A Roundtrip in Lofoten

The fishermen's cabins used to be accommodation for fishermen and sailors, but many have today been converted into simple and authentic holiday homes. A 'rorbu holiday' means closeness to the sea and history, and most of them have been preserved in a way that reflects the distinctive traditions they represent. One of the nice things about the fishermen's cabins is that you can find them almost anywhere in Lofoten, so you can spend the night in one of them wherever you are. And after a long and eventful day in this magical island landscape, there is nothing more relaxing than having your own fisherman's cabin where you can enjoy some peace and quiet, close your eyes and fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping and the seagull cries in the distance.

The three fishing villages Reine, Sakrisøy and Hamnnøy are located right next to each other almost at the far end of Moskenesøya and let you experience what many say is the very essence of Lofoten: cosy fishing villages with red houses nestled in a beautiful setting of high mountains and endless sea. For many, this area will be their first introduction to Lofoten after arriving by ferry from Bodø - and what an introduction it is. A great place to stroll around and take in the surroundings, visit the interesting museums, eat some tasty seafood and take plenty of pictures that are guaranteed to attract admiration (and maybe a little envy) from friends and relatives.

There's no doubt that Lofoten offers plenty of stunning hikes. Among the very finest is the trip up Reinebringen, which is one of Lofoten's most visited mountains. And it's easy to see why because the view from the top will take most people's breath away. Looking out over the mighty Lofoten landscape, with its many islands, blue sea and towering mountains, is a powerful experience and well worth the trip. Another great hike on Moskenesøya is to Ryten, which is close to Fredvang. This is a relatively easy hike, and from the top of the mountain you get a unique view of beautiful Kvalvika's chalk-white sand and turquoise sea.

Unstad beach has long been a favourite destination for both experienced surfers and beginners who want to try their hand at surfing for the first time. Like most other places in Lofoten, the nature here is raw and beautiful, and while the best waves at Unstad are said to come with the autumn and winter storms, these are only recommended for the most experienced surfers. For most of us, the milder and safer summer waves will be more than enough for a fantastic surfing experience, and at Unstad you can rent everything you need to master this fun sport, including training, equipment, board and lodging.

Fishing in Lofoten has a long tradition, and for many people, fishing is quite simply a must when they visit. If this is you, then you won't be disappointed, because the fishing opportunities are plentiful throughout the region, whether you want an organised trip at sea with a local guide or peaceful summer evenings angling from a quiet quayside. Of course, the fish tastes even better if you fish and prepare it yourself, but Lofoten also has a number of excellent seafood restaurants that offer tasty dishes prepared with local ingredients. Our tip: Check out the restaurants at Reine, Henningsvær or Svolvær - you're guaranteed to leave feeling full and satisfied!

It's with good reason that this small fishing village is one of Lofoten's most popular places to visit. Henningsvær is a vibrant community with approx. 500 permanent residents and a number of galleries, restaurants, nightclubs and small shops. Most people visit Henningsvær in the summer, which is the best time to experience the pleasant atmosphere and the scenic surroundings here, but this is also a great place to come in the Pre-Christmas period, when all the small shops are open and brimming with unique gifts and cosy Christmas spirit. Henningsvær also has 'the world's most beautiful football pitch', which has received much international attention due to its spectacular location right out in the open sea. Another great reason to visit!

With 4700 inhabitants, Svolvær is Lofoten's largest town. It is home to the famous Svolvær goat, a goat-like rock formation located on Fløya mountain, overlooking the Lofoten countryside. It was first climbed in 1910, and has attracted enthusiastic climbers from all over the world ever since. If you're already an experienced climber, this is a great trip - just make sure to check with local mountain guides about routes and necessary safety equipment in advance. These experienced guides also offer organised trips to the summit for those with less climbing experience, so that everyone can see Svolværgeita and its fantastic views safely. Highly recommended!

It's no wonder that many artists have been inspired by the unique nature in Lofoten, and today the area boasts a wide variety of galleries and museums. We recommend checking out the modern art at KaviarFactory in Henningsvær, travelling to Smeden in Sund to see the famous cormorant figures, or visiting Galleri Espolin in Kabelvåg to see art that portrays the history and population of Northern Norway. Gallery Espolin is also within walking distance of the Lofoten Museum and the Lofoten Aquarium, so here you can hit three birds with one stone! And don't miss the Lofotr Viking Museum, which gives you an insight into life in the region 1000 years ago and is particularly suitable for families with children.

Røst is one of Lofoten's lesser known islands and is located at the far end of the archipelago, approx. 100 kilometres from the mainland. The island welcomes adventurous visitors and is the perfect destination for those who love nature and outdoor life. The island is home to some of Europe's richest bird mountains, where you''ll find puffins, eider ducks and over 300 other species, and if you join an organised boat trip, you'll get to see many of them up close. Combine this with a trip to Skomvær lighthouse, a muse for many Norwegian and international artists and well worth a visit. You can travel to Røst via ferry from Bodø or Moskenes, or fly from Bodø.

When the sun no longer appears below the horizon in the evening, you know that summer has arrived in Norway. This is what it's like in Lofoten, and seeing the sea and mountains bathed in reddish sunlight on a clear and quiet summer night is an almost magical experience. In addition to Lofoten's many mountain peaks, there are a number of beaches here that are particularly suitable for experiencing this phenomenon. Our favourites are Gimsøysand on Gimsøya, Eggum on Vestvågøy and Ytresand in the far north on Moskenesøy, all of which are perfectly located with views of the ocean and the horizon. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, relax and enjoy the feel of a place where the sun shines even when night falls...