The Lofoten Islands of Norway ... This place has attracted the attention of many tourists for more than one century. They wrote novels and stories about the Lofoten, wrote poems and many paintings, and even sculpted sculptures, looking at the mesmerizing rocky peaks. Here you can take an unforgettable whale safari, as well as see Maelstrom - the most dangerous whirlpools in the world, lovers active rest can conquer more than one peak, go down a mountain river, ride mountain bikes, and also contemplate the beauty of the northern lights in winter.
Lofoten is a chain of seven islands with narrow straits, with an area of 1227 sq. km, where a small population of 25 thousand lives. The climate is quite mild, thanks to the Gulf Stream, and even in the winter months on the southern parts of the islands the temperature does not drop below zero.
A farmer's paradise and a wealth of fishing
In addition to all of the above, the Lofoten Islands are considered a paradise for farming. In 1994, the Lofoten lambs gained worldwide fame and were recognized as the best. Fishing enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the richness of fish, mainly cod and herring in the local waters. After all, it is here that cod returns for spawning after migration to the Barents Sea.
The local population is mainly engaged in fishing, and the methods of harvesting cod have survived to this day, since the days of the Vikings. IN last years there is a tendency to arrange fishing for tourists - this way the locals can earn more with less effort, especially since the flow of tourists is constant here.
Maelstrom Maelstrom
The Lofoten Islands are popular and thanks to the most dangerous whirlpool in the world - Maelstrom(Maelström - Moskenstraumen), which is also called the navel of the earth. The difference in the water level in the whirlpool can be 4 meters. Such a natural phenomenon is formed when the North Atlantic current collides with a tidal wave. Many learned about the maelstrom from the story of Edgard Poe, and about Lofoten from the novel "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne.
You can admire killer whales only in the cold season - from October to February. They arrange such excursions near the archipelago on large ships and even on rubber boats. Adult whales are majestic and graceful, with their impressive size - up to 9 meters in length and weighing up to 10 tons. Unique shots that capture the huge carcasses of black and white killer whales jumping out of the water can be remembered for years to come.
What to visit in the Lofoten Islands?
Cozy fishing lodges "rorbu", cottages, or apartments - wherever you stay, you will have a lot of interesting things to do in Lofoten.
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 inhabitants 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 the whole of Norway is about a quarter of the population of Moscow. Can you imagine how much space they have for life and freedom? 
bigger photo
2. Lofoten (al. Scand. Lófót) - sometimes confused, incorrectly calling "lofontenes". The word consists of two parts: ló "lynx" 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. The Lofoten Islands have been fishing for cod for about a thousand years, especially in winter, when cod migrates south from Barents Sea and is collected on the Lofoten Islands for spawning. The cod caught is sent to Bergen, a large city in southwestern Norway, and from there to the rest of Europe. These are the poles, large structures, and are used to dry cod. In summer, unfortunately, they are mostly empty - and you can see dried fish only in the museum ... 
bigger photo
4. Near the fjords, sheds (called "stubbyurs") are placed on vertical logs for drying and storing fish, for storing fishing equipment and boats, as well as an open-hearth bathhouse ("badstue") and a barn for drying grain. Traditional buildings - with a gable roof. On top of the boardwalk it used to be covered with birch bark and sod. Now, of course, new materials are winning, but before, 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. Log houses were sheathed outside and inside with vertically placed boards. Platbands, cornices, and sometimes the ridge of the roofs of a residential building (stuve) were covered with skillful carving. 
5. Stuves, painted in traditional red, green or blue colors, with white frames and ends of log cabins, still look very picturesque against the backdrop of the harsh Lofoten peaks. And fishing villages are located along the banks of Lofoten, with characteristic fishing huts ("rorbu"). 
6. Lofoten - the oldest rock formations on Earth, their age is approximately 3 billion years. Their present appearance was formed 10,000 years ago when the last Ice Age ended. 
7. Most popular islands, Eustvogei, Westvogey, Flakstad and Moskenes, are a favorite vacation spot for writers and artists, as well as for all lovers of outdoor activities. Most Norwegians come here from southern cities just relax, fish, hunt. 
