The pier in front of you, mountains behind you, and nothing but the sea stretching out into the distance. This is Straumsj\u00f8en, a small fishing village in the municipality of B\u00f8, on the western tip of the Vester\u00e5len archipelago. And right here, right on the water, stand the rorbuer of Vester\u00e5len Rorbuer: authentic fishermen\u2019s cabins from the 18th and 19th centuries, now renovated for modern comfort, yet with their spirit intact. <\/p>\n\n
The fact that Queen Sonja once stayed overnight in the oldest cabin says something about how special this place is. But perhaps it says even more that the fishermen\u2019s names after which the cabins are named (Ingvaldbua, Hermanbua, Klausenbua) still hang on the facade. Here, you\u2019re not staying in a vacation home. You\u2019re stepping into a living piece of Norwegian coastal life. <\/p>\n\n
Guests describe Vesteralen Rorbuer as \u201cbeautifully situated, authentically decorated, and surrounded by incredible nature.\u201d Owners Solveig and K\u00e5re Thommessen are there almost every day. <\/p>\n\n
Vesteralen is an archipelago located just north of the Lofoten Islands, yet it feels like a world apart. While the Lofoten Islands are now heavily visited, Vesteralen, thanks to its lush, green landscape, remains a destination for those who prefer to venture a little further afield. \u201cThe Green Alps\u201d and \u201cHikers\u2019 Paradise\u201d are names the region has earned for good reason. <\/p>\n\n
Straumsj\u00f8en, where the rorbuer are located, is in the municipality of B\u00f8 on the western part of the island of Engel\u00f8ya. On the western side of the island, the sea is literally the only thing separating you from America. You won\u2019t find a place closer to the wilderness anywhere else in Europe. <\/p>\n\n
Read more in our blog about the Lofoten and Vesteralen<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n All of the fishing cabins at Vesteralen Rorbuer are authentic. Built in the 18th or 19th century, they are named after the skippers of the fishing boats who slept in them. Each one has been renovated with a modern kitchen and bathroom, yet they have retained their original character. Two cabins still feature the original beds and personal lockers of their former residents. <\/p>\n\n The most spacious cabin, featuring a kitchen-living room, dining area, sitting area, and modern bathroom. Ideal for a small group or a family looking to stay together. Sleeps up to six. <\/p>\n\n A kitchen-diner, a bedroom on the ground floor, and a modern bathroom. Spacious enough for a group of five or six, with a direct view of the fjord. <\/p>\n\n Modern kitchen and bathroom, a loft, and a bedroom with bunk beds. The combination of different levels gives this cabin a unique atmosphere. Sleeps four to five people. <\/p>\n\n Three bedrooms, a bathroom renovated in 2023, and a fully equipped kitchen. Klausenbua is the perfect choice for larger groups or families who want to share a cabin together. <\/p>\n\n One of the oldest cabins in the complex, dating from the 19th century. The traces of its construction are visible and have been carefully preserved. This is not a flaw, but precisely what gives it its charm. Queen Sonja spent the night in the oldest cabin in the complex after her hike along the famous Dronningruta<\/a>, the coastal trail that starts directly from Straumsj\u00f8en. <\/p>\n\nThe fishermen’s huts: each with its own name and story<\/h2>\n\n
Ingvaldbua: the largest, accommodates up to 6 people<\/h3>\n\n
Mareliusbua: cozy enough for 5\u20136 people<\/h3>\n\n
Bardobua: full of character, serves 4\u20135 people<\/h3>\n\n
Klausenbua: the largest capacity, up to 9 people<\/h3>\n\n
Hermanbua: the most authentic<\/h3>\n\n