The Most Beautiful Place in Norway

Norway was the second stop on my Nordic adventure, and I had high expectations coming in. Americans tend to romanticize Scandinavia and hold it in high regard compared to the rest of the world. As a child, I was led to believe that Norway was some sort of utopia—a place where crime and poverty didn’t exist and social benefits uplifted every citizen. I wanted to see this magical land for myself to find out if it was really as advertised. I spent a week in Norway and decided to explore three areas: Oslo, the Lofoten Islands, and Bergen.

Oslo

To be honest, I didn’t find Oslo all that exciting. There wasn’t much to see, and the city felt soulless. However, I did appreciate the overall cleanliness. I could smell fresh pine trees as soon as I exited my hotel. The public transportation was quite easy to use and well kept. One thing that surprised me was the level of trust placed in Norwegians. I quickly noticed that citizens do not show their bus tickets upon entering the bus, which, as an American, was perplexing to me. This honor system that the locals relied on did, in fact, reinforce the stereotypes I had about Norway growing up.

Lofoten Islands

Lofoten is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Norway, and the place I enjoyed most. Situated at the 68th and 69th parallels north of the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway, this 1,227 km² archipelago boasts dramatic mountains, open seas, pristine beaches, and untouched landscapes. These islands are a must see if you’re in Norway.

How to get here

A flight is the only realistic option. From Oslo, you’ll need to fly to Leknes (LKN), which usually involves a layover at Bodø Airport (BOO). Direct flights from Oslo to Leknes are available during the peak summer season. Like everything else in Norway, the flight will be expensive; expect to pay anywhere between $450 and $850 for a round-trip ticket. There is another airport in Lofoten, in Svolvær (SVJ), but the drive from that airport to where you’d want to go is over two hours, compared to one hour from Leknes.

How many days do you need?

Three days is perfect in my opinion. 

1. Reine (I recommend you get a hotel here and use this as your base)
2. Henningsvær
3. Nusfjord
4. Svolvær (I didn’t visit but I heard it’s an alternative base to Reine)

Reine

Reine is considered the most picturesque village in Lofoten, offering dramatic mountain views and a charming waterfront. That being said, it is also the most touristy. I used Reine as my basecamp, which I recommend. It’s only an hour from the airport and has the most to see and do.

1) Hike Reinebringen 

This is one of the most spectacular views in all of Lofoten and one hike I highly recommend. Locals suggest hiking Reinebringen between May and September. The hike is steep, and one should pay attention to the weather forecast. I wouldn’t recommend this on a rainy day for two reasons: it’s hazardous, and the clouds will ruin your view. The entire hike should take around 2 hours.

2) Visit Hamnoy Huts

These traditional red fisherman’s cabins, known as rorbuers, are perched on stilts over the serene waters of Reinefjorden. With their charming, rustic appeal and breathtaking views of rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters, the Hamnøy huts provide a unique and authentic way to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Lofoten archipelago.

3) Try Whale Steak

Norway is one of the few countries where whale steak is served. I know, I know—what about the whales? Aren’t they endangered? If it makes you feel better, it’s the minke whale that is consumed, which is not endangered.

Henningsvær

Henningsvær is a picturesque fishing village known for its stunning natural beauty. Henningsvær’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it began as a small fishing settlement. The village’s strategic location in the Lofoten Islands made it an important hub for the region’s thriving cod fishing industry. By the late 1800s, Henningsvær had developed into a prominent trading post and a center for Arctic cod fisheries. Over time, it evolved into a charming village known for its distinctive architecture, picturesque harbor, and role as a cultural and artistic hotspot.

1) Walking Tour

There isn’t anything in particular to see here. Most people just park and walk around the village to shop, eat, and sightsee. Grab an ice cream, take a stroll, and chill by the harbor. Two hours is enough time to see the entire village.

Nusfjord

Nusfjord is a quaint, historic fishing village, renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture and stunning natural setting. Nusfjord offers a glimpse into Norway’s maritime heritage.

1) Nusfjord Fishing Village

You have to pay a fee of 100 NOK (around $10) to enter the village, which, in hindsight, didn’t seem worth it to me. There is a museum and a couple of shops to check out. One thing that made the day worth it was a little bakery right next to the entrance. They serve some of the best pastries in all of Lofoten, and according to one of the workers at the store, they are made by her grandma.

How to get around

Lofoten is a semi-remote archipelago, so it’s no surprise that getting around can be a challenge. Don’t expect to find taxis or a well-developed public transportation system. You’ll need to rent a car, which can be costly. I paid $1,000 (including insurance) to rent an electric vehicle (most cars in Lofoten are electric) for 3 days. Charging EVs in Norway is expensive, so expect to pay around $30 or more for a full charge. Note: You need an app to charge your vehicle in Norway, so download and register for these apps ahead of time! I had to learn this the hard way.

Overall Thoughts

Lofoten Islands are a stunning destination with breathtaking mountains, clear fjords, and great spots for outdoor activities. You can enjoy unique natural events like the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights. The cozy villages add to the charm of the place. Although you might face some challenges like unpredictable weather and higher costs, the incredible scenery and experiences make Lofoten a fantastic place to visit.