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  1. Home
  2. Our Destinations
  3. Norwegian Coast
  4. Norway: Travel Guide
  5. Attractions along the Norwegian Coast
  6. Lofoten and Vesterålen
  7. Fishermen’s Cabins (Rorbu)

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  • Rorbu in Svolvær in winter
    1/3 Photo: Doris Wehnes - Gästefoto Photo
  • Fishermen's cabins and wooden racks
    2/3 Photo: Tommy Simonsen Photo
  • Interior of old rorbu
    3/3 Photo: Tommy Simonsen Photo

Fishermen’s Cabins (Rorbu)

Classic North Sea fishermen's cabins are now popular holiday cottages

You’ll find rorbu, or fishermen’s cabins, all along the Norwegian coast, at the water’s edge and often built atop sturdy timber piles. These historical cabins are reminders of a time that has, for the most part, gone by.

ONCE SHELTER FROM THE SEAS
Even though this type of accommodation is found all along the entire Norwegian coast, the fishing villages of northern Norway are the best-known locations for these fishermen’s cabins. This is no coincidence: Even in modern times, a winter fishing trip here is a popular, if icy, experience.

In the past, when fishing boats were open vessels without shelter from the elements, fishermen’s cabins were an absolute necessity. They provided a few hours of relief from the intensely demanding weather. Back then, cold, exhausted fishermen tied up their boats at the wharf, offloaded their fishing gear, and set about finding shelter for the night. These cabins were their refuge.

NOW-FAVORED VACATION HOMES
Many rorbu now function as cafés and tiny restaurants or are rented out as accommodations. Originally resulting from the need for fishermen to offload equipment directly from their boats, the cabins now attract tourists from both near and far. With their characteristic atmosphere, they have become the topic of a popular catchphrase in Norwegian tourism known as ‘Fishermen cottage holidays’. Spending a holiday in a fishermen’s cabin is particularly popular in Lofoten and Vesterålen. 

Related Cruises

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    The Cruise South

    • Experience the natural wonders of Lofoten
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    • Search for the northern lights in winter, and the midnight sun in summer
    • Join exciting sea- and land-based activities
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    The Cruise North

    • Discover countless fjords, mountains, islands, and waterfalls.
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    • Enjoy interesting and exciting land and sea excursions.
    • Learn from Hurtigruten guides as they lead lectures and activities both at sea and onshore.
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    Norwegian Discovery Cruise

    • Cross the Arctic Circle under the Midnight Sun (summer) or Northern Lights (winter)
    • Enjoy local and authentic Norwegian food from our renowned Coastal Kitchen
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Further reading

  • Risøyrenna (The Risøy Channel)
  • Kjeungskjær Lighthouse

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When packing for Antarctica, remember to bring your mittens! 🧤
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#hurtigruten #antarctica #weexplore #whattopack #ribboat #travel #berniesanders #berniesmittens #berniesandersmeme #bernie #berniesandersmemes What's better than a warm embrace from someone you love? We hope we can all hug each other soon again. For now, we're sending you a virtual hug for National Hug Day. 📷: Chelsea Claus / Hurtigruten 
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#hurtigruten #weexplore #nationalhugday #hug #penguin #antarctica #travel #adventuretravel #wildlife For Penguin Awareness Day, here are some facts you might not know about everyone's favorite flightless bird: 
- Their black and white "tuxedo" is a smart camouflage called countershading
- You'll never actually see them with polar bears (despite what you've seen in classic cartoons)
- Penguins huddle together to protect themselves—or to stay warm
- You can see this fascinating creature if you go with Hurtigruten to Antarctica (but this we bet you knew already!)
 📸: Ingemund Skålnes / Hurtigruten

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