Senya Island. The saga of Norwegian weather change
The Lofoten Islands (Norway) have attracted the attention of tourists from all over the world for many centuries. The nature here is so picturesque and has such magical power that novels were written about the islands, poems and music were dedicated, paintings were painted and sculptures were sculpted.
There is hardly a place in the world where you can go snowshoeing and surfing, go on a whale safari and see the most dangerous whirlpool in the world, climb a mountain peak, relax on the beach and admire the northern lights. Holidays in the Lofoten Islands will not spoil even a long flight, unstable weather and high prices.
general information
Lofoten (Norway) is an archipelago located in the Norwegian Sea. The islands are located in the north-west of Norway and cover an area of more than 1220 square meters. km. The population of the archipelago is almost 24 thousand people.
Lofoten is made up of many islands. coastline which is indented with bays and comfortable beaches. The main feature of a holiday in Lofoten is solitude, silence, tranquility and wild, untouched nature.
In spite of geographical location islands, the weather here is relatively warm. This is due to the close proximity of the warm Gulf Stream.
It is important! You can stay on the islands in a hotel or in a rorba, a private house owned by local fishermen. However, the majority of Lofoten residents are wealthy people and rent out housing at prices that are higher than hotel prices.
Things to do and see
whale safari
Whales are incredible animals, they have long been considered magical creatures. In addition, whales are the largest animals on the planet. Judge for yourself - the weight of a whale's heart is 700 kg, and the weight of the tongue is equal to the mass of an elephant.
Interesting fact! Another name for whales is sea canaries. They are called so because whales are the only mammals that can and love to sing.
Since 1986, there has been a worldwide ban on commercial whaling. Since then, whales have become the subject of an amazing safari, during which you can admire beautiful and intelligent animals, take pictures of them.
The best place for whale safari - Lofoten Islands. Killer whales and sperm whales hunt here from spring to early autumn. Huge animals swim next to the boats, and in the winter months they are perfectly visible from the shore.
In the city of Annenes there is a Whale Center and a thematic museum. It is from here that boats and yachts go on a whale safari. It is enough to move a few kilometers from the coast and the whales will be at a distance of several meters from you. In winter, there is a chance to see even sperm whales.
This is interesting! According to statistics, in 96% of cases, tourists manage to see whales jumping out of the water. If vacationers fall into 4% of unsuccessful cases, the organization that conducts the safari takes tourists to a repeat event at any convenient time or returns the money.
Cafes and restaurants in Lofoten serve whale meat as Norway has not signed a whale ban.
Fishing in the Lofoten Islands
Fishing in this part of Norway is attractive because a good catch is possible throughout the year. The fjords located off the coast do not freeze even in winter. The most favorable conditions for fishing come in the second half of April and persist until mid-October.
In spring, cod descend to the coast of the islands to spawn. At this time, you can catch fish weighing from 15 to 20 kg. Lofoten Islands - perfect place for deep sea fishing. At a depth of 30 meters, saithe, menyok, flounder, haddock and lyur live. If you fish at a depth of 80 meters, you can catch monkfish, mole and sea bass.
Advice! The most “productive” fishing happens during high tide and about 30 minutes after low tide.
Fishing by month:
- April-May is an excellent period for catching cod, catfish, haddock;
- in summer, a good catch for saithe, stingray, mackerel, molva, halibut, flounder, salmon, trout, herring;
- in autumn they catch trophy, large fish, but one should take into account the severity and unpredictability northern weather- From the end of September, storms begin to rage.
For fishing on the islands, you can stay in one of the many fishing bases, rent a water vehicle and the necessary equipment.
This is interesting! Ideal conditions for fishing are provided by the warm current of the Gulf Stream. In winter, the air temperature varies from 0 to +10 degrees, and in summer the air warms up to +30 degrees. From the end of May to the middle of July, there is no night on the islands, because the Sun does not set below the horizon.
Surfing in the Lofoten Islands
Cold water skating is rapidly gaining momentum around the world. This is largely due to the development of technology and the use of special wetsuits.
Features of surfing in the Lofoten Islands:
- the water is cold throughout the year;
- the climatic conditions here are the most comfortable for surfing;
- After surfing, you can warm up in the sauna.
