To give you some inspiration for your next boating trip or vacation, VETUS would like to take you along to the most beautiful sailing routes. In this European edition we introduce to you the Lofoten Islands located in Northen Norway. The Lofoten Islands Northern Norway is by far the largest and most sparsely populated part of mainland Norway, and covers more than a third of the country. It stretches from the idyllic Helgeland region in the south to mainland Europe’s northern most point near the North Cape.
Located in Northen Norway above the Artic Circle. The Lofoten Islands can be described as rugged, adventures and possibly one of the most beautiful places you will ever see! Draped across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle. This rare wilderness outpost offers untamed and beautiful landscapes, majestic mountains, deep fjords, squawking seabird colonies and long, surf-swept beaches.
The untamed islands of Norway are known for excellent fishing, nature attractions, such as the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, and small (fishing)villages.
To sail in the fjords of Northern Norway in either winter or summer is a remarkable experience, especially with the dramatic contrasts between the fjords and the mountains.
Fishing for skrei
Fishing has been, and still is, one of the main reasons why people have lived here for centuries. Lofoten is particularly well known for its cod fisheries and small fishing villages. Here you can stay in a Rorbu (old Fishermen’s cabin) and eat stockfish, made from spawning cod. Every winter hundreds of fishing boat gather to hunt for skrei. The stockfish is therefor often the base product for many food dishes in (local) restaurants.
Sailingroute
Discover Lofoten from Hamn to Harstad to the beautiful island Skrova. From there you can sail to Reine and discover one of the oldest fishing villages: Nusfjord. On to Henningsvaer, Svolvaer and Trollfjord, surrounded by rocky mountains. Pas the narrow and dramatic fjord and go on to Andenes and see if you can spot some whales along the way. Midnight Sun
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the summer in places south of the Antarctic Circle and north of the Arctic Circle. The earth is rotating at a tilted axis relative to the sun, and during the summer months, the North Pole is angled towards the Northern star. That’s why, for several weeks, the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle. In Lofoten the Midnight Sun can be seen from 28 May to 14 July. Nusfjord
A travel to Lofoten is not complete without a trip to Nusfjord. Nusfjord is often regarded as one of the oldest and best preserved fishing villages in Norway. With traces of people living in Nusfjord from 425 BC, and with a heyday area in the beginning of the last century, Nusfjord is a treasure chest full of history. This unique and authentic village is one of the most charming and historic fishing village in Lofoten.
sources: lofoten.info / visitnorway.com