Vestfjorden

For other places with the same name, see Vestfjorden (disambiguation). For the fjord in Greenland, see Vestfjord.

Vestfjorden, with Lofoten to the west and the mainland to the east

Vestfjord is a Norwegian sea area, the name literally meaning "the West fjord" called a fjord, which could be best described as a firth or an open bight of sea, between the Lofoten archipelago and the Salten district of mainland Norway. It is located northwest of the town of Bodø. The term fjord (from the old Norse fjördr meaning firth or inlet) is used more generally for bodies of water in the western Scandinavian languages than the more narrow usage assigned in English.

Vestfjord is famous for its cod fishery, which was exploited back to the early medieval period. More recently, the winter invasion of Orcas in the inner parts of Vestfjord has become a tourist attraction. Strong winds with heavy seas are not uncommon in Vestfjord in winter.

Media gallery

Vågakallen mountain and the Lofoten wall, view towards west
Vestfjord seen from a mountain in Steigen, with the southern part of the Lofoten wall visible on the right
A calm summer day on Vestfjord

References

Sømme, Axel, ed. (1960). The Geography of Norden. London: Heinemann.
Soëga, Geir T. (1910). A Concise Dictionary of Old Icelandic. Clarendon Press.
Barnes, Michael (1999). A New Introduction to Old Norse. London: University College. ISBN 9780903521451.

Coordinates: 68°03′N 14°46′E / 68.050°N 14.767°E / 68.050; 14.767

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