North Cape to Lofoten Islands

06-06-24

Breakfast at North Cape

We have an early start this morning disembarking at 5.45am for a bus trip out to North Cape which is on the northern coast of the island of Mageroya. This is the northern most point in Europe that can be accessed by car. The cape is 307 metres above sea level and sits at 71 degrees north. Due to the weather here there are no trees on this island. Fortunately we have a beautiful morning with clear skies and no wind which is quite unusual here. We enjoy a buffet breakfast while enjoying the view before reboarding the bus for the trip south to Hammerfest where we will rejoin the cruise.

The scenery is lovely (P:- Awesome is a betterer word) with mountains, plateaus, creeks, waterfalls and quaint little villages along the sides of the fjords. Reindeer roam the hills here and are right near the roadside giving us great views of them and their cute calves.

The road back to Hammerfest has several tunnels through the mountain and one 200 meters under the sea and the world’s northern most Suspension Bridge.

We reach Hammerfest just on lunch time and just a few minutes before the ship departs, so no time to look around town.

This afternoon was spent enjoying cruising with some lovely mountain views along the way. We are up at midnight for a stop in Tromso. We have an hour ashore and we have the midnight sun so it’s like daylight. Seems strange to be walking around in daylight at this hour of night but it’s good for sightseeing. We wander through the town centre, checking out a few statues, the church and shopping area and then down to the waterfront and back to the ship. (P:- Hard work this tourism thing! Action at any hour seems to be our informal unplanned agenda).

07-06-24

Taste of Vesteralen Tour took us on a tour from Harstad to Shortland in the Vesteralen Islands. A quick tour around Harstad before we ride out to the northernmost, Architecturally impressive, Medieval Church and Viking farm. We experienced a short church service and listen to the pipe organ then look through the museum before moving to the Viking farm where we learn about life in the Viking era. Several examples of weaving looms are on show which are quite interesting. She talked about “the sound of weaving”, this referred to the noise the rocks that were used as weights made as the threads were moved forward and backward.

As we travel further on we pass Potato Island, this is of much interest to Philip. Apparently the soil here is very rich and was suitable for growing potatoes along the waterfront. All the homes are situated along the top of the cultivated area which runs from the homes to the water. Makes it pretty picturesque. Further on we make another stop where on low tide the lake on one side of us runs into the sea and at high tides the sea runs into the lake. The scenery around here is gorgeous again. Later we board a local car ferry crossing to another island where we continue along the Sigerfjord to Shortland where we rejoin the ship. (P:- Was slightly mislead by the title! “Taste of” In Phil’s food mind equals tasty morsels of local food delicacies. But today it meant a very nice country road trip, which it was).

Because we were having such calm weather the Captain decided to make a detour into Digermulen Fjord. A stunning narrow gorge where we did a 360 degree turn as we stood out on deck in the drizzle. Tall waterfalls and sheer rock walls.

Late afternoon we join the Lofoten Islands tour. We are off to see some more beautiful and diverse scenery along the Lofoten Islands, travelling from Svolvaer to Stamsund. This area is renowned for its steep mountains and picturesque fishing villages, sandy beaches, fjords and farming areas. First stop is Henningsvaer, a quaint village with around 500 inhabitants. In the 18th century it was the most important village in Lofoten. Now the village is full of local arts and craft shops and restaurants and the Art gallery we have the choice of visiting. We opt not to and head out along the road and waterfront to the point. It’s good to stretch the legs for a decent walk. The Lofoten Islands consist of 7 islands with fjords and narrow straits between. Due to the Gulf Stream the climate is mild despite it being north of the Arctic Circle. We stop several times to view fjords and beautiful vistas before returning to the ship in Stamsund around 10 pm. Have to say having 24 hours of daylight makes evening touring quite pleasant. (P:- 24/7 tourism Has its advantages, Out of hours Window Shopping is way more economical ! Just saw the quirkiest location for a Football ground in a land starved environment).