8. The bridges of Norway are amazing: with wide spans, massive, but at the same time looking very light - they lie between fjords, backwaters. This, of course, is not the famous Stortezand Bridge, stretching into the sky, but it is also beautiful. In this place I remember interesting case that happened to my friend Dima at this fork. We skipped ahead a little, and he caught up with us - and left in the wrong direction (just in the direction of this bridge: apparently, he liked the landscape). And all that remained for me from the mountain was to watch my group go in one direction, and Dimka in the other. Well, nothing, Sasha then "drowned" - he caught up with Dima ... 
bigger photo
9. At any stop there is a seating area, observation platforms and birdwatching towers, as well as bike lodges and cafes. Some resting places resemble whole architectural monuments fits well into the landscape (straight, sharp lines, wood and concrete). And some are simpler: 
10. The Lofoten Islands are also called "Lofotveggen" or "Lofoten Wall". The archipelago looks like a closed wall, about 100 kilometers long and 800-1000 meters high. 
bigger photo
11. It seems to me that thanks to the fishing for all of Norway and the export that the Vikings have been doing since the 15th century, the country is now the richest in the world (counting per person). Traditionally, dried Lofoten cod is shipped 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, labor and respect for natural resources? Speaking of respect for nature: fish are now grown like this, in open-air cages. Although around - the open sea with "inexhaustible wealth" ... 
12. In general, cycling around the Lofoten Islands is relatively easy, but during the high season the roads were packed with cars, vans and trailers. They were all very decent, but the roads were narrow and sometimes there was a traffic jam behind us. Very good white beaches Lofoten. 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, the peaks of the mountains, you feel the soft sand. 
13. In Lofoten you will find many cozy Rorbu cottages. Initially, these cottages were simply used to accommodate fishermen. In the fishing villages, you can see large buildings at the pier ("sjøhus"), where fishermen used to store their catch. You can stay in a campsite, hotel or youth hostel. Prices are quite reasonable (by Norwegian standards, of course;)). So, renting a rorba will cost about 100 euros per day. 
14. During the cycle route, you constantly have to climb. And on a boring gray day (and there were most of them) it sometimes makes you immerse yourself in your thoughts, somehow forget about the surrounding mountains, fjords and valleys ... And in this place there were wonderful blueberry fields. And also interesting: everywhere in wooded areas there are fences and obstacles on the road for sheep. Obstacles are pipes laid so that the sheep will fall through them with their hooves, which should discourage them from continuing their walk. And the fences seem to be energized (I didn't want to try). 
15. Sometimes the weather turns completely bad - and you feel that a troll is watching you from the darkness ... 
16. The wonders of Lofoten do not end there: along the way there are very picturesque lakes and rivers. Once I saw a sign at a tourist camp with the inscription "You can drink water in all reservoirs in Norway." 
17. The hotel's theme for the story is the low tide in the fjord. Of course, it spoils the “photogenicity” of the place: brown algae, remnants of ship parts, gray sand instead of the smooth surface of the water. But, as it turned out, you can cycle through the fjord at low tide! So I - I took a bicycle with wide tires from Denis - and went to drive along the fjord at sunset (it's 2:00 am, almost a polar day). So our first day in Lofoten ended. 
18. And the next day, the route was as follows: 
19. And again it was bad. It happens: gray clouds hang over the islands - and do not want to leave. It was then that my comrades were waiting for me a little, and I managed to catch the gap. Apparently, this is the skeleton of an old ship, thrown ashore by a storm. 
20. Lofoten Islands - 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. 
bigger photo
21. If you are traveling by car, you can drive through Finland to the Arctic. Then you can look at the northernmost point of Europe - Cape Nord Cap ... 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 in the Arctic Circle. Such high winter temperatures are characteristic of the islands thanks to the warm Golf Stream and its derivatives: the North Atlantic Current and the Norwegian Current. On the islands of Röst and Värøi 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 cool enough, but dry. average temperature July + 15 ° С. A strong wind often blows. 
23. The midnight sun does not set over the area in summer. On the Lofoten Islands, this phenomenon can be observed from May 25 to July 17. We were just in the first days and got into these "wonderful" round the clock. This is terrible for photography - no sunsets or sunrises, just a constant gloom in the sky. 
24. And this is a mystery to you. I am announcing a competition to guess the purpose of this structure. The answer is in the next part of the story about the Northern Islands of Norway. 
bigger photo
25. Found on norse.ru interesting story about Lofoten:
The captain told us that all fishermen are very superstitious and respect omens:
- Putin cannot start on Friday. Never.
- you can't whistle.
- no waffle cakes.
- never say the word "horse".
- halibut cannot be called halibut.
- when the black bird sits on the mast, it is necessary to 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 definitely spend the night with beautiful girl... Then the captain sighed: "It used to be like that ...".
(http://norse.ru/geography/norway/lofoten.html)
26. One of the churches in the suburb of Sjölvaer, on the bank of the fjord. 
bigger photo
27. Next to the church lay "Trollstein" - the stone of the trolls. It is unforgivable to tell about Norway and not mention the trolls.
