Exploring the Winter Wonders of Lofoten with Family

First Day in Lofoten: A Winter's Tale Begins

After a long journey from Heidelberg, with a stopover in Oslo and a connecting flight to Leknes, we finally arrived in Lofoten. The crisp Arctic air greeted us as we stepped off the plane, a refreshing change from the familiar German winter. Maximilian, Linnea, and I were buzzing with anticipation, ready to explore this fabled archipelago. This trip is especially meaningful to me, as I've longed to share the stark beauty of Scandinavia with my family, hoping they'll find as much inspiration in these landscapes as I do.



Our first day was a blend of natural wonders and historical reflection, a perfect introduction to Lofoten's multifaceted appeal. The winter light here is something else entirely—a soft, ethereal glow that paints the snow-covered mountains in hues of blue and pink. It's a photographer's dream, and even my humble snapshots can't help but capture some of the magic. The temperature hovers around freezing, but with the right layers, it's perfectly comfortable for exploring.



We started our Lofoten adventure with a hearty breakfast at FURU Café in Bøstad. The café was so cozy, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air. I opted for a traditional Norwegian breakfast of smoked salmon and brown cheese on rye bread, while Maximilian enjoyed a hearty bowl of porridge. Linnea, of course, chose a warm chocolate croissant, her eyes sparkling with delight. Fully energized, we set off to explore Lofotodden National Park.




Explore the breathtaking beauty of Lofotodden National Park, a natural paradise in Norway with stunning landscapes and rich wildlife.

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are made not by seeking the extraordinary, but by embracing the simple wonders that surround us.

Lofotodden National Park, located on the island of Moskenesøy, is Norway’s youngest national park, established in 2018. The park’s dramatic landscape features pointed peaks surrounded by open sea and narrow fjords. Though the weather was a bit chilly, the views were simply breathtaking. The park is easily accessible and offers many scenic experiences. The stark beauty of the landscape was mesmerizing. We took a leisurely walk along one of the trails, Linnea bundled up in her warmest clothes, marveling at the snow-covered rocks and the icy waves crashing against the shore. The park truly captures the essence of Lofoten's rugged charm. The park is also an important habitat for various species of plants and fungus and is home to sea eagles and marine mammals.



After our invigorating hike, we drove to Svolvær to visit the Lofoten War Memorial Museum. As a librarian with a keen interest in history, I was eager to learn more about Lofoten's role during World War II. The museum has Norway's largest exhibition of uniforms and smaller objects from WWII. It shows a balanced picture from the dramatic period of 1940–1945 and has many rare and never-before-published pictures from the war. Many of the soldiers that took part in the battle around Narvik came from Lofoten. The invaders were the elite special forces and best-trained soldiers in the world – the German alpinhunters – Gebirgsjäger. The museum had artifacts related to the German occupation of Norway from 1940–1945. The museum gave a view of the Second World War in Northern Norway and tells the story of the Allied commando raid, operation Claymore, on March 4th, 1941, on the Lofoten Isles. Maximilian, with his engineering mind, was fascinated by the military equipment on display, while Linnea was intrigued by the stories of everyday life during the war. The museum visit was a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made during those dark years.




Explore the Lofoten War Memorial Museum and uncover the rich history of World War II's impact on Norway's breathtaking Lofoten Islands.

Before dinner, we stopped by Lofoten Gaver og Brukskunst in Leknes, a charming gift shop. I wanted to find a special souvenir to remind us of our trip. The shop had a wide array of local crafts and souvenirs. I picked up a beautiful hand-knitted scarf and a small wooden troll for Linnea, who was instantly captivated by its whimsical appearance. It was a perfect way to support local artisans and bring a piece of Lofoten home with us. It was established in 1994 and is the leading gift and souvenir shop in Leknes.




Explore Lofoten Gaver og Brukskunst for unique gifts, local crafts, and unforgettable experiences in the stunning Lofoten Islands.

For lunch, we stopped at Brygga Restaurant in Å, known for its historical building from the 1800s with a rustic atmosphere. The restaurant is in a building that once housed fish receptions and stockfish storage. The restaurant offers a fantastic view of the sea and offers a menu that reflects the fishing village of Å. We enjoyed fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the stunning views of the sea. It was a perfect way to experience the local cuisine and soak in the atmosphere of a traditional fishing village.




Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine at Brygga Restaurant in Å – where local flavors meet stunning landscapes.

As evening approached, we made our way to Børsen Spiseri in Svolvær for dinner. The restaurant is housed in a venerable quayside warehouse dating back to 1828. Emphasis has been placed on maintaining the building's original features. The building’s historical attributes have been preserved, providing an atmosphere with an aroma of tar and rope. The restaurant is known for serving fresh ingredients from Lofoten's unique larder, with stockfish as a specialty. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food were the perfect end to our first day in Lofoten. Maximilian and I savored the local flavors, while Linnea happily munched on fish and chips. The restaurant is one of Lofoten's most renowned restaurants.




Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine at Børsen Spiseri in Svolvær – where fresh ingredients meet stunning views for an unforgettable dining experience.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll along the harbor, watching the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the water. The sky was clear, and we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing above us. It was a magical moment, one that I know we will cherish forever. The lights are most visible from late January to March, so we are very fortunate to see them this early in our trip. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.



As we head back to our cabin, I can't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to explore Lofoten with my family. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Nusfjord, a historical fishing village, and Uttakleiv beach, known for its stunning natural beauty. I'm particularly excited to see the traditional rorbuer (fishermen's cabins) and capture the dramatic landscapes with my camera. I’m also looking forward to trying Paleo Arctic for breakfast, Maren Anna for lunch and Restaurant Gammelbua for dinner. And maybe we'll even stop by Telegrafen pub og bar for a nightcap.



Lofoten has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings. It's a place where nature's grandeur meets cultural richness, offering a truly unforgettable experience. I am so happy to be sharing this with Maximilian and Linnea.