It’s perhaps one of the most special places in the world for surfing: Unstad Beach. This surf spot located in the Norwegian Lofoten is located above the Arctic Circle. Unstad Beach is therefore the perfect place for cold water surfing and a unique opportunity to surf above the Arctic Circle. And that’s not all, because in the right season (and sometimes you will need a little bit of luck as well) you can also surf here during midsummer night or in the dark under the northern lights!
Unstad Beach: Surfing above the Arctic Circle
Unstad Beach is located above the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten archipelago in Norway. Within the Arctic Circle, the sun does not rise at least one day a year and the sun does not set at least one day a year. The number of days this happens increases as you go further north from the Arctic Circle towards the North Pole. Because Lofoten is located a lot further north, it’s light all day long for several days in the summer and dark all day long for several days in the winter. This makes Unstad Beach an extra special surf spot. Because due to its location, you can not only surf in cold water, but you can also surf during midsummer night or in the dark under the northern lights. How cool is that?!
Surfing for beginners and advanced surfers
Although surfing in Unstad Beach is very special, it must be said that the waves here are usually not that high. But that’s not the reason why you should go here as a surfing enthusiast. You go here for a completely different experience of surfing. You come here for the experience of cold water surfing and perhaps even for that desire to surf on midsummer night or with the Northern Lights above you. You will not find a lot similar surf spots in the word, only just a few. Unstad Beach is therefore a suitable surfing spot for both beginners and advanced surfers. The waves are often not that high, making it a good place to practice. There is even a surfing school where you can take lessons. But the cold conditions in winter, with snow on the beach and sometimes extreme temperatures, make it a challenging place even for the advanced surfer. So as a surfing enthusiast, Unstad Beach should definitely be on your bucket list!
What else can you do and see at Unstad Beach?
Unstad Beach is mainly known as a surfing location, but there is more to do in this small town on the Lofoten. For example, here is the starting point of two hikes (Nonstind and Kleivheia) that lead to various peaks with views over Unstad and the coastline. Also Unstad Arctic Surf is located here. This is a small-scale surf resort with accommodations, a restaurant and tours for various activities, which is also fun to visit when you are not surfing. You can also enjoy paddle boarding, climbing and of course skiing and snowboarding in winter. In and around Unstad Beach itself, but also in the surrounding area. Because like I mentioned before, Unstad Beach is located on the Lofoten. This is a group of islands in the north of Norway and is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. As a result, it’s definitely advisable to stay a bit longer, so that in addition to Unstad Beach, you also have time to explore the rest of Lofoten.
