Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands of Norland are among the most scenic places on earth. They were formed by glaciers and other natural forces that shaped the granite mountains, green meadows, and chalky white beaches. “National Geographic Traveler” names the Lofoten Islands one of the “World’s Best 111 Island Destinations.” The islands offer breathtaking, unforgettable scenery full of impressive granite alpine mountain peaks, Arctic fjords, and tiny quaint fishing villages nestled on the Norwegian Sea’s blue waters, located above the Arctic Circle. I know what you are thinking, “nothing can be that beautiful and tolerable to go above the Arctic Circle,” well, thanks to the Gulf Stream, the Lofoten Islands climate is mild. We are going to the beach; get your coat is a usual saying from this girl who loves her warm white sandy beaches. Norway has beaches, and they are named some of the most romantic beaches in the world. Lofoten Island is also one of the best sites for surfing and the world’s northernmost surf spot. This archipelago is made up of four main islands, Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Moskenesøy, and Flakstadøy, with some smaller islands. In the summer, it is the midnight sun’s land, and in the winter, it plays host to the northern lights.

My Father is 100% Norwegian and is the first generation in the USA. My Norwegian heritage has always interested me. The Lofoten Islands of Norway were the first towns I visited on a pilgrimage back to my ancestors’ roots. The prime attraction for me was the beautiful nature and the deep culture, and rich Norwegian history.

Interesting Sites to Visit and Tour

• Å-(old Norse word for “small river”) Is as far west as you can drive on the Lofoten Islands, not much there, a gift shop and a bathroom, but you have to go all the way the end, the scenery never ends.
  *Ballstad-A Tiny hamlet surrounded by snow-capped peaks, mountain sheep, clear blue skies, and sparkling seawater.
• Flakstad Church-Located in the village of Flakstad, the red wooden was built in 1780. The first church was constructed in 1413 and destroyed by a storm in the 1700s. The new church is built from timber and chandeliers from Russia. The denomination is the Church of Norway.
  *Henningsvaer-One of the region’s most active fishing villages.
• Fjords
  -Reineford
  -Selfjord-the inner arm
  -Steinfjord
  -Flankstadpollen
  -Austnesfjord
• Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg-First was settled by the Viking chieftain in 500 A. D.; this location now has a museum with a reconstructed house and boathouse. It is the archaeological discovery of the largest Viking longhouse ever found from the Viking era.
  *Nusfjord-Famous picturesque authentic fishing village. It is the oldest and best-preserved fishing village in Norway.
  *Moskenesoya, Ramberg-is a village island on the island of Flakstadoya in the Lofoten Islands. Famous for its white-sand beaches.
  *Reine-Cited as one of Norway’s most beautiful village

First Class Tips on A Coach Budget

• Rent a Car You can rent a car for about $150.oo US. They drive on the right side of the road like the US. You can see more in less time than by taking a Cruise excursion, for a fraction of the cost. To save even more money, ask another couple to join you and split the cost.

What to Wear
During the spring, summer, and fall, dress in layers. A waterproof ultralight jacket with a hood or hat is needed. The ultralight down jacket can pack down very small for travel. Were comfortable walking shoes.

Interesting Facts and History
Tourism, Cod, and farming are the prime industry.

• The Arctic cod drew the Sami people to this area thousands of years before the Vikings
• 8th Century the Vikings arrived, making many settlements. The largest Viking structure remains were found here. Dating back 1,500 years, the property they believed belonged to a prominent Viking chieftain. The recreated structure on the site brings you back in time, filled with furnishings, customs and actors to help with your transportation back in time.
• 1200 A. D. Austvågøy was awarded a town charter, making it the world’s northernmost medieval town
• Middle-Ages, the export of dried cod, was the backbone of the Norwegian economy.
• 1960’s The discovery of oil became the economic powerhouse to replace the cod industries.
  

How to Get There and Local Transportation:

By Sea
-Cruise Ship-Stamsund

-Ferry-Bodo is the main ferry terminal. 3-4 hours, trains feed into Bodo so that you can take a train from Olso and Bergen
Car $92.00
Passenger $25.00

Flights
Nothing is direct, and you have to drive still, best to compare rental car prices at each airport.
Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE)
Svolvaer Airport (SVJ)
Leknes Airport (LKN)

Driving
E10 connects the Lofoten Islands to the mainland

Local Transportation
The best bet is to rent a car for around $150.00 US. They delivered it to the ship port in Stamsund. The roads are great and in good shape, and they drive on the right side of the road like the USA.

Location:
The Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle, at 68N, made up of 4 main islands.