One of the most iconic and photogenic places in the Lofoten Islands is undoubtedly Hamnøy. This tiny fishing village is located in a stunning setting, nestled against the steep cliffs of the mountains on the southern part of the island of Flakstadøya. You’ll find Hamnøy on nearly every list of beautiful places in the Lofoten Islands. It may be small, but it’s incredibly photogenic. I spent quite a bit of time here, wandering around in search of the best viewpoints and scenic angles. In this article, I’m sharing photos of Hamnøy, along with some background about the history of this unique fishing village in the Lofoten.
History of Hamnøy
Hamnøy is located on the eastern side of the Lofoten archipelago. Together with Reine, Olenilsøya, Sakrisøya and a few other small (pen)insulas, it sits between the larger islands of Flakstadøya and Moskenesøya. In the past, Hamnøy was a tiny island with a handful of fishermen’s cabins. From January to April, fishermen stayed in these huts after long days at sea catching cod.
However, the small harbour was quite treacherous due to strong currents. In 1953, the island was connected to Flakstadøya by a pier to make the harbour much safer. This pier largely enclosed the harbour, turning it into one of the safest harbours in the Lofoten to this day.
In 1963, the E10 (King Olav V’s Road) was built, and in 1981, the bridge was completed, connecting Hamnøy with Sakrisøya, Olenilsøya and the small island in between. Since then, tourism in this part of the archipelago has increased significantly, as it suddenly became much easier to reach the Lofoten Islands by car.
The Eliassen family and the rise of Hamnøy
In the mid-19th century, the Eliassen family, along with two other families, settled in Hamnøy. They played a major role in putting Hamnøy on the map through their successful cod fishing, stockfish processing and fish trade. The name Eliassen still lives on in Hamnøy today; Eliassen Rorbuer is perhaps the most well-known accommodation in the Lofoten Islands.
Best photo spots in Hamnøy
The best view of Hamnøy is from the bridge. If you’re arriving from Flakstadøya, there’s a small parking area on the right-hand side just before the bridge. If that spot is full, you can drive across the bridge and park on the small island on the other side. Then walk a bit up the bridge for the most scenic view of Hamnøy’s iconic red fishermen’s cabins.
Photographing in the Hamnøy harbor
Make sure to take a walk around Hamnøy as well. Stroll through the harbor by the fishermen’s cabins and peek through every corner; you’ll be surprised by what you find. From nearly every angle, you’ll see the imposing mountains in the background, no matter where you stand. In terms of lighting, it’s great for photography all day long as you’ll have the sun at your back. And if you’re lucky and it’s clear at night, this is the perfect place to capture the Northern Lights.
Staying in Hamnøy
Eliassen Rorbuer may be the most famous accommodation in Hamnøy, but these fishermen’s cabins are also the first to get fully booked. Fortunately, there are other charming accommodations to be found on the Lofoten, even in this area. We stayed at The Manor House in Hamnøy, a cozy and tastefully decorated place. The house has several rooms available for rent, with shared bathroom facilities. Initially, we were a bit hesitant about this, but it turned out to be perfect. There are three rooms per floor, and you share a (large) bathroom, a separate toilet, a living room, and a kitchen with guests from these rooms. If you’re okay with sharing some common spaces, this is truly a pleasant (and not too expensive) place to stay.
Sleep in authentic fishermen’s cottages
Delicious Dining in Hamnøy: Restaurant Gadus
If you’re staying in (or near) Hamnøy, it’s highly recommended to dine at Restaurant Gadus. At Gadus, they combine Italian and Norwegian specialties. The dishes are beautifully presented, the flavors are delightful, and the ambiance is warm and cozy. There’s an open kitchen, which always adds something extra. It’s lovely to see the chef pour all of his passion into the dishes! It’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially during peak season.
