Our arrival in Harstad, gateway to Lofoten

When we landed at Evenes airport, my wife and I knew that the adventure was about to begin. We were heading for Harstad, the first stage in our discovery of the Lofoten Islands. On the road, we were immediately struck by the raw beauty of the Norwegian landscape: majestic fjords, mountains, a special light that seemed unreal. Harstad, with its discreet charm, offered us a gentle transition before exploring the wonders of Lofoten.

1. Where are the Lofoten Islands?

For those of you wondering where the Lofoten Islands are located, it's a tiny dot lost on the map (take a look!), at about 400 km north of the Arctic Circle, along the Norwegian coast.

These isolated islands, known for their spectacular sceneryThe fjords, mountains and unspoilt beaches are so unique that they seem almost unreal.

To reach this magical place, simply leave Paris Roissy airport in the late morning and take a flight to Narvik/Evenes airport, with a stopover in Oslo. It takes around 6 hours (including the stopover) to land at the gateway to these islands.

A practical reminder As Norway is not part of the euro zone, it still uses its own currency, the Norwegian krone (NOK). Think about converting or withdrawing on site for your needs.

2. Evenes airport near Harstad

Narvik airport may be small, but it is the main airport in the Nordland region of Norway. Norwegians travel by car, of course, but they also travel a lot by plane and boat. Norway is 4,000km long from north to south and includes a large number of small islands, so these means of transport are both understandable and essential.

As soon as you arrive in Evenes, you can already feel a certain calm coming over you. The first thing you notice is the mountains on the horizon, with woods and tundra all around.

We get off the plane on the tarmac and take a short walk inside the airport. You can fill your lungs with fresh air. There's no crowd in the airport and a single baggage reclaim conveyor belt, so there's very little waiting time, whatever car hire counter you choose. (Having said that, there's nothing missing: 4 different car rental companies, restaurants, etc.).

Nevertheless, this airport has regular traffic and services to all of Norway's major cities and regions.

Pick up the car and we're off to Harstad and its port, another 50 km to the north-west, this time in the Troms region.

3. Harstad, Clarion Hotel

Harstad is the region's largest town, situated on the edge of the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos. With its 24,000 inhabitants, it offers a convenient and pleasant stopover before venturing out into the wild landscapes and multitude of islands that make up these two jewels of northern Norway.

After picking up our car at Narvik/Evenes airport, it took us about 45 minutes to get to Harstad. We checked into our room at the Clarion Hotelideally located opposite the port. With an uninterrupted view over the calm waters and the polar light softening the horizon, it was the perfect setting to relax after a long day's travel. It was already 7pm, and tiredness was beginning to set in.

Harstad Clarion Hotel, Lofoten Islands, Norway — *Clarion hotel*

After a quick dinner in one of the local restaurants, we enjoyed a stroll through the town, bathed in the golden hues of the sunset. Harstad, although fairly compact, charmed us with its peaceful atmosphere and its mix of urban and natural activities.

Harstad Harbor Sunset — *Sunset, Harstad, Nordland, Norway*

Port of Harstad, Norway — Harstad harbour, *Harstad, Nordland, Norway*

What Harstad has to offer

Harstad is not short of attractions for a small town:

Gastronomy Restaurants: Here you'll find four gourmet restaurants, perfect for sampling local dishes based on products from the sea and land.
Nature and outdoor activities Harstad is an ideal starting point for a variety of walks in unspoilt landscapes or sport activitiesThese include summer activities (kayaking, mountain biking, climbing) and winter activities (skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing).
Historic sites Trondenes: The town is home to a number of places of interest, including the ancient medieval church of Trondenes, one of the most northerly in the world, and other remains that bear witness to the fascinating history of the region.
Shopping and crafts You can explore some of the local shops, perfect for bringing home a unique souvenir of your visit here.

But Harstad is more than just a resting place. It's also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding fjords. You can embark on cruises lasting several hours aboard high-speed boats or take part in maritime safaris to observe the marine wildlife, including orcas and sea eagles. These excursions offer another perspective on the natural wealth of the region.

Day 2: Heading for Andenes

After a restful night and a good breakfast, we set off for Andenes, just north of Vesterålen. This stage marked the start of an even deeper immersion in the grandiose landscapes of the Northern Isles.