View source for Lofoten

{{Short description|Archipelago and traditional district in Nordland, Norway}}
{{Infobox islands
|name             = Lofoten
|native_name      = {{native name list|tag1=no|name1=Lofoten|tag2=smj|name2=Lufoahtta|tag3=se|name3=Lufuohttá}}
|image_name       = Reine from the Reinebringen.jpg
|image_size       = 250px
|image_caption    = [[Reine]], Lofoten, seen from the top of Reinebringen
|mapframe-zoom    = 6
|coordinates      = {{coord|68|20|N|14|40|E|region:NO-18_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
|location         = 
|archipelago      = Lofoten archipelago
|waterbody        = 
|total_islands    = 
|major_islands    = [[Austvågøya]], [[Vestvågøya]], [[Flakstadøya]], [[Moskenesøya]], [[Værøya]], [[Røstlandet]]
|area_km2         = 1,227<!-- or area m2 or area ha -->
|area_footnotes   = 
|length_km        = <!-- or length m  -->
|length_footnotes = 
|width_km         = <!-- or width m  -->
|width_footnotes  =
|country          = Norway
|population       = 24,500
|website          = {{url|lofoten.info/en}}
}}

'''Lofoten''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|ˈ|l|oʊ|f|oʊ|t|ən|,_|l|oʊ|ˈ|f|oʊ|t|ən}} {{respell|LOH|foh|tən|,_|loh|FOH|tən}}, {{IPA|no|ˈlùːfuːtn̩|lang|link=yes}}; {{langx|smj|Lufoahtta}}; {{langx|se|Lufuohttá}})<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stadnamn.kartverket.no/fakta/26064|title=Informasjon om stadnamn|website=Norgeskart|publisher=[[Norwegian Mapping Authority|Kartverket]]|language=no|accessdate=2024-07-31}}</ref> is an [[archipelago]] and a [[Districts of Norway|traditional district]] in the county of [[Nordland]], [[Norway]]. Lofoten has distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches, and untouched lands. There are two towns, [[Svolvær]] and [[Leknes]] – the latter is approximately {{cvt|169|km}} north of the [[Arctic Circle]] and approximately {{cvt|2,420|km}} away from the [[North Pole]]. The archipelago experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature anomalies relative to its [[Polar region|high]] [[latitude]].

== Etymology ==
In Norway, the archipelago and the area are called Lofoten. There have been many attempts to research the backgrounds and meanings of both the names Lofoten and Ofoten, which have led to many theories, but no definite information. Critical examination has not reached any generally accepted and justified interpretation of the name.<ref name="arkiv-myrvang-skriveformer">{{cite web |url=https://arkivinordland.no/fylkesleksikon/inholden/stadnamn/lofoten-historiske-skriveformer.37423.aspx |title=Lofoten – Historical Skriveformer |author=Finn Myrvang |publisher=Arkiv i Nordland |access-date=2022-10-20 |language=no}}
</ref> 

According to one explanation ''Lofoten'' ({{langx|non|Lófótr}}) was the original name of the island [[Vestvågøya]]. The first element is {{lang|non|ló}} (i.e.,&nbsp;"[[lynx]]") and the last element is derived from Norse {{lang|non|fótr}} (i.e.,&nbsp;"foot"), as the shape of the island must have been compared with that of a lynx's foot. (The old name of the neighbouring island [[Flakstadøya]] was {{lang|non|Vargfót}}, "[[wolf]]'s foot", from {{lang|non|vargr}} "wolf".)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arkivinordland.no/fylkesleksikon/inholden/kommuner/vega/juvelen-blant-fiskeplassar.37408.aspx |title=Juvelen blant fiskeplassar |author=Finn Myrvang |publisher=Arkiv i Nordland |date=2010-06-28 |access-date=2022-10-20 |language=no |quote=Yttersida av Lofoten}}
</ref> The explanation has at least been seen in an article about Lofoten published in ''[[The New York Times]]'' newspaper, for which the reporter had claimed to have heard the explanation from the locals. However, this interpretation of the name has also received criticism.<ref name="snl-lofoten">{{cite web |url=https://snl.no/Lofoten |title=Lofoten |first=Geir |last=Thorsnæs |publisher=Store Norske leksikon |access-date=2022-10-21 |language=no}}
</ref><ref name="lofottidende-hvabetyr">{{cite web |url=https://www.lofot-tidende.no/nyheter/hva-betyr-lofoten/s/1-71-5174590 |title=Hva meaner 'Lofoten'? |author=Håvard Wannebo |publisher=Lofot-Tidende |date=2010-06-28 |access-date=2022-10-21 |language=no}}
</ref> It is considered doubtful that the name Lófót itself meant the island of Vestvågøya from the beginning. Unlike, for example, the local names ''Værøya'' and ''Gimsøya'', where the names clearly contain the endings meaning the island, the "i Lofot" appearing in the texts rather refers to the [[Districts of Norway|district]], which nevertheless also included Vestvågøya.<ref name="arkiv-myrvang-skriveformer"/>

