From Hell to Å

Many rorbows found today, in addition to the old old salterium and pier, were previously a few kilometers south of Lofoten, in the old fishing village of Helle (also called Hell).
The fishermen established themselves here to prevent the gain from the fishing from wasting taxes and fees to local officials and merchants, and expensive prices for accommodation and living.
The villages at Helle remained active, but the difficult living conditions caused the people to apply for financial support for moving in 1949. The Storting allocated the population money for relocation. When the relocation from Helle and the other places on the outside, houses and boathouses were torn and taken to be rebuilt where people then settled down, and thus only house smells and boat noises were left.

Merchants and everyday people

Before roads were built between the village and the rest of society, one family ruled the village. The rich merchants in the Ellingsen family had the exclusive right to import and export goods and dry fish, giving them great wealth and influence. These sold supplies to the fishermen and bought their catch, exported the fish abroad while importing vital necessities. The Ellingsen family was called “Ness Konger”, small kings in Lofoten, and was an important part of the economic system that lasted well into the mid-1900s.

Norges Fiskevær & Ellingsen-Godset

The Ellingsen estate that the house Nesskonge family has now been completely restored and is supported as an important historical landmark in the village. Numerous other buildings such as cod liver factory, bakery and iron forge are restored and open to visitors. Come and explore and experience this charming fishing village.