The waves here are typical for the entire northern hemisphere - small in summer, and high in winter. Newcomers come here in June, July and August. In winter, you can meet real surfers here.
This is interesting! There is a surf school on the Lofoten Islands where you can rent a comfortable cottage or come with your own tent, but in this case you will have to pay for accommodation in a tent. The school is located in Unstad. There are cottages of any size, with sauna and kitchen, shower and toilet.
- Viking Museum Lofotr. This is a unique, impressive reconstruction of a settlement from the Viking Age. Immerse yourself in the cruel, brutal world of the Vikings and feel how the last Viking leader Olaf Twennumbruni lived. In a dwelling 83 meters long there is a bedchamber, a honey hall. Here, with maximum accuracy, restored appearance premises and decoration. In addition to the leader's house, you can walk around the farm, visit the forge, and admire the Viking ships. Tours are conducted by guides dressed in historical costumes. The museum is located in the small village of Borg, not far from Böstad.
- Dried Fish Museum. Founded at the end of the last century and is part of a colorful, authentic fishing village in the style of the 18th century. All events organized in the village are held in national traditions and reflect the life of Norwegian fishermen for two hundred years. The museum is located in the westernmost part of the archipelago, in the village of O, in the municipality of Moskenes.
- Museum of Fishing Settlements. Located in the same village, and reflects the features of the life and life of Norwegian fishermen. The exposition consists of many interesting objects, a smithy, a residential fisherman's house, a rorbu - a house on stilts, a bakery and much more.
Hiking
Best time for hiking - summer, when the polar day lasts on the islands. Night hiking in the mountains is a special, incomparable adventure. There are many organized on the islands tourist routes, each of which will give a lot of impressions and emotions. The most spectacular routes on the island of Eustvogöy. In the center of the island there is Mount Runnfjellet, from its top incredible landscapes open up.
You can also climb other mountains:
- Floya - the climb is difficult, from the top you can see the whole capital - Svolvaer;
- Reinbringen - the ascent is quite steep, from the top you can see the islands up to the island of Hamnøy and the village of Reine;
- Stolva - the height of the rise is 750 meters.
This is interesting! Alpinism is well developed in the Lofoten Islands.
Many hikers test their endurance while climbing the icy peaks. The best routes have been developed on the islands of Austvogøya and Moskenøya. In these places, cycling is common, and special cycling routes have been laid. Every year on the day of the summer solstice, you can take part in cycling competitions, but be prepared that you will have to drive through all the islands of the archipelago.
Fascinating natural phenomena
Near the farthest island of Moskenøya, there is a unique natural phenomenon - the Maelstrom whirlpool. It was formed as a result of the meeting of several swift currents. The first mention of the Maelstrom is found in the studies of the Greek scientist Pytheas 2 thousand years ago. Since then, the whirlpool has been marked on all sea charts.
The northern lights extravaganza is another natural light for which tourists from all over the world come to the Lofoten Islands. From the archipelago begins the belt of the northern lights. When choosing a place to observe, consider several factors:
- the optimal conditions for observing the northern lights are dry air, clear skies and the absence of the moon in the sky;
- it is best to go on a trip - from 22-00 to 00-00;
- you will need to move away from the city and away from electric lighting.
In Lofoten, in the town of Laukvik on the island of Austvogöya, tourists are welcomed by the Northern Lights Center.
Another unique natural phenomenon that you can admire on the islands is the hunting of eagles. Ships bring tourists to the place where eagles hunt fish. Birds are at arm's length from you. The sight is impressive when a bird with a wingspan of more than 2.5 meters flies towards you.
Attractions
- The capital of the Lofoten Islands is the city of Svolvaer. Founded in the 8th century and located near the Goat Mountain. During the summer months, Trollfjord tours leave from here.
- The village of Reine, one of the most beautiful places in Norway, is located in the western part of the archipelago, on the island of Moskenøya.
- Kolhelleren cave. Here are preserved drawings on the rocks, whose age is 3 thousand years.
- Oceanarium. Introduces tourists to the underwater world of Lofoten and all of Norway. There are pools with otters and seals, an aquarium with cod. In memory of visiting the aquarium, buy a souvenir in a small shop.
