Exploring the Wild Beauty of Lofoten with My Wife

Summiting Offersøykammen and Coastal Delights

Day three in Lofoten, and the adventure continues! Today was a perfect blend of challenging hikes, stunning natural beauty, and satisfying culinary experiences. Greta and I embraced the Lofoten spirit, making memories that I know we'll cherish long after we've returned to Heidelberg.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Klatrekaféen in Henningsvær. It's such a cozy spot, a little bit of everything as they say themselves; a bit of a bar, a bit of a cafe, a bit of a pub. The atmosphere was buzzing with climbers, tourists, and locals all mingling together. I had a delicious fish soup, rich with paprika, while Greta opted for a crispy chicken burger. Fuelled up and ready for the day, we set off for our first major activity: hiking Offersøykammen.


Discover Offersøykammen: A breathtaking hiking area in Leknes, Norway, offering stunning views and diverse landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
The trailhead was easy to find, right off the E10 road. As we started our ascent, the path was initially gentle, winding through a small forest. Soon enough, the climb became steeper, a real calf-burner as we scrambled over rocks and uneven terrain. I was grateful for my hiking boots; they definitely saved me from a few potential slips. Greta, ever the steady climber, navigated the path with grace, pausing occasionally to snap photos of the emerging views. Despite the effort, the anticipation of the summit kept us motivated.

As we climbed above the treeline, the landscape opened up, revealing breathtaking panoramic views. The turquoise waters of the Nappstraumen fjord sparkled in the sunlight, and the distant mountains of Flakstadøya loomed majestically. The final push to the summit was the most challenging, a steep, rocky scramble that required both hands at times. But once we reached the top, all the exertion was instantly forgotten.

The view from Offersøykammen was simply sublime, a 360-degree panorama of Lofoten's raw, untamed beauty.

From the summit, we could see everything – the city of Leknes to the east, the dramatic peaks of Flakstadøya to the west, and the endless expanse of the Norwegian Sea stretching out before us. The wind was strong, but the views were worth braving the gusts. I spent a good half-hour just soaking it all in, capturing photos, and feeling an immense sense of accomplishment. Greta and I found a sheltered spot to enjoy a quick snack, savoring the moment and the stunning scenery.

The descent was just as challenging as the ascent, requiring careful footing on the loose rocks. We took our time, enjoying the changing perspectives and the unique flora of the mountainside. Back at the car, we felt tired but exhilarated, our bodies aching but our spirits soaring.

Next on our agenda was Eggum naturreservat, a coastal nature reserve known for its dramatic landscapes and opportunities to view the midnight sun. The drive to Eggum was scenic, winding through rolling hills and past traditional Norwegian farmhouses. Arriving at Eggum, we were immediately struck by the stark beauty of the landscape. The coastline was rugged and windswept, with rocky beaches and dramatic cliffs.


Explore the untamed beauty of Eggum Nature Reserve, where breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife create an unforgettable experience in Norway.
We explored the area on foot, following the well-marked trails that meandered along the coast. The air was fresh and clean, filled with the salty scent of the sea. We saw numerous seabirds soaring overhead, and Greta, with her keen eye for detail, spotted a variety of wildflowers blooming amidst the rocks. The landscape felt ancient and untouched, a testament to the enduring power of nature. The midnight sun wasn't visible today, but I can imagine how incredible it must be to witness the sun never setting over this dramatic landscape.

One of the highlights of Eggum was the Head sculpture by Markus Raetz, located about two kilometers past the main village. This intriguing artwork, part of the Artscape Nordland project, is a large stone head that rotates to face the sea or the land, depending on the weather. It added a touch of surrealism to the already stunning landscape.

After our hike and exploration of Eggum, we were ready for a late lunch. We stopped at Lofoten Seafood Center, hoping to sample some of the local delicacies. Unfortunately, it seems it was closed and there were no reviews of the restaurant itself. Instead, we opted for a quick bite at a local grocery store, grabbing some fresh bread, cheese, and smoked salmon for a picnic by the sea. It wasn't quite the gourmet experience we had hoped for, but the simple meal was satisfying, and the setting was unbeatable.


Experience authentic Norwegian flavors at Lofoten Seafood Center - where sustainability meets culinary excellence.
As evening approached, we made our way to Svolvær, the largest town in Lofoten, for our dinner reservation at Restaurant Nihao Lofoten. Finding an Asian restaurant in the middle of Lofoten was unexpected, but we were both craving something different after days of traditional Norwegian fare. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a diverse menu of Chinese and Asian dishes. I ordered the Kung Pao chicken, while Greta opted for the sweet and sour fried beef. The food was delicious, a welcome change of pace, and the service was friendly and efficient.


Experience authentic Chinese flavors in Svolvær at Restaurant Nihao – where culinary tradition meets breathtaking Lofoten scenery.
To cap off our day, we decided to visit Magic Ice Lofoten, an ice bar in Svolvær. I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but the experience turned out to be surprisingly fun. We were given warm coats and gloves upon entry, and then we stepped into a world of ice sculptures and frozen art. The bar was made entirely of ice, and even the glasses were carved from ice. The sculptures depicted scenes from Lofoten's history and culture, including Vikings, fishermen, and mythical creatures. It was a unique and quirky experience, a perfect way to end a day of adventure.


Discover the magic of ice artistry at Magic Ice Lofoten, a unique bar and art gallery in Svolvær blending stunning sculptures with vibrant nightlife.
As we drove back to our guesthouse, the sky was still light, a reminder of the endless daylight of the Lofoten summer. We reflected on the day's adventures – the challenging hike up Offersøykammen, the serene beauty of Eggum, the satisfying Chinese dinner, and the quirky fun of the ice bar. It had been a full and rewarding day, a perfect encapsulation of what makes Lofoten so special.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the beaches of Uttakleiv and Vik, hoping to capture some stunning coastal photos. I'm also looking forward to visiting Lofoten Wool / Høystålet, a local shop specializing in traditional Norwegian wool products. Until then, I'll savor the memories of today and dream of the adventures to come.

I'm also glad I didn't forget my camera today, as I almost did. I would have been kicking myself if I had forgotten it! I'll make sure to have my power bank fully charged for tomorrow, though, as I don't want to run out of battery while capturing the beauty of Uttakleiv and Vik beaches!

Tonight, as I write this, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this incredible place with my wife. Lofoten is more than just a destination; it's an experience that touches the soul. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel, to explore, and to share my experiences with all of you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy a well-deserved night's sleep, dreaming of mountains, seas, and ice sculptures. Goodnight from Lofoten!