Lofotodden nasjonalpark

Lofotodden National Park was established on June 22, 2018, to protect a unique coastal alpine landscape. This dramatic terrain is the result of various geological processes and holds great intrinsic value from a natural history perspective. The national park provides an important habitat for sea eagles, golden eagles, and several endangered seabird species. Additionally, several marine mammals inhabit the coastal waters. Despite the nutrient-poor and uniform bedrock, certain areas support interesting flora, particularly in beach environments and former settlement sites. Lofoten became ice-free early after the last Ice Age, and some mountain plants may have their oldest occurrences in Norway within Lofotodden. In a landscape shaped by human activity for over 6000 years, Lofotodden National Park contains a wealth of fascinating cultural monuments. Along the outer edges of the park, sea caves hold traces of human presence dating back to the Stone Age, including ancient cave paintings. Remnants of more recent settlements—such as house foundations, cobbled roads, stone fences, gardens, and boat slipways—are also common. Until the 1950s, small fishing communities thrived along the exposed outer coast of Lofoten. These settlements were accessible only by boat, and due to the harsh sea conditions, residents were at times completely isolated from the outside world.