Journey to the Nordic Islands: Mysterious Lands and Adventure at the Edge of the World

They benefit from microclimates even though they are located under northern latitudes. A return to a nature that hasn’t changed since the dawn of time… 

Who hasn’t heard of the Lofoten Islands? Some surfers challenge the elements there, equipped in their neoprene wetsuits. National Geographic even dedicated a documentary titled Land of Ice and Sound that aired on Canal +. We follow these thrill-seekers and it’s breathtaking. They don’t need to go offshore because the waves break on vast beaches framed by cliffs. In this extraordinary place, the sensations are intensified. Soon the light joins in, and what a light it is, grazing, saturated. In summer, the day does not end, it's the midnight sun, so you can also surf at night. I'm telling you about the northern islands, the dune heaths, the blue fjords, the windmills, those painted fishermen’s huts… You will understand that these lands are enchanting, each claiming its unique character, and you will realize that they are not as inhospitable as the Kerguelen Islands!  

Already you can see the northern lights, the Lappish forests, the fjords in Norway just like in Juliette's song or Hamsun's novels. The Lofoten belong to Bergen, the Hanseatic city, and here one can find the first Viking settlements. Here you are at North Cape, where seals and whales are observed just like in Vesteralen. We find ourselves in a fisherman's paradise because strangely, birds do not frequent this stretch of sea. Consequently, fishermen from the northern part of the country flock here and they fish day and night! They catch the cod which they call Skrei; it has spawned from the Barents Strait. In recent decades, nature, skiing, or hiking enthusiasts have been investing in rorbus, the charming, brightly colored fishermen's cabins.

Just 3 hours north of Hamburg, if you head straight north to Frisia, you will reach the ends of the earth. There, a dike built in 1927 by Marshal Hindenburg allows you to reach Sylt. Once there, expect to encounter seals, windsurfers, and the jet set. Sylt hosts the world championships of windsurfing. The fashionable island, shaped like a mermaid, separated from the mainland in the 14th century. In the 1920s, it was favored by German nudists. Later, famous people such as Brigitte Bardot and Gunter Sachs, who owned an incredible home there, came to vacation. Above all, the island is suited to revelry, isolated as it is. Nightclubs are plentiful and Kampen in many ways reminds one of the Île de Ré with its upscale shops. Nevertheless, Sylt also features thatched roofs, Icelandic stone walls, and dune heaths.  

Once is not customary, it's a bridge that connects the island to the continent. What is the island’s attraction? Dunvegan Castle, undoubtedly, one of the must-sees in Scotland! That the MacLeod clan has managed to keep their castle throughout the 8 centuries delights us. Moreover, the property contains real treasures. You will discover a fairy flag and a cup with magical powers. You probably know its land bridge since it appears in the film Highlander in which Christophe Lambert acts. Yet visitors flock here for another reason. They hope to get close to seals! Some will treat themselves to a little cruise on Loch Dunvegan to observe them. On this occasion, they will spot herons and sea eagles and notice the presence of fishermen who are catching haddock and cod. 

The place is renowned for its chic visitors, its Solliden castle hosting the royal family in the summer, yet nature has remained untouched. In this respect, Öland has set up 75 nature reserves. What strikes the visitor in this pristine landscape is the presence of its windmills, the windy island houses about 350 of them! Consequently, the island is favored by Scandinavian kite surfers and windsurfers, especially since it is accessible from the mainland via a 6 km bridge. The Kungsrallyt, do you know it? I'm going to address that right away! It is a race of oldtimers, that is, vintage cars. Originally, the king of Sweden receives a 1946 Volvo model as a birthday gift, which he inaugurates on the spot. Then it is decided to repeat this test drive he did every 2 years, and thus the friendly-spirited rally was born.    

Do you know the cliff path? If it is passable all year round, I would recommend spring because nature blossoms in this season and the days get longer. This hiking trail offers fabulous viewpoints. Leaving the thermal baths of La Valette in Saint-Pierre-Port, you follow the coast towards Clarence Battery. Moreover, if you are visiting Guernsey, it’s probably because you plan to visit Hauteville. This residence, acquired by Victor Hugo after the success of The Contemplations, offered him the exile he sought. Did you know? His descendants donated it to the Paris City Hall! Besides the billiard room and the photography salon, he arranged a look-out in the attic, a fully glazed room dedicated to writing. It is in this place with a sea view that he wrote masterpieces such as Les Misérables. Conclude your visit by the gardens adorned with... palm trees!   

She emerges from the Wadden Sea, here comes Texel. Imagine a landscape of dunes, heathlands, or sand flats like in Terschelling... Sheep graze on this island which constitutes a Unesco biosphere reserve. Speaking of which, there are no fewer than 80 bird species nesting here. You will observe ruddy turnstones, elegant avocets, majestic curlews, arctic terns. The best way to visit the national dune park is by bicycle, as generally in the Netherlands, it is the realm of the bike. Do not hesitate to frequent the campsites which are luxurious. Beach enthusiasts will find their bliss at the Kaap Nord Beach Pavilion over a coffee. Those seeking the best view will climb the steps of the lighthouse but will enjoy an incomparable panorama over 40 meters above the ground.

Author: Gretel Tamalet
Photo Credits: Benjamin Davies - Unsplash