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Svinoya Rorbuer
Svolvaer, The Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway, Norway
Overview
Introduction
Svinoya Rorbuer is centrally situated in the harbour of Svolvaer, a short walk from the centre of this vibrant fishing town. Svinoya is the oldest district of the town and it was here that the first shop was established and where the first trading activities began in 1828. During the early 19th century, a row of cabins were built to accommodate the visiting fishermen during the Lofoten winter cod season.
Today, a number of the original cabins are offered by Svinoya Rorbuer as tourist accommodation and considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining their authenticity. Time-honoured craftsmanship and timber have been preserved in order to provide a feeling of a bygone era. For those looking for a contemporary base from which to explore the spectacular Lofoten Islands, look no further! In addition to the traditional Rorbuer, the Svinoya offers a selection of more modern Rorbuer cabins, Rorbuer suites and apartments each enjoying sea views.
Accommodation:
Rorbu Cabins: 38 original or newly built Rorbu cabins including 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom cabins. Some cabins have the living room and kitchenette on a mezzanine level. The furthest cabin is located 200m from the restaurant in Svinoya.
Rorbu Suites: Modern Rorbu Suites including 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom suites, facing the harbour of Svolvaer with views of the surrounding mountains, the ocean and the city centre opposite.
The Manor House: Journey back in time with an exclusive and unique stay at the 3-storey Manor House which has weathered every season of the year since 1828. The Manor House has 9 bedrooms sleeping up to 17 people but when combined with the Storehouse (Stabburet) Historical House, offers a total of 11 bedrooms sleeping up to 20 people. The Storehouse played a central role in the lives of many generations of Svinoya – the storehouse bell was used to ring in mealtimes at the Manor House, when work would pause and meals served to hosts and functionaries. The Manor House can only be rented as a whole single unit. Prices for this unit are on request.
Vestfjord Apartments: 6 units located in one building including 2 double rooms, 1 studio apartment, one 1-bedroom apartment and two 2-bedroom apartments. Situated at the edge of a promontory on Svinoya, 300 metres from reception and the Børsen Restaurant.
Historical Houses: Renovated historical houses, located in the fishing village of Svinoya, including 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom apartments. All the historical houses are located in the fishing village of Svinoya and each tells its own story.
The original Storehouse (Stabburet) is a cosy apartment which belongs to the Manor House and can be booked as a separate unit or combined with the Manor House. The Storehouse played a central role in the lives of many generations of Svinoya – the storehouse bell was used to ring in mealtimes at the Manor House, when work would pause and meals served to hosts and functionaries.
The Old Telegraph (Telegrafen) is a two-floor house which contains 4 apartments (two apartments on each floor – two Telegrafen 1.1, one Telegrafen 2.1 and one Telegrafen 2.2). The house is located close to Svinoya reception and the Børsen Restaurant.
- Buffet breakfast (when prebooked)
- Svinoya Rorbuer has one of the most distinctive restaurants in the Lofoten Islands. The “Borsen Spiseri” is housed in a quayside warehouse dating back to 1828 and considerable emphasis has been placed on maintaining the building’s original features. Open daily from 18:00 (last seating at 21:30), pre-booking recommended
- Mini market located within 10-minutes’ walk and open daily
- 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Svolvaer
- A transfer is recommended for clients arriving into Svolvaer by Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages
- Free parking – please note that some cabins offer parking directly in front of the property whilst others will be nearby, within walking distance
- Due to the popularity of this property early booking is recommended.
- Open all year round
Map
Rorbu S Twin with a twin bedroom
Rorbu S Twin with a twin bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. These cabins sleep 2 people and are original fishermen cabins adapted to modern day standards and comfort.
Rorbu S Twin with a double bedroom
Rorbu S Twin with a double bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. These cabins sleep 2 people and are original fishermen cabins adapted to modern day standards and comfort.
Rorbu Apartment S
Rorbu Apartment S with a double bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). The apartment, which sleeps 2 people, has a modern feel and is located on the second floor of one of the buildings at Svinoya and has access to a shared balcony.
Rorbu S Plus
Rorbu S Plus with a double bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. These cabins sleep 2 people and are original fishermen cabins adapted to modern day standards and comfort. These cabins are located right by the sea.
