Leknes/Lofoten Norway

Lofoten, an archipelago, has distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and untouched lands. Lofoten also has a rich history. Evidence of human activity is said to date back at least 11,000 years. There are two towns, Svolvær and Leknes – the latter is approximately 105 mi north of the Arctic Circle and approximately 1,500 mi away from the North Pole. The islands have for more than 1,000 years been the centre of great cod fisheries, especially in winter, when the cod migrate south from the Barents Sea and gather in Lofoten to spawn.

Our tour today covers:

1. Haukland Beach 

2. Lofoten Stockfish Museum - Located at the island of "A".  It is devoted to the production of Norwegian stockfish, one of Norway's oldest export commodity. The Museum is located in an old fish landing station. The museum displays the process from when the fish is brought ashore until it is finally packaged and ready for export.

3. Norwegian Fishing Village Museum - also located on the Island of "A" and The primary focus of the museum is life in the fishing village from approx. 1840 to 1960.

The beach from an aerial view: (of course I did not take this picture!)




However, these are pictures taken on the drive to get to the beach - gorgeous scenery








At the beach: We arrived early so practically had the beach to ourselves.  The waters were unbelievable clear and teal in color.  The clouds were an added bonus for creating amazing pictures.








Lofoten Stockfish Museum - we had a great docent at the stockfish museum.  He explained that the fish are plentiful in the winter so the fishermen arrive between Feb and April to catch and dry their fish outdoors on wooden racks.  After its three months hanging on the hjell, the fish is then matured for another two to three months indoors in a dry and airy environment. During the drying, about 80% of the water in the fish evaporates.The stockfish retains all the nutrients from the fresh fish, only concentrated: it is therefore rich in proteins, vitamins, iron, and calcium.

The dried fish are an especially popular export to the stockfish is mostly used as a snack and for lutefisk production. In Italy, the fish (called stoccafisso) is soaked and used in various courses, and is viewed as a delicacy. Stockfish are also popular in Nigeria.  Apparently the USA has significantly increased it's import of these dried fish.


Norwegian Fishing Village Museum 


The small red houses were typical of the houses that the fishermen lived in during the fishing season.  They were rented out to the men but are not being used as a hotel for tourist guests.




Drying racks for the cod - used during the fishing season between February to April.  Fish were not dried in the summer as it attracted animals and insect pests.  The best time for drying was during the cold, windy months of winter.








Driving back to the cruise ship....more beautiful scenery:







The midnight sun....




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