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.
Fun Facts About Kabelvåg
Latitude: 68.1 degrees north
Population: 2,291
Vågan Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kabelvåg
Vågan Church
Built in 1898, Vågan Church is the second-largest wooden church in 1898. It is built close to the original location of the Vågan Church that was built by King Øystein in the 12th century.
Lofoten Aquarium
Here you can learn about the marine life of Northern Norway, including the skrei (cod), king crab, salmon, and other species.
Lofotmuseet
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!
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
Self-Guided Walks
Kabelvåg on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Kabelvåg
Uniquely Kabelvåg
Here are some things that you must do and try in 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
Unseld Organic Bakery is a nice organic bakery.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Præstengbrygga 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.
Lofoten Vandrerhjem is the local hostel.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Nyvågar Rorbuhotell is a nice complex of ‘rorbuer’ (fishermens cabins) that you can rent.