Troll legends originated in Scandinavia. According to legends, they frightened local residents its 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, usually living in caves (such trolls were usually called forest trolls). The details of the image of trolls in folklore are highly dependent on the country. Sometimes they are described in various ways, 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 a very large nose is an attribute of the troll's appearance in the images. They are of the nature of a stone (born from a rock), turn to stone in the sun. They feed on meat. They often devour people. They live one at a time in caves, forests or under bridges. The trolls under the bridges are somewhat different from the usual 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 children of trolls and human women. (wiki)
With the Christianization of Norway, the trolls had a new enemy - Olav Saint. Ulav had a special gift: he could control mountains and rocks, he 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, in no case should he shake the stranger's hand. They can also take on the form of a dog, a black goat, or a friendly person with a tail. The main thing is to know how to handle them. First, keep your name secret. Take no treats from the troll and run away so that your footprints form a cross with plow furrows on the arable land. If you meet in the gorge, invite the troll to follow you to the light: it will petrify with the appearance of the bright sun.
When you drive along the roads of Norway, the clouds are gathering over the mountains and darkness falls - you start to think seriously about trolls ...
29. Trolls often kidnap people. However, folkloric tradition provided several ways to defend against or confront the trolls. First of all, it 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 prisoner from the mountains, then it was necessary to ring the bells. If the church was so far away that the mountains could not be reached bell ringing then the bell was brought to the mountains and rung there. Later in Moscow, Sasha even gave me a wonderful book about Trolls, in which the methods of fighting them are very clearly described. The photo is just about the dusk descending on the fjord: 
bigger photo
30. And one more photo of the outgoing light: 
31. On northern lands almost nothing is grown. The Norwegians simply mow 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 pass a huge number of scenic spots. In each of them, you want to stay at least for the whole week. Maximum - for life. 
bigger photo
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 will not know. Sometimes rivers mix with fjord water. 
34. Our second day has come to an end. The trolls don't seem to be 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 the spring, millions of birds flock to the coast of Norway on their way north to the polar nesting grounds. In places like Yeren, south of Stavanger, you can spot loons, grebes, herons and other wild birds. On a boring gray day, I decided to arrange a photo hunt for such birds. What kind of bird it is - I do not know. 
37. By the way, this was my first photo hunt, 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 Ivan tea. On a rainy day, they add color to the landscape well. 
bigger photo
39. Norwegian tunnels are very famous. How much labor 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 not through the pass, the government will build a tunnel specially for her.
Norway breaks all records in the length of the 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 Norwegian capital Oslo and western port the country of Bergen.
Honestly, the sensations are the same when you enter an underwater tunnel: you go down for 15 minutes without pressing the pedals with only one thought - how much to turn upward! And below it is great: wet walls, drops dripping from the ceiling. Stones rustle against the walls of the tunnel ... Some are not ventilated (even 3-5 km!). And you clearly feel a lack of oxygen.
40. Yes, and on a gray day, you can shoot something unusual. For example, here is 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 ... At night we get up right next to the coast, slightly rising from the ferry station. Overlooking the fjord. 
42. For this day we planned to climb Moisalen, big mountain over the fjords. 
43. But it did not work out: over the mountains - clouds. It is drizzling with rain. We would definitely not see anything at an altitude of more than a kilometer. It's a pity. But there is a reason to return. 
bigger photo
44. The weather is like this in Norway. Sun and rocks - it would be too deceiving. 
45. In many parts of Lofoten - no one. On a cloudy day, life seems to freeze. Peace and quiet. 
bigger photo
46. We leave for the dirt road to the Siegelfjord. Near the road there are swamps and houses in swamps;) 
47. Here is our primer. It's boring to drive on the asphalt. Although the roads in Norway are very good. It is surprising how they manage to keep the road surface in such good condition. After all, the rains erode everything, and the rock is moving. 
48. In the evening it started to rain heavily. We are all soaked 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 falling, the sun is brightly illuminating the heavy lead clouds with rays. 
bigger photo
49 (2). And one more frame: 
50. Shades of green change every minute. 
51. And this is a river flowing into the fjord, filmed to the other side of the fjord. Clouds are settling on the mountains ... 
bigger photo
52. The rays of the setting sun ... The miracles did not end there. We wanted to dry ourselves in the "hutt", this is a house in the mountains specially for tourists and hunters. Unfortunately, the hutta was busy that day. And we were about to get upset when a local hunter approached us and invited us to live in his house. He apologized to us for a long time, said: they say, guys, I have no 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. That was a gift for us. But we did not remain in debt either. Prepared for him in the morning pancakes with freshly made blueberry jam. True, he fed them to us. And also in the morning we met his little curious spaniels. 
bigger photo
53. Here's our next day. We decided to cut the route a little: we did not 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" was traditional here (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 "dullness". Such pacifying landscapes replaced one another. 
