Svolvær

Svolvær sits on the south-east side of Austvågøya, facing Vestfjorden. Its oldest buildings stand on a low spit of land, and the town has spread onto bridged islands such as Svinøya. It is Lofoten's largest fishing village and the trading, service and transport centre for the eastern part of the islands, with around 5,000 residents. Svolvær was established as a trading town (ladested) in 1918.

Getting here Svolvær Airport, Helle, is a short-runway airport about 6 km east of the town. Hurtigruten ships dock in the town centre, and an express boat links Svolvær with Bodø via Skrova. Regional buses run west through Lofoten, north to Vesterålen and east towards Narvik.

What is there and nearby The rock formation Svolværgeita can be seen from most of the centre. Svolvær is the starting point for most boat and RIB trips to Trollfjorden, and it has galleries, the Lofoten war memorial museum and the daily newspaper Lofotposten. Kabelvåg is 5–6 km south-west along the E10. Visit Lofoten describes the town as having the largest selection of accommodation in Lofoten, from hotels to rorbuer and apartments.

Who it suits Travellers arriving by air or sea, anyone relying on buses and boats rather than a car, and those who want restaurants, shops and a wide choice of places to stay within walking distance.

Things to consider Svolvær is the most town-like place in Lofoten, and it receives regular cruise ship calls, so the centre is busy in summer. The Moskenesøya villages, including Reine and Å, are at the opposite end of the E10.