- Beach in the town of Blake. The coast is covered with white sand, which looks like snow. The beach is perfectly clean, and the color of the waves resembles lush, green grass. The length of the beach is 2.5 km, from it you can clearly see the island with Blaksoy rock, where amazing puffin birds nest, which are called sea parrots because of their bright plumage.
- Nusfjord is the oldest fishing village. A whole complex of buildings built in the 19th century has been preserved here. The architecture of the village is unique - as a result of excavations, settlements built in the 5th century were found.
- Ice sculpture park Magic Ice. This is a real theater woven from ice, color and music. The design of the park introduces the nature and life of Lofoten, traditions, legends about trolls and nymphs. The park has an ice bar.
Weather and climate
Considering that the archipelago is located beyond the Arctic Circle, it may seem that the climate here is harsh and very cold. However, the winter months in Lofoten are quite warm, this is possible due to the fact that the warm Gulf Stream passes near the islands. In addition to it, warm currents of a smaller size flow here - the North Atlantic and Norwegian.
If you prefer warm weather, head to the islands of Röst or Värøy. Even in winter, the air temperature does not fall below 0 degrees. In summer, the air temperature averages +15°C. The water in the ocean in shallow water warms up to +17 °C in the hottest months, but, as a rule, the temperature reaches +10 ... +12 °C.
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How to get to the Lofoten Islands
If you decide to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, go to the Lofoten Islands, of course, the path is not the easiest and closest, but this is one of the most wonderful places not only in Norway, but also in the world.
By plane
There are several answers to the question - how to get to the Lofoten Islands (Norway). The first one is by plane. There are several airports here that receive flights daily, but the flight to the capital Svolvar is inconvenient, since it requires two transfers. From the capital of Russia, you need to fly to Oslo, then to Bodø, and from there you can fly to the capital Lofoten. The journey takes at least 8 hours. From Bodø to Svolvar the plane flies from 20 to 30 minutes.
Trains depart daily from Stockholm and Kiruna and arrive at Narvik. Buses depart from Narvik to many locations in Lofoten.
Trains also run from Oslo to Bodø, passing through Trondheim and Fauske. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.
Of course, the distance from Oslo to the archipelago is almost 1400 km, but the path is so beautiful and picturesque that it simply needs to be done by car. A trip by car to Lofoten will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the islands, stop along the way, take a photo, feel the endless world of mountains, the depth of the fjords, walk through dense forests. This adventure will not leave anyone indifferent and will leave a lot of memories and emotions.
It is important! The main route that runs through the islands of the archipelago is E10 or the King Olaf V route. The road runs from west to east. If you plan to travel around Lofoten on your own, study the route and routes first of all if you want to move away from the main road.
- The name of the archipelago in translation means the foot of a lynx. Most likely, this is due to the shape, which resembles the paw of a predator.
- Cod fishing on the islands of the archipelago has been going on for thousands of years. Fishing is most active in winter, when cod migrate to Lofoten. The catch is transported to many countries of the world.
- The Lofoten are the oldest rock formations dating back over 3 billion years. The habitual appearance of lofoten was formed about 10 thousand years ago after the end of the Ice Age.
- The most visited islands of the archipelago are Austvogöy, Flakstadöy, Moskenøya, Vestvogöy. People often come here for inspiration. creative people- Artists, writers. Residents of Norway love to fish here and just relax.
- There are so many fish near Norway that in addition to oil, it is thanks to fishing that the country is now considered one of the richest and most successful. Lofoten cod is transported to Italy, Spain and Portugal, in the best restaurants. The main principle of fishing in Norway is to preserve nature and not harm it. To keep unique undersea world, fish for fishing are grown in special enclosures.
- Most convenient transportation on the archipelago - a bicycle, the only inconvenience is narrow roads and a lot of cars.
- There will be no problems with living in the Lofoten Islands. Here you can stay in a campsite, hostel, hotel or rent a rorba from local fishermen.
- According to National Geographic, Lofoten is the third largest island in the world. beautiful islands. The video below is a vivid confirmation that Lofoten is not in vain in the top three most beautiful.
Related posts:
Islands of Norway: Lofoten Islands, Svalbard Island, Senja Island of Norway.
