The Travel Year 2024! It has been a wild roller coaster that has inhabited interesting, challenging, and intriguing events. So much happened, including me moving to the Lofoten Islands, up North above the Arctic Circle —and many great new people to know.
I look forward to many more adventures to come.
January, Goodbye Oslo
Strangely, you have decided to move from your home because Oslo has been my home for 14 years. I moved when I was 18 years old and had my blissful 20s in the town. It was time; I needed a change: more nature, more mountains, more places to see, and new adventures to create.
I had the best goodbye parties with friends and great colleagues; I have the best people in Oslo. I will miss them a lot, but they will still be there when I visit. Same with my latest obsession, Ramen.
Then, since I spent my last month in Oslo, we also decided to be naughty and travel to Malaga on cheap airline flights. Away from the snow, hello, sweet wine, and light jackets. Did you know that Malaga may be the cleanest city in Europe? We loved the El Camino del Rey walk, a highlight of our time in Malaga.
February, Moving Up North Above the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten Islands
Who loves a challenge? That’s the fun of traveling and saying yes to new things. My first day up North was right after the big storm, Ingunn, which did a lot of harm in Lofoten, so my flight was delayed, and the bus went away. So hitchhiking myself to Svolvær was fun. However, I learned that there is always a way up north, and it always goes well, as they say. So February was about settling in and arranging furniture for my new place. As well as soaking in my new neighborhood.
March, the Fool Spring, and The World Cod Fishing Championship in Svolvær
You might think you are getting closer to spring, but let me tell you something: that’s a joke up North. Even in May, you still await spring, snow in the mountains, and maybe some greens. However, March is a delight in Lofoten; you genuinely feel the energy of the sun and all the fun happening with the Cod Fishing and the Arctic Cod, also known as Skrei in Norwegian. However, I was showing an Italian group the fun in Lofoten in March, which was eventful.
Laura’s Coffee Place
Let’s also mention Laura’s Cafe, which serves the best coffee in Svolvær and a divine cheesecake. If you want to buy something to take home, I highly recommend Kean Beans, a locally roasted coffee from Laukvik in Lofoten. Then, of course, Arctic Cod dinner at Børsen Spiseri, a must for anyone going to Lofoten.
Getaway to Reine Village, the famous one
Reine is one of the most famous villages in the Lofoten Islands. In the summer, it gets rather crowded, so why not discover the village with fewer people and more tranquility in March? Luis was visiting, so it was time for an adventure, so we went to Reine and stayed at Reine Rorbuer.
Sea Eagle Safari with XXLofoten
Yes, we also said hello to the famous sea eagles on safari with XXLofoten. We had to make the most of this great weather in Lofoten during March. It was the best month this year.
April, almost Spring
Returning home from easter on the cabin. It was more Northern Lights in Svolvær and, most of all, more daylight. Also, I had more time to settle in; my couch arrived, and I also went on a plant course at Polarhagen.
Winter Wonderland or Spring?
You never know in Lofoten, and the funny thing is that the locals told me that this year we had a proper spring in Lofoten, so I should be grateful to experience that.
Ballstad, the Undiscovered village in Lofoten
I love it when I go somewhere and don’t know how it will be. Ballstad, with its history and vibrant fishing village, is alluring even today. We loved staying at Solsiden Brygge and hiking in the neighborhood at Nonstind.
May, almost Spring – Spring!
Who knew that May is a strange month in Northern Norway? You are so close to having spring, but still not yet. The winter is holding on; the snow is still there. You are waiting for the green leaves to come, soon, very soon, just a little more.
May, I had visitors, Mum and Eva, or best travel friend. They arrived to Svolvær in the afternoon. The sun was not shinning it was rather pouring down with rain. There is not bad weather in Norway only bad clothing. So we went exploring the neighborhood, but also went to the local pub at Styrehuset for some indoor swing dance and live music. We went to Henningsvær, Nusfjord and Mannen for hiking. Also Thon Svolvær have tasty Italian Pizza.
