Right next to the Skjerstad Fjord is the town of Fauske. This small town with around 6.300 inhabitants is a part of the Salten district in the region of Nordland. Fauske can almost be considered a gateway to northern Norway. It is located at the intersection between road E6 which heads further north in Norway and road 80 which continues to Bodø and the ferry to the Lofoten Archipelago. This is also one of the stops along two railways, the Nordland Line and the Polar Line. The first continues to Bodø and the second to Narvik. So, if you travel to Northern Norway, you will most likely pass by Fauske. That is if you don’t opt for the usually faster route through Sweden.
Fauske has for centuries been an important site for the Sámi People. The local Sámi language is Lule Sámi, which is the language used along the Lule River in Sweden and across the border in Norway. The name of the town in Lule Sámi is Fuossko.
A Short History of Fauske
Fauske has its origins in a small farm. The farm was mentioned for the first known time in the 16th century. This area has also been an important site for the Sámi people, who have used it as a place of sacrifice. In fact, many names within the municipality still have Sámi names. It is the copper mines in Sulitjelma that have dominated the local economy of the area since they opened in the 1880s. Copper and pyrite were extracted until 1991.
Fauske became its own independent municipality in 1905 when it separated from Skjerstad Municipality.
Things to Do and See
Fauske is a common stop for supplies or rest when traveling through the area. Plenty of RVs and caravans stand at the “bobilplass” and there are many shops along the road and in the center of town. And even though you might not stay for long, we can really recommend a stop to enjoy the view over the fjord. You might even want to enjoy your breakfast at one of the public tables next to the waterfront.
Nordlandsmuseet – Fauske Bygdetun
Fauske Bygdetun is the local heritage open-air museum. This is where you can learn about the local history and the people who used to live here. The museum is part of Norlandsmuseet with several museums in the region.
Strandpromenaden
Strandpromenaden in Fauske is a walking path that follows the shores of the Skjerstad Fjord. There is a fountain in the water and small leisure boats pass by from time to time.
Fauske Church
Fauske kirke, the local parish church, was completed in 1867 and inaugurated two years later. It is a white wooden church that can seat around 280 visitors. It is today a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway.
How to Get to Fauske
Flights: Bodø Airport (BOO) is 54 kilometers away. It offers mostly domestic flights to towns such as Oslo, Tromsø, and Trondheim. There are also seasonal international flights available.
Car: Fauske is on road E6, between Mo i Rana and Narvik. It has Bodø a bit to the west along road 80.
Train: The railway connects Fauske with Bodø and Trondheim as well as other stations along the Nordland Line.
The driving distance from 5 major Norwegian cities, according to Google Maps:
- Oslo – 1137 kilometers (14 h 40 min)
- Bergen – 1274 kilometers (18 h 10 min)
- Trondheim – 650 kilometers (8 h 53 min)
- Narvik – 248 kilometers (4 h 4 min)
- Kirkenes – 1162 kilometers (14 h 18 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Norway by visiting our page Exploring Norway
