Lofoten Handbook
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Rorbuer in Ballstad

Rorbuer and rorbu-style cabins in Ballstad, a working fishing village of 846 people about 11 km by road from Leknes. They range from individual cabins to rorbu resorts and lodges around the harbour.

Last verified 16 September 2026

Page text updated 25 September 2026

Ballstad and the surrounding islands and lakes seen from a mountain above the village
Photo by Lukas on Unsplash

A rorbu in Ballstad is a fisherman's cabin let to visitors in a village that still lands and processes fish. Those listed here range from individual cabins to rorbu resorts and lodges spread around the harbour.

What they are like

Store norske leksikon defines a rorbu as a house in a fishing village used as lodging by visiting fishermen during the seasonal fisheries, and says letting them to tourists has become common; it records rorbu rental and rorbu camping among Ballstad's tourist traffic. The range here is wide. Kræmmervika Havn's units run from a 16 m² single room to 60 m² cabins. Hattvika Lodge is rebuilt 1870s cabins with a restaurant, sauna and hot tub; Hemmingodden Lodge is a family-run fishing lodge on Ballstadøya with boat rental and guided fishing.

Getting there

The Fv818 leaves the E10 at Storeid, just south-west of Leknes, and the Fv823 bridge carries the road onto Ballstadøya. Leknes is about 11 km by road and Leknes Airport about 12 km. Bus 766 runs Leknes–Ballstad and is in the winter timetable in the national register. The Moskenes ferry quay for the Bodø car ferry is about 65 km. Joker Ballstad on Fryseriveien is the village shop.

Who it suits

Anglers, divers and anyone who wants to wake beside a working harbour with an airport and a town's shops a quarter of an hour away. It is quieter than Svolvær and much closer to an airport than Reine. Ballstad is also an industrial port: the fish plants work hardest during the skrei fishery from January to April, so the quays are busy rather than still. Check dates on Booking.com through the listing below.

Rorbuer

22 places to stay

Questions

Which rorbuer are listed in Ballstad?
The listing on this page shows every rorbu and rorbu-style cabin this guide has in Ballstad. They range from individual cabins to rorbu resorts and lodges around the harbour.
How far is Ballstad from Leknes?
About 11 km by road, roughly a quarter of an hour's drive. Leknes Airport is about 12 km from the village.
Can you get to Ballstad without a car?
Yes. Bus 766 runs between Leknes and Ballstad and appears in the winter timetable in Entur's national register; Visit Lofoten's Ballstad page still names an older route number for the same link.
Do rorbuer in Ballstad have kitchens?
Each listing shows whether a kitchen is recorded. Check the individual listing, then check dates on Booking.com.
Is there a shop in Ballstad?
Yes, Joker Ballstad at Fryseriveien 1, in the NorgesGruppen store register.

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.