Borga Eggum — Attraction in Vestvågøy

The Borga is, like others have already elegantly put it, a sheep poop infested hut of stones (1/5 stars - sorry!). I'm not kidding; sheep have taken over this ruined "tower" and claimed it. Even without the poop, it would still make for a very underwhelming ruin. So, don't go for that. Everything else about this area is, however, absolutely stunning. Given how beautiful Lofoten is, I know this doesn't mean much, but let me explain.

Crowds. There were none. Admittedly, we went late September, but still, compared to other popular sites at the same time (like Kvalvika beach), this was wonderfully isolated and had a "local" feel to it.

Parking. In the season, it does cost money to park and you need cash. There is a camera and a box, but it seems like it's largely reliant on trust. Overnight camping is 100 NOK and can be paid in the cafe at the Borga (which is closed off-season anyway, starting Sep 15). You can also park further outside and walk the 15 min in, of course. (On this note, parking was the only thing in all of Lofoten where we felt we needed cash.)

Scenery. Walking up to the Borga was stunning. From afar, the little tower on the hill makes for a beautiful eye-catcher, especially when the sunset hits it from behind. You have the sea to the right and mountains to the left, and this wide green hilly landscape in between. The contrast was something unique. Definitely recommend sunset time, but go a bit earlier so you have time before it gets dark.

As you walk past the Borga, you come to a lake on the left, nestled perfectly in between the mountains. With the sun streaming in from the right, it was the most beautiful combination of all good things in Lofoten. Walking up to the lake, we noticed a building at the very, very end. It looked abandoned. Given the explorers we are, we had to check that out. We met a local who told us it was an old power plant, that still works (now operated remotely), given the village electricity for the first time by using the water coming from the top lakes. He assured us you can even hike up there along the pipe. We all know "easy" to a Norwegian might really mean something else, but you be the judge of that.

Hiking. You can hike around the lake I just mentioned. It's easy (there is a trail) but it is quite a distance. Borga is also the starting point of a two-way hike to the next village/beach. This one's official and quite fun. Hardly any elevation, but very rocky grounds, so still not an easy stroll.

Wildlife. We saw sea eagles flying really low, a ferret (so cute!), lots of birds and of course sheep....

A cash box and surveillance camera at the gate of entrance. 100NOK for overnight and 30NOK for others (from my understanding I don’t know is it 30NOK for each person or each car, they didn’t elaborate more at the sign) I couldn’t get in as I don’t have enough cash for the payment. I dare not to go in without the payment to check could we pay that in the cafe as there is a camera hanging there. I saw many cars and bikes turning back at the gate just like me after the long narrow drive from the main route.

It was okay for me to pay for the parking or even 60NOK for two person was fair to me. But without a proper payment system and instructions I didn’t feel comfortable to visit this place where official Lofoten tourism guide books stated as “the perfect spot for midnight sun”. I understand that the place had been overcrowded and paid parking may help the situation and maintenance of the place. But it would be much better if they could put a sign on the main route E10 to let visitors know there would be a paid parking and people can prepare for that.

We stayed in Lofoten Islands for a few days and have been many villages and spots. All other spots were excellent and amazing except Eggum. I spent a few minutes to post this in order to help people avoid the stress to drive into that narrow path and find that they may need to turn back...

We spent a night here in July and we had a really great time. We pitched our tent as close to the sea as we could get, and we slept very well to the sound of the waves. In the evening we took a walk by the coast, it was beautiful. It was too cloudy to see the midnight sun, but if the weather had been clear, I think we would have had a great view. The amenities are simple, but it was all we needed. Toilets are open over night and there is a small café open...