Lofoten, Norway – The Place That Cod Built

Lofoten is an archipelago (a chain, cluster, or collection of islands) and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway. Lofoten is known for a distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and untouched lands. And fish – lots and lots of fish. And we love cod because without cod we’d have no lutefisk. So Ingebretsen’s salutes Lofoten.

Lofoten cutting or serving board

The Lofoten Islands are draped across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle. This rare wilderness outpost offers an untrammeled landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, squawking seabird colonies and long, surf-swept beaches.

If you are seeking unforgettable nature experiences, Lofoten will definitely not let you down. Due to the area’s diverse landscape, you can go hiking, skiing, fishing, ocean rafting or scuba diving. Lofoten is also one of one of the world’s northernmost sites for surfing and one of the best spots in Norway. [From Visit Norway “Discover Norway’s Untamed Islands.”]

Lofoten Fishing Village

Fishing has been, and still is, to a degree, the reason why people have lived here and the region is known for its many small fishing villages. Ever since the Viking Age, the islands have played an important role in fishing for the Norwegian Arctic cod or “Skrei” that go there to spawn in the winter months. You can find out more about the history of Lofoten fishing at one of the best preserved squires in Lofoten, home of the Lofoten Museum. On the site of the medieval town of Vågar (now called Storvågan) you’ll find authentic fishermen’s cabins and boathouses featuring Nordland boats.

Lofoten Arctic Seaweed Salt

The fishing industry has left a mark in the history of Lofoten, and is still important for people who live there. You can read about “The Fish That Built Lofoten” here.

Due to the warm Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude. Between late May and mid July you can experience the midnight sun, while the northern lights can be viewed from September to mid April.

Lofoten has a strong connection to the Viking Age, and at Lofotr Viking Museum you can experience the Viking Age as it really was. At Borg, archaeologists discovered the largest Viking longhouse ever found from this era. The building is 272 feet long and has been reconstructed as a living museum.

Lofoten is considered one of the most beautiful places in Norway:

Find more about Lofoten on Lofoten’s official website. Find more Lofoten items at Ingebretsen’s here.