Svolvaer, Norway

Svolvaer is the capital of the Lofoten Islands, and, like so many other Lofoten towns, is also a fishing village. Its main sources of income come from cod fishing and salmon farming. With the mountains in such close proximity, mountain climbing is a popular pastime. The most famous of its peaks is Svolvaergeita, or “Svolvaer Goat.” Svolvaer is also home to several art galleries, a WWII museum and the Magic Ice Hall, an ice bar where guests are given warm clothes to wear as they sip their drinks and admire the icy decor. Depending on the time of year, visitors may even have the opportunity to go whale watching, where lucky observers may catch a glimpse of a killer whale or two.

Language: Norwegian     Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)