Leknes Lofoten Islands, Norway cruises
Your guide to Leknes.
The Lofoten Islands can be found north of the Arctic Circle, a region famed for dramatic landscapes and Viking ancestry. Of the six prominent islands that occupy the Lofotens, Leknes lies in the municipality of Vestvågøy and it’s here, against the backdrop of soaring mountains and salt white beaches that voyages with Cunard call. Visit the Sund Museum to learn about local life and observe blacksmiths at work. Discover the Ice Bar and Gallery in Svolvær, and explore picturesque fishing hamlets such as Nusfjord and Henningsvær. Arrival by boat is the most enchanting way to approach Leknes and the journey delivers on its promise of spectacular scenery.
Exploring.
Those who seek out the Lofotens do so for its outdoor lifestyle. Sea kayaking, mountaineering and surfing are popular pursuits, and the world’s largest deep coral reef is located in Rost. Sea eagles, wild puffin and otters are native to this part of Norway and a sighting is always possible. Bikes can be hired locally and cycling offers an ideal way to explore the town. A picturesque wooden church, built in 1905, can be found near the Fjord, while The Vestvågøy Museum on Leknes’s outskirts offers historical exhibits documenting the region’s fishing heritage. A second branch is located at Skaftnes, a small fishing community, just southeast of Leknes.
Eating and drinking.
Seafood features strongly in Leknes. The area is known for stockfish - unsalted fish, hung out to air-dry in the cold - and you may well catch sight of the fillets around town. The Koldtbord (a Norwegian smörgåsbord) is popular at lunchtime and includes a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, from fish to roast meat and pâte to salad. Another lunchtime favourite is a smørbrød, a large open sandwich and each of these two Scandinavian specialities is quite substantial. Norwegian lagers are world-famous and quality beers are brewed in Bodø and Tromso. However, for something different, try wine made from blueberries and mountain fruits.
Shopping.
Shopping opportunities are few and far between in Leknes. The Lofotens, in general, have a limited number of shops and many cater for local needs above gifts and mementos. Of the shops that do exist, most are open on weekdays and Saturdays. It’s possible to purchase Norwegian sweaters, knitted from local wool and other hand-spun textile products including scarves. One such shop is around a 15 minute drive from Leknes, on the banks of the Fjord. Woodcarvings, paintings by local artists and crafts imported from Norway can also be found on the outskirts of town.
Beyond Leknes.
The Viking Museum at Borg is one of the most important places in the Lofotens with excavations placing the building from around AD 600. The pretty coastal village of Ballstad, 6 miles south of Gravdal, is charming and offers great harbour views, while Vågan Kirke, the largest wooden church north of Trondheim, has a huge interior accommodating up to 1,200 worshippers. The Lofoten Aquarium at Storvågan displays all kinds of marine life and the seal pool is particularly popular. The Lofoten Museum is also at Storvågan and gives a vivid impression of life in the old days.