Alternatively, the name could derive from the word for light in reference to the presence of [[Aurora Borealis|aurora borealis]] as the word for light itself is the root of the Old Norse word for lynx {{lang|non|lóa}}, although the earliest evidence suggests {{lang|non|Lófótr}} was first the name of the island of Vestvågøy and only later becoming the name of the chain of islands. Most parsimonious is the analogy with Aurora Borealis, as the word {{lang|non|fótr}} is typically not used to describe the feet of beasts of prey, instead using the word {{lang|non|hrammr}} (paw) or {{lang|non|löpp}} (also paw) for animals such as cats or dogs. {{lang|non|Fótr}} can be used to describe legs, and as such, 'light leg' represents the most plausible etymology taking into account the geography of the archipelago, eventually morphing to describe only the island of Vestvågøy before once again describing the island chain from its main island.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

Another name one might come across is "Lofotveggen" or the Lofoten wall. The archipelago looks like a closed wall when seen from elevated points around [[Bodø Municipality]] or when arriving from the sea, some {{convert|100|km|abbr=off}} long, and {{convert|800|-|1,000|m|abbr=off}} high.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

== History ==
[[File:(Raftsund, Lofoten, Digermulen, Norway) (LOC) (3175025812).jpg|thumb|"Raftsund, Lofoten, Digermulen, Norway", c. 1890–1900.]]
According to Robert M. D'Anjou and others: "There is evidence of human settlement extending back at least 11,000 years in Lofoten, and the earliest archaeological sites ... are only about 5,500 years old, at the transition from the early to [[late Stone Age]]". [[Iron Age]] agriculture, livestock, and significant human habitation can be traced back to {{nowrap|c. 250 BC.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Robert M. |last1=D'Anjou |first2=Raymond S. |last2=Bradley |first3=Nicholas L. |last3=Balascio |first4=David B. |last4=Finkelstein |title=Climate impacts on human settlement and agricultural activities in northern Norway revealed through sediment biogeochemistry |journal=PNAS |volume=109 |issue=50 |pages=20332–20337 |year=2012 |doi=10.1073/pnas.1212730109 |doi-access=free |pmid=23185025 |bibcode=2012PNAS..10920332D |pmc=3528558 }}</ref>}}

[[File:Lofoten Svolvear Fährhafen Ausfahrt.jpg|thumb|left|Svolvær in Lofoten, Norway. View from the ferry harbour]]
The town of Vågan ({{langx|non|Vágar}}) is the first known town formation in [[northern Norway]]. It existed in the early [[Viking Age]], maybe earlier, and was located on the southern coast on eastern Lofoten, near today's village [[Kabelvåg]] in [[Vågan Municipality]]. The [[Lofotr Viking Museum]] with the reconstructed {{convert|83|m||adj=mid|-long}} [[Mead hall|longhouse]] (the largest known) is located near Borg on [[Vestvågøya]], which has many archeological finds from the Iron Age and Viking Age.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.travels-in-time.net/norway15moneng.htm|title=Norway – Vestvågøy – Vendalsjord|website=www.travels-in-time.net|access-date=2021-02-25|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122130726/https://www.travels-in-time.net/norway15moneng.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The islands have for more than 1,000 years been the centre of great [[cod]] [[fisheries]], especially in winter, when the cod migrate south from the [[Barents Sea]] and gather in Lofoten to [[spawn (biology)|spawn]]. [[Bergen (city)|Bergen]] in southwestern Norway was for a long time the hub for further export of cod south to different parts of Europe, particularly so when trade was controlled by the [[Hanseatic League]]. In the lowland areas, particularly Vestvågøy, agriculture plays a significant role, as it has done since the [[Bronze Age]].

In March 1941 the islands were raided by [[British Commandos]] during [[Operation Claymore]], and in a subsequent [[Operation Anklet|diversionary attack]] to support the [[Operation Archery|Vaagso raid]] in December.

As of 2017, the islands attract one million tourists a year.<ref name="vecono">{{cite magazine|title=Why Norway may leave $65bn worth of oil in the ground|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2017/08/economist-explains-12|magazine=[[The Economist]]|author=M.F.|date=29 August 2017}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:Map-of-Lofoten-and-Vesteraalen.svg|thumb|Lofoten and [[Vesterålen]]]]
Lofoten is located at the [[68th parallel north|68th]] and [[69th parallel north|69th parallels north]] of the Arctic Circle in North Norway. Lofoten encompasses the municipalities of [[Vågan Municipality|Vågan]], [[Vestvågøy Municipality|Vestvågøy]], [[Flakstad Municipality|Flakstad]], [[Moskenes Municipality|Moskenes]], [[Værøy Municipality|Værøy]], and [[Røst Municipality|Røst]]. The principal islands, running from north to south are:

