Off to the Lofoten Islands!

Where the mountains grow out of the fjords

The Lofoten are an archipelago in northern Norway, about 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. Actually, everything here should be covered by a thick layer of pack ice, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate in summer is surprisingly mild. We definitely wanted to see this area once, and were rewarded with incredibly beautiful landscapes and unique natural experiences.

We started our journey on the island of Andöya, the northernmost of the archipelago, as it is home to one of the best whale watching areas in the world. Just twenty kilometers off the coast, the seabed drops to a depth of 1000 meters. Here, mainly male sperm whales live and hunt giant squids. The likelihood of spotting a whale is very high here. Former fishing boats are used to go out, and the animals are located using sonar. Whales must come to the surface every 30 minutes to breathe for about 10 minutes. After that, they dive back into the depths using their large tail fin. An impressive spectacle. For interested visitors, there is a museum at the whale station in Andenes where guided tours are offered. Information about the biology of whales, the ecosystem in which they live, whale research, as well as specific information about different whale species is provided. The museum also has a real sperm whale skeleton.

 

Up close and personal with whales and sea eagles

The island of Andöya has other beautiful natural attractions for families in addition to the whales. Not far from the coast near the village of Bleik lies the small island of Bleiksöya. A unique bird paradise! Over 100,000 puffins breed here in the summer, and one of the largest sea eagle colonies can be observed here. Boat tours to the bird island are offered several times a day. The sea eagles are professionally lured with pieces of fish for us tourists, and we don't have to wait long, as they soar over our heads again and again with a wingspan of two meters.

Bleik also has the longest white beach, which invites you to take a walk.

 

On the Road in the Land of the Midnight Sun

We started our two-week trip at the beginning of August. The time of the midnight sun was already over, yet the sun shone until shortly before midnight. Then it enveloped nature in a magical light.

After a week on Andøya, we drove south to explore the other islands of the archipelago. A well-developed road network with tunnels and bridges connects the large islands with each other. The drive on the country roads is beautiful. Sea, water, and mountains are closely intertwined. Behind every curve, completely different landscapes unfold. Gentle meadows alternate with picturesque fjords, and mountains that rise vertically from the ground like dragon's teeth. Many places invite you to linger.

"After six hours of driving, we reach the picturesque fishing village A at the southwestern tip, an open-air museum where the way of life of the Norsemen and their traditional fishing and preparation methods come to life."

The Lofoten offer much more for families.

Our tips:

• LOFOTENAQUARIUM - in Kabelvåg. Here the whole family can be present during the feeding of the seals and otters.
• RIDING ICELANDIC HORSES. VIKING VILLAGE - In Borg, more than 1000 years ago, one of the most powerful Viking chieftains of Norway ruled. Here stood the largest building from the Viking Age. The chieftain's house has been reconstructed in its entire length of 83 m and is now a unique museum. Here, the past comes alive and can even be touched.
• VISIT TO THE FARM - The Aalan Farm & Lofoten Dairy are two of the most beautiful farms. The children get to know the animals on the farm. A little something can be enjoyed at the garden café.
• PLAYING AND EXPLORING AT THE SANDY BEACH - Some favorites: Bunesstranda, Rambergstranda, Haukland Beach from Utakleiv, Hovstranda, Rørvikstranda, and Kalle Beach. FISHING - The sea is full of fish, and there are good opportunities for a catch!
• WALKING/HIKING - Family-friendly hiking trails where you can explore nature between the mountains and the fjords. Some examples: Svolvaer - Nøkkstra, Hoven on Gimsøya, Haukland to Utakleiv, Vindstad - Bunes. CAMPING - There are many individual campsites, some also with bungalows.
• CANOEING - For children, this is an exciting activity. Lofoten Holiday Center in Svolvær rents canoes and equipment. 
• LOFOTR VIKING FESTIVAL: The extremely popular annual festival! Market, games, competitions, lectures, courses, concerts, rowing tours – and plenty of Vikings! http://www.lofotr.no (Info in English)

FACT BOX

The Lofoten consists of about 80 islands of various sizes and characters.

Capital: Svolvaer.

Arrival: by plane Munich - Oslo, domestic flight Oslo - Andenes (island Antöya).

Currency: Norwegian Krone

Midnight Sun: Mid May - Mid July

Official website: www.lofoten.info

Travel: www.whalesafari.no

Papageientauchersafari: www.puffinsafari.no