Lofoten Magical Islands
Lofoten is an Arctic island archipelago, and has been a cruise ship destination since 1984. The last 4 years have seen an average of 70 cruise calls each year. There are three cruise ports: Leknes, Svolvær and Stamsund, Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate is remarkably mild for its Arctic setting. This also gives the landscape its striking variety: wildly beautiful places of marsh and rock, green fields and still lakes, dramatic mountains, and white sandy beaches by turquoise seas. The human influence is seen in the picturesque villages and the fish-drying racks that surround them, as dried cod, or stockfish, is still the main export. Five of the islands are connected by the main road, and you can cross all five and return in a day with ease. Alternatively, passengers can disembark at one port and rejoin the ship at another. Various national and international publications have named different places in Lofoten ‘the most beautiful beach in Norway’, ‘the most picturesque village in Norway’, and ‘the most beautiful view in the world’.
Excursions. These are tours which have proven popular over the years. They can of course be tailored to meet different needs, and attractions can be added or replaced as required. There are a number of fine restaurants at which lunch can be booked for full-day tours.
From Leknes.
Full-Day Tour to Å. Heading southwest, you take the undersea tunnel to the island of Flakstad. Following the outer coast, you pass the charming 18th century Flakstad Church, and the curving white sand beach of Ramberg. The mountains become more dramatic the further south you go, until you reach the jagged black granite of Moskenes Island. At Reine is the spectacular fjord view, voted by Time magazine the most beautiful view in the world. In Å you find the Fishing Village Museum and the Stockfish Museum. The return journey offers a striking new vista with each curve of the road. (6.5 - 8 hours.)
Flakstad, Nusfjord, and Sund. The tunnel under the Nappstraum takes you to Flakstad Island. The little red-painted Flakstad Church of 1780 is the second oldest in Lofoten, and the artwork inside is even older. At the Fisheries Museum in Sund you can see the blacksmith creating his well-known cormorants, using techniques from the beginning of the 20th century. You will also find boats, engines and other artefacts from Lofoten’s fishing history. On the return journey, experience the picturesque village of Nusfjord, one of three places selected for the European Architectural Heritage Year in 1975. This idyllic setting is your last stop before returning to your ship. (3.5 hours.)
Ballstad, Buksnes Church, and Borg. The fishing village of Ballstad is spread along both sides of the harbour. There are many traditional fishermen’s cottages standing on stilts at the water’s edge, as well as the largest mural in Northern Europe across three walls of the shipyard. The 1905 church of Buksnes is in the so-called ‘dragon style’. Its interior is filled with light, and decorated with motifs from Norway’s Viking past. Passing the municipal centre of Leknes, you head through fields and farmlands nestled at the feet of mountains to the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg. This hilltop site is a living museum contained within a reconstruction of the biggest Viking longhouse found anywhere in Scandinavia. (3 hours.)
From Svolvær.
Full-Day Tour. Towering above Svolvær is The Goat, a 569 metre (1864 feet) high ‘horned’ column of rock jutting from the mountainside. The tour passes the Vågan Church, the largest wooden church north of Trondheim. Crossing three islands of ever-changing but always beautiful scenery, the first stop is the Lofotr Viking Museum. Surrounded by farmland, this living museum is contained within a reconstruction of the biggest Viking longhouse found anywhere in Scandinavia. The return journey stops at the village of Henningsvær, where a converted fish landing stage houses Galleri Lofotens Hus. Here you can see not only works by North Norwegian artists past and present, but also ‘Magic Island Kingdom’. This multi-media presentation shows Lofoten and its people through the seasons in a moving marriage of image and sound. Svolvær harbour is now only 25 minutes away. (7 hours.)
Half Day Tour. Beginning practically at the foot of The Svolvær Goat, a 569 metre (1864 feet) high ‘horned’ column of stone jutting from the mountainside, the tour passes the Vågan Church, the largest wooden church north of Trondheim. Nyvågar is home to the Lofot Aquarium, a fascinating display of Arctic marine life. If it’s mealtime, you can see the otters fed, and watch the seals perform for their food. The road to Henningsvær is wild and beautiful, running alongside a bay studded with rocky islets. Galleri Lofotens Hus is housed in a converted fish landing stage, and is home to the works of past and present North Norwegian artists. The multi-media show ‘Magic Island Kingdom’ is a work of love that shows the different faces of Lofoten – its nature and its people – through the year. (4 hours.)
Scenic Tour from Svolvær, Stamsund or Leknes
Stamsund is a typical fishing village, but also something of an artistic centre, with both theatres and galleries. Passing along the edge of the Skifjord, you can see the spectacular mountains towards the north-east. Via an islet studded coast you reach Einangen, a mountain pass from which you can see both sides of the Vestvågøy Island: Leknes harbour and the outer coast to the west, skerries and the mainland beyond to the east. From here, you head past the city of Leknes and the surrounding farmland until the road climbs to the viewpoint above Unstad. This is a village of 30 houses nestled together in a classic U-shaped glacial valley, and is one of the most photographed panoramic views on Lofoten. The road further to Henningsvær is wild and beautiful, running alongside a bay studded with rocky islets. Here we visit Galleri Lofotens Hus. Svolvær harbour is now only 25 minutes away,
This tour you can do visa versa. (4,5 hours)
We also offer:
- Sea Safaris
- Fishing Tours
- Birdwatching Tours
- Hiking and walking Tours
- Bicycle Hire