Svolvær - The scenic capital of Lofoten

Located in Lofoten in Northern Norway, Svolvær is situated above the Arctic circle. Svolvær is a town run on fishing and tourism, with a rich history. Just 5 kilometers south of the city is the city Kabelvåg in Vågan – also known as the first settlement in Norway to be granted town status. The gateway to the Lofoten Islands, Svolvær city is the largest urban settlement in the region with a population of just over 4700 people.

A quick exploration of its urban life is a good complement to the incredible mountain views. You can choose from a variety of excursions when you make Svolvær your base for exploring the Lofoten Islands. A mountain hike makes a perfect day trip and you can either pack a snack with locally caught fish or sneak back into town for a nightcap. Many people enjoy combining hiking with the ferry system, to allow for a slow exploration of the archipelago.

Don’t miss out on the most popular activity in Svolvær: fishing. This area has a long history of fishing, and you can join a guided fishing expedition to try your own hand. Thanks to sustainable fishing techniques, the Lofoten region is flush with many species of fish. Guests are welcome to take home anything they catch on a fishing trip, which might include cod, haddock, mackerel, and sometimes halibut. Allow yourself to be distracted by the incredible views of mountain hillsides and intimate inlets.

History buffs may be interested to know that ancient peoples, including Vikings, used to fish here and they would create a product known as stockfish. You can visit the Lofoten Fishery to see how modern-day fishers are managing the local ecosystem to maximize food production. Get a peek at the Arctic cod who journey here to spawn each season. There is a salmon farm here as well if you’re interested in learning more about Norway’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture.

If you’re new but eager to learn, don’t let your skill level hold you back. Skilled guides can provide the tools and instruction you need to find success on the great blue sea.

If you’d rather spend your time in Svolvær taking in the sights from the prow of a boat, then sign up for a scenic boat cruise. Imagine how previous generations used to travel these same waters. Take in the sights and marvel at the natural beauty of Norway’s pristine archipelago.

You can now benefit from a particularly delightful cruise that takes you from Svolvær to Trollfjorden. Your hybrid-electric ship means that you can cruise the waters in silence. Without making any noise, you are likely to see a wide range of sea creatures on your journey. Don’t forget to look skyward, as rare white-tailed eagles like to swoop and soar above the water.

If you’d prefer a more lively boat tour, then hop on the Skrova Island cruise. With warm drinks and snacks available on board, this delightful voyage is just long enough to make you forget about your troubles. Unique to the archipelago, Skrova Island is only reachable by sea. Get a peek at the undersea creatures with an underwater drone. Hop off the boat and you’ll be surrounded by the creme de la creme of Norwegian partiers. If you’re making a trip to the Lofoten Islands, definitely consider a visit to Skrova to round out your stay.

Surrounded by breathtaking mountain formations and peaks, there are endless hiking opportunities around Svolvær. The most famous being «Svolværgeita» - a sculptural peak that looks like something out of a fantasy movie. As it is not complicated to climb, it is an extremely popular destination. The peaks of Fløya, Tuva, Blåtind, Kongstinden and Tjeldbergtinden are other rocky favorites of the area.

Svolvær is the center of the Vågan municipality, which is somewhat of a center for art and artists in Northern-Norway and home to the North Norwegian Art Centre that has a rolling exhibition and events calendar. The fishing industry is naturally still an important part of everyday life her, and the municipality of Vågan is one of Norway’s largest exporters of fish.

The face of the town is made up of the traditional fisherman’s huts called «rorbuer» as well as an impressive number of restaurants, cafés, and bars. You’ll find a rich picking of local products on the menu here, but also places offering more international fare. Svolvær provides Lofoten with a «touch of urbanity».

Svolvær is an all-year destination and visiting during the winter to observe the northern lights, go mountain skiing, winter fishing etc. is highly recommended. Choose Svolvær as a point of departure for exploring the nature of Lofoten and give it a relaxed start with a cruise on the Trollfjorden in a noiseless hybrid-vessel.

In the fantasy realm of Lofoten, only your own imagination sets the limits for the experiences you can have in nature here. In Svolvær, the gate to this realm is wide open, all you have to do is walk in!