Svolvaer Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A harbor with boats, a mountain, and colorful buildings.
A row of red buildings with a 'Scandic' sign, a boat docked in calm water, and mountains in the background.
A medal with inscriptions and a nameplate.
A harbor with boats, a mountain, and red buildings.
A concrete bridge over a calm river with rocky shores and distant buildings.

Magnificent and magical scenery where mountains and the sea come together as one. The area offers great experiences whatever the weather.

There are many beautiful hiking areas in Svolvær, by the sea and in the mountains. Why not climb Svolværgeita, the most famous peak in the area? There are plenty of great experiences to be had at sea, including fishing trips and safaris. The area also has a very rich cultural life with a number of museums and exhibitions.

Svolvær is a town in the municipality of Vågan in Nordland with a population of approximately 4,600. The oldest settlements in the area date back to the Bronze Ages and are recorded in written sources from the 1500s. In the early 1900s, the area developed from a small fishing village to an area that has been undergoing extensive population growth ever since. The fishing industry is central to developments in Svolvær and it is now one of the largest fish farming areas in Norway.

There are plenty of attractions and sights to see. Visit the Nordnorsk Artist Centre and the Lofoten War Museum. Tempting outdoor activities include surfing at Unstad or a trip up Mt Tjeldbergtind. A visit to the Magic Ice Bar to see the large range of ice sculptures is also recommended.

Remember to pack plenty of warm clothes if you intend to spend much time outside. It can be cold even in summer, especially if you head out to sea. There are several great cycle paths and hiking trails along the seaside, and if you are lucky, the weather might be nice enough to go for a swim.

Svolvær has its own airport, making it easy to reach by plane. There are daily flights from Bodø, which has connections to most major airports in Norway. Hurtigruten ships call at Svolvær every day and there are also bus and speedboat links to Bodø.

A holiday in Svolvær offers outstanding natural experiences, and the area provides a great insight into Northern Norwegian culture and art. So with magnificent mountain hikes and experiences at sea just waiting for you, why not book your next holiday to Svolvær?

Nordis Hotel Lofoten

Nordis Hotel Lofoten

2.5 out of 5
Austnesfjordgata 36 Vagan
The price is £53 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
£53
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vagan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium bedding. Popular attractions Lofoten Temagalleri and Lofoten Escape ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (343 reviews)
"Front office was very helpful and we enjoyed our last minute stay."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

Nordis Hotel Lofoten
Thon Hotel Svolvær

Thon Hotel Svolvær

3 out of 5
Avisgata 1 Vagan
The price is £207 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
£207
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vagan. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a marina. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (435 reviews)
"It’so bad that they charge for borrowing the umbrella during raining season. The same machine is offering free usage in other hotels BUT we got charged rental. This is ridiculous. Staff not friendly nor helpful"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2026

Thon Hotel Svolvær
Fast Hotel Svolvær

Fast Hotel Svolvær

2.5 out of 5
O.J Kaarbøs gate 2 Vagan
The price is £52 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
£52
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vagan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, premium bedding and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Lofoten War Memorial Museum and Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter ...
Fast Hotel Svolvær
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nora's Waterfront Cabin

Nora's Waterfront Cabin

Vågan
Stay at this cottage in Vagan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and patios. Popular attractions Lofoten Temagalleri and Lofoten Escape & Adventures are located nearby.
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
"Great location and cute place. The shower, however was tiny and the sleeping situation was unrealistic. The full size bed is in a loft with a steep ladder and the only other option for sleeping is a bunk bed."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Nora's Waterfront Cabin
Svinøya Rorbuer

Svinøya Rorbuer

3 out of 5
2 Gunnar Bergs vei Vagan Nordland
Stay at this cabin in Vagan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lofoten Temagalleri and Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter are ...
Svinøya Rorbuer
Lofoten Basecamp

Lofoten Basecamp

3 out of 5
Skreda 37 Vestvågøy Nordland
Stay at this cabin in Vestvågøy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Offersøykammen ...
Lofoten Basecamp
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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