Things to do in Nusfjord

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Northern Norway

Lofoten Island

Lofoten Island are located within the Arctic Circle and are famous for their steep mountains rising directly from the sea and deep fjords carving the islands' outlines. Traditional fishing villages such as Reine, Hamnøy, and Henningsvaer are scattered along the coast, with red fishermen's cabins built along the water, carrying on the cod fishing tradition that has continued since the Viking Age. In winter, rows of cod drying racks can still be seen along the coast. The E10 highway runs through the archipelago, connecting the fjords and fishing villages, and is the main route for a self-drive tour of the islands. In summer, the islands enjoy the midnight sun, with daylight lasting all night, making it perfect for hiking and photography. Winter marks the window for viewing the northern lights.

Nusfjord - Historical Fishing Village

Nusfjord - Historical Fishing Village is a rare example of an old fishing village in the archipelago that has been preserved in its entirety, and today the whole village is managed like an open-air museum. Reddish-brown fishermen's cabins stand on wooden piles by the water, while the blacksmith's shop, smokehouse, and old cod liver oil factory have been preserved in their original state. The old general store still maintains its original counters and shelves, and the wooden racks for drying cod by the village continue the tradition of stockfish that dates back to the Viking Age. People have settled here for over two thousand years, and during the peak of the cod season, thousands of fishermen once crowded this bay. Experiences in the village mostly revolve around the fishing port. You can go fishing on a traditional boat with a local captain. The cod you catch can be cleaned on the spot by the captain and even sent to the seafood-focused Karoline restaurant to be cooked for dinner. In the bathhouse, which was converted from an old warehouse by the sea, wood-fired hot tubs and saunas face the ocean. On winter nights, you can soak in the warm water while waiting for the aurora to streak across the sky, and on midsummer nights, you can watch the midnight sun paint the entire bay in gold. The café inside the old general store is famous for its traditional fish soup, and freshly baked waffles and cinnamon rolls with coffee make for an authentic fishing village afternoon tea, while the former whiskey cellar has been converted into an Italian bistro serving pizza and wine.

Hamnoy

Hamnoyis a small fishing village in the Moskenes region at the western end of the Lofoten Islands, Norway. The village is concentrated on a small island connected to the main island by a road bridge, adjacent to the renowned fishing village of Reine. Surrounded by steep mountains and clear straits, the village features iconic brownish-red fishermen's cabins lined up along the rocky shoreline, which, together with the jagged mountain ridges in the distance, create a highly recognizable scene of the Lofoten Islands. The village owes its existence to the fishing season: the tradition of cod fishing and drying in the Lofoten Islands has continued for over a millennium. During the cod fishing season from winter to early spring each year, fishermen from all over Norway used to gather here. The red fishermen's cabins standing by the water were originally built as dwellings for these seasonal fishermen; some of the old cabins date back to the late 19th century, and today they still stand along the rocky shoreline, supported by stilts over the water.

Reinebringen

Reinebringenis a popular hiking trail in the Lofoten Island, Norway. The mountain is located right next to the fishing village of Reine on Moskenesøya, with an altitude of over 400 m. Although it is not the highest peak in the archipelago, the view from the summit is expansive. During peak season, large numbers of tourists hike this trail every day. A highly recognizable feature of this trail is the nearly 2,000 stone steps built by Sherpa craftsmen from Nepal. In earlier years, a surge in the number of hikers caused soil erosion and rockfall hazards. To address this, the local community built steps to stabilize the path all the way to the mountain ridge, which not only provided a clear and safe route for climbing but also protected the fragile mountain landscape. Several resting platforms were also set up along the way. Once you reach the ridge, the rows of red fishermen's cabins in Reine, other fishing villages like Hamnøy and Sakrisøy, the azure fjord waters, and the jagged peaks all spread out beneath your feet. It is a classic postcard view of the Lofoten Island, and it is especially popular with photography enthusiasts during sunset and the midnight sun in summer.

Hamnoy Viewpoint and Parking

Hamnøy Scenic Viewpoint is an iconic attraction for taking in the full view of Hamnoy. It is nestled amidst the magnificent mountains and sea of Moskenes, Norway. It preserves the historical appearance of traditional red fisherman's cabins. In the past, fishermen lived here, went out to sea to fish, and dried cod, passing these traditions down through generations. Today, the cabins retain their original appearance, serving as an important place for visitors to experience local fishing village culture. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the small bridge, cabins, and steep mountains, making it one of the most iconic photography spots in the Lofoten Island, attracting photography enthusiasts from all over the world.

Reine Fjord Viewpoint

is a viewing platform on Reinebringen in the Lofoten Island, known for its panoramic views overlooking Reine village and Reinefjorden, and is recognized as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Norway. The trail to the summit features approx. 2,000 stone steps built by Sherpa craftsmen between 2016–2021, making this route, which was once daunting due to its steep and rugged terrain, much safer. The summit is at an altitude of approx. 448 m, and standing on the precipice, the magnificent jagged peaks and deep blue fjords weave a breathtaking scene, with the red and white cottages of Reine village dotting the landscape, and the fjords and islands stretching to the horizon. The entire climb takes approx. 1–2 hours. It is moderately difficult and requires a certain level of physical fitness. Climbing to the summit at night during the summer midnight sun offers soft, lasting light, making it a dream scenario for photography enthusiasts.

Sakrisøya

Sakrisøya is a small island between Reine and Hamnøy in the Lofoten Island, renowned in the photography world for its iconic golden wooden cabins reflected in the clear fjord waters and hailed as one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Lofoten. The centuries-long history of the cod trade has endowed this small island with a deep fishing cultural heritage, and the stockfish drying racks set up along the pier are still in use today, appearing particularly spectacular during the fishing season in late winter and early spring. The Anita's Seafood restaurant on the island is famous for serving extremely fresh, locally caught seafood, while the Dagmar's Doll and Toy Museum houses the largest public collection of antique dolls in Norway, making it a delightful place to visit. Although the island is small, its visual layers, ranging from the tranquil fjord to the snow-capped peaks, captivate visitors and make them want to linger.

Lofoten Beach Camp

Skagsanden beach

Rambergstranda