World Championship in cod fishing

Ready to spawn

Each year from the middle of February to the end of April, Lofoten is full of life. This is when millions of arctic cod arrives from the Barents Sea, ready to spawn, making Vestfjorden the largest food delivery room in the world.

Go fishing or just observe

About 600 people participated in the 2011 championship, and many more where present at the piers to watch and be a part of the arrangement. You can try your fishing luck or just observe the arrangement.
The Championship has Svolvær as starting point, and there are several pubs and restaurants there.

The local population of all ages contribute with many local activities in the preceding week, and a number of concerts and art exhibitions are held during that time.

There are several operators taking you out to sea to let you be a part of the fishing. You can choose to do some fishing yourself, or go on an inflatable boat, dressed in a thermal suit just watching the fishing fleet.

Cod hung to dry

Winter is also the time of year when the fish is hung to dry in the wind. The hundreds and thousands of cod hanging on racks all over the Lofoten islands give the landscape an extra dimension, and give a distinct smell almost where ever you go.

Fishing history at the Espolin gallery

While in Lofoten watching the World Championship in cod fishing, you should visit the Espolin art gallery, where you are introduced to the history of fishing through Espolin’s famous paintings of the cod fishing in older days.