To main content
Hurtigruten Coastal Logo Hurtigruten Coastal Logo Norwegian Coastal Express
Go to Hurtigruten Expeditions

Norwegian Coastal Express

Go to Hurtigruten Expeditions
Go to Hurtigruten Group
  • Voyages
  • Offers
  • Ships
  • Blog
  • Order Brochures
  • Request a Quote
  • Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
  • Search

For travelers

  • My Booking
  • Book excursions
  • Extend your voyage
  • Practical information
  • Health and safety on board

Norwegian Coastal Express

Go to Hurtigruten Expeditions
Go to Hurtigruten Group
Change
Info: We at Hurtigruten use cookies to optimize our websites for your needs. By using this website you consent to our cookie policy
  • Small island and mountains near Stokmarknes
  • Winter light on Lofoten mountains
  • Sunset on mountains between Sortland and Stokmarknes
  • View of Lofoten mountains from deck

Lofotveggen (the Lofoten Wall) and Vestfjorden

All voyagers sailing west past Vestfjorden eventually reach the Lofoten Wall

Out at sea, a massive wall rises steeply from the waters of Vestfjorden in northern Norway. Lofotveggen, the Lofoten Wall, is a collection of mountain peaks that, from a distance, appear to form a straight line.

DISTINCTIVE LAND AND SEASCAPES
Lofotveggen consists of granite and volcanic rock formations that rose from the sea after the last Ice Age. Among its best-known peaks is Vågakallen on Austvågøy, which, according to the Nordland Legend, chased the Seven Sisters and Lekamøja down the coast.

Vestfjorden is actually not a fjord at all. It is an enclosed area of the North Sea extending from Værøy in the west for about 96 miles to the Barøy lighthouse at the entrance to Ofotfjord. This area has always been difficult for seafarers to navigate. It was once so feared that boats headed for Lofotveggen would wait nearby together for long periods until the weather was good enough to sail out towards ‘the Wall’.

SEASONAL COD FISHERY
Seabed variations in Vestfjorden limit the exchange of water between the fjord and the open sea. These conditions produce water temperatures that make the fjord a favored spawning ground for cod during the period between January and April. Thousands of fishermen make their way here every year for the annual Lofoten fishery. The cod harvested during this period is a delicacy that graces dining tables around the world.

Hurtigruten crosses Vestfjorden between the ports of call of Bodø and Stamsund.

Further reading

  • Norwegian Fjords
  • North cape – visit Nordkapp and explore the amazing view

Sign up for our newsletter

Receive special offers, exciting new itineraries and fascinating articles delivered straight to your inbox.

Yes, sign me up!

Contact

  • Coastal Express Voyages:

    +1 (866) 552-0371

    [email protected]

     

    Port-to-Port Voyages (5 days or less):

    +1 (833) 230-0285

    [email protected]  

     

  • Contact us

About us

  • Hurtigruten Group
  • 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Program
  • Sustainability
  • Charters and Incentives
  • Travel Agent Portal
  • Press
  • Order Brochure
  • Awards

Support

  • Request a Quote
  • My Booking
  • Make a Payment
  • Uplift - Book Now, Pay Later
  • FAQ
  • Terms and Conditions

Social media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Privacy

  • Statement of Privacy
  • Cookie policy
  • Cookie Settings

Hurtigruten Expeditions

  • Expedition Cruises
  • Alaska Cruises
  • Antarctica Cruises
  • British Isles Cruises
  • Cruise Cape Verde Islands
  • Caribbean Cruises
  • Central America Cruises
  • Europe Cruises
  • Galapagos Islands Cruises
  • Greenland Cruises
  • Iceland Cruises
  • North America Cruises
  • Norway Cruises
  • South America Cruises
  • Svalbard Cruises
  • Northwest Passage Cruises
  • Transoceanic Cruises

Norwegian Coastal Express

  • Norway Fjords Cruise
  • Northern Lights Cruise