LOFOTEN

island group, in the Norwegian Sea, Nordland fylke (county), northern Norway. Lying off the mainland entirely within the Arctic Circle, the group comprises the southern end of the LofotenVesterlen archipelago and includes five main islands (Austvgya, Gimsya, Vestvgya, Flakstadya, and Moskenesya) extending about 70 miles (110 km) from north to south. In addition, there are many small islands and skerries (rocky islets and reefs). The total length of the archipelago is about 110 miles (175 km), and the area is about 550 square miles (1,425 square km). A broad and deep fjord, the Vesterlsfjorden, lies between Lofoten and the mainland. The islands, composed of volcanic rocks (gneiss and granite), are the highly eroded tops of a partially submerged mountain range. The highest peak is Higravstind (3,809 feet ) on Austvgya. North of the Arctic Circle, the islands are washed by the warm North Atlantic Current, which tempers their climate. The Lofoten have been continuously inhabited since at least 1120, when King ystein built a church and lodgings for fishermen near Kabelvg, on Austvgya. Fishing has always been predominant, and until the late 19th century, when tourists arrived on the islands, it was almost the only economic activity. Cod, along with some haddock, are the principal catch. The main fishery season extends from February through April, when thousands of men from all over Norway come to the area to land and process the cod catch. Local industries are related to fishing (cod-liver-oil processing and fertilizer manufacture from fish parts). Some potatoes and berries are grown, but the scanty soils will not support even the hardiest grains. Svolvr, on Austvgya, is the chief town and main port of the islands. Between Moskenesya and the islet of Mosken flows the famed Moskenstraumen tidal channel, also called the Maelstrm (q.v.), with its treacherous reversing currents. Many artists come to the Lofoten group to depict the highly scenic landscapes; the famed Norwegian painter Gunnar Berg (186393) was born in Svolvr. Pop. (1970) deanery, 26,241.