A must do Nordic trip – hiking in Lofoten

By Ria Mair, University of Helsinki, Finland

The Lofoten Islands, a beautiful archipelago located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, was the most breathtaking and fulfilling trip of my study abroad in Helsinki…

The Cabin in Kabelvaag

My home for the trip was a cosy little cabin right by the sea, which was perfect for a trip of long and exhausting hikes.  I shared the place with my good friend from the University of Helsinki, and three other exchange students that I did not know – my little family for the next week!  Showering, cooking and resting in the cottage became the prize after each day of physically pushing ourselves in the challenging day trips. 

A peaceful harbour just outside the cottage led to a sunset viewpoint, where I could sit, embrace the clean air and reflect on not just the surrounding nature, but my whole year abroad since the trip came at the time where “goodbyes” had begun.

Hiking in Fredvang

The first and hardest hike of the trip took place in Fredvang.  Our tour guide had previously briefed us that the hike was challenging but rewarding, and rewarding it certainly was. 

Within the first half an hour of the hike, it got considerably steep, and I was already blown away by the views of the deep blue ocean from the top. Little did I know just how extraordinary the view would get.

After reaching the first peak, I had a clear view of the gorgeous beach I would get to next, and then the real challenge of the day – a large peak that followed the trail up from the beach.

The hike consisted of periods of powering through and periods of stopping to admire the scenery.  Even thinking about it now washes me with a sense of calm.  The landscape was like nothing I had ever seen before – a beach with golden sand and turquoise water, and vast snow-covered mountains in the skyline.

A Henningsvær Boat Trip

We embarked on a day trip to Henningsvær, and I was very excited about the boat trip through the geographical feature Norway is notorious for: the fjords. 

The fjords only got larger and narrower during the boat ride, and when we stopped in the middle of one, a very fun activity began – feeding the seagulls in order to attract an eagle.

I watched as the guide chucked food into the sea, to be fought over by several seagulls, and finally when the guide had chucked more food, an impressive eagle with impeccable aim came and swooped in and grabbed it just before the seagulls could.  There were three incredible eagles surveying the area, and it was another fascinating part of the nature of Norway.

Relaxing at Skagsanden

A stop along the way home was at the beach, which was definitely a well-kept secret of Norway.  From witnessing each beautiful landscape, this trip was definitely a reset and also a reminder to appreciate our planet in the way that many Norwegians do by prioritising and preserving their natural habitats.