Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten
An Arctic gem by the Norwegian Sea In a rebuilt factory from 1914 that once made cod liver oil and later stored stockfish, restaurant Maren Anna serves locally sourced food with a unique atmosphere and views over the ocean as well as the Arctic scenery of Sørvågen. The restaurant is located in the harbour, where guests can view the fishing boats bringing in the catch of the day. The interior is homely and warm with exceptional views of the ocean. During the winter, you may be lucky and see the northern lights from the restaurant, and during the summer, you can sit outside and enjoy a cold beverage and the sea breeze. “We opened in 2003, with a wish to give our guests an experience that would be remembered as a highlight of their travels Maren Anna serves locally sourced, fresh fish. Photo: Maren Anna
to Lofoten. We are working hard to be able to serve delicious, local food that gives our guests a unique food experience,” says Anette Morrison, general manager. The philosophy is straightforward: tasty dishes with local products and good service. Maren Anna wants for the food to reflect the unique, local resources Lofoten has to offer, inspired by French and Asian cuisine. The restaurant is located between the Norwegian ocean and spectacular, Arctic mountains, and Morrison explains Photo: Maren Anna
By Synne Johnsson
that Sørvågen is like a door to several popular hiking routes. “Sørvågen and Maren Anna have something for everyone who wants to experience Lofoten: the locals, fresh fish, the mountains, the ocean and the incredible flavours in our dishes,” Morrison says. “We are focusing on maintaining our high quality, and I am really proud to be sharing this authentic experience with our guests.” Website: www.marenanna.com Facebook: MarenAnnaLofoten Instagram: @marenanna.lofoten
Photo: Maren Anna
A guided tour like no other Arctic Guide Service was the first company to offer tailored excursions in one of Norway's best-known areas of outstanding beauty, the Lofoten Islands. By Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit | Photos: Eric Fokke
“We saw an unmet need in the tourist market, so we first set up in Lofoten back in 2001," explains product and marketing manager June Remmen. “We wanted to give visitors a completely memorable experience of the archipelago, and many now know us as the leading tour guide service here.” In order to provide first-class tours, Arctic Guide Service works hand in hand with local suppliers and trains its guides to make sure that their knowledge of the archipelago's nature and local cultures is second to none. “This area is rich in history and steeped in culture − we want to convey all of this to our visitors, so that they come away with a true understanding of Lofoten,” Remmen says. Depending on the season, Arctic Guide 82 | Issue 122 | March 2019
Service offers trips to photograph the northern lights, or takes guests hiking in fantastic nature before heading for an Arctic beach bonfire. “It's something you'd never think to do above the Arctic Circle, but the gulf stream makes Lofoten relatively temperate considering its latitude,” explains Remmen. Tours come highly personalised, and the firm caters to individuals on their own
Arctic adventure, while also working with tour operators and cruise companies, including Hurtigruten. “We listen to the interests and needs of our customers and tailor trips to suit them,” Remmen explains, adding: “That's why we love doing this − we offer totally unique experiences with expert guides.”
Uttakleiv beach.
Web: www.arcticguideservice.com/ en/lofoten Email: lofoten@arcticguideservice.no Call: +4791553153