Lofoten aka: Lofoten Islands

I planned a trip here last year, but then I won a trip to Finland, and 2 trips to Scandinavia… well, let’s just say I so can not afford that.

Lofoten seemed a cool place to visit. It’s far away and pretty looking and you can see the northern lights there (or so I’ve heard).

We had done the outward part of the Hurtigrute voyage and returned as far as Svolvaer. We had booked two nights at rorbuer and intended to take the bus right down to Å and back on the second day.

What we had not realised was that Labour Day [1 May] is treated very seriously here. Among other things the buses run a Sunday service – which, in Lofoten, meant NO service.

So we were confined to Svolvaer. But what sort of confinement is that. It’s as unlike a prison as I can well imagine. What’s more we had time to visit Henningsvaer next day before starting the necessary journey to Bergen for our flight.

Still, given that we failed to get further south in Lofoten and htat hte hurtigruten boat couldn’t entter the magical Trollsfjord because of spring rock falls – surely you see why I want to go back!

Sun is a gift here but the beauty of these islands do not depend on the weather, you can get amazing trekkings to high peaks, nice beaches, auroras borealis and great fish…

good golly this is one awsome spot. mountains high, right at the ocean, an ocean with deeeep bays (not quite fjords), and water so clear you can see the fish take your bait 100 feet below (you), a tide so extreme you’ll find your docked boat hung in the morning.

..the most beautiful place in the world. I do not know how else to describe it. If you get the chance to go here – don’t hesitate, just go!

The only downside is after a few days your perspectives gets kind of messed up and you just can’t handle any more spectacular mountainsides and fjords and sunsets and.. :)

Oh yes – if the weather is bad, you probably won’t be able to enjoy lofoten as much as you should, but weather changes quickly and there is a good chance it gets better before you leave.