Exploring Lofoten | Nordic Road Trip 2022 [4/6]
In the summer of 2022, our road trip finally reached its ultimate destination: the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. We had set off from the Åland Islands, crossed Finland, and driven through the landscapes of northern Sweden. This fourth leg of our journey was the one we had been looking forward to the most. Arriving in Lofoten felt like the culmination of our grand plan, a reward for the thousands of kilometers we had traveled to get there. We were excited to finally explore the dramatic scenery of sharp peaks rising directly from the sea.
Waking Up in Beautiful Lofoten
Waking up in Lofoten for the first time was an experience in itself, as few places are quite as striking. We were incredibly lucky with the weather during our stay, which is never a guarantee in this part of the world. The sun held out for us, making the views even more spectacular. Our first morning did come with a small surprise, as there seemed to be bees everywhere. Once we had finished breakfast and packed up, we hit the road again, ready to discover what the islands had to offer.
A Day Exploring Svolvær
Our first proper stop was Svolvær, the main town on the island of Austvågøya. We found a quiet and peaceful campsite just outside the center of the town. It came with one great bonus: a perfect place to go for a swim in the sea. Some of us decided to brave the cold water, and Little A and my mum had a fantastic time splashing around. The chilly temperature did not seem to bother them at all as they enjoyed the clear water.
While they were swimming, the rest of us found other things to do. Jesper and my dad opted for a bike ride instead, taking their own bicycles to explore the town and its surroundings. They enjoyed seeing the area at their own pace from a different perspective. Meanwhile, I was perfectly content to just chill at the campsite for a while. It felt good to relax and simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere after many long days of driving.
An Attempt to Climb Blåtind
We had not planned to do any serious hiking during our trip, but it was impossible not to be tempted by the majestic peaks around us. One mountain in particular caught our eye: Blåtind, which stands out even among Lofoten’s many impressive peaks. After looking at it for a while, we made the spontaneous decision to give the climb a go. We wanted to see just how far up we could get and experience the landscape from a higher vantage point.
The start of the trail was manageable, leading us up grassy paths and along steady slopes. As we gained altitude, however, the path became much steeper and more challenging. Eventually, we reached a point where we felt it was best to turn back without reaching the actual summit. Despite not making it all the way to the top, the climb was absolutely worth the effort. The views over the surrounding islands and the sea were nothing short of spectacular.
Read more about Blåtind here >> (länk till separat post)
Exploring Further South in Lofoten
From our base in Svolvær, we continued our journey by driving further south through the archipelago. Our first stop was Henningsvær, a beautiful fishing village often called the “Venice of the North.” It is spread across several small islands and connected by bridges, making it a great place to stretch our legs. We wandered along the harbor and past old wooden buildings, with fish drying on racks everywhere we looked.
Next on our list was a detour for Jesper and Little A to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. While the rest of us took it easy, they explored the reconstructed Viking longhouse and even tried some horse riding. Later that day, we made three more stops on our way to the end of the road. We visited Ramberg with its long white beach, and then Reine, with its sharp mountain ridges. Finally, we arrived in the village of Å, where we walked to the remote and peaceful bay of Andstabbsvika.
Early Morning Ferry from Moskenes
Our incredible time exploring the Lofoten Islands was beginning to come to an end. As the long day of sightseeing concluded, we headed for the port of Moskenes. It was from here that we would begin our journey back to the Norwegian mainland. Instead of retracing our long driving route through the islands, we opted for a more direct path. We had booked a place on the the midnight ferry that would take us across the sea to the city of Bodø.
This decision marked the end of our exploration and the beginning of our return journey. The mood in the camper was a mix of satisfaction from all we had seen and a little sadness that this part was over. We prepared the camper for the crossing and waited in the queue with the other cars and trucks. Soon, it would be time to say goodbye to the islands. We were tired but grateful for the amazing experiences we had shared.
Back on the Mainland
That late-night ferry crossing turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire trip. Watching the jagged peaks of Lofoten slowly fade into the dusk was an unforgettable sight. Later, we watched as the mountains of the Norwegian mainland emerged through the early morning mist. The ferry was surprisingly comfortable, and we were even more surprised when nobody charged us for the ferry. There should have been an invoice but it never reached us in the mail.
We arrived in Bodø in the quiet, early hours of the morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise. Most of us curled up in the camper to get some much-needed sleep after the long day. Jesper, however, decided to take a quiet walk around the city before it woke up. It was a peaceful transition back to mainland life for all of us. Our Lofoten adventure was officially over, and the long journey south was about to begin.
Read more about the places we visited
