Henningsvaer

Chasing the Northern Light: My Journey to Henningsvær
By Jim Offerdahl

There are places you stumble upon in travel magazines or dreamy Pinterest boards that seem almost too magical to be real. For me, that place was Henningsvær, a tiny fishing village in the Lofoten Islands of Norway. Nestled between majestic mountains and surrounded by Arctic waters, it looked like a scene straight out of a fantasy. For years, it remained a distant dream—until Visa Venture made it possible.

Like most first-time travelers to Norway, I was daunted by the visa process. I had no idea where to begin—what forms to fill, what documents I’d need, how long it would take. I didn’t want bureaucracy to ruin the excitement of travel. That’s when I discovered Visa Venture. Their team walked me through every step, from documentation to appointment bookings. Their clarity and support removed all the guesswork. Before I knew it, my Schengen visa was in hand, and I was booking flights to Northern Norway.

Touching Down in the Arctic

I arrived in Bodø on a chilly morning and took a short flight to Svolvær, followed by a scenic drive to Henningsvær. As I crossed the bridge into the village, I felt like I had stepped into a postcard. Colorful wooden houses perched along the water’s edge, fishing boats rocking gently in the harbor, and snow-capped peaks looming in the distance—it was love at first sight.

The Village That Stopped Time

Henningsvær is small—so small you can walk from one end to the other in 15 minutes—but it’s overflowing with character. I checked into a cozy rorbu (fisherman’s cabin) and spent the first day exploring the village. Art galleries, coffee shops, and locals who always had a warm smile made me feel like I belonged.

At night, I stood by the harbor wrapped in layers, eyes glued to the sky. And then it happened—the Northern Lights danced above me, green and purple ribbons weaving through the stars. It was the most surreal moment of my life. I stood there in silence, tears in my eyes, completely overwhelmed.

Hiking, Cod, and Football in the Sky

The days that followed were filled with unforgettable experiences. I hiked along the Festvågtind trail, which offered a panoramic view of the village—one of the most photographed vistas in Norway. I feasted on freshly caught cod at a family-run restaurant and watched the local kids play football at the iconic Henningsvær stadium, perched on a rocky island in the middle of the sea.

The pace of life here was slow, intentional, and beautiful. I didn’t feel like a tourist—I felt like a visitor in a sacred space, a place where nature and community still rule.

Gratitude at 68° North

As I packed my bags to leave, I reflected on everything—the snow, the silence, the stories, the skies. This trip was more than just a vacation. It was a reset, a reminder of how vast and beautiful the world can be.

And I owe it all to Visa Venture. They didn’t just help me with a visa—they helped me open a door to an experience that changed my perspective on life.

Thank you, Visa Venture! I couldn’t have done it without you—and to anyone dreaming of far-off places, I can’t recommend them enough.