We traveled to the Lofoten’s on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry from Bodo, a smooth 3 1/2 hour journey. The Hurtigruten fleet consists of 11 cruise ferries running daily along Norway’s coastline between Bergen & Kirkenes, stopping at 35 ports along the way.

Jumped on Bus 765 from Leknes to Hauklandstranda Beach, a 30 minute ride. There was a hike around the shore line to Uttakleivstrand looking at the Norwegian Sea the whole way. The colors were amazing. Didn’t expect to find any sand beaches here!

We strolled to Uttakleiv, thinking we could walk back through the tunnel. Plenty of time. Watched the bus depart (they don’t wait!). No pedestrians/bikes allowed. At least we had beautiful scenery while we waited 1.5 hrs for the next bus. Fortunately there was one!

We stayed in 3 towns exploring the Lofoten’s, Stamsund, Leknes & Svolvær. Traveling by bus we passed through many tiny coastal villages. The roads were narrow & busy with buses, cars, campervans, motorcycles, bicycles and walkers. Again, happy we weren’t driving so we could soak in the scenery!

The bus did not deliver us over these 2 bridges, so we walked. The Kvalvikat hike in Fredvang started about 2.5 miles from here over those bridges. Had great views over the fjord. Beautiful day for a walk!

We did a short steep hike up Reinebringen & were introduced to Sherpa Steps. Nepalese Sherpas have been building natural stairways up mountainsides throughout Norway since 2005. The natural stone stairways protect the landscape from erosion & damage by hikers. They say it makes it easier. HA! They’re steep with high steps.

Still climbing up, up, up! The were many rock benches to take scenery breaks (catching our breath).

1800 steps up to this viewpoint overlooking the village of Reine. Legs are going to be tired tomorrow!

The next day after the “easy” hike, we rode a bus about 18 miles from Leknes to Å (aw). Needed a rest day!! A cinnamon roll is the answer to achy legs. The bakery is in a building built in 1844. The ovens were built the same year. Yummy!

Linda is examining dried cod heads. They are a delicacy, especially in Nigeria. We’ve seen these a-frame drying racks all along the coast. They catch the fish in the winter, remove the innards & hang them outside on these racks for a few months. The freezing cold & wind dries them without danger of rotting. They are then moved indoors for a couple more months. Haven’t tried any. Don’t plan to.

Took the bus from Svolvær to Henningsvær.
Most of the buildings are from the old days & have been repurposed to hold art galleries, shops & cafes. Sea urchins come in many colors & sizes. This artist finds them by walking beaches or diving. He makes many small displays with lights inside.

View from the bike path just outside Svolvaer, the largest town in the Lofoten’s with a population of about 5,000. Glad we had some sunny days to enjoy the stunning scenery!