Lofoten Islands, Norway
March 23, 2021
Photographer: Alvaro Perez
Summary Authors: Alvaro Perez; Stu Witmer
The Lofoten Islands, seen above, lie off the coast of Norway above the Arctic Circle. A climate provided by the passing Gulf Stream gives these islands warmer temperatures than other places at the same latitude such as Alaska or Greenland.
Lofoten is known for its distinctive scenery. Its mountains are part of the Scandinavian Caledonides range that runs south from the northern tip of Norway. The geology of the islands is complex containing primarily granitic basement rocks of the Transscandinavian igneous belt.
First inhabited over 7,000 years ago the islands were covered with large birch and pine forests, home to such wildlife as bears, deer and beavers. Grain was grown here as early as 4,000 years ago. Photo taken February 19, 2018.