Exploring the Wild Beauty of Lofoten with My Wife

A Day of Discovery in Lofoten

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the unique blend of art, culture, and culinary delights that Lofoten has to offer. It's amazing how much character is packed into these islands, and I'm excited to share our experiences. From thought-provoking sculptures to quaint shops and delightful restaurants, Lofoten continues to surprise and enchant us.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Live Lofoten Restaurant. The hotel had a great view of the mountains and the sea. We fueled up for the day ahead, eager to explore more of what Lofoten had in store. Greta was especially excited, as she had read about some unique art installations she wanted to see. After breakfast, we set out to find the first attraction on our list: Skulpturlandskap - Lauerbærblad.

This morning, we decided to explore the Skulpturlandskap Nordland, specifically seeking out the Lauerbærblad sculpture. The idea behind Skulpturlandskap Nordland is that each sculpture creates its own space, giving the location a new dimension through art. It’s essentially an art gallery without walls or a roof, spread across 35 municipalities in Nordland. The artists design their works after visiting the assigned municipality, familiarizing themselves with its nature and culture. The Lauerbærblad sculpture was truly something to behold, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.


Experience the stunning fusion of art and nature at Skulpturlandskap - Lauerbærblad in Norway, where contemporary sculptures meet breathtaking landscapes.

We took our time wandering around the sculpture, discussing its meaning and how it interacted with the environment. Greta, with her architect's eye, was particularly fascinated by the way the artist had used the natural light and shadows to enhance the piece. I, of course, was busy snapping photos, trying to capture the essence of the sculpture against the backdrop of the Lofoten scenery. The landscape was full of green grass and vibrant vegetation, as May brings a certain lushness to the area. The sun was out, and the temperature was mild, perfect for a morning of art appreciation.

Next on our itinerary was Hanna’s cairn, a historical site that promised stunning panoramic views. We drove along the winding roads, passing more of those iconic red rorbuer (fishermen's cabins) that seem to cling to the coastline. The drive itself was a treat, with every turn offering a new, postcard-worthy vista. As we approached Unstad, where Hanna's cairn is located, we could see the monument perched atop a hill, silhouetted against the sky.

The hike up to Hanna’s cairn was invigorating. The trail was a bit rugged, but the views along the way were more than worth the effort. As we climbed higher, the landscape opened up, revealing the dramatic coastline and the vast expanse of the Norwegian Sea. The cairn itself is a stone monument that stands as a tribute to the local heritage. It was built to honor Hanna, a local woman who, according to legend, saved several fishermen during a fierce storm. Standing there, surrounded by such raw natural beauty and steeped in local history, was a truly humbling experience.


Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Hanna's Cairn in Unstad, Norway, a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After soaking in the views and paying our respects to Hanna, we made our way back down to the village of Reine for lunch. We decided to try Tapperiet Bistro, a charming restaurant known for its delicious Norwegian cuisine. The bistro had a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a midday meal. Greta opted for the fish soup, while I decided to try their highly recommended fish and chips. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was a delightful experience.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine at Tapperiet Bistro in Reine, where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.

The weather was perfect for sitting outside, so we grabbed a table on their terrace. The fresh air and the stunning views of Reine made our lunch even more enjoyable. The bistro was conveniently located near the bus stop, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. We chatted about our morning adventures, savoring the flavors of Lofoten and the joy of experiencing it together.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to explore Sakrisøy Antikk og Brukthandel, an antique shop located on the picturesque island of Sakrisøy. The shop was a treasure trove of vintage finds, from porcelain dolls to old nautical instruments. It was fascinating to wander through the aisles, imagining the stories behind each item. Greta, with her keen eye for design, was particularly enthralled, spotting several unique pieces that she thought would look perfect in our Heidelberg apartment.


Explore the enchanting world of antiques at Sakrisøy Antikk og Brukthandel in Reine, where every item has a story to tell.

The owner of the shop was a friendly, chatty woman who shared some interesting anecdotes about the history of Sakrisøy and the items in her collection. She told us that the shop had been in her family for generations and that many of the antiques had been salvaged from old fishing boats and houses in the area. It was like stepping back in time, surrounded by the echoes of Lofoten's past.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Underhuset for dinner. Located in Sakrisøy Rorbuer, this restaurant offers a unique blend of Mexican cuisine with a Norwegian touch. I was intrigued, especially after reading some reviews that praised the chef's innovative use of local ingredients.


Discover Underhuset in Reine for an authentic taste of Norway amidst stunning natural beauty.

Underhuset turned out to be a culinary revelation. The chef, Tomás Morales, has created a menu that celebrates Mexico's vibrant flavors while incorporating the fresh, local ingredients of Lofoten. We started with the reindeer guacamole, which was an unexpected but delicious combination. For our main courses, Greta had the cod tacos, while I opted for the pork tacos. The food was expertly prepared, and the flavors were bold and exciting. The atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and charming, with a homey decor that made us feel right at ease.

The restaurant is situated alongside the cabins at the quay of Sakrisøy Rorbuer. We had a beautiful view of the water as we enjoyed our meal. The staff was friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience. It was a perfect way to end a day of exploring the artistic and cultural treasures of Lofoten.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Svolværgeita and Unstad, Noruega. I'm excited to see the Svolvær Goat rock formation and experience the surfing culture at Unstad. Greta is already looking forward to capturing more stunning landscape photos, and I'm eager to try some more local cuisine.

As I sit here reflecting on our day, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of Lofoten. It’s amazing how much this place has to offer. Each day brings new adventures and discoveries, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

Good night from Lofoten!