Magical Lofoten in Auroras #01

We begin embarkation at 4 p.m., have dinner, undergo our initial safety training to prepare for departure. We explore the area, admire Norwegian architecture, and keep an eye out for sea eagles. We prepare to set sail towards the Lofoten Islands, which are 50 Nm away. If conditions permit, we depart at night and sail for about 10 hours. During the night, we have a chance to witness the first Northern Lights, for which the Lofoten Islands are famous.

By day we arrive at the Lofoten Islands. In the distance, the towering mountains characteristic of this archipelago’s landscape come into view. We enter a narrow fjord and moor in the village of Sorwågen. It’s a small, charming fishing port where we try to find a place to berth. We’re greeted by the sight of red rorbuer cabins.

We embark on a hiking trip along the picturesque coastline to the village of Å, which is 2 km away and has the shortest name in the world. It’s one of the most famous places in the Lofoten Islands and a must-visit in our itinerary. A sign with the village name welcomes us, and it’s customary to take a photo there. Then, we enter a typical fishing village setting of the Lofoten, where red cabins stand on stilts by the sea, and cod dries on wooden racks nearby. The village is home to the Stockfish Museum.
We return to the yacht and sail to Reine, a few miles away. We await the night and the appearance of the Northern Lights.

We spend the day in Reine. This small fishing settlement is considered the symbol of the Lofoten Islands, and its views appear on postcards and thousands of tourists’ photos visiting the Lofoten. We embark on a trekking adventure around the area. Depending on the conditions and the weather, we may hike up Reinebringen, where the most beautiful panorama of the Lofoten Islands unfolds, or opt for a 3-4 hour trek to the most scenic photography spots, including the neighbouring village of Hamnøy. If we feel like it, we’ll visit one of the restaurants to try Norwegian specialties. Another chance to witness the Northern Lights at night.

The next day, we set off further, heading north-east, and sail to Nusfjord, one of the smallest charming fishing villages which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its location and traditional architecture. The small shallow and narrow fjord, with its wooden waterfront, is the only place to stop in Nusfjord. We can only dock there under favourable weather conditions. We usually spend a few hours there as the sea tides make it an uncomfortable place for longer stays. But that’s enough time for us to explore this small settlement and take beautiful photos at several points.

Next, we head to Henningsvær, located a little over 20 nautical miles away – a picturesque town situated on islands, intersected by canals, reminiscent of Venice. We navigate through a narrow canal surrounded by traditional Norwegian architecture. Exploring Henningsvær takes a few hours as we stroll through the town and visit a famous football field located at the edge of the island, surrounded by seawater. We stay here overnight.

The next day we set sail to Trollfjorden, one of the highlights of our itinerary. Trollfjorden is a breathtaking deep fjord surrounded by towering, often snow-capped mountains, accessed through a narrow, rocky gate formed by steep mountainsides with cascading waterfalls. It’s truly a sight to behold and a must to navigate through this incredible gateway. Inside awaits a real end of the world – a rounded fjord with a small pier at the end, where we plan to stop. Here, one can momentarily forget about everything, detach from civilization, especially since there is no network, and truly unwind. We stay overnight and the next day we embark on a trekking adventure. Again, depending on weather conditions, our destination may vary. Our maximum plan is to reach Trollfjordhytta and the picturesque lake nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. The trek is arduous, but with every meter gained in altitude, a magnificent panorama of the fjord unfolds before us, even if we don’t complete the entire trail.

Upon returning and having a meal, we sail towards Svolvær, attempting to catch fish along the way and spot the eagles that nest here. Svolvær is the “capital” of the Lofoten Islands. This town, with its 5,000 inhabitants, is a semblance of civilization. Here, you can find restaurants, shops, and museums. If time permits, we will trek towards Svolværgeita. The trail to the summit is not easy, very steep, and requires ropes and standard climbing equipment. Along the way, we admire beautiful panoramas of the surrounding mountains and fjords, and at the end, the 150-meter granite peak of Svolværgeita. The mountain is crowned with two “goat” horns, 1.5 meters apart. Some consider it a point of honour to jump from one horn to the other, later recounting that during the leap, they could see the nearby churchyard.

We set out on the return journey to Bodø, where we have to cross the Vestfjorden, observing the open waters for orcas. There is a chance for this. The final part of our journey is the skerries.

We bid farewell to beautiful Norway, the power of nature, landscapes, and different phenomena. The check-out is until 10 a.m.