*Southern tip of [[Hinnøya]].
*Southern 60% (approx.) of [[Austvågøya]] ({{convert|526.7|km2|lk=out|abbr=off}} in total {{Coord|68|20|N|14|40|E|}})
*[[Gimsøya]] ({{convert|46.4|km2|abbr=off}} {{Coord|68|18|N|14|11|E|}})
*[[Vestvågøya]] ({{convert|411.1|km2|abbr=off}} {{Coord|68|10|N|13|45|E|}})
*[[Flakstadøya]] ({{convert|109.8|km2|abbr=off}} {{Coord|68|5|N|13|20|E|}})
*[[Moskenesøya]] ({{convert|185.9|km2|abbr=off}} {{Coord|67|55|N|13|0|E|}})
[[File:Hamnoy.jpg|center|thumb|290x290px|Hamnoy]]

Further to the south are the small and isolated islands of [[Værøy Municipality]] ({{Coord|67|40|N|12|40|E|}}) and [[Røst Municipality]] ({{Coord|67|37|N|12|7|E|}}). The total land area amounts to {{convert|1,227|km2|abbr=off}}, and the population totals 24,500. Many will argue that Hinnøya, the northern part of [[Austvågøya]] and several hundred smaller islands, skerries, and rocks to the east of [[Austvågøya]] are also part of the Lofoten district. Historically, the territorial definition of Lofoten has changed significantly. Between the mainland and the Lofoten archipelago lies the vast, open [[Vestfjorden]], and to the north is the [[Vesterålen]] district. The principal towns in Lofoten are [[Leknes]] in Vestvågøy Municipality and [[Svolvær]] in Vågan Municipality. The main islands are joined to each other and the mainland by road bridges.

The Lofoten Islands are characterised by their mountains and peaks, sheltered inlets, stretches of seashore and large virgin areas. The highest mountain in Lofoten is [[Higravstinden]] ({{convert|1,161|m|abbr=off}}) in Austvågøy; the [[Møysalen National Park]] just northeast of Lofoten has mountains reaching {{convert|1,262|m|abbr=off}}. The famous [[Moskstraumen]] (Malstrøm) system of [[tide|tidal]] [[eddy (fluid dynamics)|eddies]] is located in western Lofoten, and is indeed the root of the term [[Whirlpool|maelstrom]].

=== Geology ===
{{See also|Transscandinavian Igneous Belt}}
[[File:Lofoten and Vesteraalen geology.png|thumb|right|Geological map of Lofoten and Vesterålen]]
Lofoten is a [[horst (geology)|horst ridge]] of [[bedrock]].<ref name=Berghetal2018/> The rocks of Lofoten belong to the wider [[Western Gneiss Region]] of Norway.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Steltenpohl |first1=Mark G.|last2=Hames |first2=Willis E.|last3=Andresen |first3=Arild |date=2004 |title=The Silurian to Permian history of a metamorphic core complex in Lofoten, northern Scandinavian Caledonides |journal=Tectonics |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=n/a|doi=10.1029/2003TC001522   |bibcode=2004Tecto..23.1002S|doi-access=free }}</ref> Some of the high relief and irregular surfaces of Lofoten has been attributed to [[etchplain|etching]] that took place during the [[Mesozoic|Mesozoic Era]]. Evidence of this would be the [[kaolinite]] found at some locations.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lidmar-Bergström |first1=K.|last2=Näslund|first2=J.O.|author-link=Karna Lidmar-Bergström |date=2002 |chapter=Landforms and uplift in Scandinavia |title= Exhumation of the North Atlantic Margin: Timing, Mechanisms and Implications for Petroleum Exploration|editor-last=Doré|editor-first=A.G.|editor-last2=Cartwright|editor-first2=J.A. |editor-last3=Stoker|editor-first3=M.S.|editor-last4=Turner|editor-first4=J.P.|editor-last5=White|editor-first5=N. |series=Geological Society, London, Special Publications|issue=196 |publisher=The Geological Society of London |pages=103–116 }}</ref> To the northwest the Lofoten archipelago is bounded by the NE–SW-trending West Lofoten Border Fault. This is a [[normal fault]] whose [[fault scarp]] has been eroded, forming a [[strandflat]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Osmundsen |first1=P.T. |last2=Redfield |first2=T.F.|last3=Hendriks |first3=B.H.W. |last4=Bergh |first4=S. |last5=Hansen |first5=J.-A. |last6=Henderson |first6=I.H.C. |last7=Dehls |first7=J. |last8=Lauknes |first8=T.R. |last9=Larsen |first9=Y. |last10=Anda |first10=E. |last11=Davidsen |first11=B. |date=2010 |title=Fault-controlled alpine topography in Norway |journal=Journal of the Geological Society, London |volume=167 |issue=1 |pages=83–98 |doi=10.1144/0016-76492009-019 |bibcode=2010JGSoc.167...83O |s2cid=129912355 }}</ref>

