Things to do in Svolvær

Svolvær is the administrative capital of the Lofoten archipelago and its busiest port, sitting on Austvågøya where the E10 highway begins its run west. Ferries, buses, and a local airport converge here, making it the most practical base for exploring the rest of the islands.

From the harbour, boats leave for the Trollfjord, the narrow arm of sea further north, and for sea eagle and fishing trips along the coast. The town looks up at Svolværgeita, the twin-pronged climbing needle known as "the Goat" that rises above the rooftops. Between September and April, Svolvær's position above the Arctic Circle also makes it a starting point for chasing the northern lights.

Restaurants, shops, and rorbuer-style accommodation cluster around the harbour, within easy reach of Kabelvåg and Henningsvær.