Helle Airport

Helle Airport (SVJ), located in Svolvær, is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the enchanting world of the Lofoten Islands. Its runway is surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque fjords, making landing and taking off here an unforgettable spectacle and the start of a grand adventure. This small regional airport plays a key role in transport connections for local residents and serves as the starting point for thousands of tourists arriving to enjoy the beauties of Northern Norway.

The main advantage of Helle Airport is its unique location. For many travellers, the flight itself becomes part of the excursion programme thanks to the incredible views from the window. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, connecting Lofoten with cities such as Bodø and Oslo, from where you can transfer to international destinations. The main carrier here is the regional airline Widerøe.

The airport infrastructure is simple and functional, which is characteristic of small Norwegian aviation hubs. There is no hustle and bustle of large terminals here, and check-in and security procedures are quick. Passengers have access to a small waiting area, a café, and the option to rent a car for further travel around the islands. Thanks to its compact size and proximity to the city, which can be reached in 10-15 minutes, Svolvær Airport is an extremely convenient starting point for exploring the famous archipelago.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for Helle Airport (SVJ). Since the airport is managed by the Norwegian company Avinor, most contacts are centralised.

• Official Website: You will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and rules on the official Svolvær Airport page on the Avinor website.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can contact the Avinor contact centre at: +47 67 03 00 00.
• Airport Address: Helle, 8312 Henningsvær, Norway.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the Avinor website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost within the airport building, use the Avinor online service to search for lost property. For issues related to lost or damaged checked baggage, you must contact your airline's support service directly.
• Passenger Support Service: The main channels for support are the information desk phone and the feedback form on the official website.

Getting to Helle Airport, located just 6 kilometres from the city centre of Svolvær, is quite simple. Despite the airport's compact size, transport connections with the city are well-established. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further travel around the Lofoten Islands. The trip from the city centre to the terminal usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes.

The most economical way to get to the airport is by public transport. Local buses run between Svolvær and the airport, and also connect it with neighbouring settlements. It is important to check the schedule in advance, as trips are often synchronised with aircraft arrivals and departures and may not be very frequent, especially on weekends. This option is ideal for travellers with light luggage.

A more comfortable, but also more expensive option is a taxi. A car can be found at the stand near the airport after a flight arrives or booked in advance by phone. This is a convenient choice for those travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or simply valuing their time. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus, which is typical for transport services in Norway. Private transfer services are also available and can be booked online before your trip.

For tourists planning to actively explore the Lofoten Islands, the best solution is car rental. Many major rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) have their counters directly at the airport or arrange for the car to be delivered upon your arrival. A car offers complete freedom of movement along the picturesque roads of the archipelago. It is strongly recommended to book a car well in advance, especially during the high tourist season (from June to August), to guarantee vehicle availability and secure a better price.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, parking is available at your service, located in immediate proximity to the terminal. Zones for both short-term and long-term parking are provided here. Given the small size of Helle Airport, you will not have to spend much time getting from the parking lot to the departure zone.

Helle Airport (SVJ) in Svolvær is a modern and very compact regional airport. It consists of one terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to its small size and thoughtful layout, the airport is incredibly convenient for passengers, and navigating it is very easy, even if you are here for the first time.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple and intuitive. Immediately after entering the building, you will see several check-in counters. After checking in, passengers proceed to the single security checkpoint. The departure zone is a small but cosy waiting area with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is located in another part of the building and consists of a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. All key points are within a few steps of each other, so it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Since the airport serves a small number of flights, all pre-flight procedures are completed very quickly. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to drop off luggage and pass control without rushing. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one terminal, and the departure and arrival zones are under one roof.

The main feature of the terminal is its functionality and stunning views. The windows of the waiting hall offer a magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountains and fjords of the Lofoten Islands, making the wait for the flight truly pleasant. No special knowledge is required for navigation: follow the simple and clear signs, and you will easily find everything you need. Helle Airport is a fine example of how a small space can be organised maximally effectively and comfortably for travellers.

Helle Airport, serving the city of Svolvær, is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the history of the exploration and development of the Lofoten Islands. Its history began on 1 July 1972, when it was opened along with several other similar airports as part of a state programme to create a network of regional airlines in Norway. These airports, known as STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing), were built with short runways and were intended to connect remote and hard-to-reach regions of the country with major cities.

Initially, the runway at Helle Airport was only 800 metres long, which required the use of special aircraft capable of taking off and landing over short distances. The advent of air travel became a real revolution for the region: it significantly reduced travel time to the mainland, contributed to economic growth, and laid the foundation for the development of tourism, which is a key industry for the Lofoten Islands today. Prior to this, the main modes of transport were ferries and long car journeys.

