On the southern coast of the island of Flakstadøya, tucked between steep mountains and the Vestfjorden, lies Nusfjord. This small settlement is one of the best preserved traditional fishing villages in Norway and certainly one of the most beautiful places in the Lofoten Islands. Here you can see what life along the rugged Lofoten coast looked like for centuries. While many fishing villages in the Lofoten have modernised over time, Nusfjord has remained as close to its original state as possible. Walking through the village feels like stepping directly into the history of Norway’s coastal fisheries.
Read this article in DutchFrom fishing harbour to protected heritage
Nusfjord’s history goes back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when the village played an important role in the cod fishery. In winter and early spring, fishermen from all over Norway travelled to the Lofoten Islands to take part in this profitable season. They stayed in simple wooden cabins, the well known rorbuer, while the fish was processed and stored in warehouses along the waterfront. Many of these buildings remain intact today.
Nusfjord and UNESCO World Heritage
In 1975 Nusfjord was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The village received this status because it is an exceptionally well preserved example of a traditional Norwegian fishing settlement, complete with original buildings, harbour structures and its characteristic landscape setting. The UNESCO status also means that strict regulations apply to restoration and new construction. This ensures that the village retains its character and prevents it from losing its authenticity through large scale tourist development.
A true open air museum
Nusfjord has developed into a kind of open air museum, with the village actively managed and its historic buildings protected. As a visitor you pay an entrance fee, which contributes to the maintenance and preservation of this remarkable place. The rorbuer, the warehouses, the old forge and even the small village shop offer a vivid impression of what daily life must have been like here in the past. This makes Nusfjord feel nothing like a reconstructed set, but rather a place where the past is still genuinely and tangibly present.
Walking through the village
Nusfjord is a popular stop on many Lofoten routes, yet the village remains calm and easy to explore, especially outside the high season. A visit usually begins with a short walk through the compact village centre. Wooden walkways and narrow paths lead you past the rorbuer that stand directly above the water, interspersed with warehouses and workshops. In some of the buildings small exhibitions explain more about the fishery, the lives of the fishermen and the role Nusfjord played within the Lofoten Islands. Be sure to stop for a warm drink and a treat at Landhandleriet Café, which is furnished like an old general store with cosy corners where you can sit and relax.
Staying at Nusfjord Arctic
If you want to stay longer, you can spend the night at Nusfjord Arctic Resort, also known as Nusfjord Village and Resort. This is not a traditional hotel but a collection of renovated rorbuer and suites spread throughout the village. You sleep in historic buildings overlooking the water, with modern comforts such as comfortable beds, contemporary bathrooms and a cosy seating area.
Lofoten Cottages near Nusfjord
A little farther away, yet still within short distance of the village, you will find the Lofoten Cottages. These accommodations are ideal if you prefer a bit more space and independence. The cottages are also built in traditional style and usually have a small kitchen, a seating area and views of the water and surrounding mountains. Thanks to their peaceful location, the Lofoten Cottages are especially popular with travellers who want to explore the nature around Nusfjord without staying directly in the village.
How to get to Nusfjord and the best time to visit
Nusfjord is easy to reach by rental car and is about an hour’s drive from Leknes Airport. Keep in mind that you pay an entrance fee upon arrival in the village. The proceeds are used for maintenance, restoration and the management of the heritage site. The best time to visit depends on what you are looking for. In summer you can enjoy long days, the midnight sun and a lively atmosphere. Winter brings tranquillity, snow and the chance to see the northern lights.
How to get to the Lofoten Islands
The most practical way to reach the Lofoten Islands is by flying and then combining your trip with a rental car. Airlines such as SAS fly from Amsterdam to destinations like Bodø, Narvik and Tromsø, usually via Oslo and sometimes with an additional transfer in Copenhagen. From there you can continue your journey by car towards the Lofoten Islands, which gives you plenty of freedom along the way.
If you prefer to avoid a long drive, flying onward is also an option. With Widerøe you can fly directly from Bodø, Tromsø or Narvik to Svolvær or Leknes, both located in the Lofoten Islands.
