Lofoten: A Breathtaking Archipelago in Norway

Before diving into the full review, let's whet your appetite with a concise album review. For those unfamiliar with Lofoten, it's a dream archipelago for travelers and photographers worldwide. Imagine the majestic Dolomite mountains of Italy cascading onto the Icelandic coastline, interspersed with Swiss-style meadows and dotted with charming red houses. If you're still struggling to visualize, check out the album's photos. But honestly, seeing it in person is the only way to truly appreciate its grandeur. Trust me, the real Lofoten is 276% more awe-inspiring than any picture can capture.

To get a glimpse of the stunning beauty of Lofoten, watch this video.

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Travel Itinerary (September 21-29, 2018)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, explore nearby towns, and stay at an airport hotel for an early morning flight.
  • Day 2: Fly to Narvik, pick up a rental car, and drive to the Lofoten Islands. Stay in Svolvær.
  • Day 3: Travel to a location near Leknes, stopping at attractions along the way.
  • Days 4-6: Relocate to Hamnøy and use it as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
  • Day 7: Return to a location near Narvik, visiting additional attractions en route.
  • Day 8: Return the rental car in the morning, fly back to Oslo, and spend one night there.
  • Day 9: Depart for Bangkok.

Travel Route Summary: Bangkok ✈️ Oslo ✈️ Narvik 🚗 Lofoten 🚗 Narvik ✈️ Oslo ✈️ Bangkok

Airlines:

  • Bangkok – Oslo – Bangkok: Fly direct with Thai Airways on flights TG954/TG955. Comfortable and convenient with good timings. I have reviewed this flight in detail here: https://www.9mot.com/2018/10/riview-tg-954-955-thai-airways-bangkok-oslo/
  • For domestic flights, I used Norwegian, a low-cost airline whose prices are not as low as the name suggests. However, the quality is good. If you book well in advance, the prices can be a bit lower.

#2 Car rental, car rental insurance, and travel insurance

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This is a road trip report starting from Narvik/Evenes Airport (EVE) in the Lofoten Islands. The author rented an estate car, a Skoda Octavia 4×4 with automatic transmission, through rentalcars.com and was satisfied with its quality and fuel efficiency. However, after the trip, the author was charged extra fees for airport convenience and an additional driver, which were not mentioned on the website. The author complained to rentalcars.com via email, and within a day, the company refunded the overcharged amount. The author was impressed with the prompt and efficient service.

Another important thing is "travel insurance", which everyone who comes to Europe must have in order to apply for a Schengen VISA. I chose to buy insurance with "Sompo" with additional coverage for the first part of the car rental fee, as well as other additional coverage. Try reading the review I wrote explaining it in detail at https://www.9mot.com/2018/10/travel-car-rental-insurance/ ... For those who are interested in buying travel insurance, Sompo has a special 10% discount just by booking from this link https://bit.ly/2P4NpgB

**Note:** Some car rental companies offer lower prices but limit the daily mileage. Others may charge extra fees for taking the car on a ferry. Be sure to check these details before booking.

#3 Accommodation

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Accommodation

For all my accommodations, I booked through Booking.com, as I am a Genius member, which grants me discounts on certain properties and allows me to avoid pre-payment and enjoy convenient cancellation options. Moreover, I appreciate Booking.com's user-friendly and efficient booking system. Overall, I was impressed with all the accommodations during this trip, although the level of satisfaction varied. I have provided reviews of the accommodations at the following link: https://www.9mot.com/2018/10/6-recommended-hotels-lofoten-and-oslo-norway/

Food and Dining

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Food in Norway: A Culinary Adventure

Norway's culinary scene offers a unique and exciting experience, but be prepared for the high cost of dining out. In Lofoten, restaurants are scarce outside major towns, making self-catering a practical and budget-friendly option.

This trip, I brought along Lobo pre-made seasonings, aiming to recreate the success of previous European culinary adventures. This time, however, I ventured into new territory with advanced recipes, eager to share my findings.

#Char Siu: This first-time attempt required marinating the meat and preparing the sauce, but the process was straightforward. The result resembled restaurant-quality char siu, with a slightly salty flavor (possibly due to overnight marinating instead of the recommended two hours). Paired with the accompanying sauce and hot rice, it was a delightful meal.

#Fried Eggs with Sweet and Sour Sauce: Another first-time experiment, this dish proved incredibly simple. Simply open the bottle and pour the sauce over fried eggs, or warm it beforehand. The challenge lies in perfectly boiling and frying the eggs to achieve that crispy, authentic Thai texture.

#Green Curry with Chicken: This flavorful dish boasts a well-balanced taste. Adding vegetables and eggplant enhances the flavor further. It's another easy-to-prepare option.

#Stir-fried Basil: A staple on every trip, this dish delivers consistent satisfaction. This time, I used sausages instead of meat.

#Panang Curry: This rich and flavorful curry showcases Lobo's strength in creating authentic Thai flavors. It's easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying culinary experience.

