Head north to one of the world's most beautiful places

Taking the highway route on Norway’s Lofoten Islands might just be one of the world’s best road trips.

Located in northern Norway, the Lofoten Islands are a treat for the eyes with a perfect postcard scene at every twist of the road. The Lofoten Islands are located above the Arctic Circle and are picturesque both in summer and the colder months. The archipelago offers untouched mountains, fjords, wild sea cliffs and beaches. In summer, Lofoten Islands offers seemingly endless days with the sun barely dipping below the horizon, green fields, sheep grazing and awe inspiring mountains. 

One of my favourite road trips in all my world travels has been the drive from Leknes to Å during the summertime. I mean, look at this view! 

Here are a few of my favourites photo spots. For this road trip, most of the photos have been taken while driving on the main E10 Highway and in the villages located alongside the highway.

Reine

Reine has to be one of the most photogenic places in the world. It doesn’t matter that it was overcast, rainy, or misty during most of my visit – this place is still enchantingly beautiful with its soaring mountains, tranquil harbourside, and quaint red fisherman cottages.

At street level, it’s a quiet, sleepy town. Life seems to travel at a different pace here. Looking down on Reine from the Reinebringen peak (the trailhead is accessible from just off the highway), it’s breathtaking as you look down on the surrounding mountains, the town and see the islands connected by bridge after bridge.

Å

Å (pronounced ‘O’) is located near the southern end of the Lofoten Islands archipelago and at the end of the main E10 highway. One of the most popular attractions in Å is the  Norwegian Fishing Village Museum.

But for me, the highlight of my trip to Å was the bakery, which is housed inside an unassuming wooden building on the left as you enter town from the carpark. You smell it before you see it. Make sure you grab a fresh and warm cinnamon scroll or bread roll at the bakery – delicious! It’s the best thing on a cold and rainy day to squeeze into the warm oven bakery and see them making the cinnamon scrolls by hand. The smell of cinnamon and bread baking alone is heaven.

From the bakery, head down a path to the cliffs and the wild sea, and take a look at the drying fishheads – a sign of the town’s fishing heritage.

Nusfjord

The UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Nusfjord is another worthwhile stop for a spot of photography. It is about a 15-minute drive off the highway but is a worthy stop.

Nusfjord was a bustling fishing village and today features buildings dating back from the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are guided tours of the Cod Liver Refinery and the Fish Buying Station.

You don’t even have to stop in the major towns to take in the beauty of the Lofoten Islands. I had to stop the car countless times (it took me about three hours to drive the 64km between Leknes and Å because I had to stop to take in the view and snap a photo at least every 10 minutes.

How pretty is this view on the way to Nusfjord just off the E10 Highway.

Then there are views like this. See, beautiful even when it’s overcast. There are lots of scenes just like this all along the E10 and crossroads as you drive south from Leknes.

And don’t miss the pristine beaches with their clear azure waters fringed by bright green mountains. One beach to start at is Vik Beach (it’s along the highway route), but there’s a lot more scattered through the archipelago.

Things You Should Know:

• Hiring a car is the best way to see the Lofoten Islands as public transport is limited. Avis and Hertz have desks manned at Leknes Airport to meet flights, or you can hire a car from their Leknes depots.
• Leknes or Reine are good spots to base yourself from to explore the south of the Lofoten Islands.
• Allow plenty of time to get between villages. The roads are narrow and windy, and also you will probably stop a lot to take in the views.
• A road trip through the Lofoten Islands offers great views – but seeing the archipelago from above goes one step better. Explore the island on foot if you can.
• Bring a raincoat wherever you go. The weather often changes here, and rain is likely most days.

Lisa Owen is a pint-sized Australian following her dreams to travel to as many places as she can, and loves to share her photography, travel hacks, hiking adventures, and food discoveries along the way. At last count, she has travelled to more than 40 countries in between working in public relations and discovering hidden gems in Australia's great outdoors. Instagram: @_thelittleadventurer Facebook: The Little Adventurer Australia  

The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and are meant as travel inspiration only. They do not reflect the opinions of Cover-More Insurance. You should always read the PDS available from your travel insurance provider to understand the limits, exclusions and conditions of your policy and to ensure any activities you undertake are covered by your policy.