Nusfjord

Nusfjord occupies a narrow rock cove on the southern side of Flakstadoya, and it preserves an almost complete nineteenth-century fishing station: rorbuer on piles over the water, a general store from 1907 with original fittings, a cod liver oil factory, a boathouse, a bakery and a sawmill, all in ochre and red around a small harbour that a boat can barely turn in. It was among the first sites in Norway supported by UNESCO's architectural conservation programme in the 1970s. It now operates as a hotel and museum village, with an entry charge for day visitors, which has drawn criticism but has funded the maintenance. In its working days several hundred fishermen crowded the cove each winter season.

Highlights

• The harbour cove - a tight rock inlet packed with station buildings.
• The 1907 general store - original shop fittings and stock displays.
• The cod liver oil factory - preserved processing buildings.
• The rorbuer on piles - cabins standing over the water.

When to go

May to September, when the buildings and cafes are open and the entry system operates; outside the season much is closed. Early or late in the day avoids the coach groups that arrive at midday.

Things to know

There is a charge simply to walk into the village, which surprises visitors. Much of it operates as a hotel, so parts are reserved for guests. The cove is small and the visit takes about two hours.

Nearby

Rambergstranda and Skagsanden are on the same island; Reine and Hamnoy lie south along the E10.

Key facts