In [[Vestvågøya]], mountains have steep slopes towards the open sea in the northwest and southeast, while slopes pointing towards the interior of the island are more gradual. This is the result of [[erosion]] acting on a landscape that has been uplifted along NE–SW-trending faults in the margins of Lofoten while the interior axis has remained more stable.<ref name=Berghetal2018>{{cite journal |last1=Bergh |first1=Steffen G. |last2=Liland |first2=Kristian H.|last3=Corner |first3=Geoffred D.|last4=Henningsen |first4=Tormod|last5=Lundekvam |first5=Petter A. |date=2018 |title=Fault-controlled asymmetric landscapes and low-relief surfaces on Vestvågøya, Lofoten, North Norway: inherited Mesozoic rift-margin structures? |url=https://munin.uit.no/bitstream/handle/10037/14534/article.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y |journal=[[Norwegian Journal of Geology]] |volume=98 |issue=4 |access-date=January 29, 2019|doi=10.17850/njg98-3-06|doi-access=free}}</ref> In [[tectonics|tectonic]] terms mountains are [[half-graben]]s and faults are of the [[Fault (geology)#Dip-slip faults|dip-slip type]].<ref name=Berghetal2018/>

The sea around Lofoten is known to host significant oil reserves: 1.3 bn barrels. Oil extraction in the Lofoten area is prohibited.<ref name="vecono" />

=== Wildlife ===
The sea is rich with life, and the world's largest [[deep water coral]] reef, called the [[Røst Reef]], is located west of Røst.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1595004.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208061554/http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1595004.ece|url-status=dead|title=Røst Reef, 40&nbsp;km long|archive-date=February 8, 2007}}</ref> Approximately 70% of all fish caught in the Norwegian and Barents seas use its islands' waters as a breeding ground.<ref name="vecono" /> [[Otter]]s are common, and there are [[moose|elk]] on the largest islands. There are some woodlands with [[downy birch]] and [[rowan]]. There are no native [[conifer]] forests in Lofoten, but some small areas with private [[Norway spruce|spruce]] plantations. ''[[Hedlundia hybrida]]''<ref>{{cite web |title= Rødlista 2021 – ''Hedlundia hybrida'': Ekspertenes oppsummering |trans-title=Redlist for 2021 – ''Hedlundia hybrida'': Expert summary |url=https://artsdatabanken.no/lister/rodlisteforarter/2021/13105 |website= Artsdatabanken |language=no |access-date=15 December 2023 |quote=Rognasal ''Hedlundia hybrida'' (tidligere ''Sorbus hybrida'') vurderes som livskraftig (LC).  Dette er en vidt utbredt art i låglandet og kyststrøk nord til ytre Lofoten.|trans-quote=The rowan-whitebeam ''Hedlundia hybrida'' (formerly ''Sorbus hybrida'') is assessed as viable (LC). This is a widely distributed species in the lowlands and coastal areas north to outer Lofoten.}}</ref> and ''[[Malus sylvestris]]'' occur in Lofoten, but not further north.

====Birds====
Some {{convert|27,000|ha|mi2}} of marine waters along the north-western coasts and fjords of the Lofoten Islands have been designated an [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA) by [[BirdLife International]] (BLI) because it supports [[overwintering]] populations of [[common eider]]s and [[yellow-billed loon]]s. The IBA contains or overlaps with the Seløya, Morfjorden, Laukvikøyene, Eggum and Borgværet [[nature reserve]]s, as well as the Laukvikøyene [[Ramsar site]].<ref name=bli>{{cite web |url= http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lofoten-iba-norway|title= Lofoten|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2021|website= BirdLife Data Zone|publisher= BirdLife International|access-date= 2021-12-12}}</ref> Lofoten has a high density of [[White tailed sea eagle|sea eagles]] and [[cormorant]]s, and millions of other sea birds, among them the colourful [[Atlantic puffin|puffin]]. It has mainland Europe's largest seabird colony.<ref name="vecono" /> The birds once mistaken for the extinct [[great auk]] turned out to be some of the nine [[king penguin]]s released around Norway's Lofoten Islands in August 1936, there until at least 1944.<ref>Martin, Stephen. ''Penguin''. Reaktion Books Ltd., 2009, p. 22.</ref>

=== Climate ===
Lofoten features a mostly [[subpolar oceanic climate]] (Cfc) under the [[Köppen climate classification]], although some parts like Skrova feature a temperate [[oceanic climate]] (Cfb). Winter temperatures in Lofoten are extremely mild considering its location north of the Arctic Circle – possibly the largest positive temperature anomaly in the world relative to [[latitude]]. The mild winters are a result of the temperate waters of the [[Norwegian Sea]], which is warmed by the [[North Atlantic Current]] and the [[Norwegian Current]]. The mild air (Lows) from the Atlantic having a free path northwards even in winter is also very significant. 

Strong winds can occur in late autumn and winter. Snow and sleet are not uncommon in winter.  The mountains can have substantial amounts of snow, and avalanches may come down from the steep slopes.

