Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Lofoten
Scandic Svolvær is the ideal base for experiencing northern adventures.
The city hotel surrounded by water In the north of Norway, Scandic Svolvær is situated on the island of Lamholmen, right in the middle of Svolvær town centre and surrounded by the wild and wonderful archipelago. By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Kjell Ove Storvik
Built in 1995 and renovated in 2017, the hotel boasts 146 rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities for up to 200 guests. Sitting on an island in Svolvær town centre, the hotel is surrounded by water, which makes for spectacular views from the hotel’s panorama windows. The proximity to the ocean, the mountains and all of Svolvær’s restaurants and shopping opportunities makes it the ideal place for a varied holiday. Parking at the hotel is free, there are plenty of chargers for electric cars, and the island is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Should you get the urge to go on a bike ride but have not come prepared, the hotel also has a few rental bikes for guests to borrow for free. For those who travel up north to seek out adventure and nature experiences, Scandic Svolvær is the perfect base to travel out from and return to. With
immediate access to mountains and the ocean, guests can experience snowshoe hikes, biking or fishing, and the hotel is happy to help through collaborations with local companies. For those who want to try out randoné skiing, the area is ideal, with the opportunity to start out at sea level and climb up to 700 metres straight uphill for amazing views of the area. Should you want to try fishing without having to leave the comfort of the hotel, part of Scandic Svolvær is built on top of the water, featuring two indoor fishing
holes: one in the restaurant and another in one of the hotel rooms. A different and exotic view for international guests and non-locals alike might be the stockfish hanging at the harbour, right outside the door. Lamholmen is a modern fishing community, and the fish is dried and preserved in the traditional manner of hanging on wooden racks outside. “Another landmark is The Fisherman’s Wife,” general manager Gunhild Elisabeth Laundal enthuses. “It’s a floodlit sculpture by Per Ung, which waves to the open sea, and the hotel has a full view of the statue.” In March, the sister hotel Scandic Vestfjord Lofoten will be opening in the town.
Web: www.scandichotels.com/ hotels/norway/lofoten/ scandic-svolvaer Facebook: ScandicSvolvaer
Issue 122 | March 2019 | 81