By 
With the longest coastline in Europe of over 100,000 kilometers, lighthouses are a cornerstone of Norwegian cultural heritage and maritime history. Around 200 lighthouses stand along Norway’s coasts, lighting the way for seafarers for many centuries past.
Henningsvær Lighthouse is a beacon providing safe passage for those voyaging to or around the world-famous Lofoten Islands. Let’s discover more about this historic, now-decommissioned lighthouse, including its story, where exactly it is and how to get there.
Henningsvær Lighthouse
Built in the mid-1800s, the historic Henningsvær Lighthouse sits in the beautiful Lofoten Islands, guiding mariners to safety around this rocky archipelago. Now no longer a functioning lighthouse, Henningsvær still stands as a spectacular lookout point, offering incredible views of the port and expansive sea all around.
Standing 12.5 meters tall and 23 meters above high tide level, Henningsvær Lighthouse has been inactive since 1935 and, so, its lantern has been removed. The remaining classic red and white striped building makes for some stunning photos displaying Norway’s rich maritime heritage and amazing landscapes.
Next to the lighthouse tower is the keeper’s house, which provided living quarters for the lighthouse keeper and their family, who were responsible for maintaining the light and ensuring its continuous operation. For generations of fishermen, Henningsvær Lighthouse has served as a vital navigational aid, guiding them safely home through the often-turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea.
As with many lighthouses in Norway, Henningsvær Lighthouse has also played a significant role in the community's social fabric. In the days before automated light systems, the keeper and their family were important members of the Henningsvær community, often serving as a link between the isolated village and the outside world.
Where is Henningsvær Lighthouse?
Sitting in the spectacular Lofoten Islands, an Arctic archipelago off the northwest coast of Norway, Henningsvær Lighthouse is located above the Arctic Circle among the dramatic waters of the Norwegian Sea. Part of the county of Nordland, the Lofoten Islands are a world-famous collection of mountainous islets and islands with incredible nature and wilderness areas.
Henningsvær Lighthouse is located in a village called Henningsvær, which is spread across several islands at the southern tip of the large island of Austvagøya. Situated on the southwest side of the village of Henningsvær, Henningsvær Lighthouse looks straight out into Vestfjord, or West Fjord.
How to Get to Henningsvær Lighthouse
As Henningsvær Lighthouse is located on a remote archipelago, it’s not too easy to reach. There are a few ways to get here, but you’ll just need to be prepared for a fairly lengthy journey. From the northern city of Tromso, you’ll need to drive for around 6 hours and 55 minutes to reach Henningsvær Lighthouse along the E6 and E10.
From any other of Norway’s major cities, it’s advisable to take a flight to the Lofoten Islands, unless you want to do an epic several-day Norwegian road trip up the country. Flights usually stop at Bodø Airport, where you’ll need to change to reach either Svolvær or Leknes Airports in Lofoten.
Other options include flying to Bodø then taking the ferry to Stamsund or Svolvær, or driving from Bodø to Lofoten (which would still be a lengthy drive of 6+ hours). Find out more about getting to Lofoten here, so you can plan your own specific journey.
Surroundings of Henningsvær Lighthouse
As a traditional and iconic fishing village, Henningsvær is an important part of Lofoten’s seafaring and fishing history, with the lighthouse being a cornerstone of this history. Despite its small population of just over 500 inhabitants, Henningsvær has become a cultural hub in Lofoten, being one of 13 protected cultural environments in Norway.
With art galleries showcasing renowned national and international art, a range of natural areas for climbing and snorkeling, lots of small, independent shops, and vibrant music festivals, Henningsvær is buzzing with life and creativity. As well as Henningsvær Lighthouse, you can visit Henningsvær Church and, of course, the world-famous football stadium, Henningsvaer Fotballbanen, which sits in the middle of an island on the ocean.
Top Tips for Visiting Henningsvær Lighthouse
When visiting Henningsvær Lighthouse, we recommend keeping these top traveling tips in mind:
Bring your camera in a waterproof case to avoid damaged electronics from sea spray or rain.
Wear thermal, waterproof clothes to protect your body from the elements, as Henningsvær can be very cold.
As a fishing village, some locals need to wake up very early in the morning, so please keep noise to a minimum in the evening to respect the neighbors.
Enjoy the local shops and independent businesses to help support the Henningsvær community.
Check the local Norway road conditions and weather forecast in Norway ahead of time to be best prepared for your journey.
Explore Norway For Yourself!
Excited to get to Norway and explore Lofoten and beyond? Visit Henningsvær Lighthouse for yourself and discover all Norway has to offer by renting your own campervan in Norway, ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Traveling by campervan allows you the ultimate flexibility and freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want. We look forward to welcoming you to Norway soon.