56. You almost fall asleep on the go from such an idyll ... 
57. In the afternoon we arrived in Harshtadt, walked around the city, and in the evening we boarded the ferry that carried us away like the wind to Finnesnes. The ferry itself runs to our destination - to Tromso. But we still have Senya and Lingen-Alps ahead! The ferry is not a freight one, it travels very quickly - cutting through the surface of the water. It's amazing to watch from the window how quickly he cuts the waves and picks up speed, like an airplane on a runway. 
Evening - and we are already on the "Seine" ... About this island - a separate story in the next part.
You can see that the Lofoten Islands are an archipelago in the northwest of the country in the Norwegian Sea. Its rocky islands are separated by small straits, and the archipelago is separated from the main territory of the country by the Westfjord strait. The Lofoten Islands are a piece of pristine nature with unspoiled landscapes, beautiful coves, white sandy and crystal clear waters.
general informationThe archipelago consists of many small islands and 7 large ones (Eustvogøy, Westvogøy, Moskenesøy, Røst, Yimsøy, Yalakstadøya, Verøy). The total area of Lofoten is 1227 sq. km. The capital of the Lofoten Islands is the city of Svolvaer on the island of Eustvogøy - an administrative, commercial and fishing center.
Small villages were built on the Lofoten Islands, in which about 25 thousand people live. The main occupation of the islanders is sheep breeding and fishing. Mostly cod is caught. Fishing bases in the Lofoten Islands in Norway are everywhere.
Climatic conditions
The climate of the Lofoten Islands belongs to the temperate maritime climate, which is characterized by small annual and monthly temperature amplitudes, abundant precipitation, and strong winds. The maximum positive temperatures were noted in July, the thermometers reach + 25 ° С. In winter, it is cooler on the Lofoten Islands, while thermometers are recorded up to + 5 ° C.
sights
The archipelago keeps a lot of amazing things. The main attractions of the Lofoten Islands are:
On the island of Eustvogoy
Westvogoy Island
Flakstadøy island
Moskenesoy Island
Entertainment After sightseeing, you can have some fun. Whale safari is a popular pastime among tourists. The dates for the appearance of whales off the Lofoten Islands are from mid-autumn to mid-winter. In addition, if you wish, you can conquer one of the mountain peaks on foot or by bike, go kayaking and sea - on the Lofoten Islands.
A pleasant reminder of a trip to the Lofoten Islands in Norway will be scenic photos most interesting places archipelago.
AccommodationThe choice of accommodation in the archipelago is huge. Each island has one or more small ones, you can rent a house or spend the night in a van. The following establishments are popular:
- in demand among foreigners Anker Brygge on the island of Svolvaer. Hotel guests are offered comfortable rooms, excellent service, affordable prices;
- Henningsvær Bryggehotel is an excellent hotel on the island of Heimea. The guests will find comfortable rooms, excellent cuisine, helpful staff;
- the 4-star Lofoten Suitehotel will delight you with affordable prices and value for money.
Restaurants The Lofoten Islands have a wide range of dining options. You can find a cozy cafe and an expensive restaurant. Tourists love to spend time in Krambua Restaurant, Borsen Spiseri, Anitas Sjømat, where they can taste delicious cod and lamb dishes.
How to get there?
Future tourists are often interested in how to get to the Lofoten Islands. There are several ways to do this:
- By plane. Flights from the capital to Evenes airport depart daily, taking you to your destination in 1.5 hours.
- On a ferryboat. Small ferries leave the harbor every day. Travel time is half an hour.
- Traveling to the Lofoten Islands by car is possible along the road from Narvik. The city and the archipelago are connected by a bridge. This makes it possible to organize walks and excursions around the Lofoten Islands on your own.
Perhaps, there are not so many places on the whole Earth, the perfect beauty of which is said by everyone who has been there. But the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway are definitely among them. Here eternal ice meet an ocean storm, and the weather changes literally every five minutes.
The main feature of the Lofoten Islands is their distance from any tourist routes... Some 20 years ago, the archipelago was a godforsaken place inhabited only by fishermen, but everything changed in 2007, when the E-10 highway was laid, connecting the islands with the mainland. The Norwegian government decided to quickly recoup the cost of building the highway and started a real PR campaign for the Lofotens as the main tourist attraction - and, in general, it was right. Half of the inhabitants of the archipelago are now employed in the service sector, many rent their homes to tourists and willingly show local beauties.
One of best seasons for a trip to Lofoten, March is considered: the days are already quite long and bright, at night you can still catch the northern lights, and hordes of tourists have not yet filled all the available housing options. Also the Atlantic cod fishing season. I couldn’t refuse the opportunity to go there, and found fellow travelers to the islands thanks to the Facebook community of international students in Tromsø while studying at the Arctic University of Norway, and we went on a four-day trip with a cosmopolitan company of Ukrainian, Spanish, Dutch, Hungarian and American.
