Værøy: Mountains, Beaches and Cultural History

Værøy brings together several distinct themes for a stay: travel connections, mountain and coastal scenery, and traces of the past. When planning your trip, you can consider whether transport links, trails and nature, or cultural history are especially important to you. Værøy lies between the island of Moskenes to the north and Røst to the south. Car ferries and scheduled helicopter services offer different ways to get there.

Getting There by Ferry or Scheduled Helicopter

You can travel by car on the ferries “M/F Landegode”, “M/F Værøy” and “M/S Bodø” between Bodø, Værøy, Røst and Moskenes. The ferry services are therefore a practical option if you want to bring your car. Lufttransport AS also operates daily scheduled passenger helicopter services between Bodø and Værøy. The services differ both in transport mode and the places they connect: cars can be transported by ferry between four locations, while the helicopter service connects Bodø and Værøy. Before travelling, check current ferry times and reservation requirements, as well as the latest helicopter service information from Lufttransport AS.

Mountains, Beaches and Bird Cliffs

The mountains on Værøy are steep, but easier to climb than those elsewhere in Lofoten. Both aspects help describe the landscape: their relative ease of ascent does not change the fact that they are steep. Other landscape features include white sandy beaches and bird cliffs. From the summit of Håen, the trail offers views of Måstad and Måhornet; visibility depends on the weather. The Hundholmen nature reserve lies east of Værøy and protects an important seabird nesting area. Seasonal restrictions apply to landings there.

Church and Eagle Houses

The old church stands on the north side of Værøy and is the oldest church building in Lofoten. Another trace of the past is eagle catching: on Værøy, eagles were caught by hand from the 17th century until protection began in 1968. The trail to Håheia passes restored eagle houses associated with this tradition. This route brings together the landscape and a specific part of local cultural history.

Historic Places in the Værøy Destination

Other places in the Værøy destination also reveal different historical connections. Hagsletta in Sørlandshagen has a concentration of settlement remains from the Stone Age, Iron Age, Middle Ages and modern period. The old trading post at Røstnesvågen includes restored 19th-century buildings, including a grocery store and telegraph building. The telegraph station on Værøy opened in 1910 and is now a cultural heritage site that conveys local history. Fiskarheimen on Værøy is a long-established meeting place with roots in fishing culture. Together, these sites span settlement remains from different periods, historic trading buildings, the telegraph station and the cultural connection to fishing.

Discover more destinations: Sørland West

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