Scattered off the southwestern tip of the Lofoten Islands, Røst is a tiny archipelago in the Norwegian Sea. It centres around the fishing village of Røstlandet, which overflows with anglers during the fishing season. The main island is dominated by marshy wetlands and lakes, with the highest point of Røstlandet reaching just 11 metres above sea level.
Things to do in Røst
Spend an afternoon strolling through the village of Røstlandet, which sprawls across the southeastern part of Røstlandet Island. It’s clustered with fish drying racks and dominated by a white wooden church that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Just beyond the village lies sheep-dotted paddocks and lakes that attract a variety of birdlife.
If you want to stretch your legs, visit the Vannverket hiking area, which features Røstlandet’s protected wetlands. Alternatively, you can rent a boat to explore the uninhabited islands of Stofjellet and Vedoya that lie south. In winter, around 600 fishing vessels are based in the archipelago to take advantage of the annual Arctic cod migration.
In the far south of Røst on the island of Skomvær is the Skomvær Lighthouse, which was originally established in 1887 to aid fishing vessels navigating the treacherous waters. Admire its cylindrical, cast-iron tower, which is painted a bright red and stands atop a white stone base. The lighthouse boasts spectacular views across the Norwegian Sea and the islets that surround Skomvær.
Getting around Røst
Røst Airport has regular flights to the town of Bodø on mainland Norway, from where trains connect south to Oslo. Ferries also travel from Røst to Bodø and the neighbouring island of Værøya. Boats are the main means of getting around the archipelago, although Røstlandet is small enough to explore on foot.