SVOLVAER - For those looking for something out of the ordinary, and who appreciate the good life! SVOLVAER has a population of about 4000, and is centre of administration in the Lofoten Island. The oldest part of the town is on the island of Svinøya, where the first trading company was established in 1828. The town's first shop opened on Svinøya - combining fish buying with a bakery, and later also a telegraph station. Commercial fish buying during the Lofoten winter fishing season formed the basis for the town's existence. As the town grew and developed, a large number of "rorbu" cabins were built on Svinoya and on the surrounding islands. These "rorbu" cabins were shacks used by the fishermen who came from far and wide to take part in the Lofoten fishery. They consisted of two rooms, one serving as living quarters where they cooked, slept and repaired their nets, and the other being used as a storeroom for nets, bait and food supplies. Svinoya is linked to mainland Lofoten by a bridge in the centre of the city, and is today an idyllic housing area. However, fish buying and processing still constitute the life nerve of the community. Between 100 and 200 fishermen deliver their catches here during the winter fishing season, for the production of salted fish and stockfish. The fishermen's "rorbu" cabins on Svinoya have been restored to a high standard. Each cabin is equipped with 2 to 6 beds, a well-equipped kitchen, and a modern bathroom. You can hire a motorboat, and you can also hire bicycles in the centre of Svolvaer to explore the majestic sorroundings.

In mid January the dark season gradually leaves us, the sun returns and so does the "skrei" - the Norwegian Arctic cod returns fom the Barents Sea to spawn in the shallow, temperate waters of the Lofoten Islands, an event that results every year in one of the world's best seasonal fisheries: The Lofoten Fishery. See the fishermen and vessels from all along the Norwegian coast as they invade the fishing hamlets and harbours, enjoy busy markets and local street life. Try your hand at fishing too. Watch the catch being hung on the fish racks ("hjell"). Join in the Lofoten Festival in March. Watch the Northen Lights flickering and dancing across the winter sky. The majestic winter landscape also invites you to the breathtaking ski slopes and trails in the Svolvaer area.

Wikipedia articles for Svolvaer

• Northernmost cities and towns
• Svolvær
• Svolvær
• Svinøy Bridge
• Svolvær Airport, Helle
• Kabelvåg
• Kabelvåg