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Lofoten Islands

The Norwegian archipelago of Lofoten lies north of the Arctic Circle. Here you will find one thing above all: untouched nature. Rugged fjords, imposing mountains, beautiful beaches, and only a few houses here and there. These houses are mostly built in the typical Norwegian wooden hut style in remote fishing villages and provide the unmistakable panorama of the Lofoten Islands. But the Lofoten Islands offer even more: in winter you can see the northern lights up here in the north and in summer you can walk across the mountains under the midnight sun. You should definitely not miss this!

06/07/2024

dear(travel)diary,

I've wanted to explore the Lofoten Islands for a long time! But I didn't quite know who I should travel there with. So I postponed the trip for the time being. But then Daniel from Join The Crew (JTC) called me. I've been working with JTC for a long time now. They offer various group trips: Hiking or canoeing tours, trekking, surf camps, ski trips or sailing tours. There is something for everyone. So far, I've only done sailing trips with and for JTC. But then Daniel asked me if I would like to go on a Lofoten outdoor mix tour with JTC as a content creator. I didn't even think for a second: “YAAAA! Of course I do!”

So I finally went to the Lofoten Islands - with a travel companion: I no longer had to think about who I should travel to the Lofoten Islands with. Because I now had a travel group: 10 fellow travelers who were previously unknown to me. But after a week full of experiences, we quickly grew into a close-knit group. A group that was able to explore one of the most beautiful places on earth together. And I can already say with certainty: this trip was one of my best this year and will definitely be in the top 10 of all my trips!

xx Chiara

A very special highlight: We were in Lofoten at the beginning of July. That means it was Midsommar. The sun didn't set all day. It was a surreal experience at first. But after a week, it felt so normal. I found it incredibly exciting to experience the midnight sun for myself. And one advantage: we got more out of the day straight away and I was automatically less tired.

Overview:


What to see

  1. Hike up the Ryten & find the cabin on Kvalvika beach
  2. Shoot your own postcard picture on the Reinebringen
  3. Relax in the sauna on the beach at Hov Gård after a hike on Hoven
  4. Have an unforgettable fishing experience in Svolvær
  5. Go on a kayak tour to Reine
  6. Visit the world's most famous soccer pitch: Henningsvaer Stadium
  7. Snack delicious cinnamon buns in Nusfjord
  8. Swim at Hauklandstranda after a hike on Mannen
  9. Relax on the beach at Ramberg


Where to eat

We had a vacation home in the Lofoten Islands and therefore cooked most of the time. But that was also special. For example, we prepared the fish we caught ourselves or made waffles in a traditional way (with brown Norwegian cheese and jam)! However, we did eat out a few times and we always enjoyed a cinnamon bun here and there. We were delighted with the food everywhere: It was fresh and typically Scandinavian! Here is my selection of the best places:

  • Anita's Sjømat (Seafood) in Reine
  • Låven in Gimsøysand
  • Henningsvær Lysstøperi and Cafe in Henningsvær
  • Hansines bakeri in Nusfjord
  • Bakeriet på Å in Å
  • Bryggerikaia in Bodø


Where to sleep

The good thing about JTC is that they organize everything for you! Even the accommodation. They did a great job in Lofoten. We stayed at Sundet Lofoten Holiday House and felt very comfortable here. The whole house was clean and comfortably furnished. There were several rooms, which we usually shared between two of us. The living and dining area was large, so we were able to spend a lot of time together: Cooking, playing games, watching movies, chatting, laughing, dancing. We always had a great view of the fjord in front of the house. One of the highlights, however, was the jacuzzi and the fireplace on the large terrace of the house. We were also able to do our laundry every day so that we always had fresh clothes for the hikes.


About JtC

Join The Crew (JTC) offers group trips with experienced guides or skippers in various areas within and outside Europe. You can easily book your trip via the JTC website. After booking, a crew area will be activated for you. In addition to a crew chat, through which you can get to know the group, you will find all the necessary information as well as packing and shopping lists for the trip.

Because JTC plans everything for you, all you really have to do is book your flights and arrive at the agreed meeting point on the start day. How the trip itself goes depends largely on the group. You decide what you want to do and see. Either way, you'll have a great time.


Costs

  • Lofoten Outdoor Mix Tour by Join The Crew (includes accommodation, rental car, JTC guide and some activities): 1250 to 1550 EUR depending on booking date
  • Flights: approx. 300€
  • Catering (food + drinks): approx. 300€ p.p. per week
  • Fuel: approx. 20€ p.p. per week
  • Fishing: 90€ p.p.
  • Sauna on the beach (1 hour): €27.50 p.p.


I have put together a list of all the places on Google Maps.

You can find the list here.

1 week on Lofoten islands

Itinerary



Day 1: Arrival in Bodø, pick up rental car, go shopping and take the ferry to Lofoten

Day 2: Hike on Mannen and then swim at Haukland beach

Day 3: Kayak tour in Kvalvik, lunch at Anita's Seafood, explore Reine and hike on Reinebringen

Day 4: Hike up Ryten and to Kvalvika Beach and then make traditional waffles at home

Day 5: Fishing in Svolvær, lunch in Henningsvær and watch the soccer pitch there, eat the fish you caught yourself in the evening

Day 6: Start the day with yoga, snack on a cinnamon bun in Nusfjord, hike up Hoven and then relax in the sauna on the beach and enjoy a delicious dinner at Låven.

Day 7: Have a cinnamon bun breakfast in Å, hike up Ramberg and then relax on Ramberg beach, make a bonfire with the group in the evening

Day 8: Take the ferry back to Bodø, return the rental cars and say goodbye


From the community for the community

Tips from the community

"Hike the Volandstinden!"

roshy.mi

Do you have a tip for Lofoten Islands? Or a suggestion for the blog? Or would you like more information?

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