Haukland Beach

Haukland is one of Lofoten's finest beaches: a sweep of white sand and turquoise shallows backed by steep mountains, about 15 km west of Leknes. The water is cold by any standard — this is the Arctic Circle — but that doesn't stop people swimming in summer. What strikes most visitors is the improbability of it: subtropical-looking sand in a landscape of bare rock and snow-capped peaks.

The beach connects via a short walk to Vik, another excellent strand immediately to the south. Together they form one of the best coastal walks on the island, easily done in an hour. A small café operates at Haukland in summer; the rest of the year you'll want to bring your own provisions. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends — arrive early or late.

things to do sight
A story
Haukland's turquoise water and white sand look photoshopped even in person. The beach sits at the end of a tunnel that punches through the mountain separating it from the main road — you drive in from one world and emerge into another. In summer it can draw crowds, but in winter you may have the whole crescent to yourself, with the northern lights playing over the mountains on clear nights.