Transport
There are only a few ways to get to Lofoten: by plane, by ferry, or by car. On the archipelago itself there are two airports: Leknes and Evenes, which are connected with the major cities of Novregia by Wideroe airlines. One one-way ticket will cost approximately € 90. You can also go from Narvik or Buda to Svolver ( main city archipelago) for € 130. Or, as was the case in our case, rent a car in the nearest large city- and go 500 km to the islands along the most beautiful mountain track E6, nicknamed the "Northern Lights Road".
Transport in Lofoten is developed in a very peculiar way. You can get there anywhere and everywhere, but there are options when only one bus goes in the right direction a day, without the ability to return. Therefore, car rental remains virtually uncontested. In addition to the traditional Sixt, Europcar and Avis, there is a Rent-a-Wreck service in Norway, which works on the Airbnb principle and allows you to save a lot. Four days of renting a comfortable hatchback cost us € 350.
"The smell of cod drying in the freezing wind is a little shocking at first, but it adds a lot of atmosphere to this amazing place."
Lodging
Lofoten accommodation classics are the red Rorbu fishermen's houses right next to the water. We, as true students, chose the most budgetary plan on all Airbnb, and got amazing view to the fjord in the Leknes region (a city in the central part of the archipelago), the neighborhood with real fishermen and a treat with freshly caught cod from the owner of the house. As it turned out later, our accommodation option was incredibly successful, since there was not a single flooring for drying fish near our rorbu ... In the Norwegian language there is even a separate word for the very smell of cod that is dried in the frosty wind, and this word has a root “ lofote ". And even though the smell is a little shocking at first, it adds a lot of atmosphere to this amazing place.
sights
The entire archipelago is one continuous attraction. There is a conditional list of must-see places: the villages of Rheine or Henningsvaer, the beaches of Ukland and Ramberg, and the end of the road in the village with the laconic name O. It is the photos from these places that most often fall out on requests and tags "Lofoten Islands". When planning a route, it is worth preparing for the fact that the best viewing platforms will be occupied by tourists with advanced photographic equipment, and drones will constantly buzz overhead.
We agreed that the godforsaken fishing villages, where you can take really unusual pictures on deserted beaches, best convey the spirit of these places. For example, from the famous Ukland beach through a tunnel there is a road to the village of Uttakelv, where a dozen fishing houses and red sheds stand, cut off from the rest of the world, right at the foot of huge black rocks. And the village of Eggum stands on the border national park home to thousands of bird species, and where in good weather you can watch a pair of eagles hunting. There is also a small bastion, which was built by the Nazis in 1943 for the location of the Allied fleet. From May to October, there is a small exposition at the bottom of the bastion.
The exposition in the Lofotr Viking Museum is very interesting. The history of the museum is very simple: in the 70s, a local farmer was plowing a field with a new tractor and suddenly discovered the remains of a thousand-year-old Viking dwelling, with all the artifacts like coins, chain mail, helmets and two-handed swords. Today, the dwelling has been restored, and thanks to the runes on the stones, it was possible to find out that the house once belonged to the family of the disgraced Viking leader, who opposed the adoption of Christianity and eventually sailed away to discover Iceland. The more traditional part of the exposition will tell about this, then the "house of the leader" itself invites you to feel like a real Varangian: you can hold swords, check the comfort of the then clothes and helmets, learn to weave and carve your name with runes on a tree, and much more. There are even more activities in the summer, including a blacksmith's workshop and sword lessons. An adult ticket costs € 17.
"The history of the museum is very simple: in the 70s, a local farmer plowed a field with a new tractor and suddenly discovered the remains of a Viking dwelling from a thousand years ago."
Another discovery is the village of Nusfjord, halfway between the tourist Rhine and Leknes: twenty yellow and red houses are literally squeezed into a narrow valley, fishing boats are unloaded in the tiny port, and the only cafe prepares aromatic potato soup with cod and dishes from the fresh catch.
Geologists say the Lofoten Islands are one of the oldest mountain systems in the world. Perhaps that is why these sheer cliffs, escaping directly from the ocean, mountain gorges and glaciers are so stunning with their grandeur and make you think, no matter how pathetic it sounds, about our place on this planet.
Weather
With Lofoten stretching nearly 300 kilometers west of mainland Norway, the climate here is highly variable and unpredictable. Cloudy weather turns into a blizzard as easily as it does into the serene glow of the March sun. But the advantage of a trip in the off-season is precisely that half an hour is enough to wait out the bad weather and once again enjoy the fantastic landscapes.
Budget
The best option for a trip to Lofoten is a company of 4-5 people, the budget of the trip will be reduced to a minimum, if you divide the rent of a car, gasoline, and accommodation in a cottage, you prepare yourself. Tickets on the Kiev - Gdansk - Tromso - Gdansk - Kiev route will cost about € 150 per person, depending on the days of the week and current Wizz Air discounts.
About the islands. In these places you can look at the northern lights, enjoy the unity with nature, try your luck in fishing, and taste the well-known dried Atlantic cod made by the Lofoten people. And also to visit many interesting places.
Near these islands is the Maelstrom whirlpool, which became world famous also thanks to the work of great artists and writers. For example, Edgar Allan Poe's story "The Overthrow of Maelstrom" tells about the rescue of a fisherman, whose schooner was sucked into a whirlpool
maelstrom maelstrom This whirlpool was also mentioned in the novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, when Professor Aronnax and his companions fled from the Nautilus, and the submarine swirled in this whirlpool.
The harsh beauty of the Lofoten Islands was glorified in his paintings by a native of the islands - the famous Norwegian artist Gunnar Berg (1863 -1893)
artist Gunnar Berg (1863 -1893) The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago in the Norwegian Sea off the northwest coast of Norway. The archipelago area is 1227 km². The population is 24.014 people (01.06.2013). The main occupations of local residents are fishing and sheep breeding.
Getting to the islands has become easier nowadays - on December 1, 2007, the E10 road (Lofast project) was opened, connecting the largest islands of the archipelago with the mainland of Norway. The construction of the road included the construction of several tunnels and bridges, including one of the largest frame-cantilever bridges - Raftsundet Bridge
The coastline of the Lofoten Islands is indented with bays and comfortable beaches, and the main feature of recreation on the Lofoten Islands is silence, tranquility, solitude, wild and untouched nature. Vacation prices are high here, the weather is unpredictable, but even this cannot ruin a tourist's vacation among gorgeous landscapes.
All the most essential services that will come in handy while traveling,
What to do in Lofoten and what to see
Whale safari. Have you ever seen a whale? Do you know that the average weight of this animal is 100-150 tons? For example, the weight of an elephant is from 2 to 7 tons. So if anyone wants to see this beautiful animal in nature, then there is no better place for a whale safari than the Lofoten Islands. From spring to early autumn, killer whales and sperm whales hunt here. Huge animals, without fear, swim next to the boats. And in the winter months they can be clearly seen from the shore.
In the town of Annene, on Lofoten (where the airport is also located), there is a whale center and a thematic museum. From here, yachts and boats leave for a whale safari. It is enough to move away from the coast for several kilometers and the whales will find themselves at a distance of several meters from the boat. And in winter there is a chance to see sperm whales.
By the way, according to statistics, in 96% of cases tourists see whales jumping out of the water. If tourists are among those 4% of unsuccessful cases, then the organizer of the tour, conducting the safari, takes tourists out again at any convenient time or returns the money.
Since 1986, there has been a worldwide ban on whale fishing on an industrial scale, but you can taste whale meat in cafes and restaurants in the Lofoten Islands, since Norway has not signed a whale catch ban.
Fishing in the Lofoten Islands
Fishing here will delight even an experienced, seasoned fisherman. The water off the coast of Norway never freezes, so you can fish all year round... The most active biting occurs during high tide and within half an hour after low tide.
The most favorable conditions for fishing come from the second half of April to mid-October. In spring, cod goes to the coast of the islands for spawning. At this time, specimens of fish weighing from 15 to 20 kg are caught. The average weight of the caught fish fluctuates in the region of 4-10 kilograms. The Lofoten Islands are ideal for deep sea fishing. Pollock, meenok, flounder, haddock lure, etc. live at a depth of about 30 meters. And if you fish at a depth of 80 meters, you can catch monkfish, moths and sea bass.
Fishing by month... April-May is an excellent period for catching cod, catfish, haddock; in summer, pollock, stingray, mackerel, moth, halibut, flounder, salmon, trout, herring are well caught. In autumn, they catch large "trophy" fish, but one should take into account the unpredictability and severity of the local weather - from the end of September storms begin to rage here.
For fishing in Lofoten, you can stop at one of the many fishing bases, rent a water vehicle, the necessary equipment. There are also special instructors who are ready to go fishing with you for an additional payment.
By the way, fishing has always been very important for the local population, and in 1103, Konung Oystein built a church in the town of Vaughan, where they would pray for a successful catch of those who went out to sea.
Surfing in the Lofoten Islands. Cold water surfing is gaining momentum around the world. This is primarily due to the development of technology and the use of special wetsuits. The peculiarity of surfing in the Lofoten Islands is cold water throughout the year; but the climatic conditions themselves are the most comfortable for classes. And after surfing, you can completely warm up in the sauna.
In winter, the air temperature varies from 0 to +10 degrees, while in summer the air warms up to +30 degrees. From late May to mid-July, there is no night on the islands (white nights) - the sun does not set over the horizon.
