The pirate town

Annual Pirate festival

The annual Kaperbyen festival "Kaperdagene" ("Pirate Days") is about having fun with games and entertainment for all ages. Experience the piracy-themed live show Kaperspillet, with boats and all. It takes place on Saturday evenings on summer nights. The festival attracts thousands of spectators who can also experience daily pirate tours for children on the "SS Adella", as well as entertainment on the stage in the town square.

The festival lasts three days and traditionally starts with the announcement of "Kaperprisen", an award given to the person who does the most for the district.

An exciting competition to witness during the festival is called "Take Capers Jansen". This is where various boat owners compete to see which one has the fastest boat in the harbour.

Piracy history

Kaperspillet is based on the Napoleonic War fought from 1804-1814 when Denmark and Norway were forced into war against its oldest rival, the United Kingdom. War raged for years, which caused distress and poverty for the people in the region.

As part of the war effort, authorities urged coastal residents from Loshavn and Eikvåg to equip fast sailboats to plunder the passing ships. A legendary pirate called Veiviseren from Loshavn set a Norwegian record of 23 successful missions.

Local piracy harbours

Loshavn and Eikvåg is where piracy of British ships started. Many passed through these waters and it is said that these areas were built on British money.

Norwegian ship captured by the British

This show is based on an authentic incident in September 1810 when the Norwegian pirate ship ''Pophan'' was captured by an English warship. A few days later, Veiviseren recovered the ship and this event is recreated in the Kaperspillet.

The guard of the harbour

During this festival and the summer months, you are also likely to meet the town's very own Marina Watchman. She dresses in a traditional outfit and greets boats and tourists as they arrive in the town centre.