Haukland Beach

Haukland lies on the northern coast of Vestvagoy, a curve of fine white sand with water that turns a genuine turquoise in sunshine because of the pale bottom, backed by steep dark mountains that make the colour look impossible for a beach inside the Arctic Circle. It is the most accessible of the famous Lofoten beaches, with a road running to it and a car park behind the sand. The water is around ten to twelve degrees at best. A path climbs Mannen, the hill at the eastern end, in about forty minutes for the standard aerial view of the beach, and a tunnel and coastal path lead over to Uttakleiv next door. In winter the northern aspect makes it an aurora location.

What you actually see

• The white sand - a curve of fine pale beach below dark peaks.
• The turquoise shallows - vivid colour over the light seabed in sun.
• The Mannen climb - a short steep hill giving the classic view down.
• The winter skies - a north-facing foreground for aurora photography.

When to go

June to August for the midnight sun and warmest conditions, though the sea stays cold; September to March for the northern lights. Weather changes constantly and the colour needs sun to appear.

Honest expectations

The water is genuinely cold and swimming is brief. Parking is charged and fills in summer, with overflow causing problems on the narrow road. Facilities are limited to toilets. Wind here is frequent and strong.

Nearby

Uttakleiv is over the headland; Leknes, Unstad and the rest of Vestvagoy are close.