Lofoten Islands

We had high expectations for today, as we knew the ship was sailing into a particularly beautiful part of the coastline. Our breakfast stop was at Harstad, where upon leaving, the ship blasted the foghorn three times. The ship's captain lives in the town and was telling his mates that he was on his way.
A flying stop at Risoyhamn, before we hit the Ss's of Sortland, Stokmarknes, Svolvaer in the evening and Stamsund overnight. Stokmarknes is the location of the headquarters of Hurtigruiten, where the business started and where they have their museum. The stopover was for an hour - we took the opportunity for a quick walk in the snow.
The journey was all we expected on a bright sunny day, islands linked by bridges and ferries, a narrow passage (Raftsund) between Lofoten Island and its neighbour. Sea eagles in the air near Trollfjord and little settlements tucked into the hillsides, surrounded by snow covered mountains and trees. Marvellous.
The boys enjoyed a visit to Lotopils, a micro brewery, where they learned a little bit about the art of brewing up here, care of the founder and owner of the enterprise. They got to sample 7 of the pils and ales brewed on the premises which were very nice - the IPA being the favourite.Read more