A dream come true: Finally reaching the Lofoten Islands

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.

We stepped off the ferry (Melbu - Fiskebøl) buzzing with excitement, both of us a little wobbly after a very lively crossing (my stomach definitely did not appreciate the ocean's enthusiasm). But the moment the jagged peaks of the Lofoten appeared through the mist, that queasy feeling disappeared instantly. We had arrived and it felt almost unreal.

And then came the real surprise: the Lofoten didn't just meet our expectations; they blew right past them. Every mountain ridge, every bay, every shift in light felt more dramatic, more powerful, more alive than any photo we had ever seen. And the best part? We could take our time. No rush, no schedule. Just days to explore one of the most breathtaking places on earth at our own pace.

The Lofoten are extraordinary in so many ways. Perched above the Arctic Circle, they're warmer than you'd expect thanks to the Gulf Stream. Their mountains are among the oldest on the planet, rising straight from the sea like ancient stone guardians. During summer, the sun refuses to set; in winter, it barely comes up. And everywhere you go, remnants of the islands' cod-fishing heritage are visible — from traditional rorbuer cabins to the wooden drying racks that have shaped local life for centuries.

We began our journey in the northern part of the islands and slowly made our way toward Svolvær, the unofficial capital. From there we continued to Henningsvær, a place that quickly won our hearts. Spread across several tiny islands connected by bridges, Henningsvær feels almost like stepping into a tiny Nordic universe of its own. Colourful houses, creative workshops, little galleries, and cafés filled with locals and travellers alike.

One spot we fell in love with was Trevarefabrikken, a former factory turned into a warm, eclectic café and cultural space. We liked it so much that we went twice, lingering over hot and cold drinks while staring out at the sea. Of course, we also had to visit the famous football pitch, which is dramatically perched on a rocky island surrounded entirely by water. It must be one of the most iconic pitches in the world.

Although we weren't the only people exploring the islands, travelling in the off-season meant that everything felt more calm and peaceful. There was life around us, but never any crowds. It was easy to breathe, to look around and simply enjoy being there. We could easily imagine how busy it must be in summer and how overwhelming it must feel for the locals at times.
As visitors — whether travellers, tourists or vanlifers — it is important to treat both the land and the people with respect, curiosity and kindness.

This was only the beginning of our incredible Lofoten journey…