If you want to travel to a place like no other, a place with a raw natural beauty that calls adventurers, go to the Lofoten Islands in Norway.
Photo by Timon Reinhard on Unsplash
The Lofoten Islands are an almost hidden archipelago in the northern part of Norway. So high North that it’s actually above the Arctic Circle. It attracts many kinds of tourists, mainly self-proclaimed adventurers, who go up there searching for something out of the ordinary. And out of the ordinary you’ll get in this unique destination, that’s for sure, with an incredible natural beauty, uncommon geography, and a rich fishing heritage.
If you’re worried that you’ll be cold there, don’t worry. It’s cold, but not like Siberia, even if they share a similar latitude. Because of the Gulf Stream, the climate is relatively milder, so no brutal winters, and the summers are nice and refreshing.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Why people travel to the Lofoten Islands?
Like with any place, people have many reasons to travel there. Lots of artists and photographers are attracted to the islands for their natural beauty, and it’s easy to understand. The landscapes are incredibly photogenic and inspiring, with jagged mountains that rise straight from the sea, dramatic fjords, and pristine beaches.
The quality of the light is completely different from our typical day-to-day experience, especially during the Aurora Borealis and the Midnight Sun. These two phenomena attract many people, not only artists. For most of us is hard to imagine the experience of eternal days in the summer and eternal colorful nights in the winter.
There’s also the adventures, of course. Lots of outdoor enthusiasts travel to the Lofoten Islands to find new routes to hike, beaches to surf, fish to capture, or even waters to dive. Cycling is also incredibly popular, and a great way to explore the whole place and bathe in the beauty of the dramatic landscapes.
Unique phenomena
There are two very unique occurrences that you can witness in Lofoten Island. These are the Midnight Sun and the Aurora Borealis. Both are related to the high latitude of the archipelago, as they’re only seen at the poles at a certain time of the year.
Midnight Sun
The midnight sun happens due to Earth’s tilt. In summer, the sun is always visible, going around the horizon instead of rising in the east and setting in the west. In Lofoten specifically, you can see it from May to July. For most people, this is quite curious and a bit disturbing. You can go hiking at midnight, and the whole land will be bathed in golden light, like a landscape directly taken from a dream. But it can seriously mess up your sleep, as your body doesn’t have the natural light and dark cycle to regulate itself.
Photo by Nikolai Artamonov on Unsplash
Aurora Borealis
The auroras, on the other hand, are caused by solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere and rolling up and down towards the poles. The most well-known are the Northern Light, or aurora borealis, but they also occur in the Southern Hemisphere, being called Southern lights or aurora australis. Unlike the midnight sun, you need a dark sky to see them in their greatest splendor. So, if you’re traveling to Lofoten, or Norway, just to see them, better to travel from September to April.
Photo by Johannes Groll on Unsplash
Best Outdoor Activities in Lofoten
Hiking
If you decide to go to Lofoten to explore the islands and the surrounding landscapes, there are a lot of hiking routes you can take. In general, even the lightest ones are incredibly beautiful, with views of the sea, the mountains, and panoramic views from the islands.
Popular Hikes:
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Reinebringen: It’s pretty famous for the magnificent views of the islands and the fjords. It’s not the longest, but it’s steep and intense.
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Ryten and Kvalvika Beach: You’ll go from a white-sanded beach to an epic cliff with top views! In just about 3-5 hours of hiking and climbing.
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Hermannsdalstinden: The longest of all, but the views are so rewarding. You’ll have to hike for a full day, or spend the night at Munkebu Hut, but you’ll go up to the highest peak in western Lofoten.
Photo by Rudi De Meyer on Unsplash
Kayaking
The arctic waters might be cold, but they’re incredibly beautiful, and kayaking through them is quite the experience. If you want to admire the landscape more dynamically, then consider going on a kayak tour.
Top Kayaking Spots:
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Reinefjord: In this route, you can go from Reine to Sakrisoy, paddling between towering peaks, fjords, and many little fishing villages.
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Nusfjord: The best way to explore the fishing villages and the quieter fjords. It’s also a nice opportunity to look out for wildlife.