In Svolvær, the sun is above the horizon continuously ("[[midnight sun]]") from 25 May to 17 July, and in winter the sun does not rise from 4 December to 7 January. In [[Leknes]], the sun is above the horizon from 26 May to 17 July, and in winter the sun does not rise from 9 December to 4 January.

The temperature in the sea has been recorded since 1935. At {{convert|1|m|abbr=off}} depth in the sea near [[Skrova]], water temperatures vary from a low of {{convert|3|°C}} in March to {{convert|14|°C}} in August, some years peaking above {{convert|17|°C}}. November is around {{convert|7|-|8|C|F}}. At a depth of {{convert|200|m|abbr=off}}, the temperature is near {{convert|8|°C}} all year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imr.no/forskning/forskningsdata/stasjoner/view?station=Skrova|title=Faste stasjoner|website=www.imr.no}}</ref>
Skrova lighthouse on an island near Svolvær has the longest recording of air temperature in Lofoten. The warmest temperature recorded is {{convert|30.4|°C}} in June 1972. The coldest temperature recorded is {{convert|-15.1|°C}} in February 1966. The last overnight freeze in June was in 1962, and the last freeze in September was in 1986. Skrova and nearby Svolvær are among those places in North Norway that can record what Norwegians know as "tropical nights" when the overnight low does not go below {{convert|20|°C}}. The warmest night recorded in Lofoten was  July 1 1972 at Skrova with low {{convert|23.8|°C}},<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.verogvind.net/showpage.asp?fileId=1683&id=3593 |title = Vær og Vind - NORGE – Alle tropenetter - Powered by Proweb |website=www.verogvind.net}}</ref> and the earliest in summer was June 10th 2011 with low {{convert|21.5|°C}}.<ref>{{cite web |first=Avisa|last=Nordland |title=Varmerekord og tropenatt |year=2011 |website=www.an.no |url=https://www.an.no/nyheter/varmerekord-og-tropenatt/s/1-33-5659172 |language=no}}</ref> The wettest month recorded is December 1936 with 227 mm, and the driest is January 2014 with 0.9 mm. 

{{Weather box 
|metric first= yes
|single line = yes
|location = Skrova 1991-2020 (14 m, precipitation days 1961-90, extremes 1934-2025)
|Jan record high C = 10.6 | Jan record low C = -12.7
|Feb record high C = 9.8 | Feb record low C = -15.1
|Mar record high C = 10 | Mar record low C = -12.3
|Apr record high C = 17.4 | Apr record low C = -8.5
|May record high C = 24.3 | May record low C = -3.4
|Jun record high C = 30.4 | Jun record low C = -1.2
|Jul record high C = 29.8 | Jul record low C = 3.7
|Aug record high C = 27 | Aug record low C = 3.9
|Sep record high C = 22.1 | Sep record low C = -1.4
|Oct record high C = 17.1 | Oct record low C = -4.5
|Nov record high C = 13 | Nov record low C = -10.7
|Dec record high C = 11.2 | Dec record low C = -11.9
|Jan high C = 2.4
|Feb high C = 1.6
|Mar high C = 2.2
|Apr high C = 4.8
|May high C = 9
|Jun high C = 13
|Jul high C = 16.1
|Aug high C = 15.4
|Sep high C = 12
|Oct high C = 7.8
|Nov high C = 5.4
|Dec high C = 3.6
<!-- Mean daily temperature -->
|Jan mean C=0.9
|Feb mean C=0.2
|Mar mean C=0.7
|Apr mean C=3.1
|May mean C=6.8
|Jun mean C=10.6
|Jul mean C=13.6
|Aug mean C=13.3
|Sep mean C=10.4
|Oct mean C=6.5
|Nov mean C=4
|Dec mean C=2.2
|year mean C=
|Jan low C = -1
|Feb low C = -1.6
|Mar low C = -0.9
|Apr low C = 1.4
|May low C = 4.9
|Jun low C = 8.6
|Jul low C = 11.5
|Aug low C = 11.5
|Sep low C = 8.8
|Oct low C = 4.9
|Nov low C = 2.2
|Dec low C = 0.3
<!-- Total precipitation, this should include rain and snow. -->
|precipitation colour= green<!-- Enter "green" for green precipitation colours, remove this line for blue colouring. -->
|Jan precipitation mm=89
|Feb precipitation mm=81
|Mar precipitation mm=65
|Apr precipitation mm=49
|May precipitation mm=46
|Jun precipitation mm=37
|Jul precipitation mm=50
|Aug precipitation mm=48
|Sep precipitation mm=79
|Oct precipitation mm=88
|Nov precipitation mm=97
|Dec precipitation mm=90
|unit precipitation days = 1.0&nbsp;mm
|Jan precipitation days= 14
|Feb precipitation days= 11
|Mar precipitation days= 11
|Apr precipitation days= 10
|May precipitation days= 9
|Jun precipitation days= 9
|Jul precipitation days= 11
|Aug precipitation days= 10
|Sep precipitation days= 15
|Oct precipitation days= 17
|Nov precipitation days= 15
|Dec precipitation days= 15
|year precipitation mm=
<!-- Mandatory fields, source -->
|source 1= Norwegian Meteorological Institute<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=http://sharki.oslo.dnmi.no/portal/page?_pageid=73,39035,73_39080&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |title=EKlima |website=sharki.oslo.dnmi.no |access-date=2021-01-27 |archive-date=2021-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128080558/http://sharki.oslo.dnmi.no/portal/page?_pageid=73,39035,73_39080&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|source 2= Noaa WMO averages 91-2020 Norway <ref>{{Cite web |title=NOAA WMO normals Norway 1991-2020 |website=www.nodc.noaa.gov |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Norway/CSV/?C=D;O=A}}</ref>
}}

