Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Lofoten Islands

A Lofoten Farewell

As our Lofoten adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey Liam and I have shared. Today was a day of tying up loose ends, revisiting favorite spots, and soaking in the last moments of this breathtaking landscape. It's bittersweet, as always, but I know we'll carry the memories made here close to our hearts.

Our final day in Lofoten began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant Gammelbua in Reine. The charming 18th-century building exuded a cozy atmosphere, with its welcoming fireplace and rustic decor. I opted for a traditional Norwegian breakfast, while Liam, ever the adventurous one, tried the stockfish omelet – a local delicacy. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our last day of exploration. Gammelbua serves delicious breakfasts regardless of the season.


Experience exquisite Norwegian cuisine in the heart of Reine at Restaurant Gammelbua - where local flavors meet breathtaking views.

After breakfast, we decided to take one last scenic drive, this time heading towards Selfjorden. The drive itself was a treat, with the road winding along the coastline, offering panoramic views of the fjords and mountains. Selfjorden is a captivating destination framed by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters. The vibrant greenery contrasted beautifully with the deep blue waters, creating an idyllic setting for memorable photographs. We stopped at a few viewpoints along the way, snapping photos and simply breathing in the fresh, crisp air. The serene atmosphere allowed for moments of reflection and appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds you.


Explore Selfjorden: A breathtaking hiking paradise in Lofoten, Norway, with stunning fjord views and rich natural beauty.

Our next stop was Uttakleiv Beach, home to the famed Dragon's Eye. I had seen so many pictures of this natural wonder, but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. Dragon's Eye is a natural hollow in the rocks that looks like a reptilian eye. The boulder at the bottom stands out against white sand and algae, forming the eye's pupil. It was a bit of a scramble over the rocks to reach it, but the view was well worth the effort. The Dragon's Eye measures roughly 5 feet across and looks different depending on the time of day and tides.


Explore the stunning Dragon's Eye beach in Leknes, Norway, where unique rock formations and breathtaking views create a natural paradise.

The beauty of Lofoten lies not just in its landscapes, but in the way it invites you to slow down and appreciate the simple moments.

After our geological adventure, we decided to embrace the Lofoten spirit of adventure and head to Lofoten Surfsenter. Neither of us are experienced surfers, but the idea of catching a wave in the Arctic Circle was too tempting to resist. We rented boards and wetsuits, and after a quick lesson from one of the instructors, we were ready to brave the waves. The water was chilly, to say the least, but the adrenaline kept us going. I managed to stand up for a few glorious seconds before wiping out, while Liam showed a surprising natural talent. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and a whole lot of fun. Lofoten is known for having some of Europe's best waves.


Experience the thrill of surfing in the breathtaking Lofoten Islands at Lofoten Surfsenter, your destination for adventure and unforgettable memories.

After our surfing adventure, hunger pangs started to kick in, so we headed to Lofoten Seafood Center for a late lunch. We indulged in some of the freshest seafood we've ever tasted, savoring every bite while reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip. I had the fish soup, while Liam enjoyed a platter of grilled shrimp and mussels. Seafood trumps all in Iceland, sourced fresh year-round from the waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic.


Discover the flavors of Norway at Lofoten Seafood Center - where fresh catches meet culinary excellence amidst stunning coastal scenery.

With the afternoon sun beginning to dip towards the horizon, we made our way to Nusfjord, one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Lofoten. We wandered through the charming streets, admiring the traditional wooden houses and soaking in the atmosphere of this historic place. It felt like stepping back in time, imagining what life must have been like for the fishermen who once called this place home. We ended our tour of Nusfjord with dinner at Karoline Restaurant. The restaurant is located in a former dried fish store. The restaurant is one of Lofoten's largest and most sought-after restaurants during the summer months. The Storbrygga is the former dried fish store in Nusfjord and is now the site of Karoline Restaurant.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine amidst stunning fjord views at Karoline Restaurant in Nusfjord.

As I sit here now, writing this final blog post from our Lofoten adventure, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. This trip has been everything I hoped for and more – a chance to reconnect with nature, to challenge ourselves, and to create lasting memories with my husband. The autumn colors are beautiful in September, and the weather is still not too cold.

Lofoten, you have captured our hearts with your dramatic landscapes, your rich cultural heritage, and your warm, welcoming people. We will never forget our time here, and I know we will be back someday to explore more of your hidden gems. Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we start our journey back home to Banff. While I am excited to return to our cozy mountain town, a part of me will always remain here, in the untamed beauty of the Lofoten Islands. I'm already looking forward to sharing our photos and stories with friends and family, and perhaps inspiring them to embark on their own Lofoten adventure. And who knows, maybe I'll even pick up knitting traditional Norwegian patterns again, as a way to keep the spirit of Lofoten alive in my everyday life.

Until next time, Lofoten. Farewell, and thank you for everything.