The charming harbour of Svolvær is ignored by typical Lofoten mountains.
A street journey alongside the nationwide scenic route E10 in Northern Norway’s Lofoten islands is an excellent strategy to spend per week in the summertime.
Driving alongside the coast-hugging street you’ll see jagged peaks rising from the ocean, unbelievable seashores, turquoise waters, waterfront cabins and picturesque fishing villages.
Whereas it’s doable to get across the archipelago by public bus, renting a automobile opens up so many extra prospects. It’s tempting to spend every evening in a distinct place to benefit from your time, however you should not overlook utilizing Svolvær, the largest city on Lofoten, as your base camp. Listed below are 4 the reason why.
1. You’ll nonetheless expertise unbelievable surroundings
Northern Norway’s Lofoten islands are identified for his or her dramatic mountain surroundings. Whereas the peaks on the western finish of the archipelago are astonishing, the surroundings within the east remains to be spectacular.
Essentially the most notable characteristic is Svolværgeita, identified in English because the ‘Svolvær goat’. This rock formation towers above the city and serves twin objective as a much-loved native icon and a problem for severe rock climbers.
Svolvaergeita: The rock formation generally known as the Goat stands proudly above the city of Svolvær in … [+]
Whereas taking up the goat is just for skilled climbers, there are different hikes which might be a lot simpler. The very best identified, Tjeldbergtinden, is a two-hour roundtrip loop with a trailhead simply quarter-hour from downtown. The views throughout Svolvær, Kabelvåg and the encircling peaks are nicely well worth the effort.
Mountain views are current irrespective of the place within the metropolis you keep. To realize the perfect perspective, cross the street bridge to Svinøya island within the night. The night gentle that bathes the city is greatest appreciated from right here, the oldest a part of the city.
Svinøya itself can also be residence to a number of secluded bays and vacation cabins that rivals anyplace else on Lofoten for its photogenic qualities.
The scenic Svinøya island is linked to Svolvær by a street bridge.
2. There’s extra lodging in Svolvær
It may be tough to safe lodging in Lofoten particularly through the excessive season of June through August. Picturesque waterfront cabins on the western finish of the archipelago get booked up months prematurely.
Whereas lodging in Svolvær may replenish, there’s usually extra availability and extra selection than different components of the islands. Along with the primary resort chains Thon and Scandic, there are two finances resorts along with many cabins, personal leases and AirBnBs accessible in and across the city.
3. It has every part you want
Apart from Leones, Svolvær is the one place in Lofoten to have a shopping center. There are shops elsewhere after all, however selecting a base with a number of supermarkets, pharmacies and out of doors clothes shops will make for a way more snug keep.
4. There’s loads of issues to do in Svolvær
Providers aren’t the one cause to decide on Svolvær as a base. Not solely does the city have some spectacular surroundings, it’s additionally residence to some intriguing sights.
There’s a ‘vacationer entice’ component to the Magic Ice bar, however however it’s a enjoyable attraction particularly when the summer time solar is shining outdoors.
The ice bar is a well-liked selection amongst vacationers visiting Svolvær.
The ice sculptures are actually particular. Make sure you go to earlier than the night Hurtigurten ships arrive in port for a quieter expertise, and take the time to completely discover all the icy passageways so you do not miss out on something earlier than you get too chilly to remain.
The city’s privately-owned Lofoten War Museum is an astonishing assortment of uniforms and different gadgets from World Struggle II. It’s removed from a snug expertise particularly when studying among the private tales, but it surely’s an necessary chronicle of this devastating time. Even the keenest historian is certain to find one thing new right here.
Svolvær has an extended maritime historical past and so it’s no shock that the city is a launch level for a lot of boat journeys within the space. Quick RIB boats to see the ocean eagles and spectacular panorama of the Trollfjord are particularly in style, albeit dear.
worth various is the local ferry to Skrova. Lower than 200 folks reside on this picturesque island only a ten-minute ferry experience away from Svolvær. At lower than one sq. mile, Skrova is straightforward to discover on foot or bike. Be careful for the photographic exhibitions that show the creativity to be discovered amid the silence.
