Population 4,700 / 68.2 degrees north

Svolvær, Norway

Svolvær is the capital of the Lofoten Islands. Here you will find all the major activities on offer, including the famous excursions to Trollfjord. It is an excellent place to base yourself during your Lofoten stay.

Fun Facts About Svolvær

Latitude: 68.2 degrees north

Population: 4,700

Sami name: Suolvearra

Hottest month: July

Coldest month: February

Wettest month: October

Windiest month: December

Annual precipitation: 273mm

Svolvær Municipality

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Svolvær

Things to do in Svolvær

I have a dedicated page for things to do in Svolvær, which you can see by clicking the button below.

Lofoten War Museum

This museum is the private collection of one man, William, and is a treasure trove of items from the Second World War.

Viking Museum Borg

Located just south of Svolvær, along the Lofoten Tourist Road, is the Viking Museum at Borg.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!

Trollfjord Cruise

Trollfjord is one of the most unique fjords in Norway. It is only accessible by special tours. You will almost always see sea eagles along the way.

There are a few ways to visit Trollfjord:

Take an electric ferry over to the fjord. Click here to view the tour.

Take a Zodiac (RIB) tour. Click here to view the tour.

I have done both and can’t say which one is better – it completely depends on which mode of transport you prefer. I preferred the RIB boat 🙂

Northern Lights

It is possible to see the northern lights in Svolvær, though I’d recommend you book a tour as the town has a lot of light pollution.

Join this guided tour by van (they will drive you around until you see the lights). Click here to view the tour.

You can also join a tour on the electric ferry. Click here to view the tour.

Go fishing!

Svolvær is the cod capital of Norway, so it makes perfect sense to join a fishing tour.

Click here to view the tour.

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Svolvær

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

No self-guided walks are currently available for Svolvær

Svolvær on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Svolvær

Lofoten Tourist Road Part 1

This video covers the stretch of road between Å and Svolvær

Lofoten Tourist Road Part 2

This video covers the stretch of road between Svolvær and Harstad

Svolvær under the midnight sun

This video was recorded over two days from the Thon Hotel in Svolvær town centre.

Svolvær walking tour

This walking tour was recorded in winter and covers the historic and modern parts of Svolvær.

Uniquely Svolvær

Here are some things that you must do and try in Svolvær

History of Svolvær

Svolvær isn’t as historic as other towns in Lofoten. It was established in the late 19th century as a modern fishing port for steamships. However, the neighbouring town of Kabelvåg is known from the VIking Age.

Svolvær Today

Fishing is the largest industry in Svolvær. Tourism is also significant as Svolvær is the main hub for tourists visiting the Lofoten Islands.

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Svolvær has a small airport with flights going to Bodo.

Drive: Svolvær is located on the E10, the main highway running through Lofoten.

Train: No train access

Ferry: Svolvær is a port of call on the coastal ferry. Both the northbound and the southbound ferry stop in the evening.

Getting Around

Svolvær’s town centre is walkable, but if you want to explore Lofoten you will need a car.

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Quick Bites

Reasonable Restaurants

High End & Unique Eats

Places to Stay

All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.

Camping

Cabins & B&Bs

There are so many cabins for rent – many of them are outside of the town centre and require a car so you can get around. If you have a car, I recommend staying out of the town centre.

Svolværgeita Apartments are highly rated apartments with full kitchens. Click here to view rates & book

Chains & Mid-Range

Scandic Svolvær: Click here to view rates & book

Thon Hotel Lofoten: Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

Svinøya Rorbuer is my favourite place that I’ve stayed in Svolvær. The property consists of authentic rorbuer (fishermens cabins) that you can rent. Many of the cabins are heritage listed!

Click here to view rates & book

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 10:42am

Sunset: 1:40pm

Average Temperature: 0.4C (32.7F)

February

Sunrise: 8:22am

Sunset: 4:10pm

Average Temperature: -0.7C (30.7F)

March

Sunrise: 6:24am

Sunset: 5:59pm

Average Temperature: 0.4C (32.7F)

April

Sunrise: 5:11am

Sunset: 8:55pm

Average Temperature: 3.3C (37.9F)

May

Sunrise: 2:45am

Sunset: 11:15pm

Average Temperature: 7.2C (45F)

June

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 10.8C (51.4F)

July

Midnight sun until 19 July

Average Temperature: 13.9C (55.8F)

August

Sunrise: 4:17am

Sunset: 9:51pm

Average Temperature: 13.2C (55.8F)

September

Sunrise: 6:16am

Sunset: 7:35pm

Average Temperature: 10.1C (50.2F)

October

Sunrise: 8:05am

Sunset: 5:28pm

Average Temperature: 6.4C (43.5F)

November

Sunrise: 9:16am

Sunset: 2:15pm

Average Temperature: 3.6C (38.5F)

December

Polar night from 7 December

Average Temperature: 1.6C (34.9F)

Find our guides, road-trips and self-guided walks on our store! Click here