Lofoten adventures: Road trip to red stilt houses

You check your bags one last time to make sure you've got everything. Jumpers, hats, hiking boots – now all you need is your sunglasses and you're ready to go! You board the plane, bristling with excitement, and before you know it, you're dreaming of snow-covered mountain peaks, green forests and the breathtaking midnight sun.

You're met with surprisingly mild temperatures and golden sunshine no matter what time it is. Luckily, your trusty sunnies are at the ready! As you make your way to where you're staying, your excitement about Tromsø grows greater and greater until it finally appears before you, shining in the mystical glow of the midnight sun. And how you explore the Venice of the North is entirely up to you. How about a cable car ride up to Tromsø's mountain, Storsteinen (optional, payable on site)? Pack a flask of tea and enjoy the fantastic view of the city and the surrounding fjords from the top. It's spectacular!

God morgen! You're up and at 'em early again today. And it's no wonder – just thinking about your destination for the day makes you soon reach for the keys jingling happily in your pocket. Today's route takes you past snow-covered mountain peaks and shimmering dark blue fjords. When you fancy a little break, simply find a stretch of coastline to stop off at and, with a bit of luck, singing humpback whales and orcas hunting for fish will keep you company. Then continue on as the hilly landscape becomes more and more criss-crossed by water – a magical sight that you're bound to remember forever. Before you know it, you'll have reached your destination. Welcome to Narvik, a harbour town north of the Arctic Circle, spectacularly situated on a headland between two arms of the Ofotfjord. Settle in, take a deep breath and marvel at your surroundings. With mountains towering into the sky, glistening water and crisp air that's totally wild, this place is prime for a relaxing walk along the fjord or through the city, with the dramatic natural scenery always in view. In between, take a cosy break in a café and warm up with a coffee and a cinnamon bun as you soak up the Nordic mood. 

'Excited' is an understatement, because today's a day when dreams come true! Impressive rock formations, picturesque fjords and the islanders' laid-back attitude towards life – you can hardly wait to experience it all up close. You quickly adjust your rear-view mirror, then hit the road. The Lofoten Islands await!

As you check out your surroundings, a hushed 'wow' escapes your lips; you've entered a whole new world! Red fishermen's cabins built on stilts right on the rocky shore of the deep blue sea, a rugged mountain landscape scattered with sparse vegetation – the locals have turned this seemingly inhospitable area into a dreamlike abode. And it's the ultimate explorer's playground! So, after a quick check-in at your next stay, you're off to discover it all. And if you get hungry along the way and want a true taste of Lofoten, just head to one of the many fish restaurants and order a local speciality, such as bacalao.

Get set to dive into the world of Lofoten! European route E10 connects the group of islands with one another, but the best way to truly immerse yourself in the archipelago is to simply park up and continue on foot. That way, there's no windscreen separating you from the outdoors and you can experience the unspoilt nature of the isles up close and personal. Once you're back on the road, it's off to Henningsvær, a small fishing village on the south side of Lofoten, which stretches across eight islands connected by bridges. Stroll between the little houses on stilts, and if you fancy a bite to eat, make yourself comfortable in one of the many cafés. Once you've refuelled, hit the road again and head for the Trollfjord. At just 1.5 miles long, it's certainly not the size of the Arctic fjord that makes it so special but rather its unmistakable beauty, which you get to enjoy live in action.