Svolvær

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Svolvær was separated from Vågan as a town, and municipality of its own, in 1919 - but it was again merged with Vågan January 1, 1964.

History and economy

The first town formation known in North Norway, Vågar, was situated around the narrow, natural harbor near Kabelvåg, just west of Svolvær. Vågar is mentioned in Heimskringla, and might have been established as early as 800. One of the first churches in North Norway was most likely built here, approximately 900 years ago. The great cod fisheries in winter has always been the most important economical foundation for the town, but fish farming (salmon) is also important in Vågan, as is Secora and Lofotkraft. Svolvær was given township privileges in 1918, but this was discontinued following a merge with neighbouring municipalities in 1964. Township was declared again in 1996. Tourism is becoming increasingly important, and Svolvær is a transport hub and favourite starting point for tourists visiting the islands. Approximately 200,000 tourists visit Svolvær each year. A new 10 - storey high combined culture scene and hotel with 150 rooms will be completed by autumn 2008. Many artists have been inspired by the unique light in Lofoten, and there are many artists and galleries in Svolvær ( [http://www.svinoya.no/g-berg.htm ] , [http://www.lofoten-art.no/nn-kunst.htm ] , [http://www.stig-tobiassen.com/index-filer/Page401.htm ] ). There is also a well known World War II museum in town ("Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum" [http://www.lofotenkrigmus.no/hovedside.htm ] ). Whale watching tours depart from Svolvær in late autumn and winter with a focus on Orca (Killer whales). Boat excursions to nearby Raftsundet strait and its famous branch Trollfjord is also arranged from Svolvær.

Location and climate

Svolvær is located in Lofoten on the south coast of Austvågøy, facing the open sea to the south, and with mountains immediately to the north. The most famous mountain, "Svolværgeita", was first climbed in 1910. Svolvær is partly located on smaller islands, such as Svinøya, connected to the main island by way of the Svinøy Bridge.Sheltered by the mountains to the north and west, the Svolvær area has less fog and experiences somewhat higher daytime temperatures in summer than the western part of Lofoten, but the same mountains also create more orographic precipitation on rainy days ( [Geography of Norway#climate| [1] , [http://www.yr.no/sted/Norge/Nordland/Vågan/Svolvær/ weather forecast] ). Precipitation is heaviest in autumn and winter; October averages three times as much rain as does June. Daytime temperatures are usually warmer than the 24-hr average, particularly from March to September.

Communications

Parts of the town is built on small islands connected by bridges. There is a regional airport near the town, Svolvær Airport, Helle, and Svolvær is a port of call for Hurtigruten. There is a ferry connection Svolvær to Skutvik in Hamarøy, and express boat connections to Bodø. The Lofast road (new E10) was officially opened on December 1 2007, giving Svolvær access to the mainland and Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes. There are now scheduled bus connections to Evenes (3 hr) and Narvik (4 hr 15 min). There is boat connection to the nearby scenic island Skrova where there is a nice view in all directions from the hill.

*Sources: Statistics Norway, NAF veibok, Norwegian Wikipedia (bokmål).

Twin Towns

* Ancona, Italy

External links

* [http://www.summitpost.org/show/mountain_link.pl/mountain_id/3407 Pictures and information about Svolværgeita mountain]
* [http://www.svolvaer.net svolvaer.net - Information about Svolvær]
* [http://derickrethans.nl/images/content/photos/dsc_4868.jpgPicture overlooking Svolværgeita and Svolvær]
* [http://liedra.net/gallery/Scandinavian%20Adventure/Svolvaer/ Pictures from Svolvær and Skrova]