World Championship in Cod Fishing

Ready to spawn

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

Go fishing or just observe

Over 660 people participated in the 2012 championship, and many more where present at the piers to watch and be a part of the arrangement. You can either try your fishing luck or just be a spectator. The largest cod caught in 2012 weighed 25,88 kg.

The championship kicks off in Svolvær, where there are several pubs and restaurants.

Locals of all ages contribute with many activities in the week preceding the event, 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 part of the event. 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 cods hanging on racks all over the Lofoten Islands lend the landscape an extra dimension, and give a distinct smell almost wherever you go.

Fishing history at the Espolin Gallery

While in the Lofoten Islands watching the World Championship in Cod Fishing , you should visit the Espolin Gallery in Kabelvåg, which presents the history of fishing through Espolin’s famous paintings of the cod fisheries in the older days.