric lighting.
In Lofoten, in the town of Laukvik on the island of Austvågøya, tourists are welcomed by the Northern Lights Center.
Another unique natural phenomenon that you can admire on the islands is the hunting of eagles. Ships take tourists to a place where eagles hunt fish. Birds are at arm's length from you. It is an impressive sight when a bird with a wingspan of more than 2.5 meters flies towards you.
Attractions
- The capital of the Lofoten Islands is the city of Svolvær. Founded in the 8th century and located near Goat Mountain. During the summer months, Trolfjord tours depart from here.
- The village of Reine, one of the most beautiful places in Norway, is located in the western part of the archipelago, on the island of Moskenøya.
- Kolhelleren Cave. Drawings on rocks dating back 3 thousand years have been preserved here.
- Oceanarium. Introduces tourists to the underwater world of Lofoten and all of Norway. There are pools with otters and seals, and an aquarium with cod. To remember your visit to the aquarium, buy a souvenir in a small shop.
- Beach in the town of Blake. The shore is covered with snow-white sand, which looks like snow. The beach is perfectly clean, and the color of the waves resembles lush, green grass. The length of the beach is 2.5 km, from it you can clearly see the island with the Bleiksøy rock, where amazing puffin birds nest, which are called sea parrots because of their bright plumage.
- Nusfjord is the oldest fishing village. A whole complex of buildings built in the 19th century has been preserved here. The architecture of the village is unique - as a result of excavations, settlements built in the 5th century were found.
- Ice sculpture park Magic Ice. This is a real theater, woven from ice, color and music. The design of the park introduces the nature and life of Lofoten, traditions, legends about trolls and nymphs. There is an ice bar in the park.
Weather and climate
Considering that the archipelago is located above the Arctic Circle, it may seem that the climate here is harsh and very cold. However, the winter months in Lofoten are quite warm, this is possible due to the fact that the warm Gulf Stream passes near the islands. In addition to it, smaller warm currents flow here - the North Atlantic and Norwegian.
If you prefer warmer weather, head to the islands of Røst or Värøy. Even in winter, the air temperature does not drop below 0 degrees. In summer the air temperature averages +15°C. The ocean water in shallow waters warms up to +17 °C in the hottest months, but, as a rule, the temperature reaches +10...+12 °C.
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How to get to Lofoten Islands
If you decide to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, go to the Lofoten Islands, of course, the path is not the easiest and closest, but it is one of the most wonderful places not only in Norway, but also in the world.
By plane
There are several answers to the question of how to get to the Lofoten Islands (Norway). The first of them is by plane. There are several airports here that receive flights daily, but flying to the capital Svolvar is inconvenient as it requires two transfers. From the capital of Russia you need to fly to Oslo, then to Bodø and from there you can fly to the capital Lofoten. The journey takes at least 8 hours. The flight time from Bodø to Svolvár is 20 to 30 minutes.
Trains depart daily from Stockholm and Kiruna and arrive in Narvik. From Narvik to many settlements Buses depart from Lofoten.
Trains also run from Oslo to Bodø, passing through Trondheim and Fauske. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.
Of course, the distance from Oslo to the archipelago is almost 1,400 km, but the path is so beautiful and picturesque that it simply must be done by car. A trip by car to Lofoten will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the islands, stop along the way, take photos, feel the endless world of mountains, the depth of the fjords, and stroll through dense forests. This adventure will not leave anyone indifferent and will leave a lot of memories and emotions.
It is important! The main route that passes through the islands of the archipelago is E10 or the King Olaf V route. The road runs from west to east. If you are planning to travel around Lofoten on your own, research the route and routes, especially if you want to get away from the main road.
- The name of the archipelago means lynx foot. Most likely, this is due to the shape, which resembles the paw of a predator.
- Cod fishing on the islands of the archipelago has been going on for thousands of years. Fishing is most active in winter, when cod migrate to Lofoten. The catch is transported to many countries around the world.
- Lofoten are the oldest rock formations, more than 3 billion years old. The usual appearance of Lofoten was formed about 10 thousand years ago after the end of the Ice Age.
