Røst

Røst is a small island municipality at the outer edge of the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland county, Norway, comprising a group of low-lying islands and skerries. The islands are best known for their fishing heritage and seabird colonies.

The archipelago is attractive for boat trips and wildlife watching - especially seabird colonies on offshore islets and low cliffs - and for experiencing a remote fishing-community landscape. The main settlement is on Røstlandet, which contains the harbour and most services.

The islands have been used for fishing and fish processing for many centuries and remain oriented around commercial and small-scale coastal fisheries. Traditional stockfish production has been an important local activity.

Røst lies at the southwestern end of the Lofoten island chain in the Norwegian Sea, off the coast of mainland Nordland. The group is remote from large urban centres and is accessed by local ferry and air services from the regional network.

• Population and economy: Home to a small permanent population of a few hundred residents and a long-standing fishing and stockfish-processing economy.
• Wildlife: Important seabird breeding grounds with seasonally large colonies of species such as Atlantic puffins, attracting birdwatchers in the breeding season.

What to See #

• Røstlandet: The main inhabited island and village area where most of the municipality's houses, harbour and services are located; it serves as the base for fishing and local transport.
• Skomvær Lighthouse: A prominent lighthouse and offshore landmark associated with the outer islands and navigational approaches of the Røst archipelago; reachable by boat from the main island.