Kabelvåg
A colourful community with roots going back to the year 8000.
A vibrant community with rich history
A historic area with roots going back to the year 8000, this was the most densely populated area in North Norway in the Middle Ages because of the Lofoten fishery.
Kabelvåg is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Lofoten cod fishery, dating back over 1,000 years. In the Middle Ages, the village became a hub for the booming stockfish trade, attracting merchants, fishermen, and even kings. At one point, Kabelvåg (or Vaagár) was the largest fishing village in Northern Norway.
The town’s significance peaked during the Viking Age and Middle Ages, when dried cod (stockfish) was a vital export product from Northern Norway to Europe. Its strategic location and access to rich fishing grounds made Kabelvåg an early economic powerhouse in the north.
Lofoten’s first church was built in Kabelvåg by King Øystein, probably in 1103, and rorbu fishermen’s cabins were built around 1120. The present Vågan Church, also known as ‘Lofoten Cathedral’, was built in 1898. Kabelvåg is part of the area’s cultural history, and also has museums, galleries and an aquarium.
The community in Kabelvåg is often described as “vibrant.” Here, you’ll find a folk high school (Folkehøyskole), a renowned film school, a combined elementary and secondary school, a large sports hall, and a rich arts and culture scene. It’s a wonderful place for children to grow up, offering an impressive range of activities for such a small town.
Insider advice and helpful reminders
- Buses roll through Kabelvåg regularly, coming from both east and west — including from Leknes, Henningsvær, and Svolvær.
- Take it slow when driving through town! Kabelvåg is full of life, with kids often out biking, playing, and exploring.
- And a gentle reminder: Most houses here are real homes, not museum pieces — so please skip the window photos and respect the locals’ privacy.
