This stunning port is the beating heart of Norway’s Lofoten region.
Here you can behold breath-taking nature in the morning before delving into local art in the afternoon. It’s even possible to embark on a thrilling road trip across the islands – you just might glimpse the Northern Lights.
Take a Sea Eagle Safari
Sea eagle safaris are the essential Lofoten experience for nature lovers. This incredible bird is extinct in many other countries, but thrives in this corner of Norway.
Park your rental car and take an excursion onto the mirror-like seas, witnessing the jagged mountains framing the horizon. Brace yourself for thrilling close encounters with these precious creatures, and marvel at the majesty of their magnificent wing spans – which can reach more than eight-and-a-half feet.
Local art and history
Galleri Lofotens Hus, around 30 minutes’ drive away in Henningsvaer, is the best place to learn about local customs through the power of art. This is northern Norway’s equivalent of a national gallery and it is filled with treasures. ‘The Golden Era of Norwegian Painted Art’ is the star exhibit: through the panoramic landscape paintings that made Lofoten famous, you will learn about how the destination has evolved from its roots as a seasonal fishing town.
The KaviarFactory may sound like a high-class restaurant, but it is actually the region’s best contemporary art gallery. Here you can learn about the boundary-pushing work of young artists in a striking, ultra-modern space.
Other local highlights include the North Norwegian Artist Center and the Lofoten War Museum, where you can see rare artifacts from the Second World War.
See Svolvaergeita
The stunning landscape is another key reason to visit Svolvaer, and the town’s iconic vantage point, Svolvaergeita, has provided some of the best views in Lofoten for those who have conquered it. Literally translating as ‘The Goat’, this 500-foot pinnacle has two iconic horns at the summit.
Seasoned adventurers sometimes attempt the climb to the top (taking great care when doing so) – but for those who just want to admire from below, park your rental car at the base and bask in the glory of this magnificent granite pillar.
The Aurora aura
Svolvaer and the surrounding region offers a fantastic opportunity to see the Northern Lights. If you’re visiting in winter, chasing nature’s most famous light show is an absolute must.
Wrap up warm and jump into your rental car for a road trip like no other. The Lofoten Islands are situated just outside of the 'auroral oval', making it a great place to chase the glow. Lucky travelers can see flashes of emerald and pink dancing across the midnight sky.
A favorite place to try and see the northern lights near Svolvaer is Svinøya, but the distant hills may provide a better view. Take to the road and head for rural spots without much light pollution – coastal zones where the lights reflect on the open ocean are especially good.
This is a place of real wonder, where the summer days are long and light, and winter packs a magical chill. Whatever you have planned, car rental in Svolvaer can help you get even more from the experience.