Svolvær, Norway: The Biggest Town in Lofoten

The biggest town in Lofoten has a vibrant harbour and a rugged mountainous backdrop, and is the perfect place to start a memorable Lofoten trip. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Svolvær, Norway.

After five years of living in Norway, I finally ticked Lofoten off my bucket list on a research trip for my guidebook. Despite visiting the islands in April, I was rewarded with spectacular weather for the entire week.

Surely only a British guy can get sunburnt in the Norwegian Arctic in April? Yes, it’s the latest lesson for me!

Anyway, Lofoten was simply sensational. For once, the photos do it justice. This region is breathtaking, even in a country renowned for natural beauty.

While much of Lofoten travel information focuses on hiking, beaches, road trips, and idyllic fishing villages, Lofoten has a handful of towns too.

The charming coastal town of Svolvær is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of Arctic beauty looking for a base from which to explore Lofoten. Here's our complete guide to visiting Svolvaer Norway.

Where is Svolvaer in Norway?

My first stop on the trip was Svolvær, the biggest city on the archipelago and de facto capital of the Lofoten Islands. From here, it's a 132km drive to the fishing village of Å along the E10, one of Norway's most spectacular National Tourist Routes.

Just bear in mind that distances in Lofoten are misleading. You’ll want to stop almost as you turn every corner, with new vistas just begging to be admired and photographed. And part of the joy in Lofoten is taking some of the side roads and just seeing where you end up. Chances are, it’ll be worth it!

An Introduction to Svolvær

The first thing that struck me about Svolvær was its setting. Wherever I stood, whichever way I looked, the view was magnificent. Svolvær is tiny even by Norwegian standards with a population of less than 5,000, but it’s a place that feels much bigger.

Lofoten Travel Resources: Hotels in Svolvær – Car Rental in Svolvær – Travel Insurance – Tours & Experiences in Svolvær

As a regional centre, the town has a shopping mall, clothing stores, supermarkets, a cinema, and a range of hotels, high-class restaurants, and art galleries open for business throughout the year.

First things first, check out this highlights video I made for Life in Norway’s YouTube channel. It covers some things to do in and around the town:

I hope you enjoyed the video! Now, read on for more information about the town, and a lot more photos.

A Brief History of Svolvær

Svolvær gained official town status in 1918, though its history as a settlement goes back much further. The nearby village of Vågar, just a few miles west of Svolvær, was the first known settlement in northern Norway around the year 800 CE.

Svolvær itself was first mentioned in historical records in the late 16th century. The name is likely derived from the Old Norse word ‘svair’, which means chill.

Tourism is important today, of course, but the local economy is much more diverse than you might expect. Cod fisheries, particularly during winter months when tourism is low, remain an essential economical foundation for the town.

Its strategic location on the southern coast of Austvågøya made it a crucial hub for trade and commerce dating back to the Viking Age. Fishing, particularly cod, has been the backbone of Svolvær’s economy for centuries.

The whole region thrived thanks to the plentiful supply of cod in the deep waters around Lofoten, and fishing villages spread along the coastline.

The town became famous for producing stockfish, a dried cod product that has been exported to Europe since medieval times. You can't go far in Lofoten without seeing cod hung up on racks to dry, and this is true even in the biggest town.

Such is the importance of fishing to the town, the World Cod Fishing Championships are held in Svolvær every March. Over 600 participants from 8 countries regularly take part and thousands of onlookers gather on the Quay to greet the returning boats.

A Boat Trip to the Stunning Trollfjord

Svolvær is the main starting point for tours to the Trollfjord, one of Norway’s lesser known yet most dramatic fjords. While the western fjords are known for their size, the Trollfjord is just 2km long and extremely narrow especially as its entrance.

Large cruise ships almost touch the sides as they enter the fjord, and sometimes struggle to turn back around at the other end. On smaller craft, you can drink from the waterfalls if you sail close enough to the sheer mountain sides.

The fjord received national notoriety in 1890 as it was the site of a standoff between the industrial steam ships and traditional open-boat fishermen about access and fishing rights to the fjord.

Today the area is known just as much for its local population of sea eagles as for the plentiful stocks of fish. Captains often use fish to lure the breathtaking birds close to the ship for a close-up view.

Trips on comfortable boats or higher-speed experiences on inflatable RIB crafts give you ample opportunity to take in the scenery of Lofoten from a unique angle, spot sea eagles soaring overhead, and experience the intimate surroundings of the Trollfjord.

Check in advance with the Tourist Information Office for the schedules and prices on specific days.

Things To Do in Svolvær

Although you’ll probably be staying in the town because of the Trollfjord or as the starting point of a road trip, Svolvaer offers many things to do before you head off.

The Lofoten War Museum (Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum) presents a seemingly random collection of items including a lamp from the battleship Tirpitz and the handbag of Adolf Hitler’s companion Eva Braun, but it all adds up to a fascinating window into wartime life.

