It has the shortest place name in the world, is tiny and is probably home to more seagulls than people. But the fishing village of Å, located in Lofoten, is a popular destination among tourists despite its small size and low population, and for good reason. You have beautiful views of the sea and the mountains in the area, you can learn more about the fishing culture and you can eat the most delicious cinnamon rolls in Lofoten!
What to see and do in Å in Lofoten?
The Lofoten archipelago is perhaps one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, but it is also mainly known for its fishing. Small fishing villages such as Å should certainly not be missed when you visit the Lofoten!
#1 Stockfish Museum
It is of course not without reason that the Lofoten is full of picturesque fishing villages such as Å. Until 1990, the economy here ran almost entirely on fish. Stockfish in particular provided good trade and was even Norway’s first export product. In the Stockfish museum, which is located in an old fish landing station, you will learn all about the process from the moment the fish is landed to the packaging and export of the fish. Do you also want to see the stockfish outside the museum? Then visit the Lofoten between February and May. During this period, the caught stockfish is hung outside on wooden racks to dry. The climate during this period is ideal, which is why the stockfish here is considered the best in the world.
#2 Norwegian Fishing Village Museum
Another museum to visit is the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. This is a museum specifically dedicated to fishing in the village of Å. Several buildings, including a boathouse and cod liver oil facility, offer different exhibitions about life in the Lofoten fishery over the past 200 years. The museum focuses on life in the fishing village of Å from 1840 to 1960.
#3 Bakery with the most delicious cinnamon rolls in Lofoten
In Lofoten there are several bakeries that claim to sell the best cinnamon buns in the world. At least, one bakery claims it and at the other it is mainly hearsay. Since we love cinnamon buns, it was no problem for us to taste them everywhere to make a clear choice. But the clear winner is really the old bakery in Å. They may not be the best cinnamon buns in the world (we ate them in Trondheim so far), but they are definitely the tastiest cinnamon buns in Lofoten! Maybe it has something to do with the baking method. The sandwiches are baked in an old wood oven from 1878. Delicious to eat, but also nice to take a look at the old bakery! It is open from the beginning of June to the end of September.
#4 Viewpoint
The fishing village of Å is located at the very end of the road in Lofoten. From here you have a beautiful view with the sea on one side and the impressive mountain peaks on the other. To get to the viewpoint, you don’t walk from the large parking lot towards the village, but to the other side. Follow the short and well-maintained path towards the large stones and boulders for a nice view.
#5 Seagulls
Since tourism in Lofoten has increased considerably, there are a number of fishing villages, including Å, where hardly any people live. Fishing has given way to tourism here, so the Norwegian seagulls have taken over the fishing villages. They are often present in large numbers and can make themselves heard. It’s a nice scene to watch, but be careful. The seagulls can also be very cheeky. So don’t feed them and watch your stuff.
How to get there and fastest route to Å
The old fishing village of Å is located in the municipality of Moskenes on one of the many islands and the very tip of Lofoten. You can reach Å by road via the E10, it takes 5.5 hours from Narvik and about 2 to 2.5 hours from Svolvær, or by ferry from Bodø which takes about 4 hours to nearby Moskenes. From the north or Kiruna in Sweden the fastest route is via the E10, but if you’re coming from the south you can save quite a bit by taking the ferry. You can also do this on the way back if you travel the other way around on the Lofoten and visit Å last.
Because there is hardly any public transport in Lofoten, it is best to arrange a rental car if you come by plane. These are not cheap, but really recommended if you want to explore the Lofoten quickly and on your own. Of course you can also drive there with your own car or camper. Keep in mind that the roads here are very narrow and are not suitable for large RVs. For renting a car we recommend Sunny Cars. This way you can compare different cars and prices + that everything is included. So you no longer need extra insurance. Tip: rent a small car because of the traffic on the many narrow roads.
Driving and camping in Lofoten
If you travel to the Lofoten with a campervan, adjust your driving and camping behavior. As mentioned, the many narrow roads are not suitable for large RVs, but also pull aside if you notice that a car behind you is faster and would like to pass you. You do not camp (and park) in places where it is clearly stated that this is not allowed, on private property, in all places where no clear road leads to (so do not destroy nature), at passing harbors (indicated with a blue sign with the letter M on it) or along/on the road (where it is often already so narrow). Don’t do this even if you see others doing it.
Camping in the cemetery (yes, people do this…), under the wooden racks with stockfish (no, not even when they are empty) or displaying your complete camping set in the parking lot at the supermarket is not done at all. There is little space on the Lofoten, while it is getting busier – especially in the summer. But there is increasing criticism from the locals because tourists think they can park and camp everywhere. This brings with it great annoyances and that only ensures that wild camping or free camping in Scandinavia will become increasingly difficult in the future or even be banned completely. So adjust your driving behavior and camp and park only where permitted.
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