#61 | Sailing Arctic Norway: Lofoten Adventure from Svolvær to Stamsund + A Close Call at Sea!

High winds, stunning landscapes, and a near-disastrous close call with an electric power line - our adventure through Lofoten had it all. We embark on a hike to Djevelporten, one of Lofoten's most famous viewpoints. The climb to the top is no walk in the park-at 430 meters, it's a tough ascent, and the path, known as Djeveltrappa (the Devil's Staircase), is a series of steep stone steps built by Sherpas. Once the winds die down, we cast off from Svolvær and head toward Henningsvær. The seas are still a bit choppy, with a high swell making the sail somewhat challenging. Despite the rough conditions, there's something magical about navigating these waters-each passing wave reveals another stunning vista of the Lofoten archipelago, its sharp peaks rising dramatically from the ocean. As we arrive in Henningsvær, the village's colorful houses and vibrant art scene greet us. The town is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" for its picturesque setting, with buildings perched on small islands connected by bridges. We wander through the many art shops, each one offering a different slice of Lofoten's creative spirit. The town is small, but its charm is undeniable. And then there's the famous Henningsvær Football Field, which has become an Instagram sensation. After the winds calm down, we finally set sail towards Henningsvær, a charming fishing village known for its picturesque streets, vibrant art scene, and unique football pitch surrounded by water. The village is a paradise for photographers, with its stunning scenery, colorful buildings, and the famous Henningsvær lighthouse. We soak in the beauty of the village, explore local galleries, and enjoy the local culture. On the way to our next destination, we decide to try our hand at fishing in the waters around Lofoten. The sea is calm and blue, and almost instantly, we get a bite. Noah reels in a cod, and Cynthia pulls up a healthy saithe. The thrill of the catch is worth the wait. Later, we enjoy a delicious dinner made from our fresh catch. Kathrin works her magic in the galley, preparing a mouthwatering miso-glazed cod and saithe that tastes like the sea itself-fresh, rich, and brimming with flavour. It's the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure on the water. Our next stop is Stamsund, a former whaling harbour that has become a peaceful, and well protected haven. With another storm on the way, we know we need a safe place to wait out the weather, and Stamsund seems perfect. Located near the airport in Leknes, it's the ideal spot for Noah and Cynthia to catch their flight back home. But our journey almost takes a dramatic turn. As we approach the harbour, we notice something unexpected-an electric power line stretching dangerously low across the water. It's charted with the wrong clearance, and once the penny drops, for a moment, I'm frozen. The last thing we need is to get tangled in that line and potentially electrocuted. With seconds to spare, I make a sharp turn, narrowly avoiding what could have been a catastrophic collision. Chapters: 00:00 Hike to Djevelporten 03:17 Sailing from Svolvær to Henningsvær 12:04 Sailing from Henningsvæer to Stamsund 14:41 Fishing, dispatching and gutting (skip if you don't want to see this) 18:33 Arriving in Stamsund - we're almost getting electrocuted https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAym9YS0z1-qYm-s47pNEfw?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvcLZL9-pokLoV22O1OP3p5eR32J-SDD Music from Epidemic Sound: Freedom Fighters by Joe Wandrini Arriving In Rain by Kikoru Inner State Of Mind by Fredrik Ekstrom Miss Me When I'm Gone by Tall Oak Town Ups And Downs by Moss Harman Traditional Romantic Folksong by Traditional Bluebirds by Heath Cantu Our Last Stand by FormantX Ending by Peter Sandberg The Game Begins by Ruiqi Zhao The Village Welcoming by Adriel Fair Weather routing by https://www.luckgrib.com Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/sailingpolaris https://www.facebook.com/sailingpolaris https://www.sailingpolaris.uk #sailing #hiking #sailingpolaris #polarishelvetica