Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Experience Norway - Hunting and Fishing
An angler’s dream in picturesque Lofoten Far up north, above the Arctic Circle, you will find the majestic Lofoten Islands, renowned for their dramatic peaks shooting straight up from the ocean. While a natural beauty, the area has also been a favourite spot for professional fishermen for centuries, and the anglers are now catching on. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Lofotbrygga
One of these fishermen is Geir Helland who, for more than 25 years, has been spending his days catching some of the best Arctic cod there is. So, when looking into retirement, it was hardly a surprise that he wanted to pass on his passion for boats and the sea to fishing tourists. “In the beginning it was typically the boys on holidays, but we now see the boys returning with their whole families,” says Helland, owner of Lofotbrygga. Lofotbrygga is located in the traditional fishing village of Brettesnes and offers charming fisherman’s cabins and flats as well as full boat rental with fishing equipment. Together with his wife Bodil, 82 | Issue 86 | March 2016
Helland has been running the place for 11 years and aims to offer guests that little extra touch. “We aim to be available for our guests nearly 24/7 – we just need a few hours’ sleep,” he smiles. To anglers, the most prestigious time of year is the skrei season, the months between February and April, when one can catch Arctic cod around the islands. Fishermen from all over northern Norway are joined by anglers from all over the world, creating a unique atmosphere while waiting for the big ones to catch on. “These months are incredibly popular, making for something of an iconic visit for many,” Helland says. Some stay for
one week, while others extend their stay to three weeks. “People are returning year after year,” says Helland. New for next season is the possibility to hunt the mystical northern lights. Northern Norway is widely known as one of the best places in the world to spot the dancing light phenomenon, and Lofoten is the perfect place to combine the natural wonder with other activities during the day. “There is no light pollution, so the conditions are perfect,” explains Helland. Lofotbrygga will run northern lights tours and whale safaris from November 2016. Located on an island in eastern Lofoten, the destination is conveniently located for Svolvær Airport and Evenes International Airport. For more information, please visit: www.lofotbrygga.no