Trollfjorden is one of Norway's smallest fjords, just 2 kilometres long and only 100 metres wide at its narrowest point. It sits at the edge of Raftsundet, which separates Austvågøya from Hinnøya. You cannot reach it by car. The only way in is by boat.
There is an ongoing debate about whether the fjord belongs to Lofoten or Vesterålen. It is part of Austvågøy, which belongs to Lofoten, but it lies on the ground of Hadsel municipality, which is part of Vesterålen.
The fjord was the scene of the Battle of Trollfjorden in 1890. Local fishermen confronted modern steamboat trawlers whose captain had blocked the entrance, wanting all the cod for himself. The fishermen saw this as a violation of Allemannsretten and boarded the steamers, ending the blockade. The Stortinget later banned these nets during the winter fishing season in Lofoten.
Several companies run boat tours from Svolvær. The trip takes about three hours and follows the dramatic Lofoten coastline with steep mountains rising directly from the sea. Even the large Hurtigruten ships squeeze into the narrow entrance. There used to be a tradition of writing the ship's name on the cliff wall, but that has stopped. A waterfall once fell at the far end, but it was piped for electricity in 1960.
The highlight for many is the sea eagles. The crew prepares frozen fish to attract them. Seagulls spot the fish first and start following the boat. When an eagle approaches, the crew whistles and throws a fish, which the eagle catches mid-flight. Occasionally the seagulls get bold enough to attack the eagles.
Back at Svolvær harbour, look for Fiskerkona, the Fisherman's Wife. The 4.5-metre statue depicts a woman looking to the horizon, waiting to see if her husband will return. Fishing has always been dangerous. Since 2000, 156 fishermen have died at sea in Norway.
Tours only run when weather permits. The narrow entrance can be dangerous in rough conditions.
There is an ongoing debate about whether the fjord belongs to Lofoten or Vesterålen. It is part of Austvågøy, which belongs to Lofoten, but it lies on the ground of Hadsel municipality, which is part of Vesterålen.
The fjord was the scene of the Battle of Trollfjorden in 1890. Local fishermen confronted modern steamboat trawlers whose captain had blocked the entrance, wanting all the cod for himself. The fishermen saw this as a violation of Allemannsretten and boarded the steamers, ending the blockade. The Stortinget later banned these nets during the winter fishing season in Lofoten.
Several companies run boat tours from Svolvær. The trip takes about three hours and follows the dramatic Lofoten coastline with steep mountains rising directly from the sea. Even the large Hurtigruten ships squeeze into the narrow entrance. There used to be a tradition of writing the ship's name on the cliff wall, but that has stopped. A waterfall once fell at the far end, but it was piped for electricity in 1960.
The highlight for many is the sea eagles. The crew prepares frozen fish to attract them. Seagulls spot the fish first and start following the boat. When an eagle approaches, the crew whistles and throws a fish, which the eagle catches mid-flight. Occasionally the seagulls get bold enough to attack the eagles.
Back at Svolvær harbour, look for Fiskerkona, the Fisherman's Wife. The 4.5-metre statue depicts a woman looking to the horizon, waiting to see if her husband will return. Fishing has always been dangerous. Since 2000, 156 fishermen have died at sea in Norway.
Tours only run when weather permits. The narrow entrance can be dangerous in rough conditions.