For travellers looking for the perfect destination that combines montains with turqoise waters and tempertaures cool enough to not leave you sweltering, this is the place to put on your radar.
Underrated amongst all the travel buzz, this beautiful set of islands in Norway offers a tranquil summer escape that you may have never considered before.
The Lofoten Islands are a premier choice, situated far above the Arctic Circle, with a landscape that somehow feels both tropical and alpine-like and a sense of tranquillity. As Europe's beaches are crowded with tourists this summer, this archipelago offers a bright and breezy alternative.
The area is known for its unique experience of 24 hours of daylight during the peak of summer. It's these long-lasting hours of sun that allow for completely breathtaking experiences, which the 'midnight sun' allows for, from night hiking with panoramic views to kayaking on the still waters under the light night sky.
With a number of islands to choose from within the area, you are spoilt for choice with differing encounters as you take your pick from its range of picturesque coastal villages.
Life in Lofoten revolves around the sea and the mountains, and so most of its activities involve just that. With the Lofoten Islands connected together like pearls on a string, it's easy to hop around in between your stay and make the most of what they have to offer.
Keen hikers can't help themselves, as many visitors opt to take on the steep trail up to Reinebringen, a 48-metre-high mountain peak with spellbinding views. Although it only takes one to two hours to descend, it is a slightly more accessible route for those who aren't used to long treks, although the route does prove to be challenging.
There are a number of kayaking and canoeing experiences that can be booked both online and out there as a popular activity within the area. It's the ideal way to discover the island's best angles and see the peaks from down below, many of which people opt to do during the seasons and times that allow for a sunset view along the water.
For those who wish to indulge in the outdoors with less sense of adventure or exercise, there are a number of beaches dotted around the islands. These include Kvalvika Beach, Rambergstranda Beach, Uttakleiv Beach and Bunes Beach, all of which are listed on TripAdvisor within the top 10 things to do on the islands.
There's an endless answer to where you could stay when visiting the archipelago, but there are some standout villages with a rich history and true sense of nature.
Å in Lofoten is the southernmost village on the E10 highway, with a deep-rooted fishing heritage, highlighted in its delicious food offering and the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. Although what are potentially the most recognisable are Reine and Hamnøy, which sit close together and are known as the most photographed villages in all of Norway.
What makes them so distinctive are their red cabins, sitting quietly over the water. They can be found on the eastern side of the island of Moskenesøya.
For a slightly more built-up feel, Svolvær is the largest town and acts as the administrative hub of Lofoten, while Hinnøya is the largest of the islands and in all of Norway, offering more space for play.
Dependent on the experience you'd prefer to have really depends on where you place yourself and which town or village will act as your hub, but thanks to their close proximity, tourists can venture around the rest of the islands and villages with ease.
