Geography
Lofoten is located at the 68th and 69th parallels north of the Arctic Circle in North Norway. It is well known for its natural beauty within Norway. Lofoten encompasses the municipalities of Vågan, Vestvågøy, Flakstad, Moskenes, Værøy, and Røst. The principal islands, running from north to south, are
- Southern tip of Hinnøya.
- Southern 60% (approx.) of Austvågøy (526.7 km² in total 68°20′N 14°40′E / 68.333°N 14.667°E / 68.333; 14.667),
- Gimsøy (46.4 km² 68°18′N 14°11′E / 68.3°N 14.183°E / 68.3; 14.183),
- Vestvågøy (411.1 km² 68°10′N 13°45′E / 68.167°N 13.75°E / 68.167; 13.75),
- Flakstadøya (109.8 km² 68°5′N 13°20′E / 68.083°N 13.333°E / 68.083; 13.333),
- Moskenesøya (185.9 km² 67°55′N 13°0′E / 67.917°N 13°E / 67.917; 13),
whilst further to the south are the small and isolated islands of Værøy (67°40′N 12°40′E / 67.667°N 12.667°E / 67.667; 12.667) and Røst (67°37′N 12°7′E / 67.617°N 12.117°E / 67.617; 12.117). The total land area amounts to 1,227 km², and the population totals 24,500. Many will argue that Hinnøya, the northern part of Austvågøy and several hundred smaller islands, skerries and rocks to the east of Austvågøy are also part of the Lofoten complex. Historically the territorial definition of Lofoten has changed significantly. Between the mainland and the Lofoten archipelago lies the vast, open Vestfjorden, and to the north is Vesterålen. The principal towns in Lofoten are Leknes in Vestvågøy and Svolvær in Vågan. The Lofoten Islands are characterised by their mountains and peaks, sheltered inlets, stretches of seashore and large virgin areas. The highest mountain in Lofoten is Higravstinden (1,161 m / 3,800 ft) in Austvågøy; the Møysalen National Park just northeast of Lofoten has mountains reaching 1,262 meters. The famous Moskstraumen (Malstrøm) system of tidal eddies is located in western Lofoten, and is indeed the root of the term maelstrom.
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