LOFOTEN WALL

On my second visit to Norway, following a chilly two-week stint in Iceland, I finally realized my dream of exploring the captivating Lofoten Islands. Despite a quick 5-day trip, luck wasn’t on my side as I found myself mostly confined in the car, waiting for the rain to stop. The majority of the photos you see were captured on a single day, where I pushed myself to the limit, awake for 24 hours, hiking 40 kilometers, and driving over 5 hours to make the most of a fleeting window of clear weather.

Setting out early in the morning under promising skies, my first attempt at a mountain climb left me thoroughly soaked within an hour. Undeterred, I regrouped in the car before embarking on a new adventure, the scenic Festvågtind hike offering a breathtaking view of Henningsvær. A quick breakfast atop the mountain fueled me for the next challenge: Justadtinden.

After a brief lunch break, I proceeded to my next hike, Veggen, a seemingly straightforward trek that turned into a heart-pounding experience. Venturing off the beaten track in search of the trail, I soon found myself face-to-face with a daunting 3-meter wall.

Forced into a nerve-wracking free climb, the adrenaline rush gave way to a realization of the danger. Catching my breath, I marveled at the panoramic view from the summit, encompassing mountains, Lake Vasskarvatnet, and the stunning Norwegian Sea. Descending, I stumbled upon the correct trail, a contrast to the treacherous path I had forged earlier, a reminder of the unpredictability of the wilderness.

Opting to camp by a lake, a chill in the air took over the tranquility of the spot, a change of plans as I retreated to my car. Setting out on one last midnight hike, I seized the opportunity to explore a bit more before the rain set in the following day. Despite the challenging weather, the Lofoten Islands are surreal beauty left an indelible mark on me, inviting me to return to its otherworldly landscapes.