Varanger in Northern Norway not only offers a physical experience. On this Norwegian national tourist route leading to the Arctic Ocean, you will also find serenity as you drive through the long lines in the landscape. The route also reveals the long lines of history.

National Tourist Route Varanger is a 160-kilometre (99 miles) long stretch of road far to the north and furthest to the east in Norway, where the sky meets the sea. It’s one of the most famous scenic drives in Norway. It goes along Varangerfjord and the coast of the Barents Sea, showing you an incredible scenery on the way, from birch forests to marshlands and a dramatic lunar landscape.

Related: Norwegian National Tourist Road Initiative Contribute to increased Local Value

It is difficult to explain this stretch other than by saying that this is a place where you feel as if time stands a bit still. The light is special and the bird and animal life are unique. Species of birds that you can’t see anywhere else in the world are relatively easily accessible here.

Snow tires may be required
National Tourist Route Varanger between Smelror and Hamningberg is normally closed from November until May. The surface of the road is asphalted, and chains or snow tires can be required throughout the year. The road along the Varanger Peninsula begins among the sheltered birch forests and bogs of Varangerbotn and ends in a lunar landscape of jagged cliffs at the world’s end.

The scenery is characterized by the Arctic climate. The Varanger National Tourist route was designated in 2012 and it includes the Norway roads E75 and 341.

Related: National Tourist Routes in Norway

History of witchcraft
History is not always pretty and at the Steilneset memorial you’ll encounter episodes of history that may be difficult to comprehend. The witch trials in Finnmark in the 17th century claimed 91 victims and it was here that the greatest number of people were found guilty of witchcraft and burnt at the stake. Its closeness to Russia, immigration from Finland and Sámi traditions pervade this area with an exciting cultural diversity.

Related: Spectacular Driving in Norway

Following this road, you will get to Norway’s farthest northeastern place. Here is where the hard rock meets the Barents Sea. Along the way, you will drive on some steep sections where there are no marked central lines. You will also come across some narrow stretches of road that barely leave enough room for two cars to pass. There are no protections or guard rails in some areas of the route adding some thrill to this adventure.

Along the seashore you will see driftwood logs from Siberian rivers that have ended up here after travelling for many years with drift ice and the Gulf Stream.

National Tourist Route Varanger is one of 18 national scenec routes in Norway.

Feature image (on top): Steineset memorial. Photo: Andrew Meredith

The Norwegian National Tourist Route Leading to the Arctic Ocean, written by Tor Kjolberg

The Lofoten Islands is an archipelago and traditional district in Nordland County, Norway. It is divided into five main islands from the north to south, namely Hinnøya, Austvagøy, Vestvagøy, Moskenesøya, and Flakstadøya. Here’s out take on the best things to see in the Lofoten islands, Norway.

A Brief Fact About the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands is famous as a tourist destination for its distinctive scenery featuring dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches, and untouched lands. It is above the Arctic Circle; during summer, the sun doesn’t set, and in winter, it never rises.

The Norwegian Sea surrounds the island, and it also connects to the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago experiences an elevated temperature — one of the world’s most massive — due to anomalies relative to its high latitude. Its largest town, Leknes, is 2,420 kilometers from the arctic North Pole and one of the world’s most populated northernmost regions.

Related: Climbing in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

What to See When Visiting the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are delightful to visit. Tourism is a year-round event on the island, and no matter the season, there are countless sights to see and enjoy. It offers secluded beaches, snug fishing harbors, kayaking, and camping to tourists in the summer.

During winter, visitors can see the spectacular northern lights, and go skiing if they wish. Listing the best things to see when visiting the Lofoten Islands is a bit tricky as it has several beautiful sights. However, in the next few paragraphs, we’ll provide some suggestions.

The Lofoten War Museum
The Lofoten War Museum holds the largest exhibition of rare uniforms and artifacts from the Second World War. At the museum, you’ll see unique historic photographic evidence of the five years the war raged.

The snapshots tell the story of the war in a way that engages its audience and makes them feel they are experiencing it personally. War veterans worldwide have given it positive feedback, and some consider it one of the best war museums in the world.

The museum is in the town of Svolvær, and it is a must-see for tourists, especially if you love history. It is open every day, all year, and visitors pay 100 NOK for adults, 30 NOK for children between 7and 15 years, and 80 NOK per person for groups with a minimum of 12 people.

Trollfjord
The Trollfjord or Trollfjorden is a fjord in the Hadel Municipality of the Lofoten Islands. It is 2 kilometer in length, cuts into the island of Austvagoya, and flows out into the Raftsundet strait. The Fjord is a tourist attraction because of its natural beauty consisting of a narrow entrance and steep-sided mountains.

Related: Cycling Vacation in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

If you wish to see this nature’s delight, you have to use a boat or take a hike on its 10km rugged terrain. Cruise lines are known to pass through the Fjord during summer, and Hurtigruten ships on the route between Bergen and Kirkenes.

The Lofoten Museum
The Lofoten Museum is located in Storvågan and is a must-see for tourists, especially if you love fishing. The museum has a wealth of knowledge of Lofoten’s fishing history, and an 1815 building houses it.

The museum boasts of authentic fishermen cabins and boat houses featuring Nordland boats. It offers picture-games, and exhibitions on the Lofoten fisheries, ports, lighthouses, traditional crafts, and a beautiful garden with historic perennials.

It is part of the SKREI Experience Center and lies within walking distance of Gallery Espolin and the Lofoten Aquarium, two places which are also tourist destinations. Visitors can come in from Sunday to Monday during its opening months, and the pricing is fair for individuals, children, and

The Vågan Church
Even if you are not a religious person, you have to see the Vagan Church. It is a parish of the Church of Norway, and it is in the village of Kabelvag on Austvagoya Island. Built in 1898 by the architect Carl J. Bergstrom, the yellow wooden structure is the largest wooden building in Northern Norway and can seat about 1,200 people.

Lofoten Viking Museum
If you are interested in seeing the largest Viking-era house globally, you have to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. The building is in Borg and an 83-meter (272 feet) reconstruction of the original structure.

Related: Lofoten – an isolated archipelago of striking beauty!

Visitors can participate in the museum’s Viking feast with activities like singing, dancing, and local cuisine. If you are visiting in the summer, you can row a Viking ship, participate in archery and other Viking activities.

Svolvær Goat
The Svolvær Goat is a 150 meter (490 feet) tall pinnacle on the edge of the town of Svolvær on Austvagoya Island. It is famous for those who love daredevil climbs and have an adventurous spirit.

The biggest dare to visitors is jumping the one-meter distance between the goat horns. Climbing to the mountaintop is also a top achievement, and the first climbers to achieve the feat, Ferdinand Schjelderup, Alf Bonnievie Bryn, and Carl Wilhelm Rubenson, did so on August 1st, 1910.

Reine
Reine is a must-see if you are in the Lofoten Islands. It is a beautiful fishing village located on Moskenesoya. It is a favorite among tourists, especially those who love to paint its stunning Fjords and climb mountains. The high grounds also afford you the view of the Moskenesstraumen, one of the strongest whirlpools in the world.

Visit the Lofoten Islands
If you’re looking for a picturesque place filled with natural wonders to spend your vacation, then plan to visit the Lofoten Islands. Whether you are hiking on the road or looking from the comfort of your hotel room, you will see sights that will take your breath away. However, you can also explore the island and visit the places mentioned in this article.

Best Things to See in the Lofoten Islands, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Theresa Cofield. Theresa is a freelance writer who has a love for creativity and a passion for helping others. She works as a blogger at csgobettingg.com where she covers the topics of esports and the gaming industry.