Rorbu M
Rorbu M with two twin bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. These cabins sleep 4 people and are original fishermen cabins adapted to modern day standards and comfort.
Rorbu M Plus
Rorbu M Plus (with two twin bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. These cabins sleep 4 people and are cabins more recently built but in keep with the traditional style.
Rorbu Suite L
Rorbu Suite L with two double bedrooms (one with an extra single bed), one single bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. This cabin sleeps 6 people and is located by the waterfront.
Rorbu L Plus
Rorbu L Plus with two twin bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. Rorbu L Plus sleeps 4 people and is a spacious and large cabin, renovated and adapted to modern day standards and comfort.
Rorbu XL
Rorbu XL with three twin bedrooms, three ensuite bathrooms (shower), upstairs living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, kettle and coffee maker) and sea & mountain view. This original rorbu, which sleeps 6, has been renovated and adapted to modern day standards and comfort.
Rorbu Suite XXL
Rorbu Suite XXL (115sqm) – Ground Floor: 1 double bedroom, bathroom (shower) with sauna, open plan dining and living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchen (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker) and waterfront deck. First Floor: 2 double bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and balcony. Rorbu Suite XXL sleeps 6 people.
Rorbu Suite XXL Plus
Rorbu Suite XXL Plus (115sqm) – Ground Floor: 1 double bedroom, bathroom (shower) with sauna, open plan dining and living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchen (four electric hobs, oven, fridge, small freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker) and waterfront deck. First Floor: 3 double bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and balcony. Rorbu Suites XXL Plus sleep 8 people and some have a fireplace.
The Manor House
The Manor House with 5 double bedrooms (one room has an ensuite bathroom with shower), 3 twin bedrooms, 1 single bedroom, 3 bathrooms with shower (two are located on the first floor and one on the top floor), 3 WC’s, dining room, lounge, fully equipped and spacious kitchen and sauna with large windows overlooking the Vestfjord. Please note that some rooms on the upper floor of the Manor House are located under the eaves of the roof. The Børsen Restaurant is situated directly opposite the Manor House.
Double Room Standard
Double Room Standard with a double bed, bathroom (shower), cable TV, complimentary WiFi and small fridge. This room, located on the ground floor, sleeps 2 people and has a limited mountain view.
Double Room Sea View
Double Room Sea View with a double bed, bathroom (shower), cable TV, complimentary WiFi, small fridge and sea view. This room, located on the ground floor, sleeps 2 people and has direct access to a shared balcony/terrace.
Studio Apartment
Studio Apartment with one small bedroom (bunk beds), living room with 2 double beds, sofa, cable TV, well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker), bathroom (shower) and complimentary WiFi. The studio apartment sleeps 6 people and has a limited view.
One Bedroom Apartment
One Bedroom Apartment with a double bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker), balcony and mountain & sea view. The apartment sleeps 2 people and is located on the 1st floor.
Two Bedroom Apartments
Two Bedroom Apartments with 2 double bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker), balcony/terrace and mountain & sea view. The apartments, sleeping 4 people, are located on the 1st and 2nd floor.
The Storehouse
The Storehouse with 1 double bedroom, 1 single bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). The apartment sleeps 3 people and has 2 floors.
The Working Man’s House
The Working Man’s House with 1 twin bedroom, 1 triple bedroom (double bed and a single bed), bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). Located on Gammeltunet, surrounded by fish racks and other Rorbuer and Historical Houses, the apartment sleeps 5 people and has 2 floors. Please note that some beds are located under the eaves of the roof.
The Bell House
The Bell House with 2 twin bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). Located on Gammeltunet, surrounded by fish racks and other Rorbuer and Historical Houses, the Bell House (Klokkerhuset) sleeps 4 people and has 2 floors
Stormen
Stormen with 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, 2 ensuite bathrooms (shower), upstairs living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchen (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). The apartment sleeps 4 people and has 2 floors.
The Pareli House
The Pareli House with 1 double bedroom and 1 quadruple (single beds) bedroom, 2 bathrooms (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). Located on Gammeltunet, surrounded by fish racks and other Rorbuer and Historical Houses, the Pareli House sleeps 6 people and has 2 floors. Please note that the beds in the quadruple room on the upper floor are located under the eaves of the roof.