Not every artefact is described in English, but any question you have will be answered in astounding detail by the curator. Opening hours typically coincide with the evening arrival of cruise ships and coastal ferries.

The North Norwegian Art Centre (Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter) is an artist-run institution that presents contemporary visual art to a wider audience.

An important part of the center is the shop, which sells a range of fine art supplies to the large number of artists who flock to Lofoten, or to curious tourists inspired by the landscapes. They also stock gifts and artwork designed for the home, and are happy to post purchases made to your home address.

The Magic Ice bar is home to a dazzling range of ice sculptures. Once you pay the entry fee, you get a warm coat to wear before entering what is essentially a giant walk-in freezer. Sip a cocktail while admiring the remarkable artwork.

Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist trap. But, honestly, if you’ve never been to such a place before, I think it’s a fun activity to do. The sculptures are really quite impressive.

Hiking and Mountain Climbing

It shouldn’t come as a surprise given its mountainous surroundings, but Svolvær offers many hiking and mountain climbing opportunities.

Experienced climbers will surely want to tackle the 150m (490ft) tall granite mountain Svolværgeita. Standing proudly above the city, it’s one of Northern Norway’s most popular climbing routes.

First climbed in 1910, the summit offers the unique opportunity to jump the 1.5-metre gap between the two “horns” at the summit. It’s an incredible view from up there, and you’ll get some amazing photographs, if that’s your thing.

Many climbers have noted that when taking the jump between the horns, you can see the graveyard of Svolvær Church far below.

The route is not technically difficult but it is very steep and a good level of physical fitness is required along with ropes and standard climbing equipment. This means joining a guided hike is the best way to go.

Art Festival and Galleries

Svolvær and the Lofoten Islands have long attracted artists due to their breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. The region’s combination of towering mountains and ocean views creates a unique, ever-shifting scenery that captivates painters, photographers, and other creatives.

The Arctic light, particularly during the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter, provides a distinctive quality that inspires artistic expression.

This artistic popularity has left its legacy on the islands, and the town of Svolvær. You’ll find a handful of art galleries in the town, as you will in nearby Henningsvær.

Run by the North Norwegian Art Centre in September every year, the month-long Lofoten International Art Festival brings artists from across the world to place their art in the context of Lofoten’s dramatic surroundings.

What’s most notable about this festival is its constant quest to seek out new and interesting venues. Everywhere from a war bunker to a fish drying rack has been used to host exhibitions.

Transport in Svolvær

Despite its relatively remote location, Svolvær is pretty well connected. In fact, Svolvær is an important transport hub for Lofoten.

Norway’s coastal ferry service makes northbound and southbound stops in the early evening, filling the streets with tourists for a few hours every day.

Some continue on by bus for a tour of Lofoten before rejoining the ship at the next port of call, while others begin their own exploration of the islands. There is also a fast ferry service from Bodø for passengers and cyclists.

The town has its own airport although services are limited to local Widerøe flights to Bodø, Leknes, Stokmarknes and Tromsø. The closest airport with regular service to Oslo is Hafstad/Narvik Airport at Evenes, a 160km drive away.

Speaking of driving, many travellers hope to rent a car in Svolvær and leave it until arrival. This is a major mistake, especially if arriving in high season.

There are limited rental cars available in the town and at the airport, and there may well be none available if you just turn up on the day. Generally, the rental car desk is set up for collections only.

Long distance buses link the town with the rest of Lofoten, Evenes Airport, plus the cities of Sortland, Harstad and Narvik. These bus services can also be used for local transport to places such as Henningsvær, although transfers may be required.

The Surroundings of Svolvær

The reason many people live in Svolvær is its proximity to wonderful nature and recreational opportunities. The 132 km drive to the iconic villages of Reine and Å is perhaps the greatest road trip in all of Norway.

A few minutes away is the gorgeous village of Henningsvær, while other attractions such as the Lofotr Viking Museum, Hurtigruten Museum and even skiing resorts are all within a couple of hours drive.

Where to Stay in Svolvaer, Norway

Even within the beautiful setting of Svolvær, few accommodation choices offer such spectacular views as the former fisherman’s lodges of Anker Brygge. The 27 cottages and suites are furnished to a high standard with wooden floors and exposed wooden beams throughout.

Lofoten Travel Resources: Hotels in Svolvær – Car Rental in Svolvær – Travel Insurance – Tours & Experiences in Svolvær

Each cottage has a quayside terrace, a cozy lounge area and separate bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. Such indulgence doesn’t come cheap, though. Check rates and availability here.

A good budget option is the Vestfjord Hotel, hidden away behind the Hurtigruten quay. Ask for a room on the upper floor to make the most of the views of ships entering the harbour or the city’s mountainous backdrop.

The modern reception and lounge bar area is in stark contrast to the bedrooms, which are spacious but basic with a few tatty corners here and there. A simple breakfast buffet in the adjacent restaurant is included in the price. Check rates and availability here.

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