Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten and functions as the unofficial capital of the islands. It is a Hurtigruten port and the main gateway for tourists arriving by boat or bus. Most Trollfjorden boat tours depart from here.
Above town rises Svolværgeita, the Goat. Two granite pinnacles separated by about 1.5 metres of empty space at 590 metres above sea level. The gap between the horns was first jumped in 1910 and has been a climbing challenge ever since. It is one of the most recognisable rock formations in Norway.
The area around Svinøya is where the old fishing harbour meets the newer town. Triangular wooden drying racks for stockfish line the waterfront. Cod has been hung here to air-dry in Arctic winds for centuries and exported across Europe. The town also has several art galleries, which is somewhat unusual for a place this size in northern Norway.
Svolvær is a practical base for exploring Lofoten. Bus connections run along the E10 to most villages on the islands. The nearest airport with affordable mainland connections is Evenes, about two hours away by car.
Above town rises Svolværgeita, the Goat. Two granite pinnacles separated by about 1.5 metres of empty space at 590 metres above sea level. The gap between the horns was first jumped in 1910 and has been a climbing challenge ever since. It is one of the most recognisable rock formations in Norway.
The area around Svinøya is where the old fishing harbour meets the newer town. Triangular wooden drying racks for stockfish line the waterfront. Cod has been hung here to air-dry in Arctic winds for centuries and exported across Europe. The town also has several art galleries, which is somewhat unusual for a place this size in northern Norway.
Svolvær is a practical base for exploring Lofoten. Bus connections run along the E10 to most villages on the islands. The nearest airport with affordable mainland connections is Evenes, about two hours away by car.