![norway svolvar winter hgr 163811 getty images](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/5m5GEewsAbCxGxGhA1oKa6/cd7fd1b1d764fe07d671f77e1095d336/norway_svolvar_winter_hgr_163811_getty_images.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten
Svolvær attracts nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers and artists in search of its very special light.
The picturesque harbor of Svolvær overlooks the Vestfjord. Enjoy visiting a fishing village where age-old seagoing traditions are still preserved. The surrounding islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches and sheltered bays offer opportunities to take part in a number of exciting activities. Shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the city. The locals usually go out for lunch, and on weekends the town is teeming with life.
The world’s largest catches of cod are made on the Lofoten banks between January and April every year. This was the reason for the development of this small coastal town. The average catch used to be 88-110 million pounds (40-50 million kilos). Now the catch varies from year to year, ranging between 55-110 million pounds (25-50 million kilos). Today, there are less than 3,000 fishermen compared to 20,000 in 1947, much due to larger and more efficient fishing vessels. The rich array of industries are all linked to fish processing, fishing itself and boat traffic.
Svolvær is not just a center for fishing. In the winter, streets are full of skiers on their way to the winter sports center, as well as artists who flock here for the local scenery, the colorful street life and, perhaps more than anything else, the light. Lofoten’s outstanding nature has inspired and attracted artists for years, leaving Vågan with the highest number of established artists and one of Northern Norway’s most important art communities, with galleries and museums almost everywhere you walk.
The most famous symbol of Lofoten and Svolvær, Svolværgeita, is a favorite spot for mountain climbers in summer. Climbers from all over the world come here to jump between the two horns of the peak. One of the highlights during the winter is the annual cod fishing festival.
A history of Svolvær
The first town establishment known in Northern Norway, Vågar, was situated around the narrow, natural harbor just west of Svolvær. Vågar is mentioned in the book Heimskringla by Snorri Sturlason and might have been established as early as the year 800. One of the first churches in North Norway was most likely built here, approximately 900 years ago. Svolvær is first mentioned in 1567 ("Suoluer"), but it is probably much older.
The Old Norse form of the name is assumed to be Svolver. The first element is probably derived from svalr, which means ‘cool’, or 'chilly', and the last element is ver, which means 'fishing village'. The great cod fisheries in winter have always been the most important economical foundation. Svolvær was an important fishing village for a long time, and was the basis for the town status granted in 1918.
Activities in Svolvær
The surrounding islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches and sheltered bays offer opportunities to take part in a number of exciting activities.
![Credit: Dan Mariner / Bodø2024](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/7tIkqjNlqhRiSXHwFwnnvu/eafc32eef13f750562e4f43c3c006f7b/Henningsv_r_3_Dan_Mariner_Bod_2024_1920.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
excursions
Lofoten Islands
![A couple on a tour of Lofotpils Brewery in Svolvaer](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/4JS5aHYsqf8SJkTZNqQ1VC/18565bf7b19d190c8c47b829f37454ed/lofotpils_Svolvar_Norway_HGR_148683_Rune_Kongsro.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
excursions
Lofotpils Brewery
![A group of tourists enjoy a RIB experience in the Lofoten Islands](https://images.ctfassets.net/7mmwp5vb96tc/2dopxlP5uUnxd1uvYPcz3I/9cd2f06b05d0f48736b703becea814e4/RIB_Adventure_Lofoten_Svolvar_Norway_HGR_47748_Guest_Images.jpg?q=75&w=3840&fm=webp)
excursions
RIB Adventure in Lofoten
Port address
Fiskergata 23, 8300 Svolvær
Discover the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten
- 12 days • 34 Places
The Coastal Express
Route
Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen (Roundtrip)
Departure Dates
Regular departures
Price from $2,106
$1,790
Ships
Multiple
- Up to 10% off11 days • 27 Places
The Coastal Express – To the Viking Capital
Route
Bergen – Kirkenes – Trondheim (Roundtrip)
Departure Dates
Regular departures
Price from
$2,279
Ships
Multiple
- 7 days • 34 Places
The Coastal Express – North
Route
Bergen – Kirkenes (Northbound)
Departure Dates
Regular departures
Price from $1,514
$1,287
Ships
Multiple