Stamsund sits on the southern shores of Vestvågøy, an island in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. The delightful fishing village offers breathtaking natural scenery, outdoor pursuits and cultural attractions. Browse galleries, hike to mountain peaks, fish for giant cod and swim at unspoiled beaches.
Stroll along the quiet village streets, pausing to look at the rorbu cabins. These are traditional seasonal homes for fishermen that partly overhang the water. Browse the handicraft stores and see the work of Norwegian and international artists at Galleri 2. Visit the waterfront Stamsund Church and watch a puppet show at the Nordland Visual Theatre.
Stamsund is surrounded by beautiful scenery with lots of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Hike up Justadtinden, a 2,421-feet (738-metre) tall mountain. Bike or drive around coastal roads to pristine beaches such as Haukland Beach and Unstad Beach. In winter, ski and snowboard the downhill terrain at Lofoten Snowboard and Alpine Centre.
Fishing enthusiasts can choose between trips on lakes and the open sea. From January to April, the village is a popular location for cod fishing. This is when the waters of the Lofoten islands are spawning grounds for cod.
To discover more about the area's fishing and Viking heritage, take a short drive to nearby villages. Go to Leknes for the Fishing Village Museum and to Å for the Lofoten Stockfish Museum. While in Borg, you can explore the Lofotr Viking Museum. It includes a reconstruction of what is claimed to be the largest Viking longhouse ever found. It is 272.3 feet (83 metres) in length and may have belonged to an important Viking chief.
Come back to Stamsund for refreshments in a waterfront bar or café at the Hurtigruten Ferry Terminal Stamsund.
Reach Stamsund by flying to Leknes Airport and then catch a public bus or rent a car from there. Getting around the village is comfortable on foot. Rent a bike or car to visit other areas of the archipelago. Consider cycling the 39-mile (63-kilometre) route to the village of Henningsvær, another superb way to make the most of the gorgeous scenery.
