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Fishing village · Svolvær, Nordland
Henningsvær
The fishing village built on islets connected by bridges, south of Svolvær, with rorbuer, cod drying racks, art galleries, the football pitch surrounded by sea and the climbing walls of Festvågtind.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Henningsvær
Henningsvær is a fishing village spread over a group of islets on the south of the island of Austvågøy, linked to the E10 road by two narrow bridges. It lies about 25 km from Svolvær and, for centuries, was one of the busiest ports in Lofoten during the cod season, from January to April.
The village centre sits around the harbour, with colourful wooden houses, red rorbuer and racks where cod is air‑dried from February to June. Many of the old fish processing buildings have become galleries, cafés and shops; one of them, KaviarFactory, houses a contemporary art collection in a canning factory.
On one of the outer islets, the synthetic‑grass football pitch, surrounded by rock and sea, became famous for aerial photos. Beside it, Festvågtind, a 541‑metre mountain rising above the village, is used for rock climbing, and the trail to the Heiavatnet viewpoint on the slope shows the village from above.
In summer the village fills with visitors and boats; in winter, with fishermen, and the activity in the harbour returns to its work rhythm.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 2 hours to half a day.
Best time
From June to August, with long days and cafés open. From February to April, the cod season brings activity to the harbour. Check gallery opening times outside summer.
How to get there
It is about 25 km from Svolvær via the E10 and the Henningsvær road, roughly a 30‑minute drive. There are buses from Svolvær, but with few departures.
Tip
Park at the village entrance and walk across the islets. Climb the slope path of Festvågtind to the viewpoint if you have about an hour and a half.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Henningsvær
How to get to Henningsvær?
By car, about 30 minutes from Svolvær, or by bus, with few departures.
What to do in Henningsvær?
Walk around the islets and the harbor, visit galleries, see the football pitch surrounded by the sea, and climb to the Festvågtind viewpoint.
Where is the famous football pitch?
On one of the islets at the tip of the village, surrounded by rocks and sea.
Is there accommodation in Henningsvær?
Yes: rorbuer, small hotels and guesthouses by the water.