<br />
Even if the islands are not that large, there are climatic differences. Værøy and Røst, which are furthest west, have the warmest winters, but summer highs are cooler. Vestvågøy with the town Leknes has lowland in the interior of the island with mountains nearby; winters here are slightly colder and much wetter than at Skrova, while summers are drier and comparable.

{{Weather box|collapsed=yes
|metric first= yes
|single line = yes
|location = Leknes Airport 1991–2020
|Jan high C = 1
|Feb high C = 1
|Mar high C = 2
|Apr high C = 6
|May high C = 10
|Jun high C = 12
|Jul high C = 16
|Aug high C = 15
|Sep high C = 12
|Oct high C = 8
|Nov high C = 4
|Dec high C = 3 
<!-- Mean daily temperature -->
|Jan mean C=0
|Feb mean C=-0.6
|Mar mean C=0
|Apr mean C=2.8
|May mean C=6.5
|Jun mean C=9.9
|Jul mean C=12.8
|Aug mean C=12.2
|Sep mean C=9.4
|Oct mean C=5.2
|Nov mean C=2.6
|Dec mean C=1
|year mean C=
|Jan low C = -2
|Feb low C = -2
|Mar low C = -2
|Apr low C = 1
|May low C = 4
|Jun low C = 8
|Jul low C = 11
|Aug low C = 10
|Sep low C = 7
|Oct low C = 4
|Nov low C = 2
|Dec low C = 0
<!-- Total precipitation, this should include rain and snow. -->
|precipitation colour=green <!-- Enter "green" for green precipitation colours, remove this line for blue colouring. -->
|Jan precipitation mm=203
|Feb precipitation mm=174
|Mar precipitation mm=161
|Apr precipitation mm=93
|May precipitation mm=74
|Jun precipitation mm=45
|Jul precipitation mm=38
|Aug precipitation mm=78
|Sep precipitation mm=123
|Oct precipitation mm=161
|Nov precipitation mm=173
|Dec precipitation mm=223
|year precipitation mm=
<!-- Mandatory fields, source -->
|source 1= Norwegian Meteorological Institute<ref name="auto"/>
|source 2= Weatheronline climate robot (avg highs/lows) <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.weatheronline.co.uk/weather/maps/city?FMM=1&FYY=1996&LMM=12&LYY=2020&WMO=01141&CONT=euro&REGION=0004&LAND=NO&ART=TMX&R=0&NOREGION=1&LEVEL=162&LANG=en&MOD=tab |title=Weatheronline climate robot Leknes Airport |publisher=Weather online |language=en |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
}}

== Sport ==
=== Mountaineering and rock climbing ===
[[File:Nusfjord road, 2010 09.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A mountain massif of [[Flakstadøya]] island backgrounding the road to Nusfjord village]]

Lofoten offers many [[rock climbing]] and [[mountaineering]] opportunities. It has 24 hours of daylight in the summer and has Alpine-style ridges, summits, and [[glacier]]s, but at a height of less than {{convert|1,200|m|abbr=off}}. The main centre for rock climbing is [[Henningsvær]] on Austvågøya.

The main areas for mountaineering and climbing are on [[Austvågøya]] and [[Moskenesøya]]. Moskenesøya features remote and serious mountaineering whereas [[Austvågøya]] is a very popular area for rock climbing.{{cn|date=February 2021}}

=== Football ===
Lofoten has one of the world's most noteworthy football pitches. Located in the village of Henningsvaer, the pitch at [[Henningsvær Stadion|Henningsvaer Stadium]] rests on a rocky islet and has no actual seats.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amusing Planet: Stadium in Henningsvær|url=https://www.amusingplanet.com/2017/05/this-football-stadium-in-henningsvr.html|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Surfing ===
[[Unstad]] is one of its better-known locations for surfing. Every September, surfers from around the world visit to compete in the Lofoten Masters.<ref name=NRK>{{cite web |title=Ekstremsurferne Inntar Lofoten |url=http://www.nrk.no/nordland/ekstremsurferne-inntar-lofoten-1.8268111 |website=nrk.no |date=4 August 2012 |publisher=Opphavsrett NRK}}</ref>

