The story of a fishing village
Because of the rich supply of fish in the ocean nearby, people began settling in Henningsvær in the 18th century. During the 19th century, the small village became established as one of the most important fishing villages in Norway. Henningsvær reached its peak around 1950 with a population of approx. 1000 people. Since this time, streamlining of the fishing industry with larger boats and fewer fishermen have caused a decline in the local population. Over the last 30 years, the population has stabilised at around 450 people.
Fishing is still the most important industry and
stockfish is the main export product. However, tourism has also become important, offering accommodation, food and activities for guests from all over the world – all year round. These days Henningsvær is a lively village, where the entrepreneurial nature of its inhabitants has resulted in a wide range of experiences. You will find everything from art galleries and charming cafés to high-end hotels.