Lofoten – Biarritz – Azores

Lofoten archipelago

The magic of the Lofoten Islands

The Norwegian archipelago of Lofoten lies on the Arctic Circle and offers a fascinating mix of dramatic landscapes, unspoilt fjords and lively fishing villages. The rugged beauty of the towering peaks and the mystical Northern Lights make the Lofoten Islands a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. From June to August you fly direct from Zurich to Lofoten, the rest of the year with a stopover.

Explore Lofoten by ferry

The best way to discover the 18 islands of Lofoten is on a ferry tour. Starting in Svolvær, the picturesque boat trip takes you to the Trollfjord. From the sun-drenched shores of Skrova to the scenic splendour of the Værøy and Opera islands, each stop promises an unforgettable experience.

Arctic Surfing

Unstad, the most famous surfing area in Lofoten, beckons with its arctic waves. Nestled in impressive landscapes, this iconic surf spot offers an unrivalled experience and attracts wave enthusiasts to ride the northern waters of Norway.

Wildlife Safari

In addition to the beautiful nature, the Lofoten Islands are also home to a rich variety of wildlife. By car, you can marvel at moose, owls and a variety of fox species in the midst of the Arctic spring. By boat, there are numerous opportunities to observe bird colonies against the backdrop of the Arctic – perhaps even with the chance of spotting a majestic sea eagle.

Svolværgeita

Adventure-seekers will discover a variety of climbing routes on Svolværgeita, also known as Svolvær Goat. The striking rock formation consists of two peaks shaped like goat horns and rewards climbers with a breathtaking view of Svolvær and the vast sea.

Cultural offer

The small villages of Lofoten also have a lot to offer culturally, with their charming galleries and handicraft businesses. The Glasshytta Vikten glassblowing workshop and the Lofoten Viking Museum are particularly worth a visit and are a warm welcome for young and old alike.

Culinary delights

The culinary delights of Lofoten include stockfish, which can be grilled, baked or even enjoyed as a dried snack. Another hit is the traditional Norwegian lamb from Lofoten, which is served in many different ways in the local restaurants. And there are numerous award-winning local cheeses to sample in the farm shops.

Hotels in Svolvær

The Thon Hotel Svolvær offers a prime location on the waterfront, just a stone’s throw from the Hurtigruten boat harbour. Families relax in the individually furnished rorbuer (fisherman’s huts) and suites of the Anker Brygge holiday complex with full service. The 5-star Nordis Apartments in the city are ideally positioned for island-hopping adventures.

Biarritz

For surf aficionados and everyone else

Biarritz on the Atlantic coast in south-west France is one of Europe’s surfing hotspots par excellence. Its Belle Époque architecture, Basque flair, eternal beaches and culinary highlights also make it a favourite with surfing aficionados. Edelweiss flies direct from Zurich to Biarritz from June to September.

Capital of surfing

Crowned France’s «surfing capital», Biarritz invites both beginners and pros to ride the waves of the French surf scene with its Atlantic waves, lively surf culture and endless sandy beaches. The spots Cote des Basques and la Madrague are particularly popular with beginners, while surf pros can be found a little further out at Avalanche.

Vitality

After a day on the waves, there is nothing better to relax in Biarritz than a thalassotherapy: a therapeutic treatment with cold or heated seawater, sea air, sun, algae, mud and sand. In addition to medical treatments, thalassotherapy is also used in the wellness area to make your holiday as relaxing as possible.

Family outings

Biarritz also has plenty to offer families. Water fun awaits the whole family at the Aquatic Landes water park, which is around 40 minutes away by car. The Aquarium de Biarritz attracts marine enthusiasts and presents various sea creatures.

Day trip to Bilbao

Bilbao in Spain, around 1.5 hours’ drive from Biarritz, is an ideal destination for a day trip. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of the most important sights in the city and exhibits modern art, in particular installations and video art. Round off the day with a relaxed dinner in San Sebastian on the way back.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Situated on the coast, Saint-Jean-de-Luz impresses with its charming mix of sandy beach, historic architecture and Basque culture. The municipality, which once lived mainly from fishing, is characterised by typical Basque houses and invites you to shop in the pedestrian zone, such as Rue Gambetta. Here you can look over the shoulders of painters all year round, who capture the unique atmosphere of the coastal landscape with skilful brushstrokes.

