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About 150km above the Arctic circle, between the 67th and the 68th parallels, lies a real paradise on Earth, in Norway's Nordland region: the Lofoten archipelago. Rightfully known to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the Lofoten are absolutely magical: a range of mountains rising from the seas, bordered by colorful fishing villages, fine white sand beaches and flooded by sensational light and colors which endow the islands with an exceptional natural beauty. Understated.
The Lofoten are easily accessible by air to Leknes or Svolvaer, or by road from mainland Norway following the E10 which in turn connects the main islands of Austvågøy, Gimsøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy and Moskenesøy down to the southernmost town of Å. The isolated islands of Værøy and Røst are only accessible by ferry and/or helicopter or plane.
The Lofoten enjoy a relatively mild climate at this latitude, courtesy of the Gulf Stream which also brings tons of cod to Lofoten waters in winter. Fishing is indeed the islands' main industry and occurs primarily in winter. Then the archipelago dresses up with hundreds of racks of drying cod—something to bring your nostrils back to life! As summer arrives, the picturesque fishermen's shacks or "rorbu" and "sjøhus" are rented out for holidays. New rorbuer have also recently been built specifically for tourists, according to the traditional rorbu architecture. The Lofoten have succesfully integrated tourism in their economy whilst preserving their unique nature and traditions. In all Nordic countries summer is very special and a close synonym to resurection. The long-lasting daylight brings not only warmth, but also life to everything and everyone. Lofoten are no exception. Summer there is characterized by the midnight sun which one can contemplate from the beginning of June to mid-July. The everlasting daylight in the Lofoten is a passport to holidays that can be enjoyed nearly twice as much as anywhere south if you're ready to sacrifice your sleep a little :) Hiking, climbing, fishing, swimming (for the daring ;-), bird watching, photography etc are but a few of the activities you can enjoy in the Lofoten. I’m heading back as soon as possible!
You will find in this gallery pictures of the Lofoten! Board for Å, Sørvågen, Moskenes, Reine, Hamnøy, Nusfjord, Ballstad, Leknes, Unstad, Eggum, Stamsund, Henningsvaer, Kabelvåg, Svolvaer, the Trollfjord etc. And of course, witness the Midnight sun! |
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Your photographic guide to the World - Pictures of Lofoten © 2009 - www.snapi.org - All rights reserved Photos & Graphics properties of Guillaume Sébire
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