Watching or playing football has many advantages. Enjoy the fresh air, exercise and spend time with your colleagues and friends. Furthermore, few things compare to the feeling and nerves of entering a stadium full of fans, ready to support the club of their choice. But there are certain places in the world where football can give you something more, like stunning views.
Forget stadiums like the Camp Nou, the Santiago Bernabéu, Wembley Stadium or the San Mamés. We know that any football lover would love to visit any of these examples, but, outside the lights, there is one that emerges as the most beautiful of all: he Estadio Henningsværin Norway.
If you are creating a list of the largest football stadiums in the world, this name probably will not appear in your selection. After all, it’s in a small place on a remote Norwegian island and it doesn’t even have seats. But whoever gets there has no doubt: if it is not the most beautiful in the world, it has the best view ever seen.to. The most interesting thing is that it doesn’t even look like a real football field because of the incredible landscape that surrounds it.
Beauty is in simplicity
There is no grandeur, luxury or great architecture here. There are also no VIP boxes and quality artificial grass. You won’t see big stars from the world of football play either. In fact, only amateur athletes play in this field. Even so, It is a place that does not leave anyone indifferent.
Curious? Imagine playing football in one of the most incredible settings in the world: a small stadium located on an island, surrounded by crystal-blue seas and imposing snow-capped mountains.. That’s exactly what awaits you at the Henningsvær football field on the Lofoten Islands in Norway.
Maybe you’ve even seen a photo flashing on your cell phone screen. Just think of a stadium that occupies almost the entire area of an island.
However modest it may be, this stadium offers an absolutely unique experience for anyone who wants to play or simply admire the scenery. And the truth is that whoever gets there can easily kick the ball. The point is that in a place where only 500 people live, It won’t be difficult to find a place to try to train in this place.
“They say that 500 people can fit on the field to watch the games, so the entire town can fit”writes the British newspaper Express.
A special destination
The spectacular landscape of Lofotenone of the most impressive regions in the country, makes the stadium truly extraordinary. The view is absolutely stunning: on the one hand, the North Sea and, on the other, the imposing mountains.
The landscape changes with each season, from the white of the snow-capped peaks in winter to the vibrant green of summer.
If you are already thinking about buying a plane trip and then renting a car to explore the area, you should know what it is touring the four main islands (connected by bridges and tunnels)on the E10, how you will reach your final destination. Along the way, we suggest visit some of the small towns. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to visit the white sand beaches and small fishing villages of Norway.
When arriving at Henningsvær, take advantage of discover the main attractions of the town, such as the pier and the lighthouse. The town itself is charming. Despite being littlees cozy and full of historywith narrow streets and wooden houses that look like something out of a postcard.
But be careful: If you are sensitive to odors, you should be prepared. Here the smell of fresh fish is constant.
Remember that you will be in an authentic fishing communitywhere fishing continues to be one of the main economic activities. And, of course, the dried cod outdoorssuspended on wooden shelves, is one of the most typical and emblematic images of this place.
Finding a parking spot can also be difficult. After all, The island is not big. But, driving all the way, right into the countryside, you’ll find free parking. And that’s where you have to go.
A surprising visit
When you arrive at the stadium what is most impressive is the tranquility and serenity of the place. The sound of the ball rolling on the ground, mixed with the echo of the waves and the wind passing between the rocks, creates a unique and almost magical atmosphere.
According to the travel company North Gate Booking, The place was built at the beginning of the 20th century, before suffering several renovations until it became what it is today. For example, rocky, uneven terrain had to be leveled into a uniform surface.
Even so, don’t expect big crowdsjust the silence of nature and, from time to time, some laughter from the amateur players who enjoy the day to play.
Yes, because nothing prevents you from carrying your own ball and score a goal in one of the most emblematic fields in the world. The stadium is open to anyone who wants to try this surreal experience.
“The only facilities around it are a small clubhouse and floodlights, although in summer these are not always necessary due to the midnight sun. Please note that if you visit this place from May to July, you won’t see the night darkness you’re used to. During these months, the sun does not set and it is daytime for 24 hours“, reads ‘NiT’ magazine. It’s a exclusive privilege in the northernmost regions of the worldand makes the experience of playing football in Henningsvær even more special.
But don’t be fooled: the stadium closes at night, which means that even with sunlight, you can’t stay there. What you can do is take advantage of these hours to take some nice pictures. Here among us, The aerial photographs are impressive!
Henningsvær is not just a football field. It’s a symbol of simplicity, of the connection between sport and nature, and of the beauty that exists in the most unexpected places. It’s a perfect destination for football lovers, photography lovers, nature loversor simply for those looking for a unusual experience. Playing or watching a match in this stadium is an opportunity to breathe fresh air, relax and, at the same time, admire one of the most incredible landscapes in Norway.
So, if you are planning a trip to Lofoten, make a stop in Henningsvær and discover this football field that is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and unique in the world.