The Salvesen House A
The Salvesen House A with 3 twin bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker) and terrace/veranda. The house, which sleeps 6 people and has 2 floors, is part of an old log cabin which has been renovated and adapted to modern day standards and comfort.
The Salvesen House B
The Salvesen House B with 2 twin bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker) and terrace/veranda. The house, which sleeps 4 people and has 2 floors, has been renovated and adapted to modern day standards and comfort. Please note that some beds are located under the eaves of the roof.
Telegrafen 1.1
Telegrafen 1.1 with 1 double bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). There are two modern apartments of this type, both on the 2nd floor of the building, with access to a shared balcony. These apartments sleep 2 people.
Telegrafen 2.1
Telegrafen 2.1 with 2 double bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). The apartment, which sleeps 4 adults, is located on the ground floor and has access to a shared terrace and garden.
Telegrafen 2.2
Telegrafen 2.2 with 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchenette (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). The apartment, which sleeps 4 adults, is located on the ground floor and has access to a shared terrace and garden.
The Foreman’s House
The Foreman’s House with 2 double bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (shower), living room with cable TV, complimentary WiFi and well-equipped kitchen (four electric hobs, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker). The house has 2 floors. sleeps 6 people and has a terrace/veranda. Please note that some beds are located under the eaves of the roof.
Winter Activities
Winter Activities from Svolvaer
Snowshoe Hike
Along with your guide, take a hike using modern lightweight aluminium snowshoes and easy to adjust walking poles to experience the outback of winter Lofoten. Snowshoes are a wonderful way to explore, giving you a whole new world to roam in.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure: Daily at 10:00 (December to April)
- Price: £147.00 per person
Winter Sea Kayaking
Explore quiet and peaceful venues by kayak with an approved sea kayak guide on this nature experience. Single or double stable kayaks are used and basic kayaking and paddling techniques will be shown.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: Daily at 10:00 from September to April (except 23-26 December)
- Price: £156.00 per person
The Aurora Jager
Local Aurora Jager, Odd-Petter Tanke Jensen specialises in small-group tours by car, offering a personalised service. Be prepared for a long night as this exciting Aurora hunt takes you on an adventure to secret spots, in all kinds of weather and temperatures, to find the Aurora. Your guide will also teach you how to capture the northern lights. This Aurora hunt offers a high chance that you too will feel goosebumps and a rush of emotion as the Aurora waves at you from the skies above.
- Duration: 3½ - 6 hours
- Departure: Daily at 21:00 (September to 15 April)
- Price: £172.00 per person
Northern Lights by Horse
Ride along sandy beaches, past ancient remnants from the Viking age, including stockfish racks, on this Northern Lights experience by horse. The horse and the pace will be adjusted to the rider’s experience.
- Duration: 4 hours (including the transfer from/to Svolvaer)
- Available: Daily* at 21:00 (September to April)
- Price: £200.00 per person
Lofoten by Horse
This activity starts at a horse farm where you will meet the horses and be given instructions by your guide, before heading out to ride along sandy beaches, past ancient remnants from the Viking age including stockfish racks, on this guided day time excursion. The total time spent at the horse farm and riding will be 2 hours and the horse and the pace will be adjusted to the rider’s experience.
