Laupstad on Austnesfjord

Laupstad is a small settlement in northern Lofoten at the innermost end of Austnesfjord; Svolvær is 20 km away. Its fjordside location and distance from Svolvær give you two different points of reference when choosing a location. If you are looking for a hotel in Laupstad, this geographical context can help you choose your destination.

Fjordside location and orientation

Laupstad oppvekstsenter is located directly on the E10, which Vågan describes as the access road to Lofoten. Traffic conditions may vary. The oppvekstsenter is also at the foot of Higravtinden—the highest mountain in Lofoten. The road and the mountain are therefore two distinct geographical reference points alongside the location on Austnesfjord. Coming from Svolvær, a parking area lies at the heart of Austnesfjord, just before Laupstad. If you plan to use it in winter, check the parking conditions before setting off.

Hiking and recreational areas

The rise east of Lilandsveien is a starting point for a hiking and skiing trail. Gammelveien in Laupstad is described as an important recreational area in Lofoten. The valley of the Morfjordelva in Laupstad is also described as one. For orientation, the distinction is useful: a starting point marks the beginning of a trail, while the other two references are to recreational areas.

Ski touring and season

The mountains around Laupstad on Austvågøya are among the most snow-sure areas in Lofoten for ski touring. Snow conditions vary from year to year. In the wider destination of Vågan, the main ski touring season runs from early February to late April. This places the description of the mountains around Laupstad alongside Vågan’s seasonal timeframe: the season dates provide a general guide, while local conditions vary from year to year. Saufjellet, Pilan, Torskmannen and Småtindane are also mentioned as popular mountains for ski touring in Lofoten.

More nature and culture in Vågan

In the wider destination of Vågan, the landscape extends beyond Laupstad. Gimsøystraumen is an 18-kilometer-long sound between Vestvågøy and Vågan. Gimsøya has extensive protected areas with rare wildlife and a rich variety of birdlife. On Gimsøya, an easy walk leads to Hoven; from there, 360-degree panoramic views take in Lofoten’s varied mountains and the open sea to the north. These examples appeal to different interests in nature: the sound as a geographical feature, protected nature, and a walk with panoramic views.

Culture is also part of the wider Vågan travel area. The Lofoten Cathedral in Kabelvåg dates from 1898 and is the largest church in northern Norway. Henningsvær is one of Norway’s 13 protected cultural landscapes. The wider destination therefore includes both natural features and specific cultural and historical landmarks.

Discover more destinations: Svolvær, Skrova, Laukvik, Kleppstad, Kabelvåg, Henningsvær, Digermulen, Brettesnes

Back to the wider travel overview: Vågan.