A Closer Look at Svolvær

Pack your wool undershirts and get ready to be up close and personal with the waters and hillsides of Svolvær. Here’s a quick guide of things to do and see in and around Svolvær. You’ll never forget your visit to this gorgeous spot in the Lofoten Islands, so let’s review all the places you can explore.

Hiking

The Lofoten region is replete with beautiful hiking trails. You can visit mountains and beaches and everything in between, all while traveling on foot. It would be easy to spend weeks in the archipelago, exploring every nook and cranny. But for people who have limited time to explore Norway, they should get the highlight reel by visiting Svolvær.

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.

Fishing

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.

Cruises

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.

Without tourists, the main population of Lofoten is around 24,000 people. Svolvær is the capital of this beautiful archipelago region and it continues to grow in popularity. Not only are there large islands scattered throughout the sea, but you can enjoy the sight of small rocky mini-islands throughout the archipelago.

Whether you’re into oceanic fishing cruises or white sandy beaches and cocktails, Svolvær is a great place to enjoy all that Norway has to offer. You should aim to allow around five days to get the most out of this beautiful region.​