23 SURF AN ARCTIC WAVE IN THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS

To surf in the mind-numbingly cold waters of the Lofoten Islands in the Norwegian Arctic demands an extra level of daring and the thickest hooded wetsuit you can find. But Unstad, on the island of Vestvågøya, makes up for any initial discomfort by being utterly beautiful, with its great arc of creamy sand fizzing into the North Atlantic. The waves are tamest — ideal for beginners — in summer. In winter, it’s wild out there, with rollers bashing icefrosted mountains that rise like an amphitheatre around the bay.

Come between November and March for the best swells, pastel skies, the crunch of snow and sand under your neoprene boots and regular appearances from the Northern Lights. Unstad Arctic Surf offers instruction, a range of packages, rental gear and cosy cabin digs. unstadarcticsurf.com KW