Austvågøy

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Location of Austvågøy
Location of Austvågøy

Austvågøy is the northeasternmost of the larger islands in the Lofoten archipelago. The island is 526.7 sq km and extends up to 40 Km in the east-west direction and 30 Km north-south. Austvågøy is largely a mountain massif, with lowland almost exclusively at the strandflate, the brim of lowland around the coast. The highest mountain in Lofoten is Higravstind (1145 m / 3,800 ft), located on the eastern part of the island. Svartsundtindan (1050 m), Trolltindan (1045 m) and Olsanestind (1000 m) are also in the eastern part, while the famous Vågakallen (942 m) looms over Henningsvær in the southwestern part.

The largest part of Vågan municipality is located on the island, while the northeastern part belong to Hadsel municipality. The main town on the island is Svolvær. Austvågøy is popular among mountain climbers. The famous Trollfjord is located in the eastern part of the island. Austvågøy is connected by road to Hinnøya in the east using the Raftsund Bridge, and to Gimsøy in the west using the Gimsøystraumen Bridge.

Raftsundet (Raft sound) between Austvågøy and Hinnøya; painting by Eckenbrecher.
Raftsundet (Raft sound) between Austvågøy and Hinnøya; painting by Eckenbrecher.

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