Svolvaer

Travel Guide

Northern Norway featuring a small town or village, mountains and boating
Svolvaer featuring a bay or harbor and a small town or village
Lofoten War Memorial Museum
Northern Norway featuring boating, mountains and a small town or village
Henningsvaer Bridge featuring general coastal views and a bridge

Discover an island adventure in this scenic fishing village in the Lofoten archipelago, where dramatic mountains drop away into fjords frequented by orca whales.

Rugged coastal mountains dwarf the picturesque fishing village of Svolvær, located on westernmost Nordland on the island of Austvågøya. The village has historically been a significant fishing port. Today it is the ideal jumping-off point for exploration of the Lofoten archipelago. From the pretty little town take boat tours, whale-watching charters and excursions to the surrounding fjords and islands. Svolvær also has a comprehensive World War II museum, a thriving cultural center and nearby downhill skiing.

Whether you approach Svolvær by land, sea or air, note the village’s dramatic surroundings. A quaint harbor borders the open ocean of Vestfjorden and a jagged mountain range arcs around the northern part of the village. The most distinctive of these mountains is Fløyfjellet. Its horned pinnacle is known as Svolværgeita (Svolvær Goat).

Walk through the compact town center to reach the main square. View the village’s traditional seaside architecture and brightly painted façades. Tour the galleries, including the Nordnosk Kunstnersenter. Lofoten’s natural light is said to have a special quality, inspiring numerous artists to set up studios here. Visit a waterfront café and try a meal incorporating the village’s most important resource, cod.

Look for the white tower of the Svolvær Church rising up behind the town. Check out the Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum, a fascinating museum dedicated to the region’s involvement in World War II.

Embark on a boat trip or charter cruise into Vestfjorden and the breathtaking Lofoten islands. In late autumn and winter, spot whales breaching offshore. Farther along, reach Raftsundet strait and the narrow mouth of Trollfjord.

Svolvær is located in the Lofoten archipelago in Vågan municipality. Fly to Svolvær’s airport, a 10-minute drive from town. Ferries and express boats connect Svolvær to Skutvik and Bodø. You can also reach Svolvær by bus from Evenes and Narvik Airport. Svolvær has a sheltered climate, with the lowest rainfall occurring in June.

Thon Hotel Svolvær

Thon Hotel Svolvær

2.5 out of 5
Avisgata 1, Vagan
The price is ¥29,628 per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
¥29,628
¥33,183 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vagan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a marina. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (319 reviews)
"Sauna is convenient. Breakfast was amazing."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Thon Hotel Svolvær
Fast Hotel Svolvær

Fast Hotel Svolvær

2.5 out of 5
O.J Kaarbøs gate 2, Vagan
The price is ¥9,607 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
¥9,607
¥10,820 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vagan. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour business center, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Lofoten War Memorial ...
Fast Hotel Svolvær
Nordis Hotel Lofoten

Nordis Hotel Lofoten

2.5 out of 5
Austnesfjordgata 36, Vagan
The price is ¥10,278 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
¥10,278
¥11,511 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vagan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Lofoten Temagalleri and Lofoten ...
Nordis Hotel Lofoten
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3-bedroom apartment in the center of Svolvær

3-bedroom apartment in the center of Svolvær

Svolvær
Stay at this apartment in Vagan. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lofoten Temagalleri and Lofoten Escape & Adventures ...
3-bedroom apartment in the center of Svolvær
Lovely 1 bedroom downstairs apartment with free parking

Lovely 1 bedroom downstairs apartment with free parking

Nordland
Stay at this apartment in Vagan. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lofoten Temagalleri and Lofoten Escape & ...
Lovely 1 bedroom downstairs apartment with free parking
Lofoten Basecamp

Lofoten Basecamp

3 out of 5
Skreda 37, Vestvågøy, Nordland
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Vestvågøy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Offersøykammen ...
Lofoten Basecamp
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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