Into Sweden via Oslo airport

 Svolvær looked totally different on a sunny day. Too bad we had to leave Lofoten to Oslo. We ran into a Germany hiker who visited only Lofoten to hike 2-week. Only 20 passengers on this tiny plane at this tiny airport with great views. There were only two buses from the city to this small airport each day. The atrial views from Lofoten to Oslo on the small plane were impressive as well. 

After 2-hr, I layover Oslo airport 5-hr for an Ethiopian flight (used UA frequent miles) to Abu Dhabi passing via Stockholm (where I will stay 5-days). Oslo airport is green and nice but its domestic and international terminals are packed with people.  However, I managed to find a quiet seat with power outlet. Since I didn’t find anything I want to see in Oslo city, I just camp in the airport on my last day in Norway. 

Ethiopian airline flight delayed one hour due to flight crew shortage which is a common problem this summer since airlines can’t certify new crew members in a short time to meet the summer demands. I was forced to take the expensive airport express train since other options stopped running in late night. I self-checked in hostel, showered, ate instant noodles, and chatted with two young travelers before sleeping. What a long day!

Sweden

 

Reine - Svolvær

 We cancelled touring plan and left my favorite hotel in Reine earlier because it was raining and windy this morning. We took two buses Reine – Lenkens - Svolvær, which route was travelled by many people to sightsee, hike, etc. for days or weeks. 

Then we toured Svolvær downtown (harbor area, department store, etc.), and figured the transportation to SVJ airport tomorrow. Norway is so short of labor that most hotels offer self-check in, and the one we stay tonight even offers a pay and checkin kiosk.

Reine Reinebringen hike

 Our ferry arrived in Moskenes @ 6:30 am then we jumped on 6:40 am bus to Reine, the most exciting landscape of Lofoten, within walking distance to Reinebringen trail head. Lofoten is a group of islands in the northern part of Norway. With its postcard-looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords, dotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway. At 68N, the Lofoten archipelago is well above the arctic circle, and at the same latitude as Greenland or the northern parts of Alaska. However, it enjoys a relatively milder climate due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream, and temperatures up to 23C in the summer are not uncommon. 

It was a very steep climb for roughly 1km leading to a small pass with a breathtaking view over the village and fjord of Reine.  On top of the steepness, it was very hot hiking up over 1500 rock stairs, and I almost got heat stroke. However, Thr panoramic views of Reinefjorden and the Lofoten Wall really worth it. 

We then walked to nearby fish village to take photos and bought food to cook dinner. I really enjoyed my stay in Catogården Boutique Home (ran by a family), feeling like home with wonderful deco and priceless views. I used their popcorn machine for a make popcorns to share.

Flight interruption from Aalesund to Bodo

 Wasted whole day for SAS fights. On my way to Lofoten! SAS has union strike issues. Now transferring in Bergen airport. I got some shots from the flight into Bergen.

Bergen airport has a lot of interesting designs and even a 7-11.

We landed Bodo and rested 3-hr in the airport before being kicked out of the airport. Then we walked 40 minutes sincec1:30 am (still day light) from Bodo airport to Bodo ferry port to wait for 3:15 am ferry to Moskenes. Got some good shots of sunset in Bodo, early street shots, and ferry shots.  We copied 1/2 of Lofoten in a Nutshell itinerary: Bodo to Moskenes ferry, Reine hike, and Reine to Svolvær bus ride. 

I will file an EU passenger claim against SAS for the long delay, which caused our exhaustion and loss one night of stay in Reine hotel.