Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Lofoten Islands

Echoes of History and Flavors of Lofoten

Today was a day of delving into the heart of Lofoten, a journey through its wartime past, its unique culinary traditions, and the artistry woven into its very fabric. It was a day of contrasts, from somber reflection to delightful discovery, each moment adding a new layer to our understanding of this remarkable place.

Our day began in Svolvær, where we fueled up for our explorations at HEIM. This cozy restaurant, with its innovative yet traditional menu, was the perfect spot to start the day. I opted for a hearty Norwegian breakfast, savoring the taste of local ingredients prepared with care. It reminded me of mornings back home in Kongsvinger, where simple, fresh food was always at the heart of our family meals. Liam, ever the adventurous one, tried something new – some sort of fish dish I couldn't pronounce. He seemed to enjoy it though!


Discover Heim in Ballstad: A culinary haven blending local flavors with stunning views for an unforgettable dining experience.

With our appetites satisfied, we set out to explore the Lofoten War Memorial Museum. Nestled in the center of Svolvær, it was easily accessible and held a wealth of information about the dramatic period of 1940-1945. As a Norwegian, I've always felt a deep connection to the stories of World War II, and this museum offered a poignant and balanced perspective on those difficult years.


Discover the Lofoten War Memorial Museum, an essential stop for history buffs exploring the rich wartime legacy of Norway's breathtaking Lofoten Islands.

The museum houses Norway's largest collection of uniforms and smaller objects from the Second World War. It was incredibly moving to see these artifacts, each one a silent witness to the events that shaped our history. The exhibits are arranged in an un-informal manner, which somehow made the experience even more personal and impactful. I found myself drawn to the photographs and personal stories, each one a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Liam, with his Irish heritage, also felt a strong connection to the stories of resistance and perseverance. We spent hours studying the exhibits, discussing the events, and reflecting on the lessons learned. The museum also has many rare and never before published pictures from the war.

History is not just about dates and battles; it's about the people whose lives were touched by those events, and the lessons we can learn from their experiences.

Leaving the museum, we carried with us a sense of solemn respect for those who had sacrificed so much. It was a stark reminder of the importance of peace and understanding in our world. It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of Lofoten, but it’s important to remember the history that shaped it. The Lofoten Raid, the first of its kind during the war, held a particular significance.

Our historical journey continued with a visit to the Lofoten Tørrfiskmuseum, dedicated to the art of making stockfish. Now, I know what you might be thinking – a museum about dried fish? But trust me, it was far more fascinating than it sounds. Tørrfisk, or stockfish, is a staple of Norwegian cuisine, and Lofoten is renowned for producing some of the best in the world. The museum is run by Steinar Larsen, an enthusiastic and polyglot owner who greets every visitor. His passion for the subject was infectious, and we quickly found ourselves engrossed in the process of catching, drying, and preparing this unique delicacy. We learned about the different grades of stockfish, the traditional methods used to dry the fish in the Arctic air, and the importance of this industry to the local economy. I even got to try my hand at sorting the fish, which was much harder than it looked!


Explore Norway's fishing heritage at Lofoten Tørrfiskmuseum, where tradition meets breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Lofoten Islands.

After our immersion into the world of stockfish, our stomachs started to rumble, so we headed to Restaurant Nihao Lofoten for lunch. I know, I know, Chinese food in Norway? But after days of traditional Norwegian fare, we were both craving something different. Plus, I had read great reviews about this place, and I was eager to try it for myself. The restaurant has a convenient location which makes it easy to find.


Discover authentic Chinese cuisine at Restaurant Nihao Lofoten in Svolvær – where culinary tradition meets Norwegian charm.

Restaurant Nihao is known for its authentic Chinese dishes, prepared with care and attention to detail. We started with the wonton soup, which was flavorful and comforting. For our main courses, Liam ordered the Kung Pao chicken, while I opted for the steamed cod, wanting to try a local twist on Chinese cuisine. Both dishes were delicious, and we savored every bite. The staff were friendly and attentive, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. It was a delightful culinary detour that left us feeling refreshed and energized.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at Lofoten Wool / Henningsvær. I’ve always loved knitting, a hobby I picked up from my grandmother back in Norway, and I was eager to see what local yarns and patterns they had on offer. The shop was a treasure trove of hand-knitted sweaters, beanies, mittens, and wool socks. The wool comes from local sheep. I was particularly drawn to the traditional Norwegian patterns, and I ended up buying a skein of yarn in a beautiful shade of blue, inspired by the color of the Arctic sky. Liam, surprisingly, also found something he liked – a warm, woolen hat that he claimed would be perfect for our hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Perhaps I can knit him something with my new yarn!


Discover authentic Norwegian craftsmanship at Lofoten Wool in Henningsvær, your go-to spot for exquisite sheepskin and wool products.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Paleo Arctic for dinner. This restaurant, located in the Thon Hotel Lofoten, takes its inspiration from the Paleolithic period, using only the purest ingredients from nature's larder. The atmosphere was elegant and inviting, and the menu was filled with innovative and exciting dishes. We decided to try the tasting menu, which offered a culinary journey through the flavors of Lofoten. Each course was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. It was a truly unique dining experience, one that celebrated the natural bounty of this remarkable region.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine at Paleo Arctic in Svolvær, where local ingredients meet stunning Arctic views for an unforgettable dining experience.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Svolværgeita and Gallery Lofoten. Maybe we will stop by Styrhuset Pub later for a drink! It’s hard to believe that our Lofoten adventure is already halfway over. Each day brings new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. As I reflect on today, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore this incredible place and to share its stories with you. Lofoten is more than just a beautiful destination; it's a place that touches your soul and leaves you forever changed.

Before drifting off to sleep, I spent some time updating my travel journal, jotting down the highlights of the day and reflecting on the experiences we had shared. Liam, already snoring softly beside me, was dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. As I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that our Lofoten journey was far from over.