Lofoten Islands in Norway

For one of this week’s blog posts I am blogging about Norway, a country that although isn’t very warm, contains a lot of beauty and nature.  One of the exciting features Norway offers is a stay in their rorbu cabins. Rorbu cabins are lake cabins that used were originally built for fishermen when they would stay for months at a time, fishing in Norway, but have now been converted to housing accommodations for travelers.  Waking up in the morning to see the mountains as a backdrop to a beautiful, clear lake is something you can’t find in Iowa. 

For me, the most enticing feature Norway offers is the breath-taking view of the northern lights. Although there is not a specified time to see the northern lights, you have a good chance of seeing them the twenty-first of September to the twenty-first of March.  You have to be patient when trying to observe the lights, because the times you are most likely to see them is 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. so be willing to stay up late! 

Getting around the islands in Norway is relatively easy, a ferry boat, decently priced, makes several trips to the islands multiple times each day so you can fully enjoy the extent of what Norway has to offer!

The island of Store Molla is great for hiking and cycling if you are the outdoorsy type.  Fishing is also excellent in Norway, especially the Arctic cod.  The world championship in cod fishing is held in Norway due to the impressive size of the Arctic cod, so while visiting Norway you just might see a record set!

The Lofotr Viking Museum is a fascinating attraction, held in a recreation of the largest house ever found from the Viking age (the original built in 500 A.D.).   While at the museum you can stay for dinner, (for a small fee), and eat some wild boar and lamb accompanied by a traditional Viking drink mead, (for those 21 and older).  Along with a traditional Viking dinner, a recreation of life in the Viking age is provided for your enjoyment.

The Reine Rorbuer is an excellent place to stay at the Lofoten Islands in Norway; they feature Rorbu cabins and excellent views (the picture at the top).  Staying in their Rorbu cabins for one week from October twenty-first to October twenty-eighth only costs two hundred and ten dollars; you’ll probably pay more for traveling to Norway than actually staying there!

Norway is beautiful and peaceful, and although it doesn’t have the warmest climate (high of 55 degree Fahrenheit right now), you can enjoy the culture and nature it provides for free. 
-Enjoy where you are for however long you're there, Samantha