- The most visited islands of the archipelago are Austvogøy, Flakstadøy, Moskenøya, Vestvågøy. Creative people - artists, writers - often come here for inspiration. Residents of Norway love to fish and just relax here.
- There are so many fish near Norway that, in addition to oil, it is thanks to fishing that the country is now considered one of the richest and most successful. Lofoten cod is transported to Italy, Spain and Portugal, to best restaurants. The main principle of fishing in Norway is to preserve nature and not harm it. To keep the unique undersea world, commercial fish are raised in special enclosures.
- The most convenient transport on the archipelago is a bicycle; the only inconvenience is narrow roads and a lot of cars.
- There will be no problems with accommodation in the Lofoten Islands. Here you can stay in a campsite, hostel, hotel, or rent a rorba from local fishermen.
- According to National Geographic, Lofoten is the third most beautiful island in the world. The video below is a clear confirmation that Lofoten is not in vain in the top three most beautiful.
Related posts:
Norway is suitable for tourists of any profile. There are activities for fans of outdoor activities - hiking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding. At the same time, there are places where you can retire in the lap of idyllic nature. These include, for example, the Lofoten Islands.
Lofoten Islands
Giants and dwarfs
Norway has 50 thousand islands at its disposal! They are scattered along the entire coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The Lofoten archipelago is located in the north-west of the country. It is washed by the waters of the Norwegian Sea. The archipelago includes many small rocks, lifeless tiny areas of land and seven large islands.
The largest of them is called Eustvogøy. Its rocky, pointed mountains, cut as if with a knife by narrow fjords, are quite suitable for filming fantasy films. The highest peak The island is considered to be Higravstinden (1146 m). It has long been chosen by climbers.
Vestvågøy is the second largest island of the archipelago. Thanks to the cliffs - steep coastal cliffs - it is considered the most beautiful in Norway. Moskenesøy ranks third in size. Only one village fit on it. Next, as they become smaller, are the islands of Flakstadøya, Yimsøya, Värøy and Røst.
Breath of the Gulf Stream
The archipelago is located beyond the Arctic Circle. If you mentally walk along the parallel to Russian Siberia, it turns out that Lofoten is located north of the Pole of Cold in Yakut Oymyakon. It would seem that severe frosts should reign on the islands. Nothing like this! Even in winter, the air temperature does not drop below zero. The warm breath of the Gulf Stream saves! True, even at the height of summer it can be cool here.
Lofoten joys
Dive into the Maelstrom
The word "maelstrom" is often used as a symbol of danger. And this is not without reason. This is the name of the terrible whirlpool between the islands of Förö and Moskenesøy. It was mentioned with horror by the chroniclers of the Middle Ages. Edgar Allan Poe and Jules Verne described the Lofoten funnel in their works. Externally, the whirlpool looks like turbulence on the water. It is worth observing him from a respectful distance.
The cult place of the island of Eustvogøy is the “Devil's Gate” - a giant boulder stuck between the rocks. It is located near the town of Svolver. Nearby rise the “Dragon's Teeth” - two pointed rocks that rock climbers adore. In fishing villages you can see how cod is dried - an exotic sight for the townspeople. There is a beautiful church in the commune of Vaughan.
The main local history museum of the archipelago is located in Storvogan. Its iconic exhibit is the oldest fisherman's hut in Lofoten. She even has her own name - Scrobabya. It was built in 1797. And in the town of Borg it is worth visiting the Viking Museum.
Among the island's attractions, it is also worth noting the Oceanarium and the Lofoten History Museum in Kabelväg. There is a Fishing Industry Museum in Melbu, and an Ice Museum in Svolvær. Fans of outdoor activities will certainly be interested in kayaking and sea eagle safaris. Those interested can ride around the archipelago on bicycles.
Relaxation point
There is truth in the legs
A popular walking route in Lofoten includes visiting the extreme southern point archipelago in a village with the sonorous name “O”. Along the way you can climb to the best panoramic point, which is the top of Mount Mannen.
The program includes visits to the typical fishing village of Reine and the Lofoten capital of Svolvær. The list also includes the most popular beaches archipelago. You probably won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy the magnificent scenery to your heart's content.
