Northern Norway and Nordkapp

Hello everyone

From the Arctic Circle we continued north to Bodo and our ferry crossing to the Lofoten Islands. The crossing was very calm and clear. The islands loom from the sea as sheer snow-topped jagged mountain peaks. Arriving at Moskenes we travelled south to the tiny fishing village of A with red wooden cabins perched on stilts on the sea-front rocks. Next to these traditional fisherman’s huts (and typical throughout the islands) are the many racks drying cod. Travelling through the islands, the scenery was as beautiful and dramatic as we’d read – a detour we were glad we’d made.

 

 

 

 

 

Back on the mainland, we headed for Tromso – a huge place (in comparison to other towns visited recently) where it was cold and drizzly. The Arctic Cathedral was the main draw here – a small triangular building with a plain interior of roughly-plastered walls and a stained glass window.

 

 

Then it was the long drive northwards to Nordkapp – the most northerly point in Europe at 77°10’21’’. Here, there is a visitors centre with obligatory gift shop and restaurant (unbelievably expensive even by Norway’s standards!), but the main draw is the globe monument from where we watched the midnight sun. Initially foggy, the cloud cleared at midnight for us to watch the sun dip towards the horizon and rise again – it’s as bright during the night as the daytime which makes sleeping fitful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve travelled 6356 miles so far and now head south towards Finland.

Thanks to you all for your messages and comments – glad you are enjoying reading about our trip.

Will post again next week - love to all