Henningsvær (Henningsvaer) at a glance
Henningsvær, often typed Henningsvaer, is a fishing village on a cluster of small islands off Austvågøya, in the municipality of Vågan. Bridges connect the islands. The village is known for crafts, galleries and a climbing scene around it, and for a football pitch that is a famous photo motif.
It lies off the main E10, so plan it as a half-day or evening side trip from Svolvær or as a base of its own. Many visitors pair it with Lofoten boat tours from Svolvær, the other main harbour on this side of the islands.
What to do in Henningsvær
A small village with a few strong reasons to come.
The football pitch
It is a well-known photo motif. A famous aerial picture does not mean the pitch is a viewpoint you can walk up to, and it gives no general permission to fly a drone. Treat it as a sports ground and do not enter it without asking.
Galleries and crafts
The village has galleries and handicraft shops. Opening hours and prices are set by each business, so check before you plan around a visit. Do not assume anything is free or always open.
Climbing
The surroundings are known for climbing. If you want a course or a guide, ask the provider about price and level before you book.
The harbour walk
The bridges, boats and houses make a good walk of an hour or two. Keep to public paths and respect houses and working areas.
Our pick: Henningsvær on a half day
Our take: a guided round trip from Svolvær that can stop in Henningsvær.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours around Henningsvær and Svolvær
Boat trips, fishing, northern lights and hikes, with live prices and availability.
Getting there and parking
By bus, or by car and then on foot.
Bus line 18-743 runs Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær. Check the timetable for your date, as days and times change. By car, park on the larger car parks and explore the village on foot rather than driving into its narrow lanes. See how to get to Lofoten for the wider picture.
Hotels, apartments and rorbuer are available in the village. The island setting means it is not directly on the E10, so allow extra time to drive in and out. For wider choices, read where to stay in Lofoten.
Henningsvær after dark
Northern lights are possible from September to April, never guaranteed.
One raised spot behind the football pitch is a photo location for northern lights. Do not assume free night access to the pitch or to private ground. Choose a public place, keep clear of roads and driveways, and read the northern lights in Lofoten page for season and spots.
| Question | What to know |
|---|---|
| Is the football pitch open to visit? | Do not count on fixed visiting hours or free entry. Do not enter without permission |
| Can I fly a drone? | There is no general permission. Check the rules and the owner first |
| How do I get there? | Bus 18-743 from Svolvær, or by car |
| Where do I park? | On the larger car parks, then walk |
| What costs money? | Galleries, courses and guided trips set their own prices |
For most visitors, a good plan is a few hours in the village and a walk, rather than a full day. Add it to a day that also covers Svolvær.
Visiting with respect
The village is small and people live and work here.
Park first, then walk
The lanes are narrow and the village is built for people on foot. Use a larger car park and walk in, and never leave a car where it blocks a driveway, a bridge approach or a working area.
Plan around galleries
If a gallery matters to you, check its opening hours and prices before you go. Smaller businesses can close at short notice, especially outside the summer.
Photograph without taking over
The football pitch, the harbour and the bridges all make good pictures. Stay on public ground and leave residents their privacy.
Combine it with Svolvær
Svolvær is the departure harbour for the Trollfjord cruise, so a boat trip in the morning and Henningsvær in the afternoon fits one day. See things to do in Lofoten for more ideas.
More to read
Where to go next.
Things to do in Lofoten
Villages, hikes, beaches and boat trips.
Boat tours
Trollfjord cruise, sea eagles and fishing.
Reine and Hamnøy
The southern villages and Reinebringen.
Lofoten road trip
The E10 route and its stops.
For the wider region, see Northern Norway.
Henningsvaer: frequently asked questions
Is Henningsvær worth visiting?
Yes, for the island setting, the bridges, the galleries and the football pitch as a photo motif. Allow a few hours to a half day.
Can I walk on the football pitch?
Do not count on it. Treat the pitch as a sports ground and ask before you enter.
How do I get to Henningsvær from Svolvær?
Bus line 18-743 runs Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær. You can also drive. Park on a larger car park and explore on foot.
Can I fly a drone over the village?
There is no general permission. Check the current rules and the wishes of residents and owners before you fly.
Is lofotenislands.org the official Henningsvær website?
No. This is an independent guide with no link to the municipality, tourism organisations, galleries or tour operators it mentions.