Polar Lights
Our tourist club offers the following hiking programs in the Lofoten Islands:
- Tour of the Lofoten Islands and the Norwegian Sea on sea kayaks + trekking in the mountains
- The northern pearls of Norway are Lofoten and Vesterålen. Kayaking, trekking, self-guided
Polar miracle
There are such enchanting natural phenomena that they remain in the memory forever. These include the Polar Lights. The peculiarity of the phenomenon is that it is observed only at high latitudes. Since the Lofoten Islands are located right here, there is a chance to see this miracle with your own eyes. True, you have to be lucky!
These natural fireworks displays occur more frequently in spring and autumn than in winter and summer. A flash of solar activity and cloudless weather will also be required. If you arrive during the specified period and stay here for a week or two, the likelihood of seeing a rare sight increases significantly.
Features of Norwegian fishing
Hunting for skrei
The fishing season in Lofoten is called “lofotfiske”. For the night, fishermen can stay in rorbu - old fishermen's huts. The best time The period for fishing is considered to be from May to September. In summer, at the height of the Polar Day, you can fish at any time of the day. But if you want to catch real Norwegian “skrei” (cod), you will have to come here from January to March. Why? In the summer, local cod goes to the Barents Sea.
Evenes: the meeting place cannot be changed
The fastest way to get to the Lofoten Islands is by plane. You should look for flights to Norway's Evenes Airport. Bus transfers are organized for tourists from the city of Kandalaksha, Murmansk region. You can also come to Evenes by private car. All routes around the archipelago start from this town.
Take plenty of photographs
Lofoten is a photographer's paradise. Here you can photograph every piece of land, every piece of the fjord and every cozy rorbu house. There are a lot of tours that offer trips to the best photographic spots on the islands, but you can make a list yourself. This site has a very impressive list that you can refer to. I visited Hamnoy, Reine, Svolvaer, Kabelvag - indescribable beauty everywhere.
Just be prepared for the fact that at the top photo spots you will invariably encounter other photographers who will every now and then try to conquer territory to set up their equipment and set up a tripod (Italians are especially militant :)
Meet the sunrise and spend the sunset
From the beginning of December to the beginning of January, the polar night reigns in Lofoten, so don’t even expect to see the sun. But already closer to March, sunrises and sunsets in Lofoten are a must on the list of any trip. It is better to meet the sunrise on the beach, when the sun gently illuminates the coastal rocks and fishing gear, and to see off the sunset you need to rush to the bays and fjords, which, under the sign of the setting sun, are painted in magical pinkish and blue tones.
Walk from Reine to Hamna
Reine and Hamney are considered the most picturesque fishing villages in Lofoten. The best thing for a solo hiker is that the villages are located in close proximity to each other, so walking from one to the other seems like a given, enjoying gorgeous views along the way.
Moreover, it’s worth investing a little more time on the Rhine (or it’s better to spend a day or two there, depending on the season). The settlement itself is very nice. so you should definitely go around it, seeing the rorba by the water, the fish dryers, and the fishing schooners.
Go surfing on Ramberg Beach
Lofoten besides fishing They are also famous for their passion for surfing. The water in some bays does not freeze all year round, and the waves, although not comparable to Bali or our Kamchatka, nevertheless attract extreme sports enthusiasts in wetsuits. Equipment for surfing, snorkeling and other entertainment can be rented right on the spot, you just need to be prepared for steep Norwegian prices. In addition to Ramberg, surfing in Unstad in the north-west of the Lofoten Islands is praised.
For those who do not dare to swim in Arctic waters, I still advise you to take a walk on sandy beaches. In contrast to the surrounding mountains, the turquoise water is a magnet.
Eat Norwegian fish
“Fish is what fed Norway, feeds and will feed,” says Nils, the owner of my home in Svolvaer.
— What about oil? - I ask in surprise.
— “We only found oil in the sixties,” Nils grins, “but there has always been fish.”
And it is true. In any Norwegian city, fish is loved and revered, and on the Lofoten Islands, fish is even considered a cult, especially Atlantic cod. Although fishing has now faded into the background (the main engine of the region's economy is now the construction and repair of ships), nevertheless, on your journey you will definitely come across fishing boats and traditional dryers for drying cod. Don't be surprised if you see fish heads without tongues on dryers: cod tongue is considered a local delicacy here.
