Car hire Svolvær

Introduction

Svolvær is a town on the Lofoten Islands. For most tourists who want to enjoy the rough rocky coast and nature of these islands Svolvær is often the start of their tour.

Population

The town has less than 5,000 inhabitants, but during the fishing season (January-April) the number doubles when fishermen from other parts of Norway come to Svolvær.

Location

Svolvær is located in the north of Norway on the south coast of Austvågøy, which forms part of the Lofoten Archipelago. The town lies on the Vestfjorden, which isn't a narrow fjord, but more a gulf: the part of the North Sea between the Lofoten and the Norwegian mainland.

Economy

Until recently, Svolvær's economy solely revolved around cod fishing and the fish-processing industry. Salmon is also cultivated. In recent years, tourism has become increasingly important.

Airports

Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes is situated over 160 kilometers east of Svolvær. It's easily reachable by rental car via freeway E10. It's also a scenic route. The smaller airport near Svolvær is only used for regional flights to Bodø, Leknes and Tromsø.

Public Transport

There are only regional buses to several places on the Lofoten, and to destinations on the Norwegian mainland. There are also many taxis and there are ferry connections with Skutvik and Bodø.

Traffic and Parking

Svolvær is a small town but because of the many tourists it can get busy in summer. Still, you won't have problems finding a free parking place for your rental car. Parking in the city center is free.

Hotels

Svolvær has a reasonable choice of accommodations, including a new hotel and cultural center of ten floors. Most accommodations are located elsewhere on the Lofoten, like the attractive so-called rorbuer (fishermen's cabins). There's a youth hostel in Kabelvåg, just west of Svolvær.

External Sources

For more information about Svolvær, we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Svolvær
• Official website Svolvaer
• Tourist information Svolvaer