Disappointed by the tourist experience around Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands in Norway is extraordinary — the scale and history hit you immediately. But the experience around it has been thoroughly commercialised. Getting there, navigating the crowds, and dealing with persistent sellers around Ålesund centre made it more stressful than it should be.

Away from the main sites the country improves dramatically. The food (kjøttkaker especially) is excellent and midnight sun in summer was genuinely memorable. But I'd wish for a smoother experience at the headline attractions. It's still worth the trip — just lower your expectations around the big sights.