Vikings, art and rainy days
Lofoten is more than mountains and beaches: one of northern Europe's most important Viking finds lies fifteen minutes from the base, world-class galleries hide out in the fishing villages – and there are good answers to the eternal question: "what do we do when it rains?"
Lofotr Viking Museum · Borg
At Borg, archaeologists found the remains of the largest chieftain's longhouse ever uncovered from the Viking age – 83 metres long. Today the longhouse stands rebuilt at full size, with living history, a Viking ship on the water in season and feasts in the chieftain's hall. Lofoten's great cultural attraction, and an obvious family stop. For Viking history under open skies, the burial grounds on Holsøya lie right by the base.
Lofoten Seafood Center · Mortsund
Take the boat out to the salmon farm in the Buksnesfjord and feed the fish yourself, dive into the world of stockfish at the House of Stockfish, and finish with a meal at the quayside restaurant. Ten minutes from the base – and one of the area's best family activities, whatever the weather.
Lofoten Museum and Aquarium · Kabelvåg
The Lofoten Museum tells the story of the great cod fishery and the squire era in authentic surroundings, while the Lofoten Aquarium next door shows the life of the sea – with seals and otters fed daily. Together, a full family day in one of Norway's oldest fishing communities.
KaviarFactory · Henningsvær
Contemporary art at a high international level in a converted caviar factory by the approach to Henningsvær – one of northern Norway's most talked-about galleries. Combine with a gallery stroll and café life in the village.
Glasshytta · Vikten
A glassblowing studio beautifully placed against the open sea on Flakstadøya – watch the craft live, secure a one-of-a-kind souvenir and treat yourself to a cinnamon bun in the café. A fine stop en route to Nusfjord or Ramberg.
The museums in Å
At Lofoten's outermost tip, the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum and the Stockfish Museum sit side by side – the whole old village is a living museum, with a bakery, cod-liver-oil works and drying racks. Combine with Reine on the same day trip.
Svolvær's museums
Magic Ice – a gallery and bar carved in ice, parka lent at the door – and the Lofoten War Memorial Museum, holding one of the country's largest collections from the Second World War in the north. Two good cards up your sleeve in the "capital".
Hov farm · Gimsøy
Guided horse rides along the beach on Gimsøya – midnight sun rides included – with a farm café and restaurant. One of Lofoten's most atmospheric experiences for families and couples alike.
Rainy day?
The climbing wall in Lofothallen at Leknes (run by the local climbing club), the aquarium in Kabelvåg, a gallery round in Henningsvær, Magic Ice in Svolvær – or simply sauna, fireplace and a good book at the cabin. Rain in Lofoten rarely lasts; often the sun is fifteen minutes away.
Buksnes Church · Gravdal
The red dragon-style church from 1905 crowns the Buksnesfjord and is one of Vestvågøy's most beautiful landmarks – from the base you can actually see it straight across the fjord. Stop by on your way to or from the south side: the setting alone is worth it, fjord in front and mountains behind.