Ofoten, Norway: 7 unique things to do near Lofoten
Ofoten is worth mentioning for its beautiful cities in northern Norway. Evenes, though not technically in Lofoten, offers jaw-dropping scenery, plenty of hiking, World War II memorials, Sami heritage, and the chance to experience Scandinavian sauna culture aboard floating sauna boats. Narvik, a larger city than Evenes, offers much of the same, plus several museums, a scenic Arctic train ride, the world’s northernmost animal park, Polar Park, and surprising culinary offerings.
Kleksen Sauna Boat
Experience a Floating Sauna in Northern Norway
During our brief time in Ofoten, we enjoyed a family polar plunge and sauna aboard the Kleksen sauna boat, which was conveniently located two minutes from our accommodation. Our 5-year-old son, who typically doesn't enjoy anything water-related, shocked us all when he asked to jump into the freezing water after watching the adults do it. We happily obliged, and that was the first of a few occurrences throughout the trip when he stepped up to do hard things.
Additionally, we visited the Polar Park to search for bears, wolves, arctic foxes, moose, and lynx. Although we heard the wolves howling, we weren't fortunate enough to spot them or the lynx during our daytime visit. The highlight for my kids, despite seeing a big, fluffy, cuddly, round bear up close, was the arctic fox.
Where to Eat in Narvik: Our Experience at Glasskiosken
After checking the kid-activity “box,” my husband and I had a date night at Glasskiosken (The Ice Cream Kiosk), an intimate 22-seat restaurant with no set menu. They offer one seating per day (reservations required), lasting three to four hours, and the chef, Vegard Stormo, decides the menu based on seasonal availability.
On the evening we went, we dined on freshly caught halibut tartar from the fjord that morning, followed by scallops with wild pork in a cream sauce, Nordic lobster in a lettuce wrap, Norwegian porridge with reindeer, homemade bread with wild garlic butter, halibut with tomato salad, a local steak filet with white asparagus, and finally, a strawberry and rhubarb sorbet for dessert. Every bite was pure perfection; this small restaurant could give any Michelin-rated establishment a run for its money. And speaking of money, don’t look at your bill; it’s better this way.
I didn’t know much about this region before our visit, as it was originally just a planned stop on a longer road trip. But if you’re planning a trip to the Lofoten Islands, don’t overlook Ofoten! It deserves a spot on your itinerary, too.
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