Over time, as passenger traffic grew, the airport required modernisation. A key stage in its development was the reconstruction in the early 2000s. In 2001, a new, more modern and spacious terminal building was opened, as well as a new control tower. Later, the runway was slightly lengthened to meet modern safety requirements. These improvements allowed the airport to more efficiently serve the growing number of tourists eager to see the unique nature of the archipelago.

One of the most interesting facts about Helle Airport is its impressive location. It is wedged between high mountains and the sea, making landing and take-off some of the most picturesque in the world. Pilots require special skill to manoeuvre in such conditions, especially in changeable weather. Today, Helle Airport remains a vital artery for Svolvær and the entire region, symbolising how modern technology has helped make some of the most beautiful, yet remote corners of the planet accessible to travellers.

Helle Airport (SVJ), serving Svolvær and the Lofoten Islands, is a compact and functional terminal offering key amenities for travellers. Given its regional status, the range of services is focused on providing basic comfort before departure or immediately after arrival.

In the waiting hall, there is a small café where you can order hot and cold drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is an excellent place to have a bite while waiting for a flight. Nearby, there is usually a kiosk selling souvenirs, newspapers, and travel essentials. There are no full-fledged Duty Free shops here.

Passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal to stay connected. Power outlets are provided in the waiting hall for charging electronic devices. As a rule, there are no bank branches or currency exchange points in the airport, however, there is an ATM for withdrawing cash.

Special assistance is provided for passengers with reduced mobility, including escort during check-in, passing control, and boarding. To use this service, you must notify your airline in advance. Families with small children will find baby changing tables in the restrooms. There are no specialised VIP halls or business lounges at the airport.

There are no hotels or conference rooms within the airport building itself. The nearest hotels, as well as business centres for meetings, are located in the city of Svolvær, which can be reached by taxi or bus in just a few minutes.

When planning a departure from Svolvær Helle Airport (SVJ), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport serving the Lofoten Islands. Accordingly, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and designed primarily for a quick snack before a flight.

In the single terminal of the airport, as a rule, one small café or kiosk operates. Usually, it is located in the public area before security control, but sometimes a small counter with drinks and snacks can also be found in the departure zone. The assortment mainly includes coffee, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries (for example, traditional Norwegian buns `boller`) and various snacks, such as crisps and chocolate. There is no full-service restaurant with hot meals here.

Despite the modest selection, sometimes you can find something with local flair on the menu, for example, a sandwich with salmon or shrimp. However, one should not count on a wide range of local cuisine dishes. Passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, people with gluten intolerance) are recommended to bring food with them, as finding suitable options at the airport may be difficult.

Prices correspond to the general level in Norway and in the country's airports — be prepared that a snack will be quite expensive. The café's opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs. If you wish to have a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do so in one of the restaurants in Svolvær before travelling to the airport.

Planning a trip through Helle Airport in Svolvær can be simple and pleasant if you know a few key points. This small regional airport serves mainly domestic flights and is the gateway to the picturesque Lofoten archipelago. Here are a few tips that will help make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Helle Airport is compact and efficient. For domestic flights within Norway, it is recommended to arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to drop off luggage and pass security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in, which most airlines offer. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone.

Passing Control and Seat Selection. Security control here is quick due to low passenger traffic. The rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags. When choosing a seat on the plane, we strongly recommend booking a window seat. The bird's-eye views of the Lofoten Islands, fjords, and mountains are an unforgettable spectacle that will be a wonderful start or end to your adventure.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Standard restrictions on carrying liquids, sharp objects, and flammable substances apply here as well. However, please note that regional flights, which are often operated by small turboprop aircraft, may have stricter rules regarding the weight and size of hand luggage. Be sure to check these requirements on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Transfers and Customs. Svolvær Airport is not a major transfer hub. Most passengers fly from here to large cities such as Oslo or Bodø, where they make further connections. If you have a connecting flight, check at check-in whether your luggage will be sent to the final destination. Since Norway is part of the Schengen Area, there is no passport control on domestic flights. Customs control applies only upon arrival from countries outside the Schengen Area and mainly concerns the declaration of goods.

Savings and Useful Hacks. To save money, book tickets and transfers from the airport in advance, especially during the high tourist season. Prices for food and drinks in Norwegian airports can be high, so you can bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing control. Travelling with only hand luggage will also help save on baggage fees.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact the airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights (compensation, meals, accommodation). Given the small size of the terminal, opportunities for a long wait are limited. It is recommended to have a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded films with you to pass the time comfortably.