=== Cycling ===
[[File:Nusfjord.jpg|thumb|[[Nusfjord]]]]

There is a well-marked cycling route that goes from [[Å, Moskenes|Å]] in the south and continues past [[Fiskebøl]] in the north. The route is part public road, part cycle path with the option to bypass all of the tunnels by either cycle path (tunnels through mountains) or boat. Traffic is generally light, although in July there may be a lot of [[campervan]]s. Some of the more remote sections are on gravel roads. There is a dedicated cycling ferry that sails between [[Ballstad]] and [[Nusfjord]], allowing cyclists to avoid the long, steep [[Nappstraum Tunnel|Nappstraum]] tunnel. The route hugs the coastline for most of its length where it is generally flat. As it turns inland through the mountain passes there are a couple of {{convert|300|-|400|m|ft|lk=out|adj=on|abbr=off}} climbs.{{cn|date=December 2020}}

The [[Lofoten Insomnia Cycling Race]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lofoteninsomnia.no |title=Zalaris Lofoten Insomnia |website=www.lofoteninsomnia.no}}</ref>{{full|date=December 2020}} takes place every year around midsummer, possible in the midnight sun, but certainly in 24-hour daylight, along the whole Lofoten archipelago.

The [[Arctic Race of Norway]], the world's northernmost professional stage race on road bike which takes place every year in Northern Norway, crossed the Lofoten islands during its first edition in August 2013. {{asof|2015}}, the race was planned to be back in 2019 from Thursday 15 August to Sunday 18 August. The first two stages will cross the Lofoten archipelago from west to east.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.arctic-race-of-norway.com/en/overall-route |title=Official route of Arctic Race of Norway 2021 |website=www.arctic-race-of-norway.com}}</ref>{{full|date=December 2020}}

== Transportation ==
[[File:Eggum Vestvågøy.jpg|thumb|The E10 road follows the archipelago southwest to [[Å, Moskenes|Å]]. Late August near [[Eggum]], [[Vestvågøy Municipality]]]]

The European road [[European route E10|E10]] connects the larger islands of Lofoten with bridges and undersea tunnels. The E10 road also connects Lofoten to the mainland of Norway through the [[Lofast]] road connection, which was officially opened on 1 December 2007. There are several daily bus services between the islands of Lofoten and between Lofoten and the mainland along E10. The Lofoten Islands are not serviced by any trains. However, the city of [[Narvik (town)|Narvik]] is connected to Stockholm and Oslo by train and connects directly to the Lofoten bus line.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-11 |title=How to Get to the Lofoten Islands in Norway - Around The World With Me |url=https://aroundtheworldwithme.com/how-to-get-to-the-lofoten-islands/ |website=aroundtheworldwithme.com |access-date=2023-07-09 |language=en-US}}</ref>   

Bodø is often used as a hub for travel to Lofoten. In addition to air travel there is a ferry connecting Bodø to [[Moskenes (village)|Moskenes]], Værøy and Røst, <ref>{{Cite web |title=Torghatten Nord AS |url=https://www.torghatten-nord.no/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=www.torghatten-nord.no}}</ref> and a speedboat connection to Svolvær. Bodø is connected by train to Trondheim and Oslo. There is also a ferry connecting Svolvær to [[Skutvik]] in [[Hamarøy Municipality]], with a road connection east to [[European route E6|E6]]. [[Hurtigruten]] calls at [[Stamsund]] and [[Svolvær]]. 

Lofoten is also served by a number of small airports:
*[[Leknes Airport]] (101,757 passengers in 2014)
*[[Svolvær Airport, Helle]] (74,496 passengers in 2014)
*[[Røst Airport]] (9,889 passengers in 2014), which mainly offers flights to Bodø.
*[[Værøy Heliport]] (9,420 passengers in 2014)
*[[Stokmarknes Airport, Skagen]] (93,782 passengers in 2016) is located in Vesterålen.
*[[Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes]] has direct flights to [[Oslo]] and [[Trondheim (city)|Trondheim]].

== Culture ==
{{ill|Lofoten International Art Festival|no|Lofoten International Art Festival}} (Lofoten internasjonale kunstfestival, LIAF) is a [[contemporary art]] [[biennale]] with no set venue or location on the archipelago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lofoten International Art Festival LIAF (Norway) |url=https://www.biennialfoundation.org/biennials/lofoten-international-art-festival-liaf/ |access-date=2021-07-01 |website=Biennial Foundation |language=en}}</ref> Artists who have participated include Kjersti Andvig, [[Michel Auder]], [[A. K. Dolven|A K Dolven]], [[Ida Ekblad]], [[Elmgreen & Dragset]], and [[Lawrence Weiner]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yazdani|first=Sara R. |date=2016-09-02 |title=Eloquent Materials |url=https://www.kunstkritikk.com/eloquent-materials |access-date=2021-07-01 |work=Kunstkritikk |language=en |issn=1504-0925}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tangen|first=Leif Magn e|date=2006-03-10 |title=LIAF 06 |url=https://www.kunstkritikk.no/liaf-06 |access-date=2021-07-01 |work=Kunstkritikk |language=nb |issn=1504-0925}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hammer|first=Erlend |date=2011-05-23 |title=LIAF 2011: Mindre snakk, mer handling! |url=https://www.kunstkritikk.no/liaf-2011-mindre-snakk-mer-handling |access-date=2021-07-01 |work=Kunstkritikk |language=nb |issn=1504-0925}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sutton|first=Kate |date=2013-09-18 |title=Diary – Winter Is Coming |url=https://www.artforum.com/diary/kate-sutton-at-the-8th-lofoten-international-art-festival-43202v|access-date=2021-07-01 |work=Artforum |language=en |issn=0004-3532}}</ref>

