Røst: Island nature, birdlife and stockfish

Røst is an island community surrounded by 365 islands, islets and reefs. Birdlife, fishing and expansive island landscapes offer different possible focuses for a trip here. When planning, it is worth considering the seasonal calendar as well as the scenery: the fishing season, summer visits and the festival in June each provide different reasons to stay.

Wetlands, bird islands and open landscapes

The Røstlandet nature reserve encompasses species-rich wetlands and was established in 1997. Another protected area, Nykan, includes Ellefsnyken, Trenyken and Hernyken; it was established in 2002. The Røstøyan nature reserve includes, among others, the towering bird islands of Vedøy and Storfjellet. These names provide specific points of reference for the island’s natural landscape, while the protected areas encompass different parts of it.

The terrain of Røstlandet can also be described with a figure: its highest point is just over 11 metres above sea level. If you want to explore the landscape on foot, you can take the blue-marked trail to Åndhammarn. It passes through flat, open moorland and a groundwater area completely protected from the sea. The trail is about 1.5 kilometres each way and suitable for everyone. As trail conditions can change seasonally, check them before setting out.

On the water and around the island

Boat trips along the bird cliffs are offered daily on Røst. In suitable weather, there is also a trip around the Skomvær lighthouse. Røst Rib offers a seasonal two-hour RIB tour around Røst, with abundant birdlife. The Røst Rib boat can also approach areas of land that are inaccessible by road. When planning, it is helpful to distinguish between the tour duration and the weather-dependent Skomvær option: conditions help determine whether this additional route is offered.

There is also a way to experience the island on a broader scale from land: Røst Bryggehotell offers a guided bus tour around the entire island. Fishing trips and boat rental add to the activities on Røst. These options take different forms—from a guided tour or a boat trip to an independently organised outing on the water. Check the relevant schedules and conditions in advance for travel and tours.

Stockfish and seasonal experiences

Visitors encounter stockfish on guided tours as well as through seasonal glimpses into its production. On a tour of the stockfish drying racks at Røst Sjømat, you can learn about Røst stockfish; this tour is available on request. Later in the summer, several of the six fishing businesses on Røst show visitors how stockfish is produced and offer samples. While the tour focuses on a specific place and product, visits to the fishing businesses provide insight into seasonal production.

Another time of year is the Lofotfisket, from February to April: the harbour on Røst fills with boats, and the island becomes especially busy. Every year in June, Lundefestivalen takes place on the weekend around Midsummer Day, with music and entertainment for the whole family. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the exact dates before making plans.

Culture and history on Røst

Røst Church is a long wooden church with 278 seats. It was built in 1899, consecrated on 26 September 1900 and restored in 1971. Performances of Querinioperaen are also part of the area’s cultural history: it was performed on Røst in 2012, 2014 and 2018 with a full opera and symphony orchestra. The church is a permanent structure with a precisely dated history, while the opera performances are documented for the years mentioned.

Plan your journey and choose your stay

Røst can be reached by plane from Bodø or Svolvær, or by ferry on the Bodø–Værøy–Røst–Moskenes route. Since schedules should be checked separately, it is a good idea to look up current connections before finalising your trip. Your planned activities and travel dates can also help you choose a hotel in Røst: Would you like to experience the bird cliffs from the water, walk the trail to Åndhammarn, or learn about fishing and stockfish? The activities mentioned offer different starting points, but not every trip needs to have the same focus.

Discover more destinations: Røst, Lurøy, Hemnes, Rana, Tysfjord, Sømna, Nesna, Alstahaug

See the full travel overview: Nordland.