Ballstad – Fishing village, fishing history and seaside trails

Ballstad brings together the history of Lofoten fisheries, an active fishing village that continues to this day, and experiences on the water. On the Lofoten Islands, Ballstad is the largest fishing village still in active operation. Small islands shelter fishermen’s cabins and other buildings from the open sea, while the distinctive mountain Skottind shapes the view over the village. For planning your trip, you can choose from different focuses: fishing culture, excursions from the harbour or trails leading up into the landscape.

Fishing history at Væreier Museum

Ballstad Væreier Museum was founded in 2024, after an old barn dating from 1881 underwent extensive restoration. The museum displays old production equipment from the late 19th century, which was also used in Lofoten fisheries. There are also old fishing boats, photographs, films and other historical artefacts. This gives you the opportunity to discover different aspects of fishing: equipment and boats as well as images and moving footage. A museum visit offers a cultural counterpoint to activities outdoors and on the water.

Fishing in Ballstad is not just part of the past: when the cod, known as skrei, heads out into the Vestfjord, you can experience Lofoten fisheries here. If you are interested in this tradition, you can combine a museum visit with this special connection to fishing, without limiting the village’s history to its exhibits.

From the harbour out to the skerries

From Ballstad harbour, there are opportunities for kayaking, diving and snorkelling among the small skerries outside the village. Boats for fishing trips also depart from Ballstad. This range of options is ideal when planning your trip if you want to focus on activities on the water. On fishing trips with Havfisketur and Kaptein Storm, fishing equipment such as trolling lines and fishing rods is provided, along with a life jacket approved by Veritas. There are also facilities for gutting, filleting and packing your catch.

The PADI 5-Star dive centre offers a Discover Scuba programme. It begins with a briefing at the surface, followed by simple exercises and a dive. The maximum depth for the first dive is 6 metres; a qualified personal diving instructor accompanies the participant. On the Summer Snorkeling experience, visitors can see kelp forests, seaweed areas, jellyfish, sea urchins, starfish and various species of crab and fish. These different formats give you concrete options when choosing between snorkelling, a first dive and a fishing trip for your holiday.

Walks and views

There are also various options on foot. Several walking trails around the headland at Ballstad are suitable for visitors who prefer to stay on level ground. Those who want to go higher can hike to the summit of Skottind, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The Sherpa steps lead up to Ballstadheia, along a steep route. A walk over flatter terrain and a hike with elevation gain therefore offer different levels of challenge. When choosing your accommodation, you can take into account whether your trip will focus more on walks, mountain hikes or activities at the harbour.

Getting there and nearby places

Bus route 18-742 connects Leknes and Ballstad. The main road link runs from Storeid, southwest of Leknes, along the Fv. 818 to Ballstad and connects to the E 10. The cycling route from Stamsund to Ballstad follows the E 10 and then the 818 Busknesveien to Ballstad. This information can help you plan your journey and starting point without assuming a specific travel time.

Nearby places: Leknes, Vestvågøy, Gravdal, Valberg, Bøstad, Stamsund, Sennesvik.

Go to the main travel overview: Vestvågøy.