{"id":15855,"date":"2024-05-28T09:58:33","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T07:58:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitlofoten.com\/en\/?p=15855"},"modified":"2025-06-03T15:24:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T13:24:34","slug":"discover-vaeroy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitlofoten.com\/en\/discover-vaeroy\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover V\u00e6r\u00f8y"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t
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Discover V\u00e6r\u00f8y<\/h1>\n\n\n

A Secluded Gem in the Lofoten Islands Archipelago<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Lofoten archipelago, V\u00e6r\u00f8y is an enchanting island that promises an unforgettable escape to one the most remote island communities in Norway. This unique arctic island offers adventurers and nature lovers a serene retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n

Journey to V\u00e6r\u00f8y via the World’s Northernmost Helicopter Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reaching V\u00e6r\u00f8y is an adventure. Start your journey by flying into Bod\u00f8, a charming coastal town in northern Norway, and maybe stay a night at one of the hotels there. From Bod\u00f8 Airport, you can take a scenic ferry ride, or a helicopter operated by Lufttransport<\/a> to V\u00e6r\u00f8y. The approach to the island, whether by sea or air, offers stunning views of the surrounding waters and the jagged peaks of the Lofoten islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fly to Bod\u00f8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

International Flights<\/strong>: Fly into Oslo Airport (OSL), Norway\u2019s main international airport. Also, from Finland, Helsinki, you can fly directly into Bod\u00f8 on June 17th<\/sup> with Finnair (2h 35 min). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domestic Flights<\/strong>: From Oslo, take a domestic flight to Bod\u00f8 Airport (BOO). There are multiple flights daily operated by airlines such as Norwegian Air Shuttle and SAS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Bod\u00f8 to V\u00e6r\u00f8y<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By Air<\/strong>: At Bod\u00f8 Airport you travel with Lufttransport<\/a> to V\u00e6r\u00f8y (VRY). (20 min). Either 09:00-09:25 or 16:30-16:55.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Ferry<\/strong>: You can take a ferry from Bod\u00f8 to V\u00e6r\u00f8y (learn about the ferries in Lofoten here<\/a>). The ferry trip takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the weather conditions and schedule. Note that the ferry schedule varies seasonally, so check the latest schedule in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Helicopter to V\u00e6r\u00f8y with Lufttransport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Example of a 3-Day Itinerary <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

You can use this example to better understand how you could plan an excursion to V\u00e6r\u00f8y.<\/p>\n\n\n

Day 1: Embracing the Local Charm of V\u00e6r\u00f8y<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the picturesque village of S\u00f8rland, the island\u2019s main settlement. Check into one of the welcoming guesthouses, such as\u00a0Bensvik Brygge<\/a>, where you\u2019ll experience the warm hospitality of the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Apartments<\/div>\n

Bensvik Brygge<\/h2>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll through S\u00f8rland. The village is home to charming wooden houses, a quaint church, and a few local shops and a bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit the V\u00e6r\u00f8y Church, a historical site that offers a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the day winds down, head to H\u00e5en, an epic hike from the village, to witness a breathtaking sunset. The panoramic views from this vantage point are mesmerising, with the sun casting golden hues over the surrounding sea and mountains. You can even see R\u00f8st, Mosken, and Lofotodden National Park from this spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

V\u00e6r\u00f8y’s cultural history dates to the Stone Age, around 6000 BC, with cave paintings that are 3000 years old. Settlements from the Iron Age and Viking Age also remain. V\u00e6r\u00f8y’s history is mostly unique in hunting and fishing in recent times. Eagle hunting with bare hands and the capture of puffins using the puffin dog, or M\u00e5stad dog as it is also called, are practices that are unqiue to the people of V\u00e6r\u00f8y. An old tradition that is no longer practiced, only told. We suggest a local guided walk for a deeper understanding of this history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, you can see one of many hideouts the locals used to catch eagles with their bare hands<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hole where hunters hid to catch eagles with their hands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Hole where hunters slipped out bait to catch eagles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

While V\u00e6r\u00f8y is a small island, there are a few dining options where you can enjoy a meal during your visit. Tonight, we suggest dinner at V\u00e6r\u00f8y Brygge, which offers a dining experience with views of the harbor paired with local seafood dishes, including freshly caught fish prepared in traditional Norwegian cooking. Enjoy the halibut with boiled potatoes and truffle tongs or stockfish in the charming atmosphere of V\u00e6r\u00f8y.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2: Hiking Through History and Natural Beauty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

V\u00e6r\u00f8y is a hiker\u2019s paradise, and one of the must-do hikes is the trek to the abandoned village of M\u00e5stad. This hike takes you through rugged terrain and offers spectacular views at every turn. Once a thriving community, the village is now a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the island\u2019s past. It’s also known for its large puffin population, making it a tremendous bird-watching spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch surrounded by the serene beauty of M\u00e5stad. The combination of historical ruins and natural splendor makes this a unique experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a day of hiking, return to S\u00f8rland to relax and rejuvenate. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes, including the renowned Lofoten stockfish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can rent a bicycle from Fru Johansens Kiosk.<\/strong> To reach the starting point for the hike to M\u00e5stad from S\u00f8rland in V\u00e6r\u00f8y, you need to cycle to Nordlandshagen, which is commonly used as the trailhead for this hike. Approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from S\u00f8rland to Nordlandshagen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biking will take about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace \u2014 cycle south on Fv772 from S\u00f8rland. Continue until you reach Nordlandshagen. The hike to M\u00e5stad takes approximately 2-3 hours each way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the way, you will also pass \u201cNordlandsnupen<\/strong>\u201d, another mountain you can hike. It\u2019s the tallest mountain on V\u00e6r\u00f8y, 470 MASL, with the trail starting in Breivik<\/a>. 3-4 hour round tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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