Drive it Yourself: The Lofoten Islands Part 1: Å to Svolvær
Learn about part one of the famous road that runs through the Lofoten Islands.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 510 / 68.1 degrees north
Henningsvær, Norway
Located across a group of small islands off the Lofoten archipelago, Henningsvær is one of the most famous fishing villages in Norway. Its nickname is ‘the Venice of Lofoten’ because of its picturesque feel by the water, but Norwegians associated Henningsvær with the cod fishing that has taken place here for hundreds of years. After all, the saying of the village is: “A real Lofoten cod am I, for I was born in Henningsvaer”.
About Henningsvær
Latitude: 68.1 degrees north
Population: 510
Vågan Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Henningsvær
Uniquely Henningsvær
Here are some things that you must do and try in Henningsvær
Football Field
Henningsvær Football Field
The Henningsvær football field has become internationally famous. The European football organisation, UEFA, filmed on and around the field for their “We Play Strong” video with Liv Cooke. Pepsi Maxi Norge offered their support for the UEFA Champions League Final in 2018 with an art installation created by children kicking footballs covered in paint. The field is managed by Henningsvær IL football club.
Historic Building
Heimgårdsbrygga
This is the old fishery that was built at the beginning of the 19th century. It is one of the oldest constructions in Henningsvær and inside there are old fishing equipment, boats, and other local artifacts.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Henningsvær
Art Gallery
Kaviar Factory
The Kaviar Factory is a charming art gallery located in an old factory that produced fish paste. The gallery is the private collection of Venke and Rolf Hoff and is focused on contemporary art from around the world.
Art Gallery
Galleri Lofotens Hus
Galleri Lofotens Hus is a museum and gallery showing images from the diverse Lofoten region throughout the four distinctive season.
Ceramics
Engelskmannsbrygga
Ceramic artist Cecilie Haaland, photographer John Stenersen and glassblowers Mette Paalgard and Heidi B. Kristiansen have formed Engelskmannsbrygga, a presentation of traditional arts and crafts in a delightful waterside wharf.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Hiking
Glomtinden
Glomtinden is a short and easy walk (around 419 metres high) and has fantastic views over the Lofoten Islands. The hike takes approximately one hour each way.
Hiking
Festvågtind
Festvågtind mountain offers the best view of the islands. However, it is graded as a difficult hike. The hike will take around 3 hours round-trip.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Henningsvær
The Lofoten Tourist Road (E10)
The Lofoten Tourist Road is arguably the most beautiful tourist road in the country. Stretching from one end of the Lofoten archipelago to the other, this drive takes you past some of the most beautiful fishing villages and mountains in all of Norway. Lofoten is an important historic place for fishing, but it is also a popular spot for hiking, kayking and even swimming. This road-trip guide covers all the diverse landmarks that make up the Lofoten islands.
Self-Guided Walks
Henningsvær on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Henningsvær
History of Henningsvær
Henningsvær has been a thriving fishing village ever since the 1500s with its heydays in the 1940s when over 12,000 men stayed here during the cod fishing season. The town was populated properly during the 18th century, though Norway’s oldest ski has been found in a marsh near Henningsvær and is believed to be 2,000 years old. The highest permanent population was in the 1950s when it reached 1,000 people.
During World War II Allied forces attacked Lofoten by blowing up the cod liver oil plants. Many Norwegian fishermen from Lofoten followed the Allies back to England.
Henningsvær Today
The road to Henningsvær was completed in 1983. Before then, the only way to get there was by boat. With the road brought tourism, and Henningsvær quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most charming places in Lofoten. Fishing is still the main livelihood in Henningsvær, though tourism is also important. Around 66,000 tons of cod are caught every year, which is enough for 300 million dinners.
On the 14th of October 2022 Henningsvær was protected as a cultural environment of national value. The purpose is to preserve Henningsvær as one of Norway’s most important fishing villages as Henningsvær is a good example of the development history of the coast.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: The closest airport is at Svolvær.
Drive: Henningsvær is located a short drive off the E10 highway. Henningsvær is a 25 minute drive from Svolvær and a 20 minute drive from Kabelvåg.
Train: No train access.
Ferry: No ferry access
Getting Around
Take special care when driving here – the road is narrow and shared by trucks and cyclists.
You have to park in a large carpark just outside the town and walk around.
Shops
Catrine Linder is a local jewellery designer
Cod and Haddock makes knitted headwear
Mors House is a great shop for Scandinavian interior design.
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Klatrekafeen is one of the most popular cafes in Henningsvær.
Lysstøperiet Café and Bakery has some of Lofoten’s best cinnamon buns.
Trevarefabrikken is a cultural hub with a café, restaurant, bar, hotel, sauna and concert area.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
At Fiskekrogen (fishing hook) you can enjoy the view of Henningsvær harbour and a nice selection of seafood. Expect to find local classics like fish stew and cod tongue, as well as dishes like cod cheeks and smoked whale carpaccio. Their kitchen is open, making for a lively and fun atmosphere.
High End & Unique Eats
Be sure to eat stockfish when you’re in Henningsvær! This dried cod that has been rehydrated has been the main industry in Lofoten for over 2000 years. You can try stockfish at almost any high-end restaurant, but one of the best is at the Henningsvær Bryggehotell.
Places to Stay
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Henningsvær Bryggehotell – one of the Classic Hotels of Norway, this hotel ahs 30 charming rooms. Each has modern amenities and are styled purposely to look like a fishing village. Some of the rooms have a small loft.
Henningsvær Rorbuer – traditional fishermen’s cabins at Henningsvær are all painted bridhe red. They are situated on the docks, and each cabin is unique, simple and traditional with dark timber walls and homey furniture.
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