#Shrimp with Chili and Salt: Originally intended for fresh shrimp, the lack of availability due to stormy weather led to an improvised pork version. The addition of pepper and sugar transformed it into a delicious "Garlic and Pepper Pork" dish. Paired with rice, it was a culinary delight. (Sticky rice would have been even better, but we forgot to bring it!)

#Fried Rice Powder: This simple addition elevates the flavor of fried rice without requiring additional seasoning. Just add your choice of meat, vegetables, and eggs for a complete meal.

#Fried Chicken Batter: While we didn't fry chicken this time, we used the batter to fry mushrooms, eggplant, and shallots. The result was delicious, but don't forget to pair it with Lobo's chili sauce for an extra flavor boost.

#Stir-fried Spicy Pork: Though I usually avoid this dish, my friends' enthusiasm led me to try it. The result was surprisingly good, with a flavor profile closer to stir-fried chili paste. It's a great option for those seeking a spicy kick.

#Custard: A constant companion on my travels, this simple dish requires only hot water to transform into a delicious dip for bread. Next time, I'll try making steamed custard bread for an even more delightful experience.

#Massaman Curry: Unfortunately, I bought the wrong type, opting for a packet instead of the one with coconut milk. This resulted in an unfulfilled culinary adventure. (Lesson learned: read the labels carefully!)

Overall, this culinary journey through Norway proved to be a delicious and educational experience. Lobo's pre-made seasonings provided a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine, even in the remote Lofoten region. While some dishes required improvisation due to limited ingredient availability, the overall experience was positive and left me eager to explore further culinary adventures in the future.

Other recommended dishes to try when visiting Lofoten include salt-baked salmon, which can be purchased fresh at seafood shops near Hamnøy town. Pair it with the local sweet peppers, which are incredibly fresh and crunchy. You can also try the sushi at this restaurant, which is also delicious. You can either eat in the restaurant or take it away to enjoy by the sea with beautiful views.

For those interested in Lobo's menu, you can find more information on their website: http://www.lobo.co.th/

Note: If you find round green grapes in convenience stores, I recommend trying them. They are very sweet and crunchy.

#5 Sim Internet/Pocket WIFI

Internet SIM: Travel Sim World from True Move H

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This trip, I started using the SIM card as soon as I landed at Oslo Airport. Then, I traveled north to the Lofoten Islands, a famous tourist destination in Norway. The area of the islands is quite large, with small towns scattered across the islands. The largest town in this area is only as big as a small district in our country. In other words, the Lofoten Islands are truly rural. However, the usage throughout the 9 days from Oslo and in the Lofoten area was smooth and stable almost all the time. The upload and download speeds ranged from 3 Mbps to 87.5 Mbps, which is considered very fast and comfortable to use. There were some areas with no signal while driving, and the signal would drop for a short period (causing calls on Line or Facebook to drop). However, after driving a little further, the signal would return to normal. The roaming network used was Telia N.

Note: Travel Sim World costs 899 baht and includes 4GB of data valid for 15 days. It is available for purchase at TrueMoveH shops. Remember to register your SIM card before traveling. For more information on Travel Sim, please visit https://goo.gl/8y4pZV.

Pocket Wifi: From SkyBerry

This Pocket Wifi, which I used for the first time on this trip, was provided by Sky Berry. Here is a summary of my experience with it:

The advantages of Sky Berry pocket wifi are as follows:

  1. The best-looking pocket wifi I've ever used ... This has nothing to do with performance, but it's a personal preference. 555 ... Seeing it makes me feel like, hey, pocket wifi can look good too, it doesn't always have to look ugly ... I'd say it looks good from the box it comes in, like a gift box.
  2. The battery is very durable under its delicate appearance. According to the specs, it can be used for up to 13 hours without worrying about charging during the day, and throughout the trip, I've proven that it can really be used all day long. Plus, the battery still has some left (mostly around 12-14 hours).
  3. Speed is the key here ... Sky Berry uses Vodafone's network, which provides a download speed of 20 mbps for the most part and is relatively stable without any ups and downs, making it easy to use and share with up to 5 people, but I think 3 people is a good number if you're using it heavily.
  4. If you buy a European package, you can activate it immediately if you have a layover in the Middle East (some brands won't let you use other zones if you buy a European zone).
  5. It's more convenient than a mobile phone because you don't have to remove the SIM card. For example, my girlfriend doesn't want to remove the SIM card because the iPhone case is very difficult to remove. On this trip, she used the pocket wifi with her iPhone and iPad for work while traveling.
  6. The price for use in the European zone is available in two options: 300 mb/day for 199 baht per day and 1 gb/day for 399 baht per day (excluding tax). But wait, if you book today-November 30, 2018 for the 1 gb/day package, you'll get a 50% discount, bringing the price down to 199.5 baht/day, or simply put, the same price as the 300 mb/day package.

