About us
Our goal is simple: to be human, present, and genuinely here for you, the people who travel from the other side of the world to experience Lofoten. When you journey all the way to this secluded corner of West Lofoten, we want you to be met by a person - someone who can share what life is like here, answer your questions, and help you feel at home.
We hope you will feel the history in the landscape, the calm in the air, and how time seems to disappear here. Even a short stay has a way of softening the mind and opening the senses - just as the mountains, stones, and shores are shaped by nature, we too are little by little shaped by Lofoten. Whether you come to explore, relax, or work from afar, we want your stay to be more than accommodation. We want it to be a meaningful pause in your journey - a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the Arctic way of life settle in.
Welcome to Reinefjorden Sjøhus - we’re glad you found us.
Years ago, here, by the Reinefjord seaside, Skagen was born — a raw and beautiful place, already full of stories.
It is a more hidden part of the Lofoten archipelago, deeply rooted in fishing history and cultural heritage. For generations, the site was home to a locally run fish factory, where workers relied on a unique gondola system to transport "skrei" (Arctic cod) from the shoreline up the hillside. There, they would hang the catch on traditional wooden drying poles called "hjelle". The 2-3-month drying period transformed cod into "tørrfisk" (stockfish): Norway's iconic dried fish and one of Lofoten's most prized export products - primarily for Italian markets (stoccafisso). The fishery, especially during the season from January to April, has been a critical part of the region's economy and culture for over a thousand years.
Before the E10 road was built, the Lofoten Islands were more isolated and difficult to travel between. Skagen was one of the places where people could catch a local ferry to Reine Island. It was a vital connection for communities that lived here; it served as a crucial link for trade, social visits, and access to goods and services that were hard to obtain. Nowadays, all islands are connected with bridges and tunnels, which makes travel here easier, yet not easy at all. Narrow roads, sharp turns, and winter conditions remind us all that living in Lofoten comes with its own rules.
Tourism has brought new life to all local fishing villages in recent decades. Although the traditional ways of life still play an important role here. The dramatic landscape and historical significance make it a perfect destination for those interested in experiencing the essence of the Lofoten Islands. Fishing heritage includes cod-drying racks, the traditional rorbu cabins, and annual fishing festivals that are still celebrated today, for example, "Heimkommarn" (Homecoming).
Today, Skagen has transitioned from a transport hub to a popular tourist destination. The historic gondola that once pulled the Arctic cod is no longer in operation, but it remains part of the history, remembered and retold by locals. Although modern infrastructure has replaced the former ferry routes, maritime history continues to play a significant role in Skagen's identity. Now a quiet, remote spot on the water, this place has become a paradise for travellers seeking natural beauty, with stunning views of the fjords, mountains, and surrounding islands.
Pack your camera—half the adventure is the journey itself. Whether you arrive by plane, ferry, bus, or car, the roads, the sea, and the scenery make the trip to Lofoten unforgettable. A special thanks to Guide to Lofoten for creating such a beautifully designed travel guide. Follow the link below for detailed travel options and tips to reach The Lofoten Islands
By following the Lofoten Code of Conduct, you help these islands stay wild, beautiful, and welcoming for everyone – now and for years to come.
Here’s how you can help take care of Lofoten while you’re here --> The Code
