"Lofoten Islands" Lofoten by deptlads

It is a shame we only got to spend three days on the Lofoten islands as they are both staggeringly beautiful and friendly and relaxing. This is a rugged and remote place for sure, but it does not feel isolated or "basic" (in the way that parts of the Faroe Islands, or even Shetland, can). It has a civilised "Norwegian" feel about it, and the settlements are well connected and relatively well appointed - you are never very far from a decent grocery shop for example.

On our first full day we were rewarded with clear skies, bright sunshine and fantastic visibility. Such glorious weather can make any landscape alluring, but we could hardly believe our eyes as we drove along the winding coast road south from Svolvær to Reine.

Reinefjord

The second day was rather overcast, but did not rain until the evening. Actually it was quite good seeing this scenery in a totally different light - all gloomy and atmospheric with the dark peaks soaring up into the clouds.

We took a boat trip to the tiny settlements at the far end of Reinefjorden, which seemed all the more remote in the grey light.

Rorbuer at Å, Lofoten

All over Lofoten you see these picturesque little huts on stilts by the water. These are the famous rorbuer, or fishermen's huts, which are now mostly used as holiday accommodation.

The one we stayed in at Reine was very modern and comfortable. It was great to have a nice cosy place to sit a read when the weather outside was bad.

• Pros:Unbelievable scenery, friendly people
• Cons:Sometime it rains
• In a nutshell:A wild and remote Arctic place that they have somehow made tourist-friendly