The enchanting Arctic Islands of Lofoten
Norway is known for its fjords and its stunning landscapes. It is one of Europe's most beautiful countries. Because part of the nation is above the Arctic Circle, it is one of the few places in the world, where there exists this magnificent show of Nature known as the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis).
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| Position of the Lofoten Islands |
In the Norwegian province, known as Nordland, above the Arctic, there is a group of islands stretching along the coast between Narvik, in the North, and Bodø, in the south.
They used to be home to fishermen, whose principal resource was cod fishing. This activity still exists. However, tourism has now become the main local industry, particularly in the summer. Then, the temperature is an average of 12º-16ºC.
It is easy to cross the archipelago from north to south. Highway E10 goes from Harstad/Narvik Airport (Evenes) all the way across the islands through a series of spectacular bridges and tunnels. Nordland operates a coach service (Lofotekspressen) from Narvik to the airport down to the last village known as Å at the tip of the last bigger island. It is also possible to sail across to the mainland, mostly from Leknes (car ferry) or Svolvaer (passenger hydrofoil) to Bodø, or vice versa.
The countryside is absolutely awesome: a snow-capped, rugged mountain range with waterfalls and fjords that look like still lakes mirroring the landscape. The southern island of Moskenes is one of the most spectacular. It has four scenic fishing villages worth the journey: Hamnøy, Reine, Sørvågen, and Å. This section of the Lofoten is also where the highest peak is rising (Hermannsdalstind, 1029m). Yet, the little harbor town of Svolvaer is an absolutely delightful place to stay too. All of these places are facing the more tranquil southern coastline sound separating the islands from the mainland. The northern side is facing the often rougher Norwegian Sea.
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