In the summer of 2024, we visited several traditional fishing villages in the Lofoten. My favorite one: Nusfjord, a hidden gem. Tiny fisherman village is surrounded by breathtaking nature and breathes rich history. Discover this cosy village in today’s blogpost.
Nusfjord, a traditional fishing village
If there is one Lofoten village to visit, head to Nusfjord, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This small village stands out for 2 reasons.
First, the village is beautifully located at the end of a secluded valley stretching toward the sea. Various rorbuer, the traditional fisherman cabins, in the typical bright red and yellow colors, stand out against a rough landscape.
Second, Nusjford is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages.
The whole village feels like a museum. Walking around in Nusfjord feels diving into the history of Norwegian fishing.
So Nusjford offers it all: an authentic fisherman’s village with a touch of modernity and warm hospitality in a majestic landscape.
Getting around
Nusfjord is easy to navigate. It’s very small and all the historical sites are within walking distance.
From the entrance, head straight to the small harbour, you can’t miss it.
Many of the old work buildings have been preserved. You can visit the smithy, smokehouse, boat houses and cod liver oil factory. They all enrich you with stories of the past.
You can even enjoy a movie on the fishing activities and the hard times of the fisherman in the past.
Further, there is an old-fashioned general store. You can also find traditional boats on a trail outside the harbor.
And of course, there are beautiful views on the bright red and yellow rorbuer.
Finally, don’t forget to stop by the excellent traditional bakery of Hansines Bakeri. It is a traditional stone oven bakery established in 1877.
The cinnamon rolls are a local delicacy, maybe even the more because you can enjoy them outside in the beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation
It seems that Nusfjord offers great accommodation.
The entire village is covered with rorbuer, which you can rent.
We didn’t stay overnight, but are happy
Stay in charming traditional cabins, where history meets comfort. Our cabins provide you with the feeling of being part of Lofoten’s cultural heritage, while offering modern amenities. Wake up to stunning views of the fjord and mountains, and breathe in the fresh sea air each morning.
Entrance fee
Maybe a bit strange, but wandering around Nusfjord is not or free.
You pay around NOK 100 per person, or around 10 euros.
This entrance fee supports the preservation of the village and gives access to the various historical sites on site.
And maybe, this also keeps the big crowds away, so you have a pleasant stay in this tiny village.
And maybe this is not such a bad thing: there were very few people when we visited.
How to get there
Leave the A 10, halfway between Napp and Ramberg.
Then, for the next 6 kilometres the county road winds through a beautiful and dramatic landscape. Just follow the road until you reach Nusfjord.
There is a free parking area outside the village, on your right.
More information
Find useful information in the following websites:
At the entrance, you also receive a detailed map.
Recommendations
- Plan a visit to Nusfjord in the morning. This gives you the time to fully enjoy with lesser crowds.
- Take at least 2 hours to fully enjoy
- Walk between the traditional rorbuer
- Wander around and visit the historic buildings
- Visit the village bakery to enjoy a great pastry
- If you have a chance, visit Nusfjord on a sunny day. The colors of the rorbuer are even more striking.
- Stay the night in a traditional rorbuer. Book well ahead,