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.
Related Cruises
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
12 days Regular departuresThe Roundtrip Voyage
- Discover our full scenic route with 34 ports, visited twice (northbound and southbound), allowing you to really get to know the heart and soul of Norway’s coastline
- Bask in spectacular scenery any season of the year as we sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains
- Spend half of your Norwegian cruise in the Arctic. During winter, this maximizes your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. In summer, you can enjoy 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun.
- Take your pick from about nine optional hikes and a complete list of optional seasonal excursions (more than 70 in total) to enhance your coastal experience
Price from $ 3,554$ 3,021 -
![]()
![]()
![]()
6 days Regular departuresThe Voyage South
- Treat yourself to some of the best scenery of the Norwegian coast, including Senja, the Vesterålen Archipelago, the stunning Lofoten Islands, and the Helgeland coast
- Look out for whales and a range of Arctic birds, including the White-tailed Sea Eagle and many other migratory species
- The ship may also visit the Trollfjord between May and October. This voyage enters the narrow fjord and performs an impressive 180-degree maneuver.
- Join two optional hikes and up to 20 optional seasonal excursions, including a tour of the Lofoten Islands by boat or a horseback ride to a picturesque beach
Price from $ 2,061$ 1,752 -
![]()
![]()
![]()
7 days Regular departuresThe Voyage North
- Visit a range of coastal communities, including charming cities, towns, and villages.
- Sail to the world-famous Geirangerfjord from June to August or to the Hjørundfjord from September to October
- Cross the Arctic Circle for an Arctic tour of Norway and hunt for the Northern Lights during winter voyages. During summer voyages, enjoy round-the-clock daylight under the Midnight Sun.
- Add more adventure to your voyage by choosing between up to six optional hikes and from up to 50 optional seasonal excursions.
Price from $ 2,416$ 2,054