- Hot tours to Norway
Norway owns about 50 thousand islands, islets and just huge rocks, brazenly sticking out and claiming the loud status of an independent piece of land. The largest and most popular are the Svalbard archipelago, the Lofoten Islands and Senja Island.
Lofoten Islands
They are a chain of islands with a population of 24 thousand inhabitants, which are famous for their mild climate (thanks to the Gulf Stream) and amazing underwater life. The sea never freezes here. The archipelago consists of many islands, the largest of which: Moskenesey, Vestvogey and Austvagey - are interconnected by ferries. Main city archipelago - Svolvaer.
The unique traditions of northern culture have been preserved in Lofoten. Here you can, for example, visit the traditional fishing hut "rurbu", learn how cod is dried, take a boat trip on the sea or visit the Troll Fjord.
Lofoten Islands
Spitsbergen Island (Svalbard)
A natural reserve where seals, polar bears, walruses, owls, deer and arctic foxes live. The world's largest bird colonies are located here, whales are splashing near the coast, and the only inhabited island - Western Svalbard - has no more than 3.5 thousand inhabitants, and half of them are Russians.
Today, about two thousand tourists come to the island every year to enjoy unique sea rafting, go to the glaciers, go kayaking and dog sledding.
Senja Island
This is the second largest island in Norway, famous for its amazing nature and the Enderdalen National Park, which is surrounded by fantastic mountain peaks.
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The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago located in the Norwegian Sea off the northwest coast of the country. They are separated from the mainland of the state by the Vestfjord Strait. They belong to Norway, are its pride and attract great amount tourists from all over the world.
The archipelago consists of seven large islands and numerous small ones, which are separated from each other by straits. The distances between them are relatively small. The territory of the Lofoten Islands covers a total of 1227 square kilometers. About 24 thousand people live on the islands of the archipelago.
Despite the small population, the rocky islands of the archipelago have rich history and many worldwide famous objects- here is the Maelstrom whirlpool, the largest deep-sea coral reef on our planet, the largest surviving feast hall, which dates back to the majestic Viking era. The beauty of the Lofoten Islands is sung by artists, poets and writers.
History of the Lofoten Islands
In the past, the islands of the archipelago were dotted with apartments of wealthy Vikings, the ruins of which have survived to this day. And the local population has long been engaged in fishing and sheep breeding.
The first inhabitants settled here about six thousand years ago. Living conditions here were very favorable - mild climate, access to fresh fish and meat. At that time, the rocky islands were drowning in the thick of coniferous and deciduous forests, where a huge number of various wild animals lived.
In addition, the Lofoten Islands have always been strewn with fishermen's houses. Fishing was so important to local residents that in 1103 King Oystein ordered the construction of a church in Wogan, which would patronize local fishermen.
Where did the name of the archipelago, located not far from the coast of Norway, come from? A whole group of islands borrowed the old name of the island of Vestvogoya - it was previously called Lofoten, which in translation from ancient Scandinavian forms the phrase "lynx" and "leg". Probably, such a phrase meant that the island was shaped like a lynx's foot.
Geography of the islands
The archipelago settled north of the Arctic Circle. The seven largest of the Lofoten Islands are: Austvogoy, Vestvogoy, Veroy, Gimsoy, Moskenesoy, Flakstadöy, Röst. The southern part of the largest island belonging to Norway, the island of Hinney, is also part of the archipelago. In general, the islands stretched for 60 kilometers in length.
The climate of the Lofoten archipelago
The Gulf Stream plays a huge role in shaping the climate of the archipelago. As mentioned above, the Lofoten Islands are located beyond the Arctic Circle, but due to the warm current, the climate here is very mild, maritime, and temperature drops are very small.
In winter, the temperature here rarely drops below zero. Summers in the Lofoten archipelago are quite cold but dry, the average temperature of the hottest months, July and August, is about 15 degrees above zero. The coldest months on the islands are January and February.
The Lofoten Islands are also characterized by such a phenomenon as a polar day and a polar night. In the period from May 27 to July 17, the sun does not fall below the horizon line. It is worth noting that these months are the driest of the year. But from December 6 to January 6, the polar night sets in.
The water off the coast of the Lofoten Islands is mostly quite cold, but in summer it sometimes warms up to +17 degrees.