Gastronomy and hotel industry in Biarritz

Luxurious nights await you at the Hotel du Palais Biarritz, where Frank Sinatra and Coca Chanel once spent the night. The Regine Experimental, with its 72 rooms in Belle Époque style, offers an equally charming overnight stay. Culinary delights await in the seafood restaurant Carøe, in the trendy Cheri Bibi and in Ilura in Saint-Jean-de-Luz with excellent cuisine and sea views.

Azores

Natural beauty of the Azores Islands

The Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean is a fascinating oasis full of natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From lush greenery to volcanic craters and crystal-clear waters, the Portuguese islands captivate with their unique atmosphere. Edelweiss offers direct flights to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores on the island of São Miguel, from April to November.

São Miguel

São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, consists of two parts that were joined together by active volcanic activity. The effects of this can be experienced particularly impressively in the Furnas Valley: sulphur and iron-rich thermal springs and volcanic springs on the shores of Lake Furnas bear witness to the power of nature. An extensive network of hiking trails criss-crosses the diverse hinterland, inviting you to explore the island’s impressive natural scenery.

Santa Maria

The southernmost island of the Azores, Santa Maria, is a flat, dry and sunny region. It is known for its unique charm and attracts visitors to the island with its handicrafts, traditional pottery and authentic fish processing.

Viticulture on the island of Pico

The island of Pico, named after the volcano of the same name, Ponta do Pico, is famous for its impressive volcanic landscape and centuries-old tradition of winegrowing. The cultivation method is unique: the grapes are grown in old vineyards protected by stone walls made of lava. A tasting is well worthwhile.

Flower paradise

The Azores are a true floral paradise – from the bright hydrangeas that line the coastal cliffs to the exotic azaleas that adorn the landscapes. The splendour of the flowers gives every photo a colourful background and can be captured wonderfully through the lens.

Cuisine and nightlife

A culinary paradise unfolds in the Azores: Fresh ingredients from the region, fish and seafood straight from the Atlantic and the Portuguese influence define the cuisine. These can be tasted, for example, in the modern-interpreted Magma restaurant at the Senhora Da Rosa Resort on São Miguel or in the cosy Mariserra with a good glass of wine. On Terceira, the nightlife attracts visitors with bars and gourmet restaurants with breathtaking views – a perfect blend of culinary excellence and entertainment.

Accommodation

The 5-star Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico and the Octant Ponta Delgada with its extremely attentive service are particularly good places to sleep on São Miguel. The Sensi Azores Nature & SPA in Ponta Delgada promises pure relaxation. For families and adventure-seekers, the so-called «One-Cabin Boats» are available to offer a special overnight experience.

Lofoten – Biarritz – Azores

Lofoten archipelago

The magic of the Lofoten Islands

Explore Lofoten by ferry

Arctic Surfing

Wildlife Safari

Svolværgeita

Cultural offer

Culinary delights

Hotels in Svolvær

Biarritz

For surf aficionados and everyone else

Capital of surfing

Vitality

Family outings

Day trip to Bilbao

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Gastronomy and hotel industry in Biarritz

Azores

Natural beauty of the Azores Islands

São Miguel

Santa Maria

Viticulture on the island of Pico

Flower paradise

Cuisine and nightlife

Accommodation

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Lofoten – Biarritz – Azores

Lofoten archipelago

The magic of the Lofoten Islands

Read more

Explore Lofoten by ferry

Arctic Surfing

Wildlife Safari

Svolværgeita

Cultural offer

Culinary delights

Hotels in Svolvær

Biarritz

For surf aficionados and everyone else

Read more

Capital of surfing

Vitality

Family outings

Day trip to Bilbao

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Gastronomy and hotel industry in Biarritz

Azores

Natural beauty of the Azores Islands

Read more

São Miguel

Santa Maria

Viticulture on the island of Pico

Flower paradise

Cuisine and nightlife

Accommodation

More News

Croatia – New Zealand – Tunisia

Kenya – Tanzania – Malaysia

Nova Scotia- Lefkada- Jerez de la Frontera

Luxury Train Journeys

Cambodia – Vietnam – Thailand

New York – London – Paris – Hamburg

Mexico – Egypt – Malta

Mexico – Egypt – Malta

Oman – Maledives – Bali

Canary Islands – Isles of Scilly – Halkidiki

Algarve – Corsica – Balearic Islands

Ireland – Rügen – Norway