Kabelvåg is the oldest town in Lofoten and one of the oldest in all of northern Norway. It was founded as Vågan in the early 12th century by King Øystein I, who built the first church and fishermen's hostels here. For centuries it was the largest settlement in the islands, until Svolvær overtook it in the late 1800s. The two towns are only a few kilometres apart.
The most notable building is Vågan Church, often called Lofotkatedralen, the Lofoten Cathedral. It was built in 1898 and seats about 1,200 people, making it the largest wooden building in northern Norway. Bishop Eivind Berggrav gave it its cathedral nickname in 1929. The yellow wooden church in cruciform style is visible far out to sea.
Kabelvåg also has the Lofoten Aquarium, which focuses on local marine life. The town has a quieter feel than neighbouring Svolvær and retains more of its historic character.
The most notable building is Vågan Church, often called Lofotkatedralen, the Lofoten Cathedral. It was built in 1898 and seats about 1,200 people, making it the largest wooden building in northern Norway. Bishop Eivind Berggrav gave it its cathedral nickname in 1929. The yellow wooden church in cruciform style is visible far out to sea.
Kabelvåg also has the Lofoten Aquarium, which focuses on local marine life. The town has a quieter feel than neighbouring Svolvær and retains more of its historic character.