details about lofoten

 

Lofoten is an archipelago located in Nordland, Norway.

The archipelago consists of three major islands:

Austvågøy, Vestvågøy and Moskenesøya,

as well as south Hinnøya, Gimsøya and Flakstadøya.

The two largest cities are Svolvær and Leknes.

 

 

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Hauklandstranda & Uttakleiv

The two magical beaches have Mt Mannen as their common denominator. With its white sand and turquoise water, the beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Hike along the old, 5-km road around the mountain or climb Mt Mannen to enjoy a breath-taking view and an experience that words cannot describe. In summer, the locals open the little café found at the old power station, where visitors are treated to Norwegian coffee and delicious baked goods. During the winter months, the shores become the destination for observing the Northern Lights.

 

 

Eggum

As long as you are on this side of Vestvågøy, a drive around Eggum is a must. The small fishing village is located between the sea and the mountains. The majestic cliffs are rising dramatically over the sea while the mighty eagles fly in the sky above. West of the car park, one can find a work of art known as Huvudet (Head) by Marcus Raetz, a head-shaped sculpture that overlooks the sea with its face either up or down, depending on the viewer’s perspective. A hike along the seashore will suit just about everyone, but the somewhat more experienced hikers may want to hike further to Unstad, a beach that is a paradise for surfers from all around the world. Tourists also travel to Eggum to experience the midnight sun.

 

 

Nordland Sculpture Landscape

Following the national tourist route, one can soon discover works of art presented in the natural environment at the most peculiar location. The international art collection consists of 36 works of art created by 36 artists from 18 countries. Five of them are placed in Lofoten, i.e. the Epitaph stands at Flakstad, Huvudet at Eggum, Utan namn (no name) at Vågan in Lyngvær, Reiret at Røst, and Laurbærblad at Moskenes.

 

 

Henningsvær

Surrounded by the sea from three sides and by the mountains rising right behind it, this small fishing village with 450 inhabitants once served as a natural fishing base in Lofoten. Because of the water and the bridges, the village is known today as the Venice of Lofoten. The fishing boats still come in each day with their catches, just as they have done for hundreds of years. The cultural life here is blooming thanks to some enthusiastic individuals, with the Kaviarfactory art centre and the Trevarefabrikken being a must-see. The best Bacalao at Lofoten, which is a type of a fish stew made from dried fish, is served in Klättercaféen serves, accompanied by music and a genuine feel of camaraderie. The square located at the centre of Henningsvær is like an oasis offering products from the Engelskmansbrygga art studio, perhaps the world’s smallest coffee roasting house called Brent, silversmith Katrin Linder, as well as shops offering everything from home-made candles to felted wool jumpers.

 

 

Svolvær

Svolvær serves as a natural central location in Lofoten. With slightly more than 4500 inhabitants, the city is one of the largest settlements in the area. Although fishing has been the largest source of income since time immemorial, tourists come here today to experience the fantastic selection of good restaurants and the cultural life. During the autumn and winter, tourists travel here with boats in order to see killer whales, and during the summer, cruises travel to Trollfjiorden to observe eagles. The views in Svolvær are magnificent. Moreover, those who would like to experience something different can tackle some of Lofoten’s best mountains for hiking offering some unforgettable views!  Those interested in history and art will probably want to visit the Lofoten War Museum and the Nordnorsk art centre. Each September, the art centre hosts the Lofoten International Art Festival, which attracts artists from around the world.

 

 

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