Brian JohnstonJun 18, 2026 – 5.00amNorway’s Lofoten Islands feature snow-draped mountains, wild coastline, neon-blue waters and wildflower meadows. All of it has an ethereal beauty under pale Arctic light. Approaching it by sea is the most scenic way to get there. And the most practical too; by road it’s 20 hours’ drive from Oslo, by air you need to take a small propeller plane (with little room for luggage). The Lofoten Archipelago is one of cruising’s most exhilarating arrivals. Here are some of the others.1. Swim with stingraysSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles