Evening in Lofoten

Day 9: Lofoten

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Early in the evening, we made a brief stop in Svolvaer. This picturesque harbor overlooks the Vestfjord. Our one hour stop gave us just enough time to walk around his fishing village before returning for dinner.

Svolvær

One of the world's largest seasonal fisheries takes place in Lofoten. From mid-February until the end of April, Lofoten is full of life. The Arctic cod migrates from the vast, nutritious areas of the Barents Sea in its millions, en route to the spawning grounds near Lofoten to continue the species.

Arctic Cod

Hurtigruten's Classic Coastal Norway Voyage offers the opportunity to taste regional food each day of the trip.   Today's menu included locally caught arctic cod.  There's nothing like fresh fish caught that same day and prepared for dinner.

Svolvær is not just a center for fishing. In the winter streets are full of skiers on their way to the winter sports center, as well as artists who flock here for the local scenery, the colourful street life and, perhaps more than anything else, the light. Lofoten’s outstanding nature has inspired and attracted artists for years, leaving Vågan with the highest number of established artists and one of Northern Norway’s most important art communities, with galleries and museums almost everywhere you walk.

Additional photos can be found on our Norway Shutterfly page

Svolvaer
Norway's Coastal Kitchen





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Taste of Vesteralen

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Just north of the Lofoten Islands and the Arctic Circle, the archipelago of Vesterålen reaches out westwards from mainland Norway and into the Atlantic Ocean. Since our ship was Hurtigruten MS Vesteralen, we had to sign up for this optional excursion.

Harstad - Trondenes Chruch 

Our tour started with a short sightseeing jaunt through the streets of Harstad before traveling by bus to the Trondenes peninsula. The first stop was at Trondenes Church, a white medieval church, one of North Norway's premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages.


Trondenes Historical Center


Set in historical surroundings on the Trondenes peninsula, just outside Harstad center, is the Trondenes Historical Center.

After visiting the interior of the Trondenes Church we walked along the pathway to the center building. The sun glistened on the water and snow making for some great photo opportunities.

Once inside the building, we visited an exciting exhibition complete with sounds, smells, and original objects from the region throughout history from the Viking and Middle Ages through today.

Hinnøya Island & Crossing Gullesfjord by Ferry

Our bus tour continued across Hinnøya Island, where we viewed beautiful fjords, steep mountains, and large fertile agricultural fields. We continued through the winding roads until coming to the ferry boarding location.

Our bus pulled onto the ferry, we unloaded, and went upstairs to a cafe where we enjoyed a hot drink and some freshly baked cakest.  It took about 30 minutes to cross the Gullesfjord by ferry, and then we drove off to continue our tour.

Sigerfjord to Sortland 

The tour then continued along the Sigerfjord to Sortland. We stopped at a scenic overlook and then proceeded through the region, where we rejoined the ship. This was a very enjoyable excursion.

For those that opt to stay onboard the ship instead of touring, the island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning scenery you see during the entire coastal cruise. The Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, wild nature, and small, picturesque fishing villages. The daylight sailing route through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many of Hurtigruten's guests.

Additional photos can be found on our Norway Shutterfly page

Harstad
Trondenes Church
Trondenes Historical Center
Hinnøya Island
Gullesfjord by Ferry
Sigerfjord to Sortland





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Sun Kissed Oksfjord

Øksfjord 

Sailing north, Øksfjord is Hurtigruten's first port of call in the county of Finnmark. At above 70˚ we found ourselves in the true high north. To the southeast you can glimpse Norway’s fifth largest glacier, Øksfjordjøkulen (nearly 4,000 feet above sea level). This is the only glacier on mainland Norway to 'calve' directly into the sea, a uniquely arctic phenomenon. The district has a population of 500 and Øksfjord is the administrative center for the municipality of Loppa. Fish processing plants and a shipyards speak to an area dependent on the bounty of the sea.

The sun was starting to set as we sailed towards Øksfjord.  It cast its shadow on the snow-capped mountain peaks along our route.  Sailing closer to town, we could see colorful houses clinging to the dramatic mountain landscape in this small fishing community.

Additional photos can be found on our Norway Shutterfly page

Sailing Oksfjord





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Hammerfest World's Northernmost Town

Hurtigruten Classic Voyage Norway

With temperatures soaring into the 90's in most parts of the United States this weekend before the 4th of July, we decided to return to our winter coastal voyage of Norway. We continue our journal on day eight. Our ship, Hurtigruten  Ms. Vesteralen, visited Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world.

Meridian Column

On arrival here, we boarded a bus which took us to the Meridian Column, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites and commemorates the first official measurement of the exact size and shape of the Earth. From there we had a spectacular view of Melkøya and the Snøhvit field.

Mount Salen

From Meridian Column, we headed up Mount Salen. Our guide explained more about Hammerfest’s unique history, including an insight into both Sámi history and culture and Europe’s first LNG factory (Liquid Natural Gas).

Hammerfest was established in 1789 at the site of an ancient anchorage. The first part of the name, 'Hammer', derives from the Old Norse word, 'Hamarr', which means 'steep mountainside'. The second part of the word, 'fest', comes from the Old Norse word, 'festr', which means 'fastening' (for boats).

 From Salen there are great views over the town and our waiting ship. Before we returned to the quay, we drove past the town church which features unusual architecture inspired by fish drying racks.

Additional photos can be found on our Norway Shutterfly page

Hammerfest





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