Animals and vegetation
The islands of the archipelago are inhabited by the most different types sea birds, here you can meet cormorants, sea eagles and colorful puffins. Moose and otters live in the forests. As for the vegetation, birches and mountain ash predominate here, there are a large number of coniferous forests.
Sights of the Lofoten Islands
Lofotr, the Viking Museum, is located in Borge. It was founded on the site of the largest surviving banquet hall built by the Vikings. This majestic building stretched 83 meters in length! The width of the structure is eight and a half meters.
The islands of the Lofoten archipelago are especially popular among lovers of mountaineering and cycling. The islands even had specially designed routes for those who like to pedal and enjoy beautiful scenery. And during the Summer Solstice, competitions among cyclists are held annually - participants in such an event are given the opportunity to ride their favorite transport through all the islands of the archipelago.
It is noteworthy that the islands of the Lofoten archipelago are famous for their dried cod. For more than a thousand years, residents have been supplying their signature fish to different parts of our planet.
How to get to the islands?
There are several airports on the islands. In addition, the E10 road was built relatively recently, which connected the largest of the islands with mainland Norway. An element of this road is the famous Raftsundet Bridge - one of the largest frame-cantilever bridges on the planet. There is a regular ferry service from Bodø to Mosknes.
It includes about 50 thousand islands and islets, some of which, despite their proximity to the Arctic Circle, are inhabited by people and attract a large number of tourists to their open spaces.
Some of the islands are in the North Arctic Ocean, others - in the waters of the Atlantic. Some of them are located close to the Scandinavian Peninsula or adjacent to it, while others, on the contrary, are significantly removed from the mainland of Norway.
10 most interesting islands in Norway
The list of the most famous islands Norway includes:
The land of harsh Vikings and northern lights, majestic fjords and snow-white ice, emerald greenery and hospitable people - this is all Norway - amazing country located in northern Europe, in the west of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Few know, but Norway is a kingdom. It still has its own monarch, who rules the country in accordance with the constitution adopted in 1814.
The local climate (subarctic - on far north, marine - in coastal areas and continental - in mountainous areas) is moderate. In summer, the temperature fluctuates between plus six and fifteen degrees, in winter it drops to minus twelve, but it can stay around zero.
Most Big City Norway - the capital of the country Oslo, unlike other European cities, boasts not only a historical and cultural and commercial spectrum of entertainment, but also a stunning environment created thanks to numerous natural parks and reserves.
cultural and tourist centre Norway - the city of Bergen is located in the west of the country. Located between Oslo and Bergen, Geilo hosts a popular ski resort. There are a lot of places for skiing in Norway, as well as majestic snowy peaks.
You can get to know the country better during a special sightseeing tour passing along the Oslo-Bergen route. While on holiday in Norway, you should definitely try the local goat cheese, whale meat and smoked fish. The best souvenirs are troll figurines and deer skin products.
Popular hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
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What to see in Norway?
The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.
1. Geirangerfjord
Majestic waterfalls, sheer cliffs, about one and a half kilometers high, snow-white glaciers and abandoned farms located on small mountain sites, make up the inexplicable charm of one of the most picturesque fjords in Norway. The Fjord Museum located nearby introduces tourists to the geographical life of the country.
The tiny Norwegian city, known since the 17th century as a copper mining center, still retains its historical heritage: its center is represented by unique wooden houses built several centuries ago. The local artist H. Solberg was very fond of Roros and often painted the city with its surroundings.
Built at the beginning of the 12th century, the wooden church in Urnes is a striking example of a unique “animal style”, characterized by asymmetric ornamentation and the use of animal motifs. The latter paint a scene of a struggle between a lion (Christianity) and a serpent (paganism) at the Stave Church. There is a version that scenes from Scandinavian mythology are depicted on the carved panels of the temple.
one hundred and eighty two meter waterfall- the most popular in Norway. Situated in the Möbödalen valley and part of the Bjoreyu river, it is most beautiful at the foot of the local National Trail. The view from above is another convenient vantage point for observing the Vøringsfossen waterfall.
Located on the island of Mageryo, the North Cape is a large, towering three hundred and seven meters, a ledge of granite rock, completely dotted with cracks. He is the most northern point(having access roads) of the common European market and contains a convenient observation deck from which it opens a majestic view of the Barents Sea.
In an early 20th-century building on the Bygdö peninsula, you can see three huge Viking ships built in the 9th century and found a thousand years later in the waters of Oslo. The objects present on the grandiose ship structures are also included in the museum collection: old wooden sledges and carts, dishes, household belongings and fragments of fabrics can be seen today by everyone.
One of the largest European glaciers covers an area of 487 square kilometers and has about fifty independent glaciers extending from it. Since 1991, Jostedalsbreen has been part of the Jostedalsbreen national park. The glacier is fed by abundant snowfall.
The Hanseatic embankment of Bergen consists of colorful wooden houses built before the beginning of the 18th century. Many old buildings have been reconstructed after numerous fires, but their stone cellars boast a five hundred year history. Modern Bryggen is a meeting place for artists working in their workshops and tourists visiting local souvenir shops.
The sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, conveying human states, constitute a separate composition of the large Oslo-Frogner park. Wrestling, dancing, running, hugging - everything that a person does and how he lives is embodied in more than two hundred frozen figures. Some of the park's compositions are allegorical in nature. These include sculptures of "Angry Baby" and "Man Attacked by Babies".
A giant cliff, towering over the Lysefjord to a height of six hundred and four meters, ends with a flat, square platform. The path to it passes through picturesque mountain landscapes and takes about two hours. The "pulpit" introduces tourists to several belts of vegetation: its foot is covered with forests, only mosses and lichens remain to the top.
Oslo's main street bears the name of the local king, who died in 1844. It stretches along the city for one kilometer, connecting the Central Station with the Palace of the Norwegian rulers. The main sights of Oslo are located in the Karl Johan area. The area adjacent to the street is considered the central part of the city. West Oslo is located behind the Palace, east - behind the station.
The popular Norwegian resort, located in the suburbs of Oslo, consists of five hundred kilometers of ski, biathlon and slalom tracks. Perched on top of it observation deck offers stunning views of the country's capital. Holmenkollen also has its own ski jump, reaching a length of one hundred and fifteen meters.
In a glass tent, standing on the shores of the Oslofjord, the Bygdö peninsula, the Fram vessel, which took part in three polar Norwegian expeditions, is exhibited. Museum visitors can board the ship, look into the cabins and admire the stuffed animals that inhabit the regions of the North and South Poles.
twenty kilometers Railway, passing through the west of Norway, is an integral part of the Bergen Highway, but is used mainly for tourism purposes. The main part of the path runs at a slope of five and a half degrees. The railway route goes through the picturesque Flåms Valley, full of steep mountains, tunnels and waterfalls.
One of the most visited waterfalls in Norway is located in the west of the country, not far from the town of Nurheimsund. The twenty-meter stream of water is part of the Fosselva River. A bridge located inside the waterfall allows tourists to enjoy an unusual natural spectacle. The surroundings of Steinsdalsfoss (emerald grass, lush forests) are no less beautiful than the waterfall itself.
Protruding like a giant tongue, the section of the Skjeggedal rock is located far from the classic tourist routes. It takes five hours to get to it, and most of the time you have to walk uphill. From Troll's Tongue you can enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Ringedalsvatn, located 350 meters below the cliff.
The narrowest fjord in Norway is a seventeen-kilometer bay with sheer cliffs more than one and a half kilometers high. On the banks of the Neroy are small farms and tiny villages, the largest of which is Gudvangen. In it, tourists can find an old hotel and a souvenir shop offering products of local craftsmen.
Museum located in the north of Norway open sky contains more than five thousand rock paintings. They were created by ancient people in the period from 4200 BC. before 500 BC Cave images contain scenes of hunting and fishing, shamanic rituals, scenes of cooking and relationships between people.
Colliding with particles of gases in the upper atmosphere, tiny solar particles give rise to an amazing natural phenomenon - the northern lights. Norway is the only country in the world where you can see it in all its glory. Multi-colored flashes in the sky are best observed in the northern part of the country from October to February.
The oldest lighthouse in Norway (date of construction - February 1655) is the southernmost in the continental part of the country. For a long time it served to navigate ships passing between the Norwegian and Danish coasts. Now a museum has been opened at the Lindesnes lighthouse, introducing visitors to the history of the building, which has gone from a coal firebox to the latest radio navigation system.
