From Moskenes we drove North to the West coast of the Lofoten islands.

Near Fredvang, we parked the van near the trail to Kvalvika beach, which is supposedly a 45 min hike but as a family it is a bit over an hour but no matter what it takes it is definitely worth it.

At this time of the year (early September) there weren’t many tourists so the walk and the view was undisturbed, however a few people had set up tents by the beach (a fantastic idea). Although the day was slightly overcast it had not lost its charm and the sea still managed to obtain its famous turquoise hue. Surrounded by mountains on all sides the place is secluded and free of all pollution, the scenery reflecting perfectly in the sand by the Arctic Ocean. We have been spoilt by beautiful beaches but it was amazing to still have my breath taken away.

Before our next destination we stopped by the ‘Lofotr Viking Museum’ which went way beyond our expectations. If you visited in August they do feasts, singing, dancing and meals as well as interactive things such as rowing viking ships ect Even though it was September everything was open including the vast museum and the largest viking long house ever found (83 meters) which has been reconstructed next to the original site and they have succeeded in doing an exact replica inside it down to the rugs on the wall and the fire in the centre of the room. We didnt have the entertainers but we still had a guude and access to everything. All in all if it interests you (or even if you want an interactive day out in summer- especially with kids) it is a must see.

From here we continued to Haukland Beach and ended up staying the night by the coast for free. We once again hit the beach on an overcast day but since it was deserted its beauty was magnified. If you were to come here earlier in the year -like most beaches here- I imagine it would be the perfect place for a swim and a day -if not several- at the beach.

The day after me and mum ‘hiked’ it around the coast to Uttakleiv beach (a stunning walk especially if it was better weather).

Despite the beach being stunning and possibly better than Haukland it isn’t as well known – even though it’s around the corner- so again, we had the area to ourselves.

Continuing with our beach trail we stayed on the coast and headed further north to the town of Eggum- another secluded spot(although I doubt it would be earlier on in the year). With a car park and facilities with a sea view in the nature reserve, a free nights stay couldn’t be much better. Next to us was a WWII radar station and many walks were available in the area. Further along the coast was Heimredalsvatnet lake set in a stunning place below fearsome mountain ranges, casting ominous shadows over the valley.

That night we fell asleep to the swaying of a storm and the rattling sheep bells.

The next day we crossed the island to the East side and visited the town of Svolvaer (whom the fisherman in Saltstraumen had recommended to us). On the way we were rewarded with rainbows over fjords and even more drastic landscapes.

Svolvaer was empty and we had caught it on a rainy day. Shops were closed, locals were hiding away in their timber houses so only fishing boats remained and their squeaking masts.

It was unfortunate but one couldn’t stay negative when the day cleared as we passed and explored more enchanting landscapes.