Eating in restaurants in Norway is not a cheap pleasure. If you want to save money, but still enjoy local fish, then hurry to Kiwi or Rema 1000: in Lofoten they definitely have an assortment of local fish.
Travel around all of Lofoten by bus
From the southernmost settlement called Ä, Svolvaer in the north can be easily reached by bus. Moreover, the bus route runs along very beautiful places, so without any excursions you can fully enjoy the impeccable northern nature of Lofoten. You can also plan your trip with stops in the same Reine, Hamnay, Leknes or Ramberg.
Visit the largest wooden church in Northern Norway
South of Svolvaere is the ancient fishing village of Kabelvåg. As my Norwegian friend told me, the villagers don’t like Svolvaer because it stole the title of capital from them, although Kabelvåg, founded in the 12th century, is many times older than the neighboring town.
If the village itself does not cause you much delight, especially after what you saw in the Rhine and Hamneu, then the wooden church located at the entrance to the city will definitely not leave you indifferent. Vagan Church or, as it is also called, Lofoten Cathedral seats 1,200 people and is the largest wooden structure in Northern Norway.
- Lofoten can be reached by plane or ferry. There are two airports in the city: in Leknes (in the middle of the archipelago) and in Svolvaer (in the north). Wideroe airline planes fly to one or another city (the planes have free landing, don’t be surprised) from Bodo, and you can easily get there from any major Norwegian city (I flew from Tromsø). You can also take a ferry from Bude to Moskenes. I flew to Leknes, and from there I took a bus to Reine. Now I would do it differently and from Bodo I would take a ferry to Moskenes, and from there to Ä.
I went to Lofoten for three days, which I now really regret: the islands deserve much more time, regardless of the time of year. If you want to explore all the nooks and crannies of the archipelago, then you should budget up to ten days - you won’t get bored.
Eating in restaurants in Lofoten is expensive and inconvenient - most gastronomic places open only in the evening. Fortunately, in Norwegian supermarkets you can find everything your heart desires, and at a fraction of the price.
The bus service in Lofoten, although developed, still exists according to a schedule, so plan your route in advance (the link to the planner is below).
Allow 3-4 hours for the hike from Reine to Hamney: this will be just enough for you to explore Reine and constantly stop for photographs.
Finding a stop on Hamney to go north is a whole quest. You need to leave the settlement and go in the opposite direction from the bridge to the tunnel, there you will see a stop nearby.
It seems like you can pay for travel on buses by card (I saw a terminal near the driver), but I always had cash with me. The most expensive fare from A to Svolvaer costs 210 CZK.
If you suddenly decide to fly to Leknes like I did, keep in mind that from the airport to the center of Leknes (from where, by the way, buses depart), you can only get by taxi or on foot, there are no buses with this route. I chose the second option and reached the center in twenty minutes.
In Lofoten, one of the popular attractions for tourists is “whale safaris”, where you are taken out to sea to watch whales. According to my Norwegian friend, this is the most useless waste of money in Lofoten, because the drive is long, expensive, and you will see whales for a maximum of thirty seconds. So think about it.
You can walk to Kabelvåg from Svolvaer (it takes about an hour), and you can get back by bus.
I went to Norway and Lofoten with the hope of seeing the northern lights. This is my second attempt (before that I went to Finland) and it failed again :) I was unlucky with the weather, it was damp and cloudy, and in order to see the northern lights you need a clear and frosty night. However, if you want to see this miracle of nature, judging by the reviews, Lofoten is almost the ideal place for this, because the conditions needed here are from November to March, so perhaps some of you will be luckier than me.- website of the Norwegian Trekking Association, which contains a bunch of useful information on all walking routes(and not only in Lofoten)
Despite the rather remote location, enjoy harsh beauty Northern nature in the Lofoten Islands attracts a huge number of tourists every year from all over the world. They all find something of their own here. Someone is tired of the annual ritual reclining on the warm sand south seas, someone watched a documentary and was impressed by the fantastic landscapes of mountain ranges reflected in the surface of the sea. Everyone has their own love story for Lofoten, and it is stronger than long flights, unstable Scandinavian weather and obscenely high Norwegian prices.
