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 2,291 / 68.1 degrees north
Kabelvåg, Norway
Kabelvåg is the historic capital of the Lofoten Islands. The village was founded in the 12th century as “Vågan” and was the largest and main settlement until the late 19th century, when it moved to Svolvær. Today Kabelvåg is a quiet village but has some excellent museums and well-preserved houses.
About Kabelvåg
Latitude: 68.1 degrees north
Population: 2,291
Vågan Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Kabelvåg
Uniquely Kabelvåg
Here are some things that you must do and try in Kabelvåg
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kabelvåg
Historic Church
Vågan Church
Built in 1898 and Norway’s second-largest wooden church, Vågan rises just above the E10 north of Kabelvåg. Built to minister the influx of seasonal fisherfolk, its seating capacity of 1200 far surpasses the population of Kabelvåg. Built in 1898 to accommodate the hundreds of visiting fishermen, the Gothic revival-style church seats 1200 and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing churches you’ll pass on your journey. Interior features include Swiss style carvings, pointed arches, and an altar that was relocated from the former parish church that was demolished in 1900. The church is open to visitors – donations would be great.
Aquarium (Lofotakvariet)
Lofoten Aquarium
Here you can learn about the marine life of Northern Norway, including the skrei (cod), king crab, salmon, and other species.
Historic Museum (Lofotmuseet)
Lofoten Museum
The islands’ major historic museum is on the site of what was considered the first town in the Arctic, where traces of original rorbuer (fishers cabins) have been excavated. There is a 2km heritage path from the museum to the centre of Kabelvåg.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Experience
Kayaking
It is possible to go sea kayaking from Kabelvåg. The three hour tour takes you around the Kabelvåg area.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Kabelvåg
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
Kabelvåg on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Kabelvåg
History of Kabelvåg
Kabelvåg is the oldest fishing village in Lofoten and was previously also the largest. It was here that the commerical part of the Lofoten fishing started over 1000 years ago. Kabelvåg was founded as “Vågan” in the early 12th century by King Øystein Magnusson, who built a church and hotel for fishermen there. According to the Norse sagas, there was something resembling a town there several centuries earlier. The oldest traces of settlement are from the Late Stone Age, and there are sparse traces of settlement from the Iron Age. Vågan, the original settlement, was to the east of the current town and existed between 1000 and 1400.
Later a new centre emerged in Kabelvåg, and by the end of the 19th century, Kabelvåg had become an urban settlement and the place was without a doubt the ‘capital of Lofoten’ with all the public institutions located here.
When the fishing fleet became motorised, Kabelvåg’s port was not suitable. Svolvær took over all boat traffic and thus the economic and population growth.
Kabelvåg Today
Today Kabelvåg is an education and culture centre. Kabelvåg is home to the Nordland Art and Film School as well as the Lofoten Folk High School.
Business is dominated by fishing, though tourism and travel are now also important.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: The closest airport is at Svolvær.
Drive: Kabelvåg is located on the E10 highway just a short drive from Svolvær.
Train: No train access.
Ferry: No ferry access
Getting Around
The museums are located a short walk out of town.
Shops
At Lofoten Glass you can watch the glassblowers make beautiful art pieces and even buy one!
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Hjørnet Kafé Kabelvåg
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Brygga is the local pub and café and has a nice selection of Norwegian and international dishes.
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
Camping
Kabelvåg Feriehus og Camping is the local campground.
Click here for rates & booking
Lofoten Vandrerhjem is the local hostel.
Click here for rates & booking
Sandvika Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Nyvågar Rorbuhotell is a nice complex of ‘rorbuer’ (fishermens cabins) that you can rent.
Click here for rates & booking
Skårungen
This accommodation offers rorbuer for rent as well as regular cabins. There is a spa onsite, making it a very cozy place to stay!
All Posts About Kabelvåg