subject: Visiting The Lofoten Islands On A Polar Expedition To Norway [print this page] Protruding from Nordland, in the northern part of Norway, the Lofoten Archipelago is a unique place to visit on a polar expedition. Even though it is located within the Arctic Circle, the seven main islands experience a higher than normal temperature, which is brought in by the Gulf Stream.
Visiting northern Norway can often feel like taking a trip back into ancient history - Vgan, founded in the Viking Age, is known to have been the first settlement in the area. When on a polar expedition to the Lofoten Archipelago, you should take the opportunity to visit several of the islands, such as Austvgy and Vestvgy, to immerse in the atmosphere and local culture and experience the phenomena of the midnight sun, and the endless days that are part of life here.
Austvgy
Located between the Vestfjorden and the Norwegian Sea, the island of Austvgy is one of the largest islands in the northern part of the Lofoten Archipelago. Most of the island is split between its neighbouring municipalities, and a polar expedition to Austvgy will introduce you to a land dominated by the highest mountain in the Lofoten Archipelago, the Higravstinden, which is 1,146 metres high. Visiting the island of Austvgy will introduce you to the main town of Svolvr, which sits on the southern coast of the island. Svolvr was the location of one of the first churches built in northern Norway, and it dates back to roughly 900 years ago. For a long time the town was a thriving fishing village with enough importance to become its own municipality, in 1918. The main bulk of Svolvr is on the mainland, but several parts are built on small, surrounding islands and are connected by a series of bridges. Though fishing still remains a big part of the economy in Svolvr, the island itself is becoming more popular with tourists and is an excellent starting point for visiting the other Lofoten Islands.
Vestvgy
Head further south-east from Austvgy on a polar expedition and you will come to the island of Vestvgy, whose overarching municipality was formed in 1963. It is the most populous of all the areas of the Lofoten Archipelago. As one of the most scenic islands, travelling around Vestvgy will reveal a diverse landscape. To the south-east are the rugged cliffs that face the sea with picturesque villages dotted along, and to the north and northwest the land grows flatter and lends itself well to farming. While on Vestvgy, visitors should take time to visit the historical Lofoten Viking Museum in Borg. It serves to reconstruct a Viking village complete with the Chieftains house, the blacksmiths forge and two ships and boathouses, allowing a glimpse into what life might have been like for the first settlers.
