Svolvaer is the capital of the Lofoten Islands off Norway's west coast. These islands are an area of stunning natural beauty. Some guidebooks rather play down the charms of Svolvaer and the island on which it lies, to the north of the Lofoten chain. However fine the other islands may be, this isn't fair to Svolvaer. It's a lovely situation in its own right and is connected by buses to the rest of the islands. There is also a car ferry to the mainland and the Hurtigruten [Coastal Voyage] vessels call daily in each direction, giving a direct route to Bodø on the southern route.
It is also well placed for boat trips to the magical Trollsfjord, except in spring when rock falls render the fjord unsafe. [edit text][editors]