The {{ill|North Norwegian Art Centre|no|Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter}} (Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter, NNKS) was established in [[Svolvær]] in 1979.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Forsiden |url=https://www.nnks.no/en/ |access-date=2021-07-01 |website=NNKS |language=en}}</ref>

{{ill|KaviarFactory|no|KaviarFactory}} is a privately-owned contemporary art space in [[Henningsvær]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bomsdorf|first=Clemens|date=2010-07-12|title=Art space to open in Norwegian caviar factory|language=en|work=The Art Newspaper|url=http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Art-space-to-open-in-Norwegian-caviar-factory/21264|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717153249/http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Art-space-to-open-in-Norwegian-caviar-factory/21264|archive-date=2010-07-17|issn=0960-6556}}</ref>

The {{ill|Nordland School of Art and Film|no|Nordland kunst- og filmhøgskole}} (Nordland kunst- og filmhøgskole, NKFS) was established in [[Kabelvåg]] in 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nordland kunst- og filmhøgskole|url=https://www.lofotenkunstfilm.no/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=NKFS|language=nb}}</ref>

Norwegian painter [[Gunnar Berg (painter)|Gunnar Berg]] was known for his paintings of his native Lofoten. He principally painted scenes of the everyday life of the local fishermen. Other artists whose work has been associated with Lofoten include [[Adelsteen Normann]], [[Otto Sinding]], [[Christian Krohg]], [[Theodor Kittelsen]], [[Lev Lagorio]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ub.uit.no/northernlights/eng/lofoten.htm|title=The Northern Lights Route – Lofoten in Paintings|website=www.ub.uit.no}}</ref> [[Ernst Wilhelm Nay]] and [[Ingo Kühl]].

<gallery mode = "packed" heights = "180">
Gunnar Berg Fiskebåter ved Reine.jpg|''Fiskebåter ved Reine'' by [[Gunnar Berg (painter)|Gunnar Berg]] (without year)
Eilert Adelsteen Normann - Dampskipsanløp I Lofoten - IMG 9337.jpg|''Dampskipsanløp i Lofoten'' by [[Adelsteen Normann]] (1885)
'Winter in Lofoten, 1886' by Otto Sinding, Bergen Kunstmuseum.JPG|''Winter in Lofoten'' by [[Otto Sinding]] (1886)
Kittelsen fra Lofoten.jpg|''Fra Lofoten'' by [[Theodor Kittelsen]] (1890)
Ingo Kühl "Moskstraumen I" Reine, Lofoten.jpg|''Moskstraumen I'', Reine, Lofoten, by [[Ingo Kühl]] (1999)
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Atlantic cod]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite Americana|wstitle=Lofoten}}
* {{cite book|first1=Anthony|last1=Dyer|first2=John|last2=Baddeley|first3=Ian H.|last3=Robertson|title=Walks and Scrambles in Norway|publisher=Rockbuy Limited|year=2006|isbn=9781904466253}}
* {{cite book|first=Ed|last=Webster|title=Climbing in the Magic Islands|isbn=9788299319904|publisher= Nord Norsk Klatreskole|language=no|location=Henningsvaer, Norway|year=1994}}
* {{cite book|first1=Chris|last1=Craggs|first2=Thorbjørn|last2=Enevold|title=Lofoten Rock|publisher=Rockfax Ltd|year=2008|isbn=9781873341667}}

== External links ==
{{NIE Poster}}
* {{Official|http://lofoten.info/en}}
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1751/ Unesco World Heritage – Lofoten archipelago on the tentative list]

{{sister bar|auto=y|d=y|commonscat=y|voy=Lofoten|wikt=Lofoten|s=y}}
{{fishing history|expanded=villages}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Lofoten| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:Archipelagoes of Norway]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes of the Norwegian Sea]]
[[Category:Districts of Nordland]]
[[Category:Fishing communities in Norway]]
[[Category:Landforms of Nordland]]
[[Category:Horsts (geology)]]
[[Category:Important Bird Areas of Norway]]
[[Category:Important Bird Areas of Arctic islands]]
[[Category:Seabird colonies]]
[[Category:Climbing areas of Norway]]