What is a rorbu, and can tourists stay in one?
History, the name and staying in a rorbu today.
Short answer
A rorbu is a traditional fishermen's cabin on the Lofoten shoreline, and today many are rented out to visitors as holiday accommodation. The first ones were commissioned by King Øystein in 1120 for fishermen who came for the winter cod fishery. Today rorbuer range from basic to high standard.
Why
- According to Arctic Norway, 'ro' means to row and 'bu' is a small house, linked to the verb 'bo', to live.
- The original rorbuer were simple structures built on poles, partly out in the sea.
- Visit Lofoten says there are rorbuer in all categories, from the basic to the luxurious.
Details
Many of the rorbuer you can stay in today are original buildings, although the name is now also used for newer cabins outside Lofoten. At Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær, bed linen, towels and final cleaning are included, while breakfast costs NOK 300 per person per day. Statles Rorbusenter near Leknes has cabins with a kitchenette, as well as one-room cabins without a kitchen.
Tip
Ask before you book what is included, as bed linen, final cleaning, a kitchen and breakfast vary between rorbu operators.
What may differ
Outside Lofoten, the word rorbu is now also used for houses and cabins in other places, so the building may be a newer one.
People also ask
- Can you stay in a rorbu in Lofoten?
Sources
- Arctic Norway (NordNorsk Reiseliv): The origin of the rorbu cabinChecked at:
- Visit Lofoten: Rorbu in LofotenChecked at:
- Svinøya Rorbuer: Questions and answersChecked at:
- Statles Rorbusenter: CabinsChecked at:
Information checked on 15 October 2026.
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