Anchor ropes, container workshops and circling seagulls close to and alongside an impressive 1,250 meter-quay. An afternoon in the port of Fuglafjørður. A small town located on Eysturoy's east coast. Houses, shops, companies, restaurant, arts and leisure center and so forth, nestled to the head of a deep fjord of the same name, surrounded by water and high mountains. A place that probably has been populated since the Viking age, as archaeological excavations suggested. The address of current interest: Bakkavegur 20. You are looking for a light grey building, in the thick of the harbor-activities. Maybe Katrin K. Petersen has already arranged some benches and tables outside, weather permitting. Sitting accommodations close to the quay. A harbor picture theater. Once, a 248-meter-ship moored; the port of Fuglafjørður plays a significant role in the pelagic fisheries of the North Atlantic. And it might as well be the only harbor world-wide that’s home to a shop selling mohair wool, NoðaStova, the shop that Katrin recently started.
What’s ingenious about it? The combination of a shop full of knitting wool and the harbor-location. You don’t need to be in search of yarn at all, in order to pop in. You might as well sit yourself down and have a coffee, chat or ice cream cup. On sunny days, the shop and its sitting accommodations are bathed in light. At a stone’s throw, kids dressed in wet suits climb onto boats and wheelhouses and jump into the water. Harbor vibes are all around. At another time, it’s possible to observe powerful waves while sitting inside, warm and cozy. NoðaStova is a small shop with big windows and a unique story. Katrin has been a fan of knitting ever since she has been six years old. Last summer, the idea of having her own small business surfaced during an island excursion and grew, followed by the foundation process; concept, financing, finding a suitable location – opening. In a building that belonged to the fire department in olden days; it has also been an office. Now, it’s the NoðaStova, shelves full of Baby Merino, Brushed Alpaca silk, cotton, buttons, and much more.
Coziness. Harbor view. A small sandy beach close by, being home to a seafaring story; a wreck. Kyrjasteinur (1937), a ship that had been built in Denmark. Several people wanted to restore the vessel (which had been towed into Fuglafjørður bay once; and eventually sank), but at some point, things didn’t proceed. These days, the hull of the ship – some locals like the sight, others would like to get rid of the hull, the sooner the better – is part of Fuglafjørður. Katrin likes the beach and her hometown, and knitting wool. “This is how I survive the darkness of the winter months. Many of us feel that way. We fight the winter blues. With the help of colorful wool, friends and knitting patterns.“ All the same, Katrin likes the idea of being part of the harbor. “I love the place I have found. There’s always something going on, at the shop, and in front of it“. And there’