Helle Airport serves Svolvær, the main city of the Lofoten Islands and its historic cod-fishing capital, a few minutes from the center.
It is the most convenient access point to the eastern part of the archipelago, including the famous Fløya viewpoint above the city.
How to get to Svolvær Helle Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SVJ
Parking near Svolvær Helle Airport
In front of the terminal is parking of limited size.
Rates are in line with Norwegian standards.
How to get to Svolvær from SVJ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Svolvær Helle Airport
Major car-rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, much used for exploring the archipelago independently.
Keep your driving license, passport, and credit card handy.
Hotels near Svolvær Helle Airport
Svolvær and the harbour
About 5-6 km and 10 minutes by car or taxi from the airport; no direct bus dedicated to flights.
Best for: Those who want to stay right on the harbour quays, a short walk from restaurants, buses and shops.
- Hotels literally on the quays, 50 metres from the bus terminal and the centre
- The widest choice of restaurants and organised excursions (fjords, fishing, northern lights watching)
- No hotel near the runway: 10 minutes of transfer are still necessary
- In high season harbour prices rise more than elsewhere in town
Recommended hotels
- Thon Hotel Svolvær 50 metres from the centre and the bus terminal, with a floating sauna on the pier and views of the Vestfjord; the newer of Svolvær's two Thon hotels. View availability
- Thon Hotel Lofoten On Svolvær's harbour, renovated in 2016-17, with the Paleo Arctic restaurant specialising in fish and local Lofoten dishes served on the quay. View availability
- Anker Brygge Rooms in authentic fishermen's houses on a small island in the heart of the harbour, about 150 metres from the main square; the Kjøkkenet restaurant specialises in Lofoten cuisine. View availability
Svinøya
About 5-6 km from the airport to Svolvær, plus crossing the Svinøya bridge (350 metres): by car a few minutes more than to the harbour, on foot from the centre about a quarter of an hour.
Best for: Those who want to sleep in a genuine historic rorbu, accepting to cross the bridge for every restaurant or shop.
- Original fishermen's cottages, some dating back to the nineteenth century, renovated while keeping their historic look
- An isolated atmosphere yet within walking distance of the harbour, with views over the fjord entrance
- No restaurant or shop on the small island: you cross the bridge for everything
- In winter the walk across the wind-exposed bridge is uncomfortable with luggage
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is compact, with brisk seasonal tourist traffic.
A 2-hour advance arrival is the recommended standard for flights.
Map of Svolvær Helle Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is Fløya?
A viewpoint above Svolvær, reached via a steep hike of about an hour, offering spectacular views over the town and surrounding archipelago.
Q. Is Svolvær the capital of the Lofoten Islands?
It is the archipelago's main town, historically the most important centre for cod fishing, a tradition still visible today in the drying racks for fish along the coast.
Q. Are there many buses from the airport?
No, services are limited (about two a day): most visitors rely on taxis or rental cars.
Q. Can you reach the rest of the Lofoten Islands from Svolvær by sea?
Yes, there are fast boat connections to other parts of the archipelago and to Bodø on the mainland, an alternative to renting a car for those who prefer travelling by water.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