Fishing
We’ve already mentioned how popular fishing is in Lofoten, and it has been for several centuries now. In fact, there’s evidence that people have congregated to fish for skrei (Arctic cod) for over a millennium. This fish comes in big schools during the winter, and is a primordial part of the Lofoten culture and cuisine. It’s a huge event, and after the fishing is done, you’ll see hundreds of cod drying on wooden racks to be exported as stockfish.
How to fish for Arctic cod:
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Shore fishing: Probably the most relaxed and low-cost. It’s a great opportunity to speak with the natives and enjoy a quiet morning talking.
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Chartered boat trips: Head out into the Arctic waters with seasoned fishermen and see if you can catch your own dinner!
Whale Watching
We humans might not like the cold that much, and thrive more in lower latitudes where the sun warms the ski during the whole year. But this is not the case with animals. The Arctic sea is surprisingly full of life, and not only small animals, but also the biggest animals we know today. The Lofoten Islands are pretty popular for watching whales, and you can see them almost all year round.
Best time for whale watching:
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Summer: From May to August, you have a good chance to see sperm whales, orcas, minke whales, and even porpoises.
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Winter: On the contrary, in winter it is more common to see species like humpback whales and orcas, usually feeding on herring.
Photo by Stacey Morrison on Unsplash
Best Time to Visit Lofoten
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Winter(December to March): If you travel to Lofoten in winter, you’ll see the northern lights almost every single night! This alone makes for a good reason to go, but there’s also the winter landscape, all covered in snow and looking like a fairy tale. Just keep in mind you’ll only get around 3-5 daylight hours.
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Spring (April to May): Great if you don’t like to visit places where there are many tourists around. It’s incredible for photography, with green flowering valleys contrasting with the snow-peaked mountains.
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Summer(June to August): Peak touristic season for a good reason! The temperature is perfect to spend the long days outside, kayaking, hiking, and camping. There are wildflowers everywhere, the restaurants, tours, and museums are open, and you can enjoy the midnight sun!
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Autumn (September to November): The start of the aurora season, and an incredible opportunity to admire the fall foliage in the tundra and the moody, dramatic sky. And there are fewer tourists around, so you can get excellent deals.
Where to Stay in Lofoten Islands?
If you are the kind of person who travels looking for the most cultural experience and is not afraid to sacrifice modern comfort to live like the locals, you have to try the rorbuers. These are not exclusive to the Lofoten Islands, and you can find them in other places in Norway, as they’re historic fishermen’s cabins. In spots like Sakrisoy and Reine, you can stay in a small and cozy cabin, overlooking the turquoise waters or the majestic mountains.
Photo by Oleg Demakov on Unsplash
If you prefer comfort, but like your accommodations to stay within a reasonable budget, here are some places like that in Lofoten.
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Lofoten Vandrehjem: It’s a simple hotel, yet it keeps up a cozy and friendly atmosphere. It is near the town of Svolvaer, and it offers great access to the nearby hiking trails.
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Henningsvaer Bryggehotell: It’s modern, with some touches here and there of Norway tradition. It’s located in one of the most charming villages you can find in all the Lofoten Islands, and is close to restaurants and cafes.
If you travel to be treated like a king whenever you’re staying, you can still find some options in Lofoten.
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Hurtigruten Funken Lodge: One of the most recommended in the centric Svolvaer. It has incredible panoramic views of the fjords, with a full-service, spa and elegant rooms.
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Fjords Lodge Lofoten: If you want luxury with a twist, this hotel is perfect for you. You can stay in high-end cabins right next to the fjords. Even the outside it’s sleek and modern, and actually blends pretty well with the natural environment.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lofoten Islands
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Pack for all weather: No matter the season you’re traveling in, the Lofoten Islands are known for having unpredictable weather. Be prepared for sudden colds, rain, or even sun.
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Rent a car: Unlike most locations you might be familiar with, in the Lofoten Islands, the best option is to rent a car. There is public transportation, but it’s not really reliable, and it’s especially limited in remote areas.
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Stay connected: Even in the Arctic Circle, you’ll need a way to keep in touch with your family and friends, and Yoho Mobile eSIMs can solve that problem for you. Save yourself a lot of money on roaming fees and the hassle of finding a physical SIM the moment you arrive. Don’t forget to use our code YOHO12 for a 12% discount!
