Ballstad: Fishing History, Harbour and Trails

Ballstad is the Lofoten Islands’ largest fishing village that is still actively operating. The fishermen’s cabins and buildings are sheltered from the open sea by many small islands; the distinctive mountain Skottind shapes the view across the village. Fishing history, activities from the harbour and trails through the landscape offer different themes for planning your trip.

Fishing history and the fishing industry

The Ballstad Væreier Museum was established in 2024 following the extensive restoration of an old barn dating from 1881. The exhibition includes old production equipment from the late 19th century, also used in the Lofoten fishery, as well as old fishing boats, photographs, films and other historical artefacts. In this way, an old barn brings together various traces of fishing history: work equipment and boats, as well as photographs and films.

Fishing itself is also part of Ballstad’s character. Here you can experience the Lofoten fishery, when cod known as skrei head out into the Vestfjord. Fishing trips depart from Ballstad by boat. During the skrei fishing season, guests of Hemmingodden Lodge can also go out onto the Lofoten Sea with the owners. This trip is an offer for lodge guests and is not a standalone public activity.

Activities from the harbour and on the water

From the harbour, activities such as kayaking, diving and snorkelling take you to the small skerries outside the village. On the first dive at the PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, the maximum depth is 6 metres; a qualified personal dive instructor accompanies the participant. The Discover Scuba programme begins with a surface briefing, followed by simple exercises and a dive. As programmes and conditions may change, check the latest details before planning.

During the Summer Snorkeling activity, visitors may see kelp forests, seaweed areas, jellyfish, sea urchins, starfish, as well as various species of crabs and fish. Sea conditions and sightings vary, so what you actually see may differ.

The Havfisketur with Kaptein Storm provides fishing equipment such as trolling lines and fishing rods, as well as a life jacket approved by Veritas. The tour also has facilities for gutting, filleting and packaging the catch. As equipment and facilities may change, check which details are current before planning.

Trails to Ballstadheia and Skottind

The trails around Ballstad vary in terrain and destination. A Sherpa staircase leads up to Ballstadheia, and the trail there is steep. A hike to the summit of Skottind offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. If you would rather stay on flat ground, there are several walking trails around the Ballstad headland. This gives you a choice of a steep trail to Ballstadheia, a summit hike with sweeping panoramic views, or walks on lower-lying ground.

Getting there and transport

Bus route 18-742 connects Leknes with Ballstad. Check the current timetable before travelling. The main road connection to Ballstad is the Fv. 818 from Storeid, southwest of Leknes, which connects to the E 10. For cyclists, the route from Stamsund to Ballstad follows the E 10 and then Busknesveien 818 to Ballstad. Road and cycling conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bøstad, Valberg, Gravdal, Stamsund, Sennesvik, Leknes, Vestvågøy.

Back to the main travel overview: Vestvågøy.