Discovering the Lofoten on Willow

Our sailing pals Bryan and Denise invited us on their sailboat Willow II (Boreal 44.2) to explore the Lofoten islands together. We loved this area where you can sail so close to snowy mountains, experience nature and visit picturesque villages.

Meeting point Bodo

Located a daysail away from the Lofoten islands, the town of Bodo was the ideal meeting point.

Because it is above the arctic circle, the sun does not set in summer. In May, there is only a short period of darkness. When Bryan and Denise woke up a 2 am in the morning to make the most of the wind for our crossing to the Lofoten islands, they already had daylight. By the time we sleepy heads woke up, the dented mountain range of the Lofoten was already in sight.

Magestic viewpoint in Reine

First, we stopped at the fishing village of Reine.

Stockfish: Arctic cod naturally air-dried on wooden racks by the winds, without using any salt.

While we were in Reine, we climbed up the 1974 steps to reach the famous point of view. It was definitely worth the effort.

Willow anchored in the harbour of Reine, protected from the open ocean by a cluster of small islands

Houses on stilts

The following day, as the weather was settled, we continued our exploration. We checked out the cute village of Nussfjord.

Then, we progressed along the south of the Lofoten and reached Henningsvaer.

Thanks to a group of adventurous people helped by volunteers, the fishing village of Henningsvaer found a new growth. The old fish factories, fishermen’s huts, and wharves were transformed into a lively place with restaurants, galleries and small shops.

Finding a passage

Leaving early morning, we continued our journey past Solvaer and through the Oyhellesundet.

With a lifting centerboard, shallow narrows can be crossed, even at low water.

Turquoise water at the narrow passage – Reknesrabben

Magical Trollfjord

In the afternoon, we arrived in Trollfjord. With an entrance only 100 meters wide and cliffs rising almost vertically from the water’s surface (up to 1,100 meters) Trollfjord is a spectacular.

Once the worker of the electric powerplant had left, we could use the pontoon to spend the night in this picturesque fjord.

The next morning, the reflections in the quiet water were incredible.

Boreal Beach

There are few places where it is possible to beach in this area. Bryan needed to check Willow’s hull and change the anodes. Therefore, we crossed Vestfjorden again to Selsoya on the mainland.

Waiting for high tide to position the boat on the beach

Sailing north

For the next 3 days, we had wind to sail but little sun. It appears that it is difficult to have both at the same time.

In the passage between the islands and the mainland, there is no swell and Willow was gliding through the water.

We passed Rystraumen with favorable current and arrived at the entrance of Balsfjord.

Rock carvings at Tennes

At the end of Balsfjord, we wanted to see the prehistoric rock art (dated 4600 BC and 2600 BC). However, the majestic views of the mountains and the reflections stole the show.

The carvings were from a nomadic hunting culture in the stone ages

WW2 history near Hakoya

For our last anchorage, we spent the night near Hakoya.

The german battleship Tirpitz was sunk here by British bombers. Some bombs missed their target creating craters.

Arriving at Tromso

Our final stop was Tromso, located at 69.39 degrees north. It is the ideal harbour to prepare a passage to the northern islands of Svalbard. No wonder we met 6 other Boreals here.

We leave our friends with eyes full of wonder, thinking of returning to this amazing region with Fabule. Many thanks to Bryan and Denise for this opportunity and godspeed for their upcoming exploration of Svalbard.