Lofoten
Lofoten is a group of rather remote islands off the west coast of Norway, inside the Arctic circle. It's possible to fly or take a ferry from Bodø on the mainland. Most people visit in the summer when it's light all day so in the larger settlements it get quite busy and it's best to book accommodation in advance.
There's lots of good walking, fishing and climbing on the islands and it's easy to get off the beaten track. The scenery is stunning.
Lofoten's attractions are quite widely spaced so it's best to hire a car and be prepared to take ferries between the islands (hiring a car on Lofoten is cheaper than hiring on the mainland and taking the car on the ferry). Svolvær is really the only major town but here activity seems to carry on 24 hours a day. With the sun shining at midnight this seems quite natural but can be a bit disorientating.
Places
Å
At the end of the road to the south of Moskenesøy, Å is pretty and has an interesting museum about the production of stockfish and klippfisk. It's also the town with the shortest place name.
Sund
Has a small fishing museum and group of craft shops. The Smith sells steel figures, especially cormorants, and is fascinating to watch in action.
Borg
LOFOTR, the Viking museum and reconstruction is well done.
Vikten
A small, pretty settlement with a glass-blowers workshop and ceramic shop. The glass blowing is amazing to watch and the products are beautiful.
Highlights
Drying fish
Fish-drying racks are dotted all over the place. Empty or full, they are quite a sight and really define Lofoten for me.
Trollfjord
Cruises down this fjord are standard tourist fare but done with a sense of humour and the scenery is undeniably beautiful.