Stamsund – timeless Lofoten charm
A quiet harbour village in Lofoten, where cod hangs to dry, kayaks slip through still water and life follows the tides.
Tucked into a natural harbour on the southern shore of Vestvågøy island, Stamsund is a small fishing village with big Lofoten character. Jagged peaks rise behind red rorbuer – fishermen’s cabins – and boats bob in crystal-clear waters. It’s a peaceful stop rooted in cod, calm and coastal life.
How Stamsund came to be
Stamsund has long offered shelter from the weather – first to Norse seafarers, later to fishermen chasing the seasonal cod. Those red cabins on stilts, the rorbuer, were built to house them. Some are still in use today, and others are now cosy places to stay.
This was once one of the busiest fishing ports in Lofoten, known for its cod liver oil and cod drying racks. You’ll still see both around the harbour – but these days, Stamsund is also a place to slow down.
Walk the shoreline and watch fishing boats unload their catch. Paddle out into quiet fjords. Or hike into the jagged mountains behind the village for big views and absolute stillness. Stamsund may be small, but there’s plenty of space to breathe here.
What is the weather like in Stamsund?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average temp °C (max) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
Average temp °C (min) | -2 | -3 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 1 | -1 |
As seen from the sea
As your ship approaches Stamsund, you’ll see the jagged Lofoten mountains rising steeply behind the harbour, often veiled in cloud or soft Arctic light. Rows of red- and ochre-coloured rorbuer perch on wooden stilts above the water, their colours bright against the sea. Look for seabirds hunting close to shore and fishing boats unloading their catch.
Port address: J. M. Johansens vei 11, 8340 Stamsund
