LOFOTEN
Kristin Folsland Olsen nordnorge.com
Christian Ringer nordnorge.com
The Lofoten Islands are actually several islands that lie in the Norwegian Sea and deep within the Arctic Circle. They are known for their rugged and magnificent mountains, beautiful beaches and cultural heritage, particularly that of it’s fishing industry. These unspoilt islands experience both the Northern Lights in the winter and the Midnight Sun in the summer. For those looking for an adventure, the islands are an ‘outdoor playground’ but they are also a wonderful place for relaxation and people that wish to ‘recharge their batteries’. Ski, surf, hike, paddle or simply chill out in one of the most beautiful places in the World.
“The beauty of this place is simply staggering” Lonely Planet
We were contacted by a family of 4 adults that wished to travel to Lofoten and stay in traditional rorbuer lodgings. They ideally wanted to combine a mixture of self-catered and catered accommodation. Two of the party were keen and accomplished hikers, seeking pure Lofoten adventure, whilst the other two travellers were simply looking for a relaxing sight seeing vacation. Although we usually recommend booking Lofoten well in advance, as the best accommodation is booked up very quickly, we gladly took up the challenge to organise this family holiday. We set about creating a breath-taking 8-night holiday, that was suitable for all of the family members and would leave them with fantastic lifelong memories:
Our family left London and flew to a sunny Harstad early in August, where they collected their hire car and drove to the island of Vestvågøy. This was once a powerful stronghold of the Viking Era and today it’s reconstructed Viking Longhouse and museum ensures that the history of these seafaring warriors is kept well and truly alive.
We had chosen a newly renovated self-catering rorbu for the first two nights, where the hospitable owners happily provide a welcome food package upon request. This beautiful cabin is situated right on the pier of a working fishing village and has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the harbour and surrounding mountains. It was quite simply a breath-taking start to the holiday.
From here the clients took both challenging and easy self-guided hikes but this village is also the perfect location to take fishing trips or experience diving in the Lofoten Sea. Furthermore, Vestvågøy is famous for its small villages and white sandy beaches, which are a delight to explore.
Leaving the island on Day 3, the clients drove just over one hour to their next rorbu in Reine, which is located on the island of Moskenesøya. This village sits on the shores of Reinefjord and is said to be one of the most beautiful villages in the World, so it is no surprise that from this location tourists can actually join specialist photography hikes, to create a permanent record of the amazing sights that they see. In fact, some of the most wonderful hikes in Lofoten are located in and around this region, as are some of Lofoten’s most formidable mountains. For those travellers wishing to relax and take life a bit easier, there are daily ferry rides that transport people within a short walking distance of the stunning beaches of Horseid and Bunes and the Fishing Museum in the tiny but stunning village of Å is also well worth visit.
The little red and white rorbu in Reine, that we booked for our client, is just one of a collection, that lies in this peaceful corner of Lofoten. Although it had also recently been renovated to a high standard, this property had retained it’s rustic charm, in keeping with its harbour and seafront location. Whilst staying here, the family thoroughly enjoyed a daily breakfast and à la Carte evening meal, of seasonal, locally inspired cuisine. Dining in the restaurant itself is a historic experience, as it is set within a 200-year-old building that was once the General Store of Reine and frequented by the many fishermen that came to Lofoten from all over Norway!
Leaving the village on Day 6, the clients took an eastbound route back towards Harstad. After just 2 hours on the road, they arrived at the last accommodation of this holiday, this time on the island of Austvågøya. The rorbu here was a larger property with a high standard of decor, sea views and a wood burning fire. This location is the ideal stay for those wanting a full Lofoten experience, it is within walking distance of the iconic Goat Rock formation and the town of Svolvær with its Lofoten War Museum, art galleries and ice sculpture bar, it has something to offer everyone. For those seeking activities, stunning self-guided and guided hikes can be taken, from here, as well as the famous Sea Eagle Safaris, kayaking, RIB trips, fishing and horse-riding excursions.
Our clients enjoyed breakfast and a 3-course dinner each day in the local and famous restaurant, which again boasts an historic atmosphere and focuses on local and excellent quality cuisine.
After a wonderful and memorable family 8-night stay, the clients checked out of their final rorbu and took the scenic drive back to Harvik to board their flight back to the UK.
“
We had a FABULOUS time in Norway and I would like to thank you again for all your help! We really felt we ended up with some of the nicest cabins and best views everywhere we stayed, and I’m sure that was because you were involved. It was a very enjoyable vacation!
”
Lofoten in Winter
In the summer our clients enjoy the wonderful long daylight hours but in the winter the darkness comes and with it the beautiful twilight hours and spectacular Northern Lights. Tourism in Lofoten continues in the winter months, with many activities available as long as the conditions permit, such as Northern Lights Chasing, winter kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding of course!
Photo @Wouter.Boer.jpg
Each holiday is individually tailored to meet our clients wishes. For an accurate quote and costs of any optional activities please contact Love Norway Limited on +44 750 890 6178.