Forget the palm trees for the length of one article: north of the 62nd parallel, islands of surreal landscapes mix jagged peaks, turquoise Arctic beaches and colourful fishing villages. Midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter: here are three Nordic gems to put on your list.
🏔️ The Lofoten Islands (Norway) — Peaks in the sea
Mountains plunging straight into an emerald sea, red fishermen's cabins (the rorbuer) on stilts, the postcard village of Reine and beaches worthy of the Caribbean such as Haukland… in a 12°C version. The Lofoten are paradise for hikers and photographers.
You get there by ferry from Bodø or by small plane to Svolvær and Leknes. Summer brings the midnight sun; from September to March, the northern lights take over.
🐑 The Faroe Islands (Denmark) — The edge of the world
Eighteen wind-battered islands between Iceland and Scotland, more sheep than inhabitants, dizzying cliffs and the Múlafossur waterfall dropping straight into the ocean. Tórshavn, one of the world's smallest capitals, lines up its grass-roofed houses.
You land at Vágar, via Copenhagen all year round (plus seasonal direct flights from Paris). Here the weather changes every ten minutes — that is the Faroese charm.
🌉 Sommarøy (Norway) — Tromsø's secret pearl
A 55-minute drive from Tromsø, connected by a bridge, Sommarøy — "the summer island" — lines up white-sand beaches and turquoise water worthy of the tropics… beyond the Arctic Circle. A striking contrast that drives photographers wild.
From mid-May to late July, the sun never sets: a (bracing!) midnight swim is guaranteed. Our full Sommarøy guide is coming very soon on Dem-Tukki — stay tuned!
📊 Comparison
| Criteria | Lofoten | Faroe | Sommarøy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | Bodø ferry or plane | Flights via Copenhagen | 55 min from Tromsø |
| Landscapes | Peaks & rorbuer | Cliffs & waterfalls | Arctic beaches |
| Best season | June-August / winter auroras | May-September | Mid-May to late July |
| Suggested stay | 5-7 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days (+ Tromsø) |
| Budget | €€€ high | €€€ high | €€€ high |
| Best for | Hiking & photography | End-of-the-world lovers | An offbeat stopover |
🏆 Our verdict
For a great hiking-and-photo journey, the Lofoten remain the North's absolute benchmark.
For a total disconnect amid raw landscapes, the Faroe Islands are still under the radar — make the most of it.
And for a gem within easy reach of Tromsø, Sommarøy and its turquoise polar beaches are well worth the detour. The North has its lagoons too!
Itching to get away? All our islands await you on Dem-Tukki.
Explore all our islands →Keywords: Lofoten Islands travelFaroe IslandsSommarøy Norwaymidnight sunnorthern lights