Norway’s otherworldly scenery must be seen to be believed, and our Europe specialist, Kate, witnessed the wonders of the Vesteralen and Lofoten archipelagos during her research trip. Along with traversing coastal trails from the comfort of her own car, Kate hopped between islands, ogled at sea eagles on a RIB safari and even ticked off a natural wonder of the world: the Northern Lights. She returned home eager to share her tips and tricks, so read on for some inspiration for your next Nordic escape...
Where did you visit?
I spent ten days in Vesteralen and Lofoten, two archipelagos in northern Norway. While there, I visited the towns and villages of (deep breath) Stokmarknes, Andenes, Sortland, Straumsjoen, Kvitnes, Kabelvag, Henningsvaer, Ballstad, Nusfjord, Reine, Gimsoysand, Svolvaer and Sandtorg.
Image by Kate Little.
What did you get up to?
I visited a great mix of hotels, from fisherman cabins on stilts in Ballstad to luxury lodges perched in Gimsoyand’s rugged countryside. As I had a car, I also drove the Andoya coastal route, a seriously scenic journey that runs along the island's west coast from Andenes and Bjornskinn. The sea eagle RIB safari in Vesteralen was also fantastic, providing the chance to witness these beautiful birds of prey in their natural environment.
Image by Kate Little.
What made your trip special?
Seeing the Northern Lights was magical. The chances of seeing them in Vesteralen and Lofoten in September (when I went) are good but not guaranteed, so watching them light up the night sky was a very welcome surprise! It was also my first time seeing them, making it even more special.
Image by Kate Little.
Did you learn about any secret spots?
Vesteralen is often skipped over as visitors make a beeline for the Lofoten islands, so it was great to explore both and compare a popular archipelago to one off the beaten path. Finding quiet, hidden spots while driving around Vesteralen was a real treat – I could easily spend a whole day pulling over and admiring the coastal scenery. There are still hidden gems to be found in Lofoten, though; beyond the stunning landscapes, I discovered its cultural side in little cafes and galleries. You can even take part in glass-blowing workshops, an arty alternative to the usual adventurous activities.
What’s your favourite thing you ate?
The tasting menu at Kvitnes Gard, a farm-based fine-dining restaurant in Verstalen that doubles as a guesthouse. Each season, the menu changes to include the freshest local ingredients – mine was over 20 courses, including cod with creamy sauce, delicate wildflowers and an exceptionally paired rosé. It’s safe to say I was blown away!
Image by Kate Little.
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
Hiring a car is an absolute must for Vesteralen and Lofoten. The weather can change very quickly in these regions, so having the freedom to hop in your car and drive towards the sunnier spots is invaluable.
Image by Kate Little.
Header Image by Leslye Davis/The New York Times-REDUX-REA.
