To main content
02036037112
Find your voyage Destinations Our ships Special offers FAQ
  • Find a cruise
  • Destinations
  • Our ships
  • Special offers
  • Excursions
  • Land adventures
  • Get inspired
02036037112
Search
  • Port-to-port in Norway
  • Brochures
  • Newsletter sign up
  • Map
  • Northern Lights
  • Why Hurtigruten
  • Hurtigruten News
  • Practical information
  • About Hurtigruten
  • Contact us
Updating your booking
Info: We at Hurtigruten use cookies to optimise our websites for your needs. By using this website you consent to our cookie policy.
Fishing boat
A fishing boat in Lofoten Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo Photo
  • View related voyages

Skrei - Arctic codfish

The Valentine's Fish has prepared its whole life to get on your plate

Skrei (Arctic codfish) is derived from Old Norse for “the wanderer”, a very precise description of this codfish returning to the Norwegian coast after years roaming the Barents Sea. The reason for its return is spawning - i.e. find a mate – hence The Valentine's Fish.

The water conditions in Vestfjorden, between Bodø and Lofoten, are particularly suitable for spawning, attracting skrei by the million towards the Lofoten archipelago every winter between January and March. And with them come the fishermen.

Lofotfiske (“Fishing in Lofoten”) is an institution in Norway, attracting thousands of fishermen to Lofoten to catch what in fact is one of Norway's´s oldest exports. The Vikings brought the Skrei with them for trading on their excursions, and Skrei has even been the subject to a special tax to the king.

It is possible to tell the Skrei apart from the Arctic cod both in appearance and taste. It is a bit longer and more pointed, has whiter, crisper flesh, with firm flakes.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Voyages
  • Further reading

Related voyages

  • Value added

    Voyage of Discovery: Bergen - Kirkenes - Trondheim

    Explore Norway from Hurtigruten while sailing through some of the most stunning coastal scenery on the planet. Go on a journey from the magnificent fjords of the west coast to the rugged Arctic wilderness of northern Norway, before ending your voyage in the medieval city of Trondheim.

    Departure
    Daily, all year
    Duration
    11 days
    From
    £ 1057
    See voyage
  • Top Seller

    Classic Round Voyage: Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen

    The essence of Norway’s appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Join a 12-day adventure that is unmistakably Norwegian, across almost 2,500 nautical miles of spectacular coastal scenery. Along the route, you can choose from more than 90 excursions, and take part in hikes and activities led by our on-board Expedition Teams.

    Departure
    Daily, all year
    Duration
    12 days
    From
    £ 1057
    See voyage
  • Valentines Day Sale

    Classic Voyage South: Kirkenes - Bergen

    From Arctic wilderness to UNESCO heritage city charm – think of your southbound Hurtigruten voyage as the ultimate journey. You begin in Kirkenes, gateway to the Barents region and close to the Russian border. As we head westward and turn south, you see some of the world´s most beautiful islands and coastal mountains travelling towards the milder fjord climate and cosy charm of Bergen.

    Departure
    Daily, all year
    Duration
    6 days
    From
    £ 630
    See voyage

You may also like

  • Whales
    Photo: Audun Rikardsen Photo

    Whales

    The undisputed kings of the sea

  • _DSC5533-6©LENTZ-Christine Guest-image.jpg
    Photo: Christine Lentz/Guest-image Photo

    Sea eagle

    Watching this majestic bird fly along while you are up on deck will make you wish you could fly...

Hurtiguten UK

Hurtigruten LTD

Phone:

02036037112

  • Monday - Friday: 9.00 - 19.00
  • Saturday: 9.00 - 17.00
  • Sunday: 10.00 - 16.00
Email: [email protected]
  • Customer Loyalty Programme
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Payment
  • Newsletter
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Cookie compliance
  • Press
  • Careers
  • ATOL
  • Hurtigruten Svalbard
  • Agent web
  • Foreign Travel Advice
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • feefo_sq_trusted_service_2019_grey_yellow.png
  • iaato-logo_240.png
  • 2018-UK-Editors-Picks-Logo---Hurtigruten-WHITE.png

Search for destinations, attractions or information

Got a promotion code?