When I first saw the images of this cabin on Booking.com, I fell in love with it immediately. It boasted charming and cozy interiors, a beautiful view from the big windows, a convenient location, and it was dog-friendly. It looked picture-perfect! It was exactly what I had been looking for for our first visit to Lofoten. The only downside was its availability—it was free for only one night, and we needed four. Still, the pictures and description sold me on the place, and I knew I had to book it, even if just for one night.

When we finally arrived… you know that feeling? When you’ve seen countless images and videos of a place on blogs and social media feeds, you half-expect the reality to pale in comparison to that filtered perfection. It’s happened to me many times, and I think it happens to most people these days.

But when I opened the door and stepped into the cabin, I realized it was not what I’d expected at all: it was even better! The thrill of that moment—of a place exceeding its own perfect postcard image—is the thrill I live for. It’s the joy of finding a true gem during my travels.

Nestled in the tiny fishing village of Reine, with the iconic Olstind mountain as a backdrop, this rorbu (a traditional fisherman's cabin) provided us with everything we could need for a comfortable stay. It had two cozy bedrooms, one bathroom (with a washer and dryer), a well-equipped kitchen, and a living and dining room with a huge window facing the mountains and sea. There was also a fireplace, which we didn't need in the middle of summer. However, I could easily imagine how cozy it would be to be wrapped in a blanket, sitting by the fire, and sipping a glass of wine or a cup of tea.

The next morning, I was awakened by a bright orange light shining on my face. I looked at the clock: 4:12 a.m. It was the light from the rising sun—a vivid reminder that we were in the Arctic Circle in midsummer, where the sun doesn't set until after 2 a.m. and rises again just a few hours later.

Right next to the cabin is one of the best seafood restaurants on the island, Anita’s Seafood, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Talk about convenient! If you have a car (as we did), the supermarket is just a five-minute drive away, and the town center of Reine is seven minutes away, where you can find more cute cafes and, more importantly, cinnamon buns. The famous Reinebringen hike is also only a ten-minute drive away.

It was so sad to have to leave the next day. The whole family wished we could have stayed longer. So, would we stay there again if we returned to Lofoten? The answer is absolutely yes—in a heartbeat!

To book this charming cabin, here is the link.