Risvær in the far east of Vågan
Risvær is an archipelago and an old fishing village off the island of Årstein, in the far east of Vågan municipality in Lofoten.
Risvær consists of two main islands, Heimøya and Borterøya. Risvær has a naturally shaped channel of approx. 200 meters stretching between the main islands. This channel serves as a superb harbor that protects boats from the elements.
The first to settle at Risvær was Christopher Bernhoft, who arrived in the 1700s. Christopher founded a small fishing business, but Risvær did not become a thriving fishing village until 1802, when Andreas Jonassen Falch bought the place. Andreas saw the potential in the fishing business due to the favorable location according to Lofotfiske.
The jobs created in the fishing business caused a gradual growth of population on the islands. This resulted in Risvær becoming an important hub for the district. Risvær was used as a seasonal fishing village and never had very many permanent residents, but still had many fish farms.
Risvær reached its peak between the 1920s and 1930s, at the same time as the Lofoten fishery was at its largest.
22.
March 1931, 1416 fishermen and 406 boats were registered at Risvær and is the highest number ever registered.
Risvær did not receive water supply via submarine cable until 1973, as a replacement for the “state well” that had been operational on the islands for a long time.
Today in Risvær
Today, Risvær is a holiday resort consisting of a number of old fish farms that have been renovated into modern holiday homes, as well as a number of newly built holiday homes.
Risvær also has full access to electricity and a fixed network.
There are currently no permanent residents.
