Amazing Lofoten Islands, a spectacular journey from Gravdal to Å

Hey y'all,

Our ship anchored in Gravdal from 9 to 6 on an absolutely beautiful summer day. We rented a car to explore the southern area of the Lofoten Islands on our own. I hope that the following impressions will help other travelers in planning their itineraries.

The Lofoten Islands are the western remnants of ancient mountains which were pulverized by glaciers. The summer sun shows off their spectacular jagged-lined peaks and splendid color.

Prior to the cruise we made arrangements with Europcar to have our car delivered to the port in Gravdal. We were on the first tender to shore and the first in line to pick up the car. We wanted to get on the road as soon as possible since we had a packed itinerary.

We followed the E10, which is one of Norway's National Tourist Routes, southward. Our first destination was the town of Reine, but we stopped several times along the way to take in the spectacular landscape.

Here are some impressions

more to follow

We also noticed lots of fish-drying racks. Unlike the ones further north near Honningsvag, these were not covered by nets.

We encountered several semi-tunnels

and tunnels

more to follow

We stopped at a rest stop near Akkarvikodden for these vistas

We arrived in Reine after about an hour and a half, parked our car close to a bridge leading to town, and enjoyed the wonderful views of Reine

before setting out on our hike to conquer Reinebringen

more to come

In preparation for the trip I read a lot about this hike and we were only going to attempt it if the weather cooperated. Well, the weather couldn't have been any better this day...and we were off.

The hike is extremely demanding and fairly difficult. It is short, 3.5 hrs roundtrip, but it requires a lot of concentration, because you really, really have to watch your steps. In parts it reminded me of climbing a ladder, just that your rungs are grass and vegetation. You also have to scale a lot of rocks on your hands and knees. I realized after just a few minutes into the climb, that I wouldn't be able to take any photos easily. I stowed my camera not only in its case, but in hubby's backpack and it did not come out again until our wobbly legs touched the concrete path again leading back to Reine. It was easier for me to keep my balance without having to think about the lens getting damaged :eek:

Our climbing companion Wayne was kind enough to let me use one of his photos taken from a ledge near the top.

The view was truly stunning.

We also met 2 young gentlemen from Belgium on the hike who actually did not stop at the upper ledge, but did a free climbing act to the very top.

Here is the link to their 58 second video:

https://vimeo.com/133275672

It was a great experience, but the hike definitely made us realize and accept our limitations. This hike is not for the faint of heart!

more to follow

After completing the hike, we pushed on towards Å, a tiny scenic town at the end of the E10.

Some photos from around town

more to come

We continued on towards the north to explore the beaches of Ramberg and Skagsanden

The landscape is fascinating, but the water is freezing cold. Trust me, I checked! I do not know how this young lady mastered the cold. She must be a true Viking

more to follow

Our next destination was Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best preserved fishing villages.

We were the only people visiting at this time of the day.

On the road to Nusfjord

Impressions of the vistas around town

The cliffs leading out to sea

Another Norwegian still life

more to come

It was getting fairly late and we had to leave to catch the last tender back to the Caribbean Princess.

Some more photos from the drive back

Our day trip has been absolutely wonderful!

Here are some photos taken of the Lofoten Islands during the night on our way to our next destination, Alesund.

More port reviews from our most recent cruise

Stavanger

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2232099

Olden

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2233136

Flam

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2236140

Andalsnes

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2237893

Trondheim

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2239089

North Cape

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2241112

Tromso

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2242143

Another great one. I am looking forward to the continuation:)

awesome report and so helpful. Can I ask how much the rental was? We are investigating for our upcoming trip and early research is suggesting a minimum of $200. We think probably still worth it when compared to the cost of excursions.

$200 was what I paid for one week in Miami. Well, Lofoten is not Florida. Price for the day is NOK950 or $125

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$200 was what I paid for one week in Miami. Well, Lofoten is not Florida. Price for the day is NOK950 or $125

 

 

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Can you tell me where you got that price from? Most I have seen are over 300

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$200 was what I paid for one week in Miami. Well, Lofoten is not Florida. Price for the day is NOK950 or $125

 

 

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I have written to the 4 car agencies, 2 have already replied

1725 nok

2005 nok

Including drop off. If you know how I can get 950 please let me know.

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Appreciate these wonderful postings and pictures. Brings back nice memories from July 2010 when we had a rental car and journeyed down to "A". My live/blog, connected below, has been popular as people like to consider these many great options along the western coast of scenic and spectacular Norway.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 223,286 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Hi there teamflames,

I am the original OP and included a copy of my email to Europcar. Keep in mind that the car rental prices might have increased since we cruised in 2015!

We used Europcar and were very happy with the service and the car.

Dear Petra,

It is our station in Leknes who can deliver a car to the port in Gravdal.

The delivery charge is NOK 250,- + tax.(same for collection)

Rate for 1 day rental grp A: NOK 788,-incl. tax, unlimited mileage, collision/theft waiver.

Do not hesitate to take contact again for any question or reservation.

Have a nice afternoon.

Med vennlig hilsen / Best regards

Grete

Europcar Norway | ServiceCenter

Phone: + 47 815 51 800 | www.europcar.no

Interrent AS | Org.nr. 913 237 935

Fjordveien 1 | Postbox 523, N-1328 Høvik, Norway

E-mail: grete.boe@europcar.no

www.europcar.no

I used Grete’s email above to contact her. She replied within a few days and was very helpful. Hopefully she is still with the company.

Have fun on your cruise!

Regards

Petra

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Hi there teamflames,

I am the original OP and included a copy of my email to Europcar. Keep in mind that the car rental prices might have increased since we cruised in 2015!

We used Europcar and were very happy with the service and the car.

 

Dear Petra,

 

It is our station in Leknes who can deliver a car to the port in Gravdal.

The delivery charge is NOK 250,- + tax.(same for collection)

 

Rate for 1 day rental grp A: NOK 788,-incl. tax, unlimited mileage, collision/theft waiver.

 

Do not hesitate to take contact again for any question or reservation.

 

Have a nice afternoon.

 

 

Med vennlig hilsen / Best regards

 

Grete

Europcar Norway | ServiceCenter

Phone: + 47 815 51 800 | www.europcar.no

Interrent AS | Org.nr. 913 237 935

Fjordveien 1 | Postbox 523, N-1328 Høvik, Norway

 

 

E-mail: grete.boe@europcar.no

 

www.europcar.no

 

I used Grete’s email above to contact her. She replied within a few days and was very helpful. Hopefully she is still with the company.

Have fun on your cruise!

Regards

Petra

 

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Thanks very much Petra, so helpful. I wrote to all the agencies, Avis and Europcar wrote straight back. It was Raymond who replied from Europcar, interestingly the delivery charge is the same but the rental is double (ouch). Perhaps we have booked too late. It is still cheaper than booking 2 people on a 4 hour ship excursion and you get double the time and more flexibility.

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