Go on a skrei adventure

A winter visit to Northern Norway is a must for anglers and gourmets alike. The Lofoten fishery is known as the largest cod fishery in the world.

The Arctic cod is one of Norway’s best and most sustainable commodities. Between January and April, the fish migrate from the Barents Sea to the Norwegian coast from Haugesund in the south to Finnmark in the north, to spawn.

Historically, up to half of the cod have returned to the areas around Lofoten, where their parents spawned at least three or four years ago. It has made the Lofoten fishery – “lofotfisket” – the world’s largest seasonal cod fishery. In recent years, however, much of the Arctic cod have migrated even further north, to places like Vesterålen and Senja.

Winter is usually the high season for fishing in the rest of Northern Norway as well. Join a guided fishing trip, or rent your own boat with a local captain.

In winter, you can also go skiing, join a guided ski tour, and visit some of the many museums and charming fishing villages. Maybe you even get to see the northern lights!

You can enjoy freshly caught cod at the many excellent fish restaurants in the north. But don't worry if you can't make it to this part of the country, as chefs in big cities like Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger, and Ålesund also prepare cod in creative and delicate ways.

For the rest of the year, you can enjoy countless varieties of stockfish (dried cod) – a must when you’re visiting the north.

Take part in lofotfisket

If you’re into fishing, you should visit Northern Norway between January and April. This time of year, you’re almost guaranteed to reel in a tasty treat for dinner.

Join in on lofotfisket