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I believe this price is very reasonable. If you are interested, you can book it from this link: https://goo.gl/NShM6p (P.S. Other packages are also discounted, but only by 10%).

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The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The weather was unpredictable during my visit, as it was transitioning from autumn to winter. While the forecast predicted temperatures between 6-15 degrees Celsius, I encountered temperatures as low as 1 degree Celsius, accompanied by wind, hail, rain, and snow. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-prepared when packing clothes for this season. Clothing should be warm and windproof, and thermal underwear is recommended for added warmth. Individuals who are sensitive to cold should bring along hot water bottles and heated insoles for their shoes. Additionally, it is essential to pack an outer layer that is both windproof and waterproof.

Essential Gear: Footwear and Photography Equipment

Footwear: Waterproof and slip-resistant shoes are crucial due to the diverse terrain. I personally recommend the Keen TARGHEE II MID, which provided excellent support and traction.

Photography Equipment:

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Notes:

  • The original text is already in English, so no translation is necessary.
  • The HTML structure is preserved in the translation.

This trip, I continued to use my trusty Nikon D850, which was on its second major outing after the Croatia trip earlier this year. However, this time I decided to leave behind the 70-200 f4 and 14-24 f2.8 lenses, as well as my large Nisi filter kit, in favor of greater mobility and a lighter backpack. As a result, the only lenses I brought were the 24-70 f2.8 as my primary lens, the 20 f1.8, and the 85 f1.8 (which I didn't end up using). Overall, I was satisfied with the setup; while the 85-200 range was missing, I didn't feel the need for it very often. For video, I primarily used my Sony A6300 with the 35 f1.8 lens and the Zhiyun Crane M gimbal. I also brought the 50 f1.8 and 16 f1.4 lenses, but I didn't end up using them.

On this trip, I had the chance to try out the new Lowepro Flipside400AWII camera bag, which I've been eyeing for a while now after seeing my fellow travelers use it. It looked compact and well-designed, and it turned out to be even better than I expected in many ways. I've written a special review about my experience using this Lowepro bag, tailored to my own style. Check it out here: https://www.9mot.com/2018/10/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A7-lowepro-flipside-400-awii/

#8 Other interesting things to know

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Airport:

  • Narvik Airport is no longer located in Narvik city. It has been relocated to Evenes and is now called Harstad-Narvik Airport, Evenes (EVE). This airport is small but convenient.

Norwegian Airlines Check-in:

  • Norwegian Airlines uses an automated check-in system. If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, the machine will not accept it.

Fuel Payment:

  • For self-service fuel stations, you must swipe your card and enter your PIN code. The machine will hold 1500 NOK. After refueling, you can leave the station. The final amount will be cleared later.

Fuel Prices:

  • During my visit in September 2018, fuel prices were around 15-18 NOK/liter.

Speed Limits:

  • Most roads in Lofoten have a speed limit of 80 km/h. However, lower speed limits are enforced in populated areas and intersections, with clear signage indicating the change.

Night Driving:

  • Some roads may lack lighting at night, making driving less ideal. However, reflective posts are installed along the roads to aid visibility.

Bridges and Tunnels:

  • The route includes bridges, tunnels, and underwater tunnels. However, driving is not considered difficult or dangerous.

Tax Refund:

  • Global Blue offers tax refunds of 15-25%. You can claim your refund at the Global Blue counter located on the right side of the departure hall at Oslo Airport. The staff is efficient. Prepare your receipts, passport, form, and flight ticket. A service fee of around 5% will be deducted from your refund amount. You can choose to receive the refund on your credit card or in cash.

Train to City Center:

  • Taking the regular train from the airport to the city center is sufficient. The express train is not necessary as it is more expensive and the travel time difference is minimal.

Automated Purchases:

  • You will need a PIN code to use your credit card at automated machines, such as ticket vending machines and unmanned fuel stations.

#9 Trip Expenses Summary

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Trip Expenses Breakdown

Accommodation: 8 nights at 14,641.20 THB per person (average of 1,830 THB per person per night)

Transportation: 7-day car rental with additional driver and insurance at 22,956.05 THB (average of 5,739.01 THB per person)

Fuel and Parking: 4,405.96 THB (average of 1,101.49 THB per person)

Food: 9 days of meals at 22,529.86 THB (average of 5,632.46 THB per person)

Train Tickets: Roundtrip train tickets between Oslo city and airport at 823.01 THB per person

Flights: OSL-Narvik flights at 8,268 THB per person

The total cost is approximately 30,600 baht per person.

Note: This cost does not include:

  • Round-trip airfare from Bangkok to Oslo (BKK-OSLO-BKK) as I only paid the airport tax of 6,140 baht per person.
  • Visa fees as I have a remaining Schengen visa.
  • Pocket wifi and sim internet (approximately 900 baht per person).
  • Personal shopping J.

Links to various resources:

#lofoten#lofoten#archipelago#norway#taking pictures of natural scenery#mountain
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