Stamsund: Harbour Life, Fishing History and Art

Harbour town between water and peaks

Stamsund lies in a natural harbour on the southern coast of the island of Vestvågøy. Red rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) shape the townscape; behind them rise rugged peaks, while boats rock on clear water. Here, the harbour brings together the landscape and the history of a fishing town. If you are considering Stamsund for a stay in a holiday apartment, you might ask whether this combination of harbour, culture and nearby activities suits your travel interests.

You can walk along the shore and watch fishing boats unload their catch. This also makes the harbour an interesting place to observe everyday fishing life today. For a quieter view of the landscape, you can make a walk by the water the focus of your day; if you prefer to be active, you can hike from Stamsund into the rugged mountains behind the town or paddle out into tranquil fjords. These different options give your day a clear direction without limiting you to just one way of experiencing the area.

Fishing history and rorbuer

The rorbuer in Stamsund were built to accommodate fishermen who came for the seasonal cod fishing. Stamsund was once one of the most important fishing harbours in the Lofoten Islands and was known for cod liver oil and racks for drying cod. This former prominence is part of the town’s history; you can also connect it with a look around the harbour, where cod liver oil and racks for drying cod can still be seen. The history is therefore not confined to stories about fishing in the past; it also shapes what you can look out for on a walk around the harbour.

Architecture and art in town

Stamsund kirke (Stamsund Church) has national cultural and historical significance and is considered an exceptionally fine example of 1930s Functionalism in this part of the country. It is also designated as particularly worthy of preservation. For culturally minded travellers, it offers a tangible glimpse into the town’s architectural history, alongside the harbour landscape shaped by fishing.

Galleri 2 adds another distinct cultural dimension: throughout the year, the gallery presents changing exhibitions by internationally renowned artists from several countries. The painting “The Dream of Atlantis,” which returned to Stamsund after several circumnavigations of the globe, is also exhibited there. If you want to include art in your trip, the gallery offers a different way to experience the town than through its harbour and fishing history. From 24 to 28 May 2022, Stamsund was also the venue for the Stamsund Theatre Festival, an international festival of contemporary performing arts. This festival took place on these specific dates.

Activities and getting there

There are different ways to enjoy the water and the land: you can walk along the shoreline, paddle into fjords or hike in the mountains behind Stamsund. Stamsund also has a ski area. Stamsund Hostel offers its guests free fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, rowboats and bicycles for exploring the surrounding area. These offers apply to the hostel; they do not describe other accommodation in town.

Hurtigruten ships call at Stamsund in both the southbound and northbound directions. When choosing a holiday apartment in Stamsund, you can also factor travelling by ship into your plans.

More town pages

More town pages to explore: Valberg, Ballstad, Gravdal, Bøstad, Vestvågøy, Sennesvik, Leknes.

Back to the main travel overview: Vestvågøy.