🎣 Rorbu + Boat Rental 2025: Perfect Fishing Trip 🚤

A traditional rorbu fishing cabin and your own motorboat – what a combination! It's no wonder thousands of anglers are drawn to Norway every year. Imagine setting out onto the mirror-calm fjord in the morning, spending the day cleaning cod on the pier, and then in the evening, smoking fresh skimmings and enjoying the spectacular polar sunset right from the veranda. Get ready for the best trip of your life! Here are five things you need to know to make sure everything goes smoothly: where to find amazing "boat-in-package" deals, which engines are allowed without a licence, how to avoid exceeding the 18 kg catch limit, how much petrol costs in the archipelago and where to take your catch to be frozen. We've put together a list of the top 10 FAQs, prices for 2025 (checked out with Reine Rorbuer, Nusfjord Arctic, Svinøya Rorbuer and Lofoten Boat Rent), and some awesome life hacks that'll save you up to 15% of your budget! Save this article — it's updated every three months, so you'll always have the latest and greatest information!

📜 Do you need a licence or permit to operate a boat?

If you were born after 01.01.1980, you need a "Norsk Båtførerbevis" for engines > 25 HP. However, most bases include a short briefing and will issue boats up to 25 HP to those without a certificate. Boats with 40–70 HP will only be issued if you have a licence or are over 44 years old. A passport and a signed self-declaration are required. The fine for operating without a licence is NOK 5,000.

🐟 What fish can be caught and what are the export limits?

The main catches are Atlantic cod (skrei in winter), saithe, halibut and ling. Duty-free export is 18 kg of fillet per person (or 10 kg if caught by an unregistered operator). The operator is required to register your catch in the Fiskeridirektoratet system. There are regular checks at Bodø and Evenes customs: excess weight is subject to a fine of NOK 200/kg + confiscation.

⛽ How much does fuel cost and where can I get it?

Petrol 95 E — 24-26 NOK/litre (Lofoten + 10% to mainland prices). Rorbu bases sell 10-litre canisters (250 NOK) on the pier; Circle K petrol stations are located in Reine and Svolvær. Fuel consumption for a 19-foot boat with a 60 HP engine is approximately 12 litres per hour at a cruising speed of 18 knots. Tip: plan your bank fishing within 2-3 NM to save up to 40% on fuel.

🧊 Where to store and clean your catch?

All top bases have a "filetering-rom" with water and stainless steel tables. Freezing — 50 NOK/kg or free with a package of ≥ 3 nights. Reine Rorbuer provides a vacuum sealer free of charge, Nusfjord charges a deposit of 500 NOK per device. Bring your own zip-lock bags — local ones cost 4 NOK each.

📅 How to book a boat so you don't miss out?

During peak season (15 June – 25 August), boats are booked out before the cabins. When booking online, select "Add Boat" and specify the hours of use. Pay a 30% deposit — cancellation up to 60 days in advance. Life hack: Wednesday-Friday are less busy — the bases sometimes give upgrades (40 → 60 HP) at no extra charge.

🛟 What safety measures are mandatory on the water?

Life jacket (included), handheld VHF Channel 16 radio, fire extinguisher and mobile phone in a waterproof case. Check the forecast on Yr.no: if the wind is > 10 m/s, the base will cancel the trip. Record the coordinates of the pier on the echo sounder. Set a limit of 3 NM from the shore if you do not have a skipper's licence. A delay of > 2 hours will result in a search operation and payment of one hour's patrol (≈ 12,000 NOK).

🎯 Can I hire a guide or rent equipment?

Yes. Guided Fishing 4 hours — 1,650 NOK/person, equipment included. Equipment rental: rod + reel 150 NOK/day, terminal tackle 50 NOK. It is best to book equipment in advance: everything is booked up for February (skrei season). Floating suit — 300 NOK/day; sizes S-XXL available, please specify your size in the application.

🌊 Can fishing be combined with kayaking or diving?

Hattvika Lodge and Nusfjord Arctic offer a kayak tour after fishing — 3 hours, 750 NOK, and you can cook your catch on a beach grill. Diving centres in Ballstad and Svolvær show sunken schooners; the "Try Dive" package costs 2,500 NOK. Season: June-September, visibility up to 20 m. 10% discount for stays of more than 4 nights.

💡 How to save on a rorbu cabin + boat without compromising on quality?

• Go in September: boat -20%, cabin -15%.
• Take the basket package (cottage + boat + final cleaning) — 10% cheaper.
• Share the boat between 3–4 people — fuel and rental are shared, and the catch limit is still 18 kg per person.

A rorbu with your own boat turns your trip to Lofoten into a real fishing adventure: you decide when to go out to sea and which fjord will give you a record-breaking halibut today. Book a "stay & boat" package 6–9 months in advance, check the engine power and catch limit, keep an eye on the latest offers and always check the forecast — safety and savings go hand in hand.

Share your fishing experiences in Norway in the comments and tell us what trophy you are most proud of! 🌍