Austvågøya

Austvågøya is an island in Nordland county, Norway, located in the Lofoten archipelago. It is part of Vågan Municipality and lies to the east within the Lofoten group of islands. The largest town on the island is Svolvær, which serves as the municipal center and regional hub for fishing, commerce, and tourism. The island is one of the larger landmasses in Lofoten and forms a core part of the Vågan area.

Geography and landscape: Austvågøya features a rugged coastline with numerous sheltered harbors, steep mountains, fjords, and open sea views that typify Lofoten scenery. The terrain supports a mix of traditional fishing facilities and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors for hiking, climbing, and scenic photography. The island is bordered by Vestfjorden to the south and the Norwegian Sea to the north and east.

Economy and accessibility: The economy has historically centered on fishing and related industries, with growing emphasis on tourism and services. Austvågøya is connected to the rest of Lofoten and the Norwegian mainland by road networks that cross bridges and utilize ferries, and Svolvær serves as a transportation hub. The region is served by regional air and sea links that provide access to the surrounding communities.

Notable features: A prominent landmark on the island is Svolværgeita, a distinctive rock formation near Svolvær. The island’s communities retain a long-standing fishing heritage and have experienced changes associated with modern tourism and regional development.