Norway Day 14 ~ The Lofoten Islands!

Our alarm was set for an early morning wake-up, and once we saw the 6am ferry leave the dock......

.....we drove the one kilometer to the ferry dock and ended up first in the reservation line. (While waiting, we had breakfast and enjoyed our tea and coffee.)  Then we drove onto the ferry.....

It was an uneventful 3.5 hour ferry ride, and we finally made it to The Lofoten Islands (which was originally going to be our first destination, but the all the rain, we changed direction).

(View from the stern.)

Views as we approached The Lofoten Islands.....

Our first destination was at the “end of the road” on the southern end of the island in a little hamlet called Å.  We grabbed fish and chips for lunch (just okay) and then slowly drove north along the many islands enjoying the many fabulous views along the way.

As we dove along the roads, there were many fish drying hjell (racks). Fish drying is a centuries-old Norwegian tradition of drying cod – still used today. In the winter, the cod is caught, cleaned, gutted, tied together, and hung by their tails. For about three months, the cod is exposed to the breezy and sunny arctic cold air to dry. The result is what is called stockfish. (Brad had some – it was good, but he prefers fresh cod.)

We eventually came across Flakstad Beach…notice past Brad (in jeans and down jacket) that there are a few people surfing – now that’s desperate – surfing in the cold Norwegian Sea! 😆

.... there were a few people surfing – now that’s desperate – surfing in the cold Norwegian Sea! 😆

Yep – still sheep in the road - this one napping in the sun…..

We decided to pay to camp at a nature reserve in Eggum........

.....with the intent of hiking along the western shore, and we did, but just a couple miles out as it was late in the day, more of just a walk, and we had to step around a lot of sheep droppings. It was beautiful, for sure.

We had dinner, and then watched the sun set over the Norwegian Sea.

Today's route......