Charming Hamnoya

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Hamnoya is a small village in Moskenes Municipality in Nordland county in Norway.
Hamnoya is sitting on a small peninsula on the eastern side of the island of Moskenesoya about 1.5km northeast of the village of Reine.
We see here, the wooden racks used for drying the salmon the traditional way in Norway. The salmon is hung on the racks for several weeks and dried by the natural wind and cold air which preserves it. This allows the fish to slowly dehydrate resulting in a unique texture and flavour.
The ominous clouds were weighing heavy and hanging low on the horizon and honestly I prayed hard that the skies would clear up and the drizzle stop as I did not want my camera to get wet in my enthusiasm to capture some beautiful memories of Hamnoya.
It was drizzling as we got into Hamnoya and though it was dark and wet, our spirits were not dampened.
Hamnoya used to be connected to Reine by ferry but since the Hamnoya Bridge was built in 1981, it is now part of the European Route E10 highway of the Lofoten Mainland Connection.
On Hamnoya Bridge you can capture one of the most iconic views of the Lofoten Islands, where imposing snow capped mountains, red houses by the blue sea and the picturesque Vestfjorden frame an amazing and charming vista.
The raw, natural beauty of Norway speaks volumes and it just draws you in to with a quiet tranquility that makes you want to come back to this beautiful country.
Thankfully the skies started to brighten a little, throwing light on the red village houses and bringing colour to the surroundings and dissipating the earlier gloomy weather.
This is truly the postcard perfect moment as Hamnoya is suddenly ‘lit’ and the breathtaking view is finally unveiled. It was truly relaxing to stand here and feast on the captivating view and listen to the waves crashing on the rocks.
Red wooden houses are a common sight in Norway and the red paint called “Falu Rodfarg – Falun Red” which was made from pigments, a by-product of copper mining was used traditionally being the most affordable option in protecting the wooden buildings from the harsh climate. Over time, it led to a cultural association with the Norwegian Identity and heritage.

Hamnoya is a charming fishing village that is very picturesque and set in a location that is naturally beautiful and tranquil. Definitely a gem that sits in the Lofoten Peninsula and worth visiting in every season!

Published by Sandra Quah

Into Travelling, Photography & Music

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