Svolvær

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Svolvær June 2005

Svolvær is the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality (9,200 inhabitants) in Nordland County, Norway. The town itself has a population of 4,197 as of 1 January 2005.

1 Location
2 History and Economy
3 Communications
4 External links

[edit] Location

Svolvær is located in Lofoten on the south coast of Austvågøy, facing the open sea to the south, and with mountains immediately to the north. The most famous mountain, Svolværgeita, was first climbed in 1910. Sheltered by the mountains to the north and west, the Svolvær area has less fog and experiences higher temperatures in summer than the western part of Lofoten, but the same mountains also create more orographic precipitation on rainy days ([1], weather forecast).

[edit] History and Economy

Svolvær around 1890

The first town formation known in North Norway, Vågar, was situated around the narrow, natural harbor near Kabelvåg, just west of Svolvær. Vågar is mentioned in Heimskringla, and might have been established as early as 800. One of the first churches in North Norway was most likely built here, approximately 900 years ago. The great cod fisheries in winter has always been the most important economical foundation for the town, but fish farming (salmon) is also important in Vågan. Svolvær was given township privileges in 1918, but this was discontinued following a merge with neighbouring municipalities in 1964. Township was declared again in 1996. Tourism is becoming increasingly important, and Svolvær is a transport hub and favourite starting point for tourists visiting the islands. Approximately 200,000 tourists visit Svolvær each year. A new 10 - storey high combined culture scene and hotel with 150 rooms will be completed by autumn 2008. Many artists have been inspired by the unique light in Lofoten, and there are many artists and galleries in Svolvær ([1], [2], [3]). There is also a well known World War II museum in town (Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum [4]). Whale watching tours depart from Svolvær in late autumn and winter with a focus on Orca (Killer whales). Boat excursions to nearby Raftsundet strait and it's famous branch Trollfjord is also arranged from Svolvær.

Svolvær seen from the Ferry harbor

[edit] Communications

Parts of the town is build on small islands connected by bridges. There is a regional airport near the town, Svolvær Airport, Helle, and Svolvær is a port of call for Hurtigruten. There is a ferry connection Svolvær to Skutvik in Hamarøy, and express boat connections to Bodø and Narvik. The Lofast road, to be completed by late 2007, will give Svolvær access to the mainland and Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes. There is boat connection to the nearby scenic island Skrova.