The formerly secluded fishing village of Henningsvær is easily accessible via the Henningsvær Bridges, two concrete arcs that span the straits between Austvågøya and its southern atoll. Cross Engøysundet Bridge and Henningsvær Bridge on foot, by bicycle or by car. Admire the stunning Vestfjord shoreline and the scattering of scenic islands that make up this pretty section of the Lofoten archipelago.
Begin your journey across the Henningsvær Bridges on the rocky shores of Urvika. The single arterial road hugs the coast of Austvågøya before leaping across the Engøysundet strait via the Engøysundet Bridge. The bridge connects the main island to the small islet of Engøya, which has commanding views of the bay of Gullvikflaget and the Norwegian Sea. Follow the road south to Skata. From here, use the land bridge east to the island of Sauøya or cross the Henningsvær Bridge to Heimøya.
The two cantilever bridges, constructed from concrete, have provided access to this magnificent island area since the early 1980s. The islands’ relative inaccessibility prior to the bridges’ construction spared them from the spread of modern architecture through the 1960s and 70s. For this reason, you can now admire the charming and brightly colored wooden buildings in Henningsvær, unaffected by the modernist concrete architecture dominating mainland Norway’s urban centers.
Explore beautiful Henningsvær on foot to fully appreciate its waterfront promenades of historic fishing houses, painted in bright colors to help fishermen identify their homes after returning from work. The steep mountains on Austvågøya provide a breathtaking backdrop to the huddle of cottages and swaying boat masts.
The Henningsvær Bridges are located on the southern tip of the Vågan municipality, where the islands around Henningsvær scatter into Vestfjord and out to the Norwegian Sea. Visit the bridges for free at any time of day. Henningsvær receives heavy snowfall in winter, so ensure you drive across the bridge only in safe weather conditions.
