An Island Paradise

The Lofotens - a place of jagged peaks, sandy white beaches, turquoise blue sea and 'weather'

We get to understand very quickly what Jakob, our lovely guide means by 'weather'. We also learn about the term two gortex hike.

It's much cooler this far north ad one side of the islands can be sunny while the other is wet.

This place doesn't disappoint - the views from the trails are stunning. Suddenly you go from sunny weather to be engulfed by clouds with the wind trying to blow you off the mountain.

The small towns here are so picturesque. Some of them are no longer working fishing villages but the enterprising locals have helped preserve many of them as great places for visitors such as Nyksund and Nusfjord.

There are lovely cafes and restaurants and the rorbuer (fisherman's huts) that you see on all the tourist brochures. They hug the coastline and accentuate the craggy mountains that form a backdrop. Inside, they are warm and comfortable with all the modern conveniences.

Now I'm back in Oslo about to set off on the next leg of my journey. And, the sun is shining!Read more