Words: Andy Lawn
Two thirds of the way up Norway’s western coast you will find the Lofoten Islands, jutting forebodingly out of the icy Norwegian Sea.
160 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is famed for its natural beauty and frequently vivid aurora, all of which has inspired countless generations of artists as well as skiers, hikers, cyclists and kayakers.
However, it's the frankly ridiculously scenic football pitches that have really put Lofoten at the top of many fans' bucket list.
The most famous pitch in the world – Henningsvær IL FC
Overlooked by the imposing 541m hulk of the Festvågtind mountain, the most famous, is home to amateur side Henningsvær IL FC, as well as children of all ages from the surrounding area.
Such is its picturesque quality, Henningsvær was featured, alongside Eriskay in Scotland, in UEFA’s ‘We play anywhere’ campaign and included Ada Hegerberg strutting her stuff on the artificial surface.
The village of Henningsvær itself is a fishing community - note the cod drying racks which span one touchline - spread across a number of rocky outcrops and home to only 500 people, although tourists and photographers frequently swell that number. Despite no physical stands, the ground has a claimed capacity of 1,000 spectators, meaning it can host every local resident and a ‘plus one’ each.
Located so far north, the Lofoten Islands benefit from 24/7 light in the summer months, but darkness dominates over the winter months.
Lofoten’s weather is so unpredictable that it is said that if you don’t like the current conditions, all you need to do is wait 10 minutes and they will change. It is advisable to take some waterproofs though.
With the islands increasingly featuring on tourist’s bucket lists it is recommended to book accommodation for your trip well in advance. Camping isn’t really an option and it’s important to remember, that as remote as the islands are, people live and work here, so enjoy the beauty respectfully and you will have a famous time.
