Arriving in the Lofoten Islands is like coming home, craddled by the sea, the presence of calmness, wind touching the hair, waves coming into the shore, and the seagulls saying hello in it’s best manner. Lofoten is a place that takes everything one its own pace, Lofoten is a place where we do not rush, neither should you.
Having decided that the Arctic archipelago of the Lofoten Islands is now my home, I have also decided on a slower life and more connection with nature and the mountains of Lofoten. I see how quickly visitors arrive with bucket lists and tight schedules – eager to tick off Reinebringen, see the Northern light or and snap the perfect photo of Hamnøy. You want to know the real beauty of Lofoten? It reveals itself slowly, so stay longer, breathe deeper, and stay in the moment. It is in those everyday moments that don’t make it to Instagram, but to your heart, that’s the one you are staying for and to experience them your body and soul.
So if you are planning a trip to Lofoten from across the Atlantic ocean or somewhere else in Europe, I encourage you to experience Lofoten not as a destination, but as a rhythm of life, and way of Scandinavian living, shaped by being up North above the Arctic Circle by nature, weather and a community.
Here are some local insiders’ tips on how to travel by one slow moment at a time.
What does Slow Travel in Lofoten mean?
Slow travel is about being present and connections. Waking up at one of the famous fishermen’s cabins like Å Rorbuer or Reine Rorbuer, take the time to observe nature, and the change of the weather. Look at the same mountain for an hour and notice how the light changes minute by minute. Soak in and transform your mind to be in complete presence of this very special time and moment in your life, up North and above the Arctic Circle in Norway.
Take time to talk with local fishermen instead of rushing to the next stop. Or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés while the weather rearranges your plan or gives you a natural break. Soak in the coffee, breathe out, and fill your lungs with more fresh air. Either stop by Trevarefabrikken or even go to more undiscovered places like the Cafe in Laukvik and try the local Kean Beans, which are roasted close by the cafe.
When you let go of the checklist and immerse yourself in the flow of Lofoten, it will surprise you more than you know.
Walk At Lesser Known Times of the Day
If you are visiting during the summer season, you will experiance the magical glory of the Midnight Sun or just the presence of the Arctic Summer Lights, which is vibrating and full of delightful energy. Use this time to go hiking early or late, it does not matter, you will still have light to be hiking in safe conditions, why not do a midnight hike? That should be a part of your time in Lofoten, remember this is about the experience of the Arctic Summer light, the hike is the bonus of the experience Same goes for the beaches, let the tide set your pace.
Oceanfront & Widlife
Seeing Lofoten from the ocean is a highlight, just like the old fishermen did back in the day. Seeing it from the ocean gives another perspective of the archipelago – and the local guides know the best places and have the most informative stories, and some of them you will never find in guidebooks. Look for companies that are local to support the community as well as enjoy a more insightful experiance.
Sea kayaking in Svolvær or Reine Paddling
Arctic Art & Art Halls
Lofoten has many creative souls and loads of different masterpieces. Spend an afternoon either in Svolvær or Henningsvær to immerse yourself in the modern KavaiarFactory or visit Engelskmannsbrygga with Cecilia to get the most wonderful ceramic coffee cup that will make you always long back to the Lofoten Islands. Or see if you could walk past Solsoldat and his art in Svolvær or many other corners of the Lofoten Islands, like at Eliassen Rorbuer at Hamnøy.
Savor the Local Food
Enjoy the luxury of having time to eat a meal, to sit down and talk with your friends or loved ones. Embrace the quality time of local food, either in Svolvær at Børsen Spiseri or at Maren Anna in Sørvågen or Fiskaherimen in Henningsvær. Se five places to eat in Lofoten. Did you know that Lofoten is famous for there lamb as well as the Arctic Cod with Stock fish?
A Good place to Live is a Good place to Visit
We have a great responsibility to keep it that way in Lofoten. Remember, you are visiting someone’s home, so we greatly appreciate sustainable and respectful travel. If you want to get into it, I recommend reading the Lofoten Code of Conduct.
Stick to marked trails and park responsibly. Our nature is fragile, and we protect it better by staying on trails, and when parking is done right, its great because it means that the ambulance can get where it needs to go.
Support local shops and businesses: It’s the best way to contribute directly to the community
Best time to visit Lofoten: Seasonal Advice from a Local’s Viewpoint
Each season is special, and yes, you should visit them all four to truly get mesmerized by all the great qualities of Lofoten.
Summer, yes, it’s magical with the midnight sun, so are the calm late evenings in July. If you want fewer visitors and the golden light, you should visit during the golden season in the fall, a last dance before shifting into winter. Northern Lights, snow-covered fishing villages, and a stillness that’s just for Lofoten. April, the best-kept secret in the Lofoten Islands, is a great time to go, when the return of the light arrives with seabirds and the perfect time for retreat to watch the awaking in nature and in ourselves.
Last thoughts about Slow Travel in Lofoten Island
Lofoten and the locals will not require much of you. Only that you arrive with open eyes, and a willingness to slow down, be kind, and embrace the magic of Lofoten. The magic is not just the peaks or the beaches, it is in the rhythm of tide, sky, moon and the stories in the wind and stillness between the moments.
Come to see Lofoten, but most importantly, come to feel the Lofoten Islands.
Before You Go:
Wondering what you should pack for Norway? Read this packing list for Lofoten.
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