Lofoten is an archipelago inside the Arctic Circle with steep mountains, sheltered inlets, and long stretches of seashore. The winters are rather mild due to the temperate waters of the Norwegian Sea and mild air from the Atlantic, but the weather can fluctuate rapidly. A calm sunny day in the 40s can suddenly become grey with sub-zero biting winds and snow pellets blowing sideways, stinging your skin and making it difficult to open a door.
The winter landscape, rendered in hues of blues, browns, and whites, is dotted with dwellings in yellow ochre and crimson. Constantly shifting weather patterns rework the landscape to create new compositions. Few Norwegians live here year-round. Those that do are often involved with the fishing industry – one of the largest and oldest seasonal fisheries in the world. Norwegian Arctic cod, called “skrei,” come to spawn here in the winter. Much of the fresh-caught fish is cleaned and left to dry outside on wooden racks for months.
A sense of quiet and a slower pace pervade the Lofoten winter landscape. The subdued hues are calming and restful. Many Norwegians embrace “kos” as a way to cope with the cold weather. “Kos” translates to “coziness,” but it means so much more – spending time with family and friends, sitting by a warm fire, or reading a good book. It’s about slowing down, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and being present in the moment.