- Duration: 4 hours (including the transfer from/to Svolvaer)
- Departure: Daily* at 10:00 (all year)
- Price: £177.00 per person
Northern Lights Hunt
Learn the basics on taking good photos of the Northern Lights during this Aurora Hunt. Before departure you will have a brief introduction on the Northern Lights – how and why it occurs, why sometimes it is white, sometimes green and sometimes red. The tour is by minibus, travelling away from artificial light pollution to an area which offers the best chances to see the lights. A sighting of the Northern Lights is a moving and exhilarating experience and one which will cement Svolvaer in your memories forever.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Available: Daily at 20:00 (January to 15 April; September to November and December – except 23-26 and 31 December)
- Price: £169.00 per person
Lofoten Photo Tour
Join local nature photographer Geir Nøtnes on a half day photo tour, where he will take you to his best photo spots to capture the Arctic light of the day and share his knowledge about life in the Lofoten. Photo instructions will be given along the way.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: Monday to Friday at 10:00 (September to April - except 23-26 and 31 December)
- Price: £172.00 per person
Lofoten Wildlife Photo Tour
Join an exciting safari in Lofoten’s beautiful nature where you will capture some fantastic pictures and hopefully, if lucky enough, catch a sighting of a wild animal. Photo instructions will be given by your guide and the tour will be adapted to the climate conditions of the day.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: Daily at 10:00 from October to March (except 23-25 and 31 December); at 16:00 from April to May and August to September; and at 20:00 from June and July
- Price: £139.00 per person
Lofoten Dog Sledding - Arctic Light
Experience the fantastic Lofoten winter wonderland on this personal, small group, dog-sled tour. The kennels of Lila are located in Malnes, approximately a 60-minute drive from Svolvaer, where Lila will teach you sledding and how to take care of the huskies. With two people to a sled, each guest will have the opportunity to mush (steer) their own team of dogs, as well as enjoy time as a passenger watching the world go by. You will be on the sled for 45-60 minutes, after which you can relax by the bonfire with a warm drink and have the opportunity to meet and cuddle all 16 huskies.
- Duration: 4 hours*
- Departure: Daily, except Wednesday, at 09:00 (02 January to 30 March)
- Price: £270.00 per person
* Includes transfer time to/from the kennels in Malnes (1 hour each way). The duration of the activity is 2 hours.
** The activity commences at 10:00 from Malnes. Pick up from Svinoya Rorbuer will be at 09:00.
Lofoten Sightseeing & Husky Walk
During this excursion you will be introduced to the magical landscape of the Lofoten by a local guide and photographer. You will visit the Rieban husky kennel where you will meet owner Lila and get to know the dogs, before walking together at Malnes, down towards the sea. There will be plenty of time for cuddles, play and several photo stops with the huskies. Coffee, tea and cake will be served during your visit. After the walk, with your guide, you will also visit beautiful spots for great photo opportunities whilst enjoying the surrounding nature.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Daily at 09:00 (15 May to 27 August)
- Price: £249.00 per person
Fishing Village Walk
Experience a living fishing village and learn about its culture and history. Svinoya is the oldest part of Svolvaer and has been a thriving and vibrant fishing village since 1828. During this walk, which is partially outdoors with great photo opportunities, your guide will tell you stories of how the fishermen lived 100 years ago, how their “rorbu” accommodation would have looked and about the first shop in Svolvaer which is still there. Many questions will be answered during the walk, such as what is stockfish and what happened in Trollfjord in 1890.
- Duration: 1½ hours
- Departure: Daily at 18:30* (01 September to 09 April except 23-26 and 31 December. Different start times available on request)
- Price: £45.00 per person
Sea Eagle RIB Safari
Venture into the sea eagle’s kingdom and explore Lofoten’s coastline on a rib boat. Your experienced and skilled guide will offer plenty of interesting stories and local knowledge along the way, as you head out to get a sighting of sea eagles at close range. The activity will take you past mountains rising thousands of metres from the ocean, spectacular nature spots, white sand beaches and the islands and towns of Skjoldvær, Oddvær and Haversand. A great photo opportunity excursion.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departure: Daily at 10:30 and 13:00 (23 August to 19 June). Daily at 09:30, 12:00 and 14:00 (20 June to 22 August). Other dates are available on request
- Price: £111.00 per person
Lofoten Sauna
The sauna is the first floating sauna in Lofoten and is located just outside the restaurant of Svinoya Rorbuer, offering great views across the waters.
- Open: Daily from 09:00 to 21:00 (all year)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Price: £22.00 per person
Mountain Hike
Following a steep path which leads you through a birch forest, you will enjoy fabulous breath-taking views as you hike, along with your guide, towards the peak of the mountain.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: Daily* at 10:00 (September to November and May)
- Price: £154.00 per person
*The activity will operate daily if the weather conditions permit.
Useful information
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT +1 hour
Currency
Norwegian krone
Language
Norwegian
Average flight times
6 hours 35 minutes (via Oslo)
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Gallery
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Rorbuer suites, Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Rorbuer suites, Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær, Northern Norway
