Vestvågøy municipality in the Lofoten Islands is home to Hauklandstranda, a beach that was named #1 in Europe by LonelyPlanet.com. Described as otherworldly with smooth sand and clear sapphire waters, it is a shining gem located within polarsirkelen, the Arctic Circle.
The water temperature may never rise above 15°C/59°F, but Haukland Beach still edged out waterfronts in warmer locales such as Portugal, Spain, and Greece. “The water is chilly, but you’ll be itching to jump in all the same,” according to Lonely Planet writer Kerry Walker. The area is one of extremes with jagged mountain peaks rising from the water, midnight sun, polar night and brilliant northern lights dancing in the sky.
Residents of Lofoten know what a diamond they have- Haukland Beach has not only been crowned Norway’s finest beach in the past, but also the world’s most beautiful. It is located about 10 kilometers north of Leknes in an area favored for Arctic surfing.
In summer, Haukland looks like it could almost be part of the Caribbean, with its white sand contrasting with teal blue waves. June to September is peak season for visitors wanting to experience the bay’s unique beauty. Fewer visitors stop by in the other seasons, when the steel blue water lapping against craggy snow-kissed peaks is just as striking.
The deputy mayor of Vestvågøy municipality says that Lofoten beaches rank high on the must-see list, since they are situated within the Arctic Circle. Another popular beach in the area is Uttakleiv, which in 2021 was named one of the top 10 beaches in Norway by the readers of Nettavisen.no. The photogenic seaside is popular with triathletes and surfers.
In Lonely Planet’s list of best European beaches, Cala Goloritzè in Italy ranked 2nd while West Beach in Scotland came in 3rd place.