Located on a small Norwegian island, this active fishing community of 400 residents sits amid the dramatic Lofoten archipelago, with local seafood restaurants and small craft shops.
Henningsvær, a village of 500 residents, spreads across several small islands in Norway's Lofoten archipelago. You'll find contemporary art at Kaviarfactory, watch fishing boats unload their daily catch at the harbor, and see the famous football field perched on the edge of the Arctic Sea. The village's narrow streets wind past wooden houses and old fishing cabins, leading to local craft shops and art galleries. Fishing boats still bring in cod just as they did in the 1500s, making Henningsvær one of Norway's most active fishing communities.
Layout and Location of Henningsvær
The village occupies two main islands, Heimøy and Hellandsøy, connected by a breakwater built in 1934. A series of bridges links Henningsvær to the main island of Austvågøya, with the village located 20 kilometers southwest of Svolvær. Most shops and restaurants cluster around the harbor, all within walking distance of each other. Mountains rise directly from the sea around the village's wooden buildings and wharves.
Getting to Henningsvær
You can drive to Henningsvær from Svolvær Airport Helle (24 km, 35-minute drive) or Leknes Airport (60 km, 1-hour drive). During summer, the Arctic Route bus runs twice daily between Narvik and Å, stopping at Henningsvær. You'll find two public parking lots - one in the downtown area and a larger lot at the entrance, which helps avoid the narrow streets.
Art and Culture Scene
Kaviarfactory, housed in a white cement building that once produced caviar, now exhibits contemporary art. Gallery Lofoten displays Northern Norwegian paintings and sculptures, alongside international pop-up exhibitions. Two annual music festivals bring the village to life: Trevarefest at Trevarefabrikken and the Codstock Festival, with their focus on rock and blues music.
Fishing Industry
Cod fishing drives Henningsvær's economy, with annual exports reaching 66,000 tons. From February to March, during cod fishing season, you can watch fishing boats return with their daily catch. The original fishing cabins and processing buildings still stand along the harbor, maintaining the working atmosphere of this fishing community.
Things to See and Do
The Henningsvær Football Field sits between mountains and ocean, making it one of Norway's most photographed sports grounds. Walking trails lead to Festvågtinden, where you can see the entire village and surrounding islands. The wooden Henningsvær Church from 1852 represents traditional Norwegian church architecture. Kayak Lofoten runs kayaking trips around the islands throughout the year.
Local Shops and Crafts
Independent craft shops fill the village center. At Lysstøperiet, you can watch artisans make hand-crafted candles while enjoying fresh-baked goods from their bakery. The village's small boutiques sell everything from outdoor equipment to local art and design pieces.
