Thursday, 31 May 2012 - 01:23 pm (CET/MEZ) Berlin | Author/Destination: European Free Trade Association Category/Kategorie: GeneralReading Time: 3minutes
Svolvær is the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality (9,200 inhabitants) in the Nordland County in Lofoten. The town itself has a population of 4,000.
The first town formation known in North Norway, Vågar, was situated around the narrow, natural harbor near Kabelvåg, just west of Svolvær. Vågar is mentioned in Heimskringla, and might have been established as early as 800. One of the first churches in North Norway was most likely built here, approximately 900 years ago. The great cod fisheries in winter has always been the most important economical foundation for the town, but fish farming (salmon) is also important in Vågan, as is Secora and Lofotkraft. Svolvær was given township privileges in 1918, but this was discontinued following a merge with neighbouring municipalities in 1964. Township was established again in 1996.
Tourism is becoming increasingly important, and Svolvær is a transport hub and favourite starting point for tourists visiting the islands. Approximately 200,000 tourists visit Svolvær each year. A new 10 – storey high combined culture scene and hotel with 160 rooms opened in March 2009. Many artists have been inspired by the unique light in Lofoten, and there are many artists and galleries in Svolvær. There is also a well known World War II museum in town (Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum). Whale watching tours depart from Svolvær in late autumn and winter with a focus on Orca (Killer whales). Boat excursions to nearby Raftsundet strait and its famous branch Trollfjord is also arranged from Svolvær.
[caption id="attachment_207775" align="aligncenter" width="455"] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by Johann Nepomuk della Croce[/caption][responsivevoice_button voice="UK English Female" buttontext="Listen to this Post"]Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, baptised as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, ...