17th of May, Confirmation, and Soon Summer
Funny thing, I traveled on May 15th to Ålesund – So I MISSED OUT ON Everything becoming green in Lofoten, so much waiting for nothing. I feel like 2025 is the year I will see when it happens.
I have become very familiar with the local bus up North, Widerø; going on the propeller planes and seeing Norway more closely from above is so fun. It is also a little challenging when they have tried to land two times, and they don’t know if they will make it on the third time. The thrill of living up north.
I spent the 17th of May in Ålesund with family and friends, and later confirmation for my dear cousin who shares the same birthday as me; what a great 18-year present.
Best of all, I had time to be with grandparents, talk to them. Catch up with some good friends.
June, Midnight Sun How Fun!
More visitors arrived in Lofoten; my dad and Wenche were ready to explore Lofoten, and we went out hiking and, of course, visited Styrehuset, the local pub, for some great live music and swing. There is so much light and energy, and I love the change of the season and the wonderful midnight sun. When dad was in town we had to eat stockfish royal at Børsen Spiseri and famous Lofot lamb at kitchen.
Adulting, Buying a Car for the First Time in My Life
One perk of living in Oslo is that public transportation is excellent, so there is no need for a car. However, owning a car and driving to the starting point of all the great hikes is more fun if you reside in Lofoten. Also, I went to a harvesting seaweed workshop with Lofoten Friluftsråd and Peggy Ellingsen and all her skills about harvesting what nature provides you.
Community Work for a Cleaner Lofoten
Community work at Polarhagen, where we helped tie up some damaging waste from agriculture before people believed they could dump things and it would disappear. Plastic does not work that way—a great day with great people.
I had a visitor who was now leaving Norway, and Lofoten was a great place to say goodbye to the country she had called home for many years. I was honored that I was a part of the last celebration of Norway before she went on to new chapters in life.
Lofoten, Sustainable Destination – Local Engagement in a Long Perspective
As you may remember, I’m the Sustainability Coordinator at Destination Lofoten. In June, we had an important visit to control and document our work towards Lofoten becoming a more Sustainable Destination. 36 hours with talk about protecting nature, culture, and environment, strengthing social values, economic viability, good local anchoring, and cooperation. Sustainable Destination is a quality brand for Norwegian Tourism Destinations dedicated to continued performance towards sustainability in tourism.
We had the pleasure of visiting Holmen Lofoten to see the great work done in Lofoten regarding local food and food waste and participating in the culture of Lofoten by preserving the fish, berries, and many other elements to be harvested. We also stopped in Nusfjord to showcase visitor management, cultural heritage, and the preservation of buildings through visitor contributions.
July, You Are Stunning
Fresh greens, just after the rain, everything lush and greener than ever, the air is clear, the birds are singing high, and the summer has definitely arrived in Lofoten.
A Young Boy Exploring Lofoten
We did flower picking, fishing, sauna, hiking, and swimming at the beach and Viking Museum — so much fun.
More visitors for July
Moving to the Lofoten Islands is great because friends and family want to visit. It’s even better when they can stay with me. It was lovely that so many decided to visit me during the summer months. It was so much fun. I have many great memories of Petter, Emilie, Marianne (who knit me a fabulous sweater), and my best sister, Lena. Then, Heidi came from Finland to Lofoten. I love it when Heidi comes; she is also a great hiker.
No Bad Weather, Only Great Attitude
August, the Summer Keeps Giving.. Or?
Then, it was time to take a short break from the Lofoten Islands. I went to Oslo and met friends like my besties, Milo, Julie, and Sandra. After looking at the weather report, booking a last-minute trip to Rhodes seemed like a good idea.
Pauline Travels in Greece
Greece in summer is something special for us Norwegians. I love gyros and Greek frappe coffee, not other Greek coffee. I adore crystal clear blue water, white houses, Greek salad, and everything. There is so much to love about Greece. And I loved exploring Greece with Luis. It was his first time in Greece, which is always special when visiting a country for the first time. Please read all about our travels in Rhodos.
