Røst: Island World, Bird Cliffs and Fishing Culture

Røst is an island community surrounded by 365 islands, islets and reefs. On Røstlandet, the terrain rises to only a little over 11 metres at its highest point. Bird cliffs, wetlands and fishing shape the character of the place, with experiences that vary considerably depending on the time of year. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Røst, you can start by considering whether birdlife, fishing traditions or festivals will shape your stay.

Seabirds and trails on Røst

Røst lies next to one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies. Around 350,000 pairs of puffins breed on the bird cliffs. Excursions to the cliffs are organised in spring and summer. A seabird safari around Røst also includes a visit to Skomvær Lighthouse, where participants are given a guided tour and light refreshments. Røst Rib also offers a boat trip out to sea around Røst, where you can experience the birdlife at close range.

There are also several ways to explore the landscape on land. The blue-marked trail from Røstlandet to Åndhammarn is about 1.5 kilometres each way and is described as suitable for everyone. It passes old church ruins dating from 1835 and reaches the highest viewpoint on Røstlandet. Another trail runs from Åndhammarn to Ystøran: the red-marked route may be covered by water at high tide. The protected natural area there is used as sheep pasture and is an important area for bird migration.

The Røstlandet Nature Reserve includes wetlands, heathland and pasture and is home to a diverse range of birdlife. Those who want to watch birds will find the Fuglekikkerbua hide on Sandbergan, which makes it possible to observe birds even in bad weather. The path to the shelter at Kvalvågsletta has been adapted for people with reduced mobility; it starts at the old cemetery. These different trails and observation opportunities offer various ways to experience Røst’s nature.

Churches, fishing and local festivals

The area’s cultural history includes two churches from different periods. Gammelkirka, dating from 1839, is located in the north of Røst island. Røst Church is a wooden long church inaugurated in 1900; its altarpiece dates from around 1520. Skomvær Lighthouse Station in Røst Municipality is designated as a visitor lighthouse and has been protected under Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act since 1999.

From February to April, during the Lofotfisket fishery, Røst is one of the most important fishing villages: the sea is full of fish, the harbour is full of boats and the island is full of life. In summer, visitors can see this year’s stockfish production at several of the six fish-processing businesses and sample the products. On a tour of the stockfish drying shed at Røst Sjømat, you can learn why stockfish from Røst has been so well received around the world, especially in Italy.

The festivals also add their own highlights to the annual calendar. Lundefestivalen takes place every year on the weekend around Midsummer in June and has been running for around 30 years. The programme features art, culture, food, talks, activities for all ages, dancing and entertainment. Querinifest takes place on the first weekend in August, with singing, stockfish and local food at its heart. These dates can help you plan your search for a holiday apartment around your preferred travel period.

Getting there and finding accommodation

Røst can be reached by plane from Bodø or Svolvær. The listed ferry route goes via Bodø, Værøy and Moskenes. Both the route and the season are useful guideposts for planning your trip: the Lofotfisket shapes the months from February to April, excursions to the bird cliffs are organised in spring and summer, and the two festivals take place in June and on the first weekend in August, respectively.

For the broader travel overview: Røst.