Lofoten Islands with their mountainous peaks consist of seven main Islands, Austvagoy, Gimsoy, Vestvagoy, Flakstadoy, Moskenesoy, Vaeroy and Rost. Hinnoy being the southernmost part of Norway’s largest Island, is also in Lofoten. This archipelago of Islands, lies north of the Arctic Circle, on the west coast of Norway. During mid May to mid July you have the chance to experience the midnight sun in Lofoten. The Lofoten Islands are best experienced on a scenic costal voyage of Norway. Other ways of getting around would be on the local ferries or busses or by hiring a car and driving around some of the main Islands which are connected by about 170km of road.

The hunting and fishing history of Loften have always played an import role to the region and the country and today the fishing industry still thrives, with its main catch being cod, herring and salmon, important to national as well as international export. Due to its geographical location, not only do the seas bring several fish species to its shores, but there are also many different bird species with their own colonies calling Lofoten one of their homes as they migrate yearly. Some of the colourful colonies can be found on some of the oldest rocks in the world, as they bring to life with song the pristine areas of Lofoten. The plant life is also rich in variety due to its cool summers and mild winters.

See:

• Nature – One of the best ways to experience nature, the wildlife and the surrounds would be to take part in some of the safaris which give you a glimpse of the wildlife as you take in the picturesque scenery surrounding you.
• Northern Lights – You may get a chance to experience this natural phenomenon and see the Northern Lights for yourself. Best seen further north, above the Arctic circle, on a clear dark sky, this makes Lofoten one of the great place to experience this phenomenon.

Experience:

• Midnight Sun and Polar Nights – In Lofoten you can experience the midnight sun from mid May to Mid July and the Polar nights from early December to early January.
• Lofort, The Viking Museum – At Borg, you will find the largest house of the Viking age, a chieftain’s house at 83 meters long, which has been reconstructed to its full size. Explore the Viking customs of everyday life and also experience a Viking feast in the banquet hall.
• Stockfish – Get your tastebuds tasting stockfish, what Lofoten is famous for. Stockfish is made from spawning cod. It is unsalted fish which is dried by the sun and wind as they are hung on proper wooden racks or in drying houses. Many of the restaurants in the area serve stockfish as part of their dishes.
• Outdoor activities – While in the Lofoten area, there are plenty of local outdoor activities to keep its visitors occupied. Try you’re your hand at fishing or golf, go hiking or cycling or for something even more active, try kayaking or rafting.
• Churches, museums and galleries – In the small towns and villages that make up the Lofoten Islands, you will have some hidden treasures, such as old unique churches, sculptures and monuments, or perhaps you will come across some museums and galleries, all which give you something to explore and admire, during your time or stay in the different areas.

Secrets of the city:

• Rorbuers in Lofoten – The small town of Svinoya offers Rorbuers, which are old wooden cabins that were used by the local fishermen, back in the olden days. These cabins have all been restored and give you a chance to experience the traditional living quarters that the fisherman would have called home while they went about their daily work.