Landscape from Reinebringen, near Reine

The whole world is focused on distributing green cars to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. We see more and more usage of electronic cars, hybrid and hydrogen powered cars these days. Hydrogen powered cars are especially beneficial to the nature in that it does not create any emission aside from water, therefore resolving environment damage caused by various harmful substances or greenhouse gases. And there is a country that strongly urges people to ride green cars to help make a healthier Earth. It’s Norway.

According to the 2017 International Energy Agency (IEA) statistics, Norway’s electronic car market share in 2016 was highest in the world with 29%. This means more than 1 out of 4 cars in Norway are electronic cars. Norway decided to sell 100% electronic cars and plug-in hybrid cars only from 2025. So, an explosive increase in demand for electronic cars as well as hydrogen powered cars is expected. Kona Electric, which has the longest driving distance among Korean electronic cars, is also exported to Norway. Kona Electric can drive more than 482km under the European WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty vehicle Test Procedure) standards and shows great energy efficiency.

There is a reason why there are so many green cars in Norway, the government provides many benefits to the drivers regarding car tax, VAT, road fee exemptions, etc. Such efforts must be working because there are numerous pure and clean natural sights in Norway. Among them, we visited the most well-known place, Lofoten Islands.

Where magnificent nature and marine biology astonishes you

Village A, located at the far west end of the Lofoten Islands, final destination of the E10 road

Lofoten Islands, located on the Northern part of Norway, boasts imposing landscape. Deep puddles and the U-shaped valley fjord coastlines have created beautiful cliffs and waterfalls that take your breath away. It’s always described as the islands you must visit before you die for its amazing features.

Lofoten Islands are also known for sighting many different animals. In summer, you will be able to spot Steller’s Sea Eagles, and in winter, killer whales what move to find herrings. This place is also known as the Viking’s base in the past. The mysterious vibe the area created by fluctuating weather and rugged landscape gives off is quite convincing of its past.

Road to Svolvær

You won’t be able to stop yourself scream with joy as you land at the Evenes Airport at the eastern end of the Lofoten Islands or at the Svolvær airport, the stop over airport as you will be astounded with the beautiful scenery. The thrill this beauty arouses will quickly make you fall in love with the Lofoten Islands.

Village at the far west end of the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands are consisted of 6 islands. Each island is connected to one another with bridges and tunnels, so you have no problem traveling them in a car. E10 road goes through all islands, so this is the road you use. It’s the most beautiful road in Norway, and everything you see while on this road will take your breath away. The pure, clean air will cleanse you inside out, too.

Henningsvær Port

Lofoten Islands became an important place during the time the Vikings resided here, when they moved further up Norway for food, and they dried and used the codfish caught in the Lofoten Islands when they traveled far. Even now, you can find many people drying codfish in the codfish farms in early springtime.

Codfish Farms, located all around the Lofoten Islands

In the Middle Ages, codfish processed in the Lofoten Islands were exported to all of Europe through Bergen. Marine transaction became very active as the Hanseatic League flourished, and codfish became the most important food source that traveled through Iceland, Greenland, the U.K., and Netherlands, expanding the seafood market. As the Vikings’ time unfolded, the codfish sales route and Viking’s travel routes overlapped for a reason, it was not at all a coincidence.

Rorbuer, a traditional housing used by fishermen since the Viking’s time

As you travel the Lofoten Islands, you will find colorful houses and picturesque fjord. The red wooden houses called Rorbuer were storage and housing used by fishermen that have been turned into luxurious accommodations for tourists. Staying here and feeling what it must have been to be a Viking back in the time would be a great, unique experience.

Village of Reine, Lofoten Islands

Not only that, you can also play a game of golf, go horseback riding with the amazing backdrop of the Lofoten Islands or climb up a near mountain to take in the brilliantly colored ocean and faraway hills, which will make you forget everything and feel like you’ve become a hermit in paradise.

Reine Area, west of the Lofoten Islands

The Reinebringen outlook where you can look down on the village of Reine, located on the west of the Lofoten Islands; the scenery is just spectacular. You can imagine yourself as a bird gliding over the skies, looking down on the beautiful landscape. You will be rid of all your worries in the Lofoten Islands and will be filled with breathtaking nature and pure, clean air.

Mysterious aurora that appears out of nowhere and dances away into the night sky

As this area is in the artic zone, you can witness the fantastic aurora through spring to autumn as long as the weather is right. In summer, you are able to enjoy the white nights; the sun doesn't set all through the night. In Norway, you will be able to appreciate the truly magnificent untouched nature. How about renting a green car; an electronic car or a hydrogen powered car and driving around the Lofoten Islands once in your life?

Written by/photography by Park Jong Soo (the author of ‘The Northern Europe I encountered’, former professor at Suwon University)