2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:44 Page 30
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Festivals in Norway
Salmon fishing in Surnadal At the peak of the Norwegian summer, hundreds of people gather in the small village of Surnadal to compete in the salmon fishing event Norsk Laksefestival. Surrounded by fjords, mountains, deep valleys and forests, Surnadal makes the ideal place for fishing and exploring the wild Norwegian nature. By Camilla Brugrand | Photos: trollheimsporten.no
Visitors without a fishing rod can enjoy live music, taste some delicious food in the marketplace, take part in various activities for both children and adults, or simply savour the trickling sounds of river Surna during the bright summer evenings. Surnadal is located in the county of Møre og Romsdal in the western part of Norway. Although the village has less than 6,000 inhabitants, it attracts tourists from all over Norway and beyond when the festival takes place on 19 – 21 June 2015. “Although the festival is mainly a salmon fishing competition that aims to raise interest in salmon fishing, it is also a social event and cul-
tural happening, as manifested by the award Surnadal received in 2012 as the culture capital of the county,” says Eva Rønning, Marketing Manager at Norsk Laksefestival. Children are welcome to participate in the competition, as there is a great focus on encouraging and inspiring children to go fishing. Later in the evenings, visitors can enjoy live music, fresh food and drinks. In 2014, 120 people participated in the competition, and for the experienced or amateur fishermen out there wishing to try their luck, a first prize of NOK 30,000 is awarded to the participant with the largest catch.
Fishing for the win Pack your fishing gear and head to the spectacular scenery of Lofoten. It is time for the 25th anniversary of VM i Skreifiske, the World Championship of cod fishing. By Julie Minsaas | Photos: VM i Skreifiske
Considering that last year saw participants from 14 different nations travel to Svolvær, fishing an incredible amount of 75,000 kilos of cod during the twoday-long festival, the organisers expect this year’s jubilee to be a great success. “We have been getting phone calls all spring with queries on when we open for registration, and we are already fully booked,” says head organiser Sten S. Sortland, one of 250
dedicated boat club members who work voluntarily to make the World Championship happen. The 2015 tournament runs from 2021 March, and categories include juniors, ‘tourist fishers’ and professional fishers. Friday 20 March fishers set out to get the most kilos of cod, whereas the actual World Championship, where you win by catching the biggest cod, takes place Saturday 21 March.
ABOVE: A small child is proudly showing the fish she caught. BELOW: Fishing champions: Last year’s winners.
For more information, please visit: www.norsklaksefestival.no
And whether it is the prizes, ranging from money and fishing equipment to local art works, or the stunning landscapes, the tournament sure attracts people. After struggling to match demand and capacity, the World Championship has set the limit of participants to 570. “Boats are provided as part of the NOK 1,400 registration fee. By setting this limit we can provide boats of better quality,” Sortland says, proudly adding that in their 25 years they have never had an accident, thanks to continuous emergency services on the site. The full experience offered is the reason why people keep coming. Sortland says: “When contestants are out on the ocean and see the snow on the Lofoten mountains sparkle under the spring sunshine, it’s already an amazing experience – regardless of whether they end up as the World Champion or not.”
For more information, please visit: www.vmiskreifiske.no
30 | Issue 72 | January 2015