Museums
Viking Museum Lofotr (official site). This is an impressive, unique reconstruction of a settlement from the Viking Age (VIII to XI centuries). Reconstructions are underway here and you can actually plunge into the brutal and cruel world of the Vikings. Experience how Olaf Twennumbruni, the last leader of the Vikings, lived.
The dwelling, 83 meters long, has a honey room and a bedchamber. Here, with the highest possible accuracy, the design and appearance premises.
After examining the house in which the leader lived, you can walk around the farm, visit the forge, see the Viking ships. Tours are conducted by guides dressed in historical costumes. The museum is located near Böstad, in the village of Borg.
Dried Fish Museum. Here, in Lofoten, there is the world's only dried cod museum. Cod lives in the northern part Atlantic Ocean... For Norwegians, cod is not only one of the most common but also economically important fish species. Fish oil is extracted from cod and caviar is dried and dried . This fish helped the local population escape from the hungry winter days. On the Lofoten Islands, dried fish has become not only the basis of the economy, it has been elevated to the rank of a symbol, traditions have developed around it, and folklore is developing.
The museum was founded in 1989 and is part of an authentic, picturesque fishing village in style XVIII century. All events organized here are held in the spirit of national traditions and reflect the life of Norwegian fishermen over the past two hundred years.
Fishermen's Village Museum... It is located here, in this village. The museum contains the peculiarities of the life and life of Norwegian fishermen, as well as the history of fishing in the Lofoten Islands over the past 250 years. The exhibit consists of many objects: boats, tackle and dried cod, an 1844 bakery that sells aromatic cinnamon rolls in summer. A smithy, a fisherman's family home and a rorbu fishing house on stilts. The exhibition includes expositions: "The largest catch of cod in the world"; The Long History of Fish Oil; "Valuable goods for 1000 years"; "Social classes" of the family home of the fisherman and the square; "Hard and Dangerous Life"; "Every particle counts"; "Kuznets" - production of lamps, fish oil and knives; "Bakery"
The museum is located in the village of O (Norwegian Å - "stream") - a village in the commune of Moskenes, in the very west of the archipelago. The E10 starts at O and ends at Luleå in Sweden. The Norwegian part of the track is commonly referred to as King Olav V Road.
The Lofoten Aquarium - official site
The Lofoten Aquarium in Kabelvåg is more than just an oceanarium. It is a fenced area of the ocean with natural shores, divided into 23 fragments. There are aquariums no more than a meter high, others occupy entire walls, and tourists walk with interest, looking at unusual fish.
The aquarium is interesting for both adults and children. The passages and halls are enveloped in twilight, and the water surface is skillfully illuminated, allowing you to see the depth. In aquariums, you can see huge crabs, deep sea fish and glow-in-the-dark fish. Otters and beavers live in open areas. In other pools, you can mingle with seals and fur seals. On the second floor of the building there is a cafe, and a spacious observation deck with a breathtaking view of the open ocean.
Picture gallery Henningswehr (Lofoten)
The fishing village of Henningsvær (Norwegian Henningsvær), in the commune of Vaughan, is home to the Lofoten art gallery, which despite its location boasts the largest collection of Norwegian authors such as Otto Sinding, Gunnar Berg, Einar Berger and many others. The gallery also features an interactive slideshow of Magical island by renowned photographer and artist Frank Jensen, who captured the changing seasons in various locations in the Lofoten Islands.
More than a hundred unique exhibits are displayed on three floors of the gallery. In one of the halls there is an ancient Viking boat found during archaeological excavations on the Lofoten Islands. The gallery also has a separate room for photographs taken in Norway in the 30s.
Henningswehr
Henningsvør is a fishing village near Austvogøya, part of the Lofoten archipelago. The indigenous population is home to about 400 people, but the streets are crowded: there are many tourists here who are attracted not only by the colorful atmosphere of a typical fishing village, but also by delicious seafood dishes.
Henningswehr is a transit point between the two large islands and major tourist routes. Some tourists spend a couple of hours here to have a snack, take a break and admire the views. Walking along the streets of Henningswehr between the houses on stilts, you get a feeling of amazing calmness, unhurriedness, regularity and tranquility. Even from the pier you can see fish, starfish and mollusks, despite the depth of over eight meters - the water is crystal clear.
As with all fishing villages, Henningswehr is famous for its fish dishes. Staying here at cozy cafe or a restaurant, you can try delicious fish soup with cream, or mussels in milk.
Natural attractions
The nature of this land fascinates with its majestic intact: gigantic rocks protrude directly from the water onto the land. There is a lot to see here
Walking along the coast and mountains. Mountains and mountaineeringMountaineering is well developed on the Lofoten Islands.
