Værøy

757 ( March 31, 2013 )

Værøy is an island and municipality in the Fylke Nordland in Norway. To commune also includes the located right in Moskenstraumen uninhabited island Mosken.

Location and data

In Værøy live in an area of 17.5 km ² 757 inhabitants ( as of March 31, 2013). Capital of the island is the village Sørland (670 inhabitants). There are Sørland in a gas station, several shops, a workshop, a bank, a library, and a doctor. 80 % of the inhabitants live from fishing, the rest of services and tourism.

Coat of arms

Description: In a Blue rotgeschnäbelter and befußter silver puffins.

Traffic

There are ferry connections to the mainland to Bodø and the Lofotenorten Røst and Moskenes at Sørvågen. There is also a daily helicopter connection to Bodo, the former airport, however, was abandoned due to low demand and adverse weather conditions. A campsite on the island is now closed.

Climate

The weather on Værøy is extremely changeable, sun and rain, wind and fog can follow each other very quickly. The winter climate is mild due to the Gulf Stream. This results in a suitable climate for the production of stockfish.

Tourism

Due to the declining profitability of fishing, tourism has grown in importance for the residents won. Among the major tourist attractions include the old eagle traps and the oldest church in Lofoten.