On the first day of my Lofoten trip, I arrived in Bodø by plane and picked up my rental car.

Finally, the road trip could really begin. And we enjoyed every second of the drive through the autumnally colorful landscape. The weather was kind to us and we stopped at practically every corner. But that's exactly what makes a Lofoten road trip, in my opinion! 

When we reached the Lofoten Apartments, our accommodation for the next two nights, our happiness was perfect. This is located in the building of a former fish processing plant. Which explains the location directly on the water in a small fjord. We are speechless. As if it couldn't get any better, we are even rewarded on the same evening with Northern Lights dancing across the sky. What a welcome to the Lofoten Islands!

We experienced that the sun doesn't always shine on a Lofoten road trip on the third day. It rained. And it rained all day. But we didn't let that get us down and explored the fishing village of Henningsvaer, which stretches over eight individual islands connected by bridges, wrapped in rain gear. That's why it's also nicknamed the “Venice of the North”. Henningsvaer is especially famous for its football pitch, which looks bombastic from a bird's eye/drone perspective. 

An absolute must-do in Hennigsvaer is the Café Klatrekafeen, which was so cozy that we got stuck there for half the day. With what we think is the best view of Hennigsvaer. Afterwards, we tried the hike to Heia, which we had to abandon after three-quarters of the way due to the really wet and slippery conditions. Safety first. On the way home we stopped at Rørvikstranda, which is worth seeing even in bad weather. Parking spaces were very well signposted and easy to find.

On day 4 of our trip, the weather was once again kind to us, and so in beautiful weather – interrupted by the obligatory photo stops – we made our way to the Viking Museum Borg. This is a combination of an indoor museum with audio guide and an open-air museum with live actors who explain their craft and tell extremely captivating stories about the Viking Age. The largest longhouse (83 m) from the Viking Age was found on site and has been rebuilt on the grounds. Very impressive and definitely recommended! 

Afterwards, we went for coffee and a delicious piece of cake to the cozy Huset Kafé in Leknes before I started the ascent to the Offersøykammen right on time for the golden hour. In retrospect, for me, the most beautiful hike in the Lofoten, which rewards the hardships of the ascent with an incredible 360-degree view. We ended the evening with pasta and Radler in our next accommodation, the cozy Buodden Rorbuer in Sørvågen. Parking spaces were very well signposted and easy to find.

On day 5, we explored the little town with probably the shortest name in the world, Å, in the morning. Å is the southernmost village of the Lofoten Islands and used to be an important fishing village whose history and culture still lives on in the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. For an entrance fee, you can visit the fishing huts and admire the traditional (handicraft) art exhibited inside. We are content to look at the pretty wooden houses from the outside, but we don't miss the opportunity to try the famous cinnamon buns baked in a wood oven at Bakeriet på Å, just like in the old days. Conclusion: Really good and definitely worth their almost 5 euros (each). 

At lunchtime, we set off on a promising hike: To Kvalvika beach, which can only be reached on foot. Contrary to some reports, this is quite doable, but the descent to the bay on the partially smooth stones requires sure-footedness. Appropriate footwear is therefore mandatory. Kvalvika beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway due to its location, surrounded by high mountains, its almost white sand and turquoise water. It is also extremely popular with surfers. So popular that two young Norwegians spent an entire winter here in 2012 in a self-built accommodation reminiscent of a hobbit hole. The hut and the toilet are still there today and can be visited or used. The film about the boys' stay in the bay is called "Nordfor Sola" and can be found on Netflix. In addition to the hut, there is also a very cool, self-made swing with a sea view on Kvalvika beach. The beach also serves as a starting point to Mount Ryten, which offers unparalleled panoramic views. I have planned this for a next visit. Parking spaces were well signposted and easy to find.

On our last full day, we visited the village of Nusfjord, which is the oldest and best-preserved fishing village in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nowadays, the village is half hotel, half museum and therefore has very limited opening hours (12:00 – 15:00). 

On the way, we stop at two photo spots. The first is the famous “red house”, which is basically a rather run-down cabin in a great location on Ramberg Beach (coordinates: 68.09808, 13.2435). Nevertheless, a great photo spot.

The next time we stop is on the road to Nusfjord, which runs very photogenically towards a rock face and is lined with colorful trees.

Finally, we reach the former fishing village of Nusfjord and park in the car park above the village. Here it is worth taking a short detour to the stones above, from where you have a great view of the village. The entrance fee to the village is 100 NOK, but we are allowed to visit all buildings open to the public. The village with its yellow and red wooden houses, nestled in a majestic mountain backdrop, is really extremely photogenic, but I personally find the mix of hotel and museum a bit strange. The bakery is already closed for the season when we visit, but I fall in love with the former Tante Emma Laden Landhandleriet Café with its turquoise-green built-in cupboards and old-fashioned flair. This also includes a small café with vintage furniture, where we eat super delicious waffles with jam and cream (so delicious that we even order more). Parking spaces were very well signposted and easy to find.

Afterwards, we continue to Fredvang, the starting point of our hike to Yttersandheia. This hike is very easy to do apart from the altitude, but offers really breathtaking panoramic views. A big recommendation from me! We end the last evening with a pasta meal in our fishing hut and are even lucky enough to see the Northern Lights one last time late in the evening. What a beautiful end to our Lofoten trip.

On our last half day in Lofoten, we explore the charming Reine, often described as the most beautiful village in Norway. And yes, the historic center with its many red wooden houses is truly extremely photogenic in combination with the water and mountain scenery. However, because this part of the village now consists only of holiday homes, it also feels somewhat lifeless. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth a visit! Many also start in Reine for the well-known hike to Reinebringen, which we postpone to another time due to the later booked ferry. 

We continue to Sakrisøy, the transit village with the typical yellow houses. Right next to the "yellow house" in Sakrisøy, which has become known through Instagram, is probably the most famous fish restaurant in Lofoten: Anita's Sjømat. Here you can try specialties such as whale or stockfish, buy delicacies and souvenirs, or eat the house's "signature dish": fish burger. The "Winnie The Pooh" Burger contains not only a fish patty but also shrimps and smoked salmon. Although I am usually vegetarian, I make a fish exception in this case. And I must confess, it's worth it! Even for the really hefty prices. A nice treat is also the view of the water, the mountains and the yellow house. 

With full stomachs, we drive to the ferry terminal in Moskenes, where we join the queue and arrive safely in Bodø about 3.5 hours ferry ride later. We check into our modern Thon Hotel Nordlys, beautifully located on the harbor, and end our last evening with delicious all-you-can-eat pizza at Egon. The hotel is highly recommended not only because of its great Northern Lights rooms but also because of the outstanding breakfast, which I treat myself to before my flight home. Parking spaces were very well signposted and easy to find.

On the last day, we returned our rental car and made our way home from the airport.