September, are we Done with the Summer Already?
The fall storms came in fast this fall. And the weather was weather. My best Greek friend, Maria, visited with her daughter and two friends. Once again, we ended up at Børsen Spiseri to indulge in some tasty food.
Road Trip to Å in Lofoten & Light Walk in Sørvågen
Why stay at home if you can go exploring? We had a micro-adventure to Å and Sørvågen in Lofoten to attend the famous Light Walk around the Sørvågen Lake. What a great thing to do and the best way to welcome darker hours in the day with more light. When the fall comes to Lofoten, the air is crisp and clear. You can even see in the photos that the air is entirely pure. It nourishes your lungs.
I highly recommend the bakery at Å and cod tongues at Maren Anna in Sørvågen. We strayed in Å rorbuer, which was charming and wonderful beds.
Usual Walk to the Fishermen’s Wife over the Bridge to Svinøya
October, the Golden Season
The Shoulder season is the golden season. Lofoten is excellent in every season. To truly experience Lofoten, you should visit in all seasons whenever you can. I love going out when the air is fresh and life is tranquil.
October is also the Northern Light Season
And even in Svolvær, you have great chances to see the Northern Lights; sometimes, you spot it outside your window. I love it when you can do lazy aurora-watching.
More Hikes, More Nature, I am so grateful
And also cultural things happening at SKREI Galleri with the famous Solsoldat and his selected art friends, showing their great artworks in Sentrumsgården, Svolvær.
November, Birthday Month & Scorpio Season
November is a challenging month in Norway; not so much snow, but it is cold, and dark. However, shine bright like a diamond, and it will get better. It’s a great time for more coffee, fireplace watching, and walks without complete winter gear. In November, I was in Oslo and Fredrikstad, discussing wild camping and how it affects Lofoten as a destination.
Lokalet in Fredrikstad
One of my best friends has finally made her dream a reality. She opened up the most charming boutique shop in Cicignongata – Lokalet in Fredrikstad. I highly suggest to visit if you are in Fredrikstad.
Jazz Night at Amerikalinjen
Because if the day is grey, the night should be bright and filled with jazz. What a great evening with my mum, sister, and Luis. Wonderful family time, staying at Amerikalinjen.
Birthday Girl
Turning a little bit older seems fine to me, even more so when surrounded by so many beautiful people who wanted to celebrate me even though they only knew me briefly. I’m grateful for their friendship and time.
December, soon Christmas
In December, I had some work travels to Bergen and Sogndal, where I was in Bergen talking about Cruise and in Sogndal talking about wild camping and how it affects a destination. Norway needs to make some changes regarding wild camping in some areas. It was wonderful to be back on the West Coast, see some deep fjords, and meet up with great colleagues in the travel industry. Let’s not forget the tasting of cider from Ølheim Siderhage in Sogndal. Wow, we have amazing apples and cider in Norway.
Winter time is Cabin time
So we went to Musdalsæter for a short mountain getaway, enjoying skiing and fireplace watching. I’m very grateful that even though I live in Lofoten, I still made time for some days in the cabin; it is pure bliss to be up there.
Vitamin D & Saltwater Retreat in Tenerife
This year has primarily been spent in Norway, and it has been wonderful. When the winter darkness arrives, I like to get away for a short period to get some vitamin D. It is better to be there, and it is much more fun than taking vitamins. However you should also take your vitamins and so should I.
I have not yet written about Tenerife, but some day soon. It was great to explore the island.
Christmas at the Cabin and New Year in Ålesund
This was the perfect combination of rural life and some urban life.
The Travel Year 2024 was in Mostly in Norway
It is supposed to be one of the most incredible places to visit in the world, so that is not a bad place to live and explore, and even more so when you can go to one of the most beautiful islands of Northern Norway, Lofoten. I’m grateful for another year with many highlights and lessons learned, but most of all, I’m intrigued by 2025.