Best time for hiking - summer, when there is a polar day on the islands. Night hiking (long walk, hike) in the mountains is an incomparable adventure. There are many tourist routes on the islands, each of which will bring a lot of impressions and emotions. The most spectacular routes on the island of Eustvogøy. In the center of the island there is the Runnfjellet mountain, from its top, incredible scenery opens up.
You can climb other mountains: Floya - difficult climb, from the top you can see the whole capital - Svolver; Reinebringen - a steep climb, but from the top you can see the islands up to the Hamnøy island and the village of Reine; Stolva - about 750 meters high.
view from the Rheinebringen mountain You can also test endurance while climbing the icy peaks. Optimal routes have been developed on the islands of Austvogøya and Moskenøya. Cycling is also common in these areas and there are special cycling routes. On the day of the summer solstice, cycling competitions are held here annually, but the participants have to overcome all the islands of the archipelago.
Maelstrom Maelstrom.
As mentioned above, near the island of Moskenøya there is a unique natural phenomenon - the Maelstrom whirlpool, which was formed as a result of the meeting of several rapid currents. The first mentions of Maelstrom are found in the studies of the Greek scientist Pytheas 2 thousand years ago. Since then, the whirlpool has been marked on all nautical charts.
maelstrom maelstrom
northern Lights Is another natural phenomenon for which tourists from all over the world come to the Lofoten Islands. This is where the northern lights belt begins. Consider several factors when choosing a location to observe:
The optimal conditions for observing the northern lights are dry air, clear skies and no moon in the sky. The best time for observation is from 22-00 to 00-00, it is advisable to go away from the city and, above all, away from electric lighting. On the island of Austvogøya, Lofoten archipelago, there is the Northern Lights Center in the town of Laukvik.
Eagle hunting.
A unique natural phenomenon that can be seen when arriving on the islands is the hunting of eagles. Ships take tourists to the place where eagles hunt fish. When the guides start throwing fish overboard, these magnificent birds soar in the air like a stone fall into the water and claw the fish with their claws. This sight makes a lasting impression. Birds are at arm's length from tourists, and the site claims that when a bird flies with a wingspan of 2.5 meters or more, it is difficult to find words.
Svolvaer - the capital of the Lofoten Islands.
Founded in the 8th century and located near the Goat Mountain. During the summer months, Trollfjord tours ( Trollfjorden - a narrow branch of the Raftsund).
Ice Sculpture Park Magic Ice in Svolver.
In the park, which is a hall filled with snow and ice, about 300 sq. M., The nature, lifestyle and traditions of the Lofoten Islands are described through installations and sculptures made of ice, as well as graphic, light and sound design. Here you can learn about shipwrecks and fishing trophies, about trolls and sea ghosts, about local superstitions and laws.
It is known from history that in the Middle Ages on Lofoten there were clashes between supporters of cod fishing with a line with a line and one hook and those who set lines and used nets. In 1644, King Christian IV, the owner of all rorbu, banned lines and nets, but from 1786 fishermen were allowed to fish with all tackle.
Nowadays, on the Lofoten Islands, fishermen decide for themselves where to fish with nets, where with lines, observing main law fishing: to fish in strictly designated areas, observing the cod fishing season - January, February and March, when fish go from the Barents Sea to spawn.
Here you can also go kayaking and canoeing, diving and much more, depending on your preferences.
Preparing for your trip to the Lofoten Islands
1. Tickets to the Lofoten Islands - plane, train, bus. The first step is to book transport tickets, as the arrival and departure dates will serve as the defining dates for hotel reservations.
How to get to the Lofoten Islands (Norway)?
1. by plane. There are several airports here that accept flights daily, but the flight to Svolvar is only with transfers. From Moscow you can fly to Oslo, then to Bodø, and from there to the capital of Lofoten - Svolvar. The journey will take at least 8 hours, although the plane from Bodø to Svolvar takes 20-30 minutes. Can be reached by water transport and by car.
2. Accommodation in the Lofoten Islands. To book a hotel. There are many hotels on the Lofoten Islands and there is always plenty to choose from, but it is advisable to do this in advance too. Remember - Norway is pretty dear country. Thrifty tourists you need to know - in Norway you can sleep in tents, it is not forbidden, but 150-200 meters from the nearest house.
3. Visa. You can get a visa to Norway both independently (embassy, visa center) and with the help of specialized companies. If you do it yourself, then clarify when to make a visa, since when you receive it, you may need to provide documents confirming the purpose of the trip, for example, the purpose of tourism - as proof of the hotel reservation.
4. Insurance. All types of insurance are available online, order an insurance policy online, but only from trusted companies.
5. Transfer (from the airport), car rental, etc.... You can view and order in the most famous, trusted and reliable companies
