🇳🇴 Norway

After driving straight across Sweden for five days, we finally reached Senja, Norway's largest island, often lovingly called "Little Norway." And let me tell you – it was love at first sight. We'd heard so many wonderful things about the island, but nothing could have prepared us for just how breathtaking it really is. Before crossing the bridge to Senja, we made one last pit stop in Finnsnes, the final proper town before the island.

We spent a few incredible days in Tromsø, often called the "Gateway to the Arctic." It's the largest city in Northern Norway, and back in the 19th century, a French visitor gave it the nickname "Paris of the North." After spending some time here, we can see why – it's lively, stylish, and full of surprises, even this far above the Arctic Circle. Our first stop was the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), one of Norway's most distinctive and modern churches. With its striking triangular shape inspired by Arctic icebergs, it's impossible to miss.

After spending a few days in Tromsø, we travelled to Sommarøy, a tiny fishing village which literally means 'Summer Island' in Norwegian. This tiny fishing village is located about an hour west of Tromsø and is home to around 350 people and more seagulls than inhabitants. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Norway. We parked Wilma at a private campsite right by the sea. It was surrounded by crystal-clear water and white sand. It was beautiful to look at, and the weather was teasing us to go for a swim - but the water temperature isn't "pleasant" 🥶

We visited the Vesterålen Islands, a tranquil archipelago located just north of the Lofoten Islands. We arrived by ferry in Andenes, the northernmost town in the archipelago. The town is best known for whale watching, as the deep waters off the coast are home to sperm whales all year round.

Visiting the Lofoten Islands had been one of those long-held travel dreams. The kind you tuck away in your mind, hoping that one day life will line up perfectly and make it happen. And then suddenly, it did.

If you've ever wondered whether places from postcards actually exist, let me introduce you to Reine. Nestled among dramatic granite peaks, dotted with bright red fishermen's cabins, and surrounded by impossibly turquoise water, Reine is the kind of place that makes you stop mid-sentence and simply stare. It's often called one of the most beautiful villages in the world — and honestly, we get it.

After visiting Reine and the tiny village of Å at the very end of the road, we continued our journey to Vikten – a small and peaceful place known for its glass workshop and its stunning beach. The light there was absolutely magical. Soft, golden, and constantly changing, it turned the whole landscape into a painting. A group of photographers had gathered to capture the scenery, and we completely understood why.

One of our last stops on the Lofoten was Vik beach and Haukland beach (they are right next to each other). Supposed to be one of Lofoten's most beautiful beaches it doesn't disappoint. Beautiful white sand in a bay surrounded by mountains and perfectly oriented to allow for wonderful sunsets.

Vestersand – a name you won’t find on any tourist map, which is exactly why it was perfect. A tiny place somewhere in Norway, a lake, our camper van, and absolutely nothing else. No other travellers, no noise, just the gentle lapping of the water on the shore. We spent the night here and simply spent the evening gazing out at the water.