In the Lofoten Islands, a stunning archipelago in northern Norway

 The Lofoten Islands are a stunning archipelago in northern Norway, where the mountains meet the sea and the sun never sets in summer.

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(in the Norwegian Sea, within the Arctic Circle) Lofoten, an archipelago, is a traditional district in the county of Nordland. The island group comprises the southern end of the Lofoten-Vesterålen archipelago and includes five main islands (Austvågøya, Gimsøya, Vestvågøya, Flakstadøya, and Moskenesøya) extending about 70 miles (110 km) from north to south. There are also many small islands and skerries (rocky islets and reefs). The length of the archipelago is about 110 miles (175 km). A fjord, the Vesterålsfjorden, lies between Lofoten and the mainland. The islands, composed of volcanic rocks are the highly eroded tops of a partially submerged mountain range. Though lying within the Arctic Circle, Lofoten has one of the world's largest higher temperature anomalies relative to its high latitude. It is popular for its natural beauty within Norway.

+ Between the mainland and the Lofoten archipelago is the vast, Vestfjord, and to the north is Vesterålen. The main towns in Lofoten are Leknes in Vestvågøy and Svolvær in Vågan. The islands have for more than 1,000 years been the center of great cod fisheries, especially in winter, when the cod migrate south from the Barents Sea and gather here to spawn. In the lowland areas, particularly Vestvågøy, agriculture is important and has been so since the Bronze Age.

+ Cross into the Arctic Circle and experience Norway’s best kept secret. Experience the midnight sun or northern lights and soak up the local charms, including Arctic wildlife and mountainous landscapes. You will never forget your first approach to the Lofoten Islands. The islands' tall, craggy profiles stand against the sky like some spiky sea dragon. (The beauty of this place is simply staggering.) Whether you want to glimpse the spectacular Northern Lights, sample Northern Norways's cuisine in Lofotens's restaurants, or kayak across crystal-clear fjords, you will want to experience what Lofotens has to offer. The islands have a rich history of fishing, whaling, and Viking culture, and are home to colorful wooden houses, cozy fishing villages, and local delicacies like dried cod.

+ The Lofoten have been continuously inhabited since at least 1120, when King Øystein built a church and lodgings for fishermen near Kabelvåg, on Austvågøya. Fishing has always been predominant, and until the late 19th century, when tourists arrived on the islands, it was almost the only economic activity. Cod, along with some haddock, are the principal catch. During the spawning season, from February through April, thousands of people from all over the Norwegian west coast come to the area to land and process the cod catch. (Stockfish from Lofoten, dried in the winter wind and sun without the use of salt, have been exported for centuries.)

+ Svolvær, on Austvågøya, is the chief town and main port of the islands.