The Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Islands, a group of four islands and several islets in the Norwegian Sea, off the northwest coast of Norway. They are entirely north of the Arctic Circle and are bounded on the north by the Vesterålen Islands. The four islands are Austvågöy, Vestvågöy, Moskenesöy, and Flakstadöy. The total land area of the islands is 475 square miles (1,230 km2). Svolvaer, on Austvågöy, is the largest town.
The Lofoten Islands are mountainous, reaching a height of almost 3,400 feet (1,036 m). The chief occupation of the islanders is cod and herring fishing. Some of the fish are salted and dried, while others are shipped fresh; cod liver oil is extracted. Fishing is made perilous by strong tidal currents.
The Lofoten Islands were occupied by Germany during World War II. British and Norwegian commandos carried out two daring raids against the German garrison on the islands.
Population: about 30,000.