Lofoten Archipelago in the Norwegian Sea belongs to Norway. The islands of Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Moskenesøya and Flakstadøya are the largest ones and they are all mountainous. The people who live on the Lofoten Islands earn their living out of fishing and processing cod and other fish. The archipelago has been lately attracting tourists who willingly rent characteristic small houses called rorbu (rorbuer). The history of these wooden buildings dates back to the 12th century. They were built on poles, just by the coastline, so that they could serve fishermen as good as possible. In the second half of the 20th century holiday-makers started renting the traditional rorbu, whereas the houses’ owners began adjusting them to the needs of visitors. Today red houses on poles, with white window frames, doors and roofs’ framing are the best recognizable element of the Lofoten Islands landscape.
