It’s a hard life, but someone’s gotta do it. Suzel says Fam trips are for work, but her latest visit to northern Norway begs to differ…
Vesterålen invited Suzel to an array of activities in extraordinary natural surroundings. At no other point along the Norwegian coastline does the Gulf Stream come closer to the land than in Vesterålen.
On her first full day, after awaking inside the simple but lovely Hotel Andrikken she was fully submerged in adventure as she climbed inside a RIB boat, gliding along the beautiful Andfjord. After several minutes on the safari she spotted Humpback Whales and Orcas. The small size of the boat propelled the adrenalin rush of being in the open sea with little between herself and the ocean’s most dynamic predator- the killer whale! For an adventure like this visit: www.whalesafari.no
In the afternoon Suzel headed to Andøya Friluftssenter, once there she walked over frozen lakes and hunted for the northern lights, which just as luck would have it, turned out with be some of the strongest lights Mother Nature has displayed for a long time. For those who weren’t exhausted after the day’s activities, there was an option to stay up late in the Jacuzzi. Watching the star studded sky above transform into brilliant hues of green, from a pool of warm bubbles below it could not have been experienced more decadently.
A taste of indigenous culture defined the third day of Suzel’s fam trip. Departing for Inga Sami Siida in the Village of Kvalsaukan it took 25-minutes by bus. First-hand experience of authentic local Sami culture is undoubtedly interesting for anyone and sitting by the fire in one of the Lavvo’s she ate a local specialty of reindeer stew. Reindeers occupy much of the land so stroking and taking photos of them is inevitable!
Thereafter, Kabelvåg in Lofoten was the next port of call. There, she visited the Lofoten Aquarium which is a great place for families to enjoy the lively idiosyncrasies of seals, otters and other underwater life. All the fish in the aquarium are also local to the area and the aquarium promotes insight into the marine ecosystem. In the evening she arrived at the Thon Hotel Lofoten in Svolvær which is recommended for its city centre location and modern décor.
Suzel’s final days were spent dipping in and out of Lofoten’s art galleries that showcase some of Norway’s most important artists, and more adventures with RIB boat safaris intervened, which incorporates an optional Sea Eagle Safari where you’re almost guaranteed to see Europe’s largest bird of prey. She had lunch at the Anker Brygge, highly recommended for high-quality food and a hotel which offers stunning views of the fjord.
After only a brief account of Suzel’s experience of Lofoten and Vesterålen, we’d be surprised if it doesn’t inspire your next place of adventure!
