Røst

There are 365 islands and skerries in the municipality situated some 100 km off the mainland, off the southwestern tip of the Lofoten chain. The municipality also has one of the biggest birdcliffs in the North Atlantic, with puffin colonies, as well as colonies of shag, kittiwake, cormorants etc.

1 The name
2 Coat-of-arms
3 Communication
4 History
5 Nature
6 Birdlife
7 External links

[edit] The name

The municipality is named after the mainland island of Røst (Norse Röst). The name is identical with the word röst f 'maelstrom'.

[edit] Coat-of-arms

The coat-of-arms is from modern times (1986). It shows the heads of three cormorants.

[edit] Communication

Røst is reached by boat and Røst Airport has scheduled flights to Bodø.

[edit] History

A vivid description of medieval island life has been delivered by the shipwrecked Venetian sea captain, Pietro Querini, who was rescued by the islanders in 1432. He described the society as very harmonious and pious.

[edit] Nature

Røst and Værøy are rather famous with meteorologists, as it is the most northern location in the world were there is no meteorological winter, as the average temperature is above freezing all winter. The winter temperatures in southern Lofoten represent the largest temperature anomaly in the world relative to latitude.

During the winter, the population of Røst gets doubled due to the number of boats arriving Røst to fish. Yearly, the small island of Røst produces fish and fish-related products worth more than 40 million US dollars.

Røst seen from West, Lofoten in background

[edit] Birdlife

Røst is one of the few bird watching localities in Norway that is known world wide. The seabird colonies that are to be found are regarding as internationally important. The island offers a range of habitats, and as one would expect, a stop-over point for many species that are migrating even further north. During the last few years, birders have been showing an interest for Røst during the autumn, producing a whole range of rarities. For more information check; Bird Watching In Norway - Røst