The varied landscape of this Northern paradise allows you to have a great time: go mountain hiking, skiing, or rafting down a mountain river. No joke, this is the northernmost surfing spot in the world and one of the best surfing spots in Norway.
Story
People came here relatively recently - 6000 years ago. At that time, living conditions in Lofoten were very favorable - a cool but generally mild climate, a huge amount of fish in the sea and game in the mountains. The islands, rocky today, were then literally buried in coniferous and deciduous forests. And although over time the climate changed, becoming more severe, people did not leave their no longer so cozy, but still home.
The archipelago borrows the old name of the island of Vestvogey, which was formerly called Lofoten. Lofoten is translated from Old Norse as “lynx foot”. Probably, to the inhabitants of that time, the shape of the island resembled the foot of a lynx.
The history of the Lofoten Islands is closely connected with fishing in general and cod fishing in particular. The first fishermen's houses, or rorbu, were built here in 1120 by order of King Oystein. Despite the wealth of the Norwegian Sea, local residents eked out a miserable existence. The fact is that most rorbu belonged to feudal lords, who rented them out during the season along with gear and food supplies. Fishermen paid for the use of the rorbu with almost all of their catch, receiving a symbolic payment in return. Break out of this vicious circle it was almost impossible, because there was no talk of buying land and building a small shack on it - we would have to live until next year.
Today Lofoten fishermen are very wealthy people, and almost everyone has their own rorbu (often more than one). True, the houses are mainly rented out to tourists. Moreover, the price for an overnight stay in a rorbu is an order of magnitude higher than in a regular hotel.
How to get there
Despite the apparent remoteness from civilization, the Lofoten Islands have excellent transport connection. As a rule, most tourists first arrive in the city of Bodo, which is connected by bus, train and air routes to the largest Norwegian cities. Ferries and planes and helicopters depart from Bodo to Lofoten.
Average cost of a 1.5-hour flight on the route Oslo-Garduen - Bodo: 460 NOK. A half-hour flight between Bodo and Leknes (a city on largest island Westvågey archipelago) will cost 350 NOK. A ticket for the Bodo - Moskenes ferry costs 196 NOK, travel time: 3 hours. Prices on the page are for April 2019.
Accommodation
The Lofoten Islands have a wide range of accommodation options. You can stay in a regular chain hotel - the cost of a double room starts from 800 NOK. But to feel the atmosphere of this place, it is better to rent a rorba equipped with all amenities. Many of these red wooden houses are located along the coast. True, renting an authentic rorbu costs quite a lot: 1200 NOK per night. Most cheap option accommodation on the Lofoten Islands - camping: a house or a place for a tent will cost 240 NOK.
Entertainment and attractions
External provincialism should not be misleading. The islands have a huge amount of entertainment, many museums, tourist walking and cycling routes, a large selection of cafes and restaurants.
Lofoten is primarily about fishing. Even in winter, lovers of a good catch come here. There are especially many fishermen in early spring, when the cod fishing season begins, one of the symbols of Norway. You can buy a fishing tour on the open sea at any tourist center.
Local restaurants are also considered real attractions, offering simple but very delicious dishes Northern Norwegian cuisine, especially cod. By the way, Norwegians prefer this fish dried as a snack. But to prepare more complex dishes, it is soaked.
Often soaking turns into a complex and lengthy process. First, the fish “rests” for a week in a soda solution, and then for another 3 days in clean water. After such manipulations, the meat acquires a very tender structure.
If you want to see fish not on a plate, but in real life, you should visit the island of Austvogea. Here in the village of Kabelvåg there is an aquarium, in which 23 aquariums display the typical fauna of the Norwegian Sea, from mammals to small fish.
The Viking lifestyle is presented in detail at the Lofotr Museum. Its main exhibit is the 83 m long house. Olaf Twennumbruni, the last Viking king, lived here. The interior has been recreated with amazing precision. There is a blacksmith shop and a small farm at the museum, and longships stand at the pier, harmoniously complementing the northern landscape.
In the town of Nysfjord you can visit an old fishing village consisting of houses built at the end of the 19th century. For more than 100 years, these beautiful buildings have never been restored.
