Lofoten for fishermen: 5 colorful villages where record-breaking cod are caught

The Lofoten Islands are so much more than just another fishing spot – they're the heart and soul of 'Lofoten fishing'. The villages here are like a family of fishermen, all gathered together in the warm embrace of the sea. The red houses (rorbu) are like a smile on the face of the community, and the dried cod on wooden frames is a symbol of their rich fishing heritage. The piers are like the arms of the village, welcoming boats ready to set sail for record-breaking cod catches.

🏘️ Welcome to the beautiful town of Henningsvær!

The atmosphere is simply delightful, a cosy little Venice of the North, with charming narrow bridges, delightful cafes and art galleries.
When it comes to fishing, we're in the know! In the winter months, we're all about the giant skrei cod. And come summer, we're right on the pulse with the finest saithe and halibut.
We've got all bases covered here! From traditional rorbu houses with kitchens and saunas to fishing bases with piers and tackle rental, we've got you covered.
We have a great selection of boats for you to choose from, with our aluminium boats ranging from 6 to 9 metres. And don't worry about language, all our captains are Russian-speaking, so you'll be in safe hands!
And if you're feeling adventurous, why not go on a safari from here to spot some seabirds and seals?

🎣 Reine:

The atmosphere in this village is simply delightful, and it's no wonder it's often featured on postcards – it's the most picturesque spot in all of Lofoten! And don't forget to take a photo with your catch against the backdrop of the mountains.
If you're a fan of fishing, you'll be in your element here! The village is right next to some great fishing spots, perfect for catching cod and catfish.
We have thoughtfully provided everything you could possibly need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. This includes cosy cottages and mini-hotels, as well as fishing piers and boat rental of all classes.
We've got some great boats for you to choose from, all up to 12 metres long, and our friendly guides speak both Russian and English.
And if you're up for it, how about hiking to the top of Reinebringen or taking an excursion to the nearby fjords?

🐟 Welcome to beautiful Ballstad!

The atmosphere is so lovely! It's a real fishing port, where fishermen and tourists live together in harmony with the rhythm of fishing. You'll find it easy to feel like part of the local community here.
Fishing here is a great way to spend some quality time with your family or friends, whatever the season. We're open all year, so you can come and try your hand at catching cod, saithe, halibut and mackerel whenever you like.
We've got everything you need to have a great time fishing! Our bases are kitted out with everything you could possibly need, from restaurants to cleaning and freezing facilities for your catch.
We've got some great boats and guides for you! Our boats are between 8 and 10 metres long, so you'll be comfortable on board. They're all equipped with navigation and echo sounder, so you'll be safe on the water. And don't worry about language – all our guides speak Russian.
And if you're looking for something a bit different, how about going on a sea tour to the nearby islands? You can spot dolphins and whales, which is such a treat!

🚤 Welcome to the beautiful town of Svolvær!

Atmosphere: the largest town on the islands, with a bustling tourist scene all year round, so there's always something going on! And if you're looking for some fresh fish, you'll find a lovely little market right on the pier.
Fishing here is absolutely amazing! It's the main hub for winter skrei fishing, and it's a place where you can make some really special memories. The fish here are so big, and people have even caught record-breaking ones!
The good news is that the tourist infrastructure is well-developed, so you'll find everything you need. There are lots of hotels, cottages and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
We've got a great selection of boats for you to choose from, whether you're into small motorboats or large catamarans. And don't worry about language – our friendly guides speak Russian almost all year round, so you'll always feel right at home.
And that's not all! You can also go on sea excursions to see beautiful white-tailed eagles, adorable seals and majestic whales.

🌊 Welcome to the beautiful village of Nusfjord!

Imagine strolling through an open-air museum village, where every step backdrops a different historical era. Welcome to a place where time seems to have stopped and the 19th century is still very much alive.
If you're into fishing, you'll be in your element here! The spring months are the best time to go, as that's when the halibut and cod are biting!
We've got everything you need to make your stay really comfortable: our traditional wooden rorbu huts are perfect for unwinding and we've also got all the equipment you need to process your catch.
We've got all the equipment you need, and our friendly guides will take you on a tour of the area in Russian.
And that's not all! You can also visit the historic cod drying houses, taste delicious fish dishes and enjoy short boat trips.

💡 3 ideas on how to diversify fishing in Lofoten:

Sea safaris and excursions: If you're looking for the best place to see whales, puffins and white-tailed eagles, then look no further than the beautiful Lofoten Islands! Why not combine fishing with some fun sea excursions to make your memories even more special? You can then take all your photos and treasures home with you.
When you're not fishing, why not treat yourself to some delicious seafood? You can try dishes made from fresh cod, halibut and seafood in the lovely coastal restaurants or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can even cook them yourself in a cosy rorbu.
We would absolutely love for you to consider adding some outdoor activities to your itinerary, like hiking, kayaking or cycling. We're sure you'd love to see the islands from a completely different perspective!

The Lofoten Islands are a special place where fishing is more than just a job – it's a way of life and a real ritual that you have to experience at least once in your life. The atmosphere of the fishing villages is really welcoming, the service is top-notch, and you have a great chance of catching some record-breaking trophies. On top of that, you can combine a holiday on the water with exciting excursions, which makes Lofoten one of the best places for fishermen in Norway.