Værøy Heliport (VRY) / Værøy Stolport – Your Essential Air Link to the Lofoten Islands
Værøy Heliport (IATA: VRY, ICAO: ENVR), often referred to by its historical name Værøy Stolport, stands as a crucial and unique transportation hub for the remote island of Værøya, nestled in the stunning Lofoten archipelago of Arctic Norway. More than just an access point, this facility operates an essential Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, ensuring vital year-round connectivity for local residents, while offering tourists a spectacular and unforgettable arrival via helicopter.
The heliport replaced the original fixed-wing Værøy Stolport, which was permanently closed in 1990 following safety concerns related to extreme wind conditions. The current facility, opened in 1997, secures an essential public link to the mainland, managed by the national airport operator, Avinor.
General Information: A Unique Arctic Gateway
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Tobbisodden, Værøy, Nordland, Norway. Approximately 2 km from the city center of Sørland. |
| Coordinates | 67°39′16″N 12°43′37″E |
| Facility Type | Public Heliport (The IATA code VRY persists from the former STOLport). |
| Operator | Avinor (Avinor.no) |
| Passenger Traffic | The heliport is essential, handling approximately 10,000 passengers annually (updated figure as of 2024), vital for fishing, commerce, and nature tourism. |
| Status | Maintains essential, fixed-schedule helicopter flights, serving as the sole air link to the mainland, subsidized by the Norwegian government. |
Terminal and Services: Efficiency and Essential Amenities
The heliport operates with one compact terminal, built specifically for the efficiency and flow of helicopter operations. Despite its small size, essential services are provided for traveler comfort and convenience:
- Free Wi-Fi: Available under the “Avinor_Free_WiFi” network.
- Refreshments: A small cafe is available within the terminal.
- Accessibility: Disabled access facilities are provided for travelers with reduced mobility.
- Lost & Found: For inquiries regarding lost property, travelers should contact the local Avinor office directly at +47 67 033 870.
- Payments: Please note that transactions at the heliport typically accept Norwegian Krone (NOK) only.
- Car Rental: Car rental services are not available directly at the heliport, reflecting the island’s small size and focus on local transport options.
- Nearby Accommodation: Lodging options are available in the main village of Sørland, including the popular Værøy Brygge and Nordlandshus.
Transportation Options: Short and Simple Transfers
- Taxi: A taxi ride into the main village of Sørland is very quick, taking approximately 5 minutes and costing around 100 NOK. Værøy Taxi can be reached at +47 76 09 10 00.
- Walking: The main city center is accessible via a pleasant 20-minute walk from the heliport.
- Parking: A small, complimentary car park is available for private vehicles.
Airlines and Destinations (Current Service Updates)
The scheduled service to Værøy is a unique and essential route, secured by a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract.
- Primary Airline: Lufttransport (L5/LTR) is the sole scheduled carrier, operating the PSO route under contract with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport.
- Aircraft: Flights are typically operated using a Leonardo AW139 twin-engine helicopter (a 15-seater model).
- Main Destination: Bodø Airport (BOO), which serves as the essential mainland connection point.
- Longest Route: The non-stop service to Bodø is the heliport’s only route, with a flight time of approximately 25 minutes.
- Frequency (Current): The scheduled service operates twice daily on weekdays and once daily on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Weather Advisory: All flights in the region are highly subject to prevailing weather conditions, especially high winds and fog, which are common in the Lofoten area. Passengers should always check flight status before departure.
- Private Charters: For maximum flexibility, private charter services (including companies like BLADE) can be booked for personalized flights to and from Værøy Heliport.
Traveler Information: Exploring Værøy
- Local Attractions: The heliport provides immediate access to Værøy’s spectacular natural beauty and rich fishing culture, including the local fishing villages and the dramatic cliffs of the Mostad Bird Sanctuary, a haven for ornithologists.
- Traveler Tips: Ensure your luggage is suitable for helicopter travel, as space can be limited. The trip itself offers incredible aerial views of the Norwegian Sea and the Lofoten Wall.
- Visa Requirements: International travelers must ensure they comply with all Norwegian entry rules. Non-Schengen citizens, for instance, are required to obtain a Schengen visa for entry into Norway. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) well in advance of your travel date.
Contact Information: Official Heliport Details
- Operator/Address: Avinor, 8063 Værøy, NORWAY.
- Telephone: +47 67 033 870 (Avinor Local Office)
- Official Website: Avinor Værøy Heliport