The Lofoten Islands have always charmed me, even by the rhythmic sound of their name. Anyone who has planned a journey to Norway knows that this archipelago is a unique “sunny spot” in the Arctic. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, it is widely considered one of the best places in the world for watching the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). If you are planning a larger adventure along the Atlantic edge, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Norway’s Spectacular Coastline. It provides a full overview of the best routes, from the deep fjords of the south to the jagged peaks of the Arctic north.
A Land of Fishing and Tradition
Fishing remains the heartbeat of the islands. While sailing from Bodø to Moskenes, I learned that the people here possess a distinct character—and even distinct physical traits—compared to the rest of Norway.
Interestingly, there is a deep economic bond between these Arctic shores and the Mediterranean: nearly 80 percent of the codfish caught in Lofoten is exported to Italy. This connection isn’t just business; it’s history.
The Venetian Shipwreck: Pietro Querini’s Legacy
Behind these peculiar features is the story of a seamen who lived about at the same time as Columbus, Pietro Querini, a noble Venetian ship owner. While shipping white wine from Crete to the Flanders, a terrible storm surprised him beyond the Strait of Gibraltar, destroying rudder and mast. The seaman was forced to leave on a lifeboat with a handful of sailors and the gulf stream took them on a rock not far from the Lofoten archipelago. Here the locals welcomed them and offered food and shelter. While the captain looked for a way to turn the accident into a profitable business, his men were more interested about the welcoming women they met. While the one returned to Venice with a full selection of stokfish – dried cod – the others moved on the little islands and started a new life.
Exploring the “Northern Venice” and Beyond
Since then, it didn’t change much on these islands. The ferry points to the huge rocks resembling mountains coming out from the sea. At a closer look, coloured houses are to be seen: red for the fishermen, blue and yellow for the other workers. Time flows slowly here, relaxing under the sun or in a traditional rorbuer – small stilt-house. Henningsvaer, also known as “the Northern Venice”, is an unmissable trip, while heading south the street ends and the road signs are surprisingly written in Italian. At the end lies Å.
Å is the last letter in the Norwegian alphabet, and it’s the name of a beautiful little village which testifies more than any other the strict link between the Lofoten islands and Italy. Behind any turn is a stunning view, therefore it shouldn’t surprise that National Geographic ranked the Lofoten archipelago as the world’s third most beautiful islands.
Looking for more Arctic secrets? If you have fallen in love with the rugged beauty of the archipelago, your next stop should be Sørøya: The Norwegian Island in the Far, Far North. Located even further north in the Finnmark region, it offers a raw, untouched wilderness that few tourists ever get to see. Or you can also think about Exploring the Remote Svalbard Islands: Norway’s Arctic Frontier.
Where are the Svalbard Islands?
The Svalbard archipelago is situated in the Arctic Ocean, spanning latitudes from 74° to 81° North. The main hub is Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost functional town, reachable via a three-hour flight from Oslo or Tromsø.
To put its remote location into perspective, it lies significantly further north than the tip of mainland Europe. If you have already dared to Experience the Midnight Sun in Norway: A Journey to Cape North, you have reached the edge of the continent—but to reach Svalbard, you must head even further into the heart of the Arctic Ocean.
Architecture is my job and photography my passion. I love Umbria, my land, but I feel as a citizen of the world. In my pictures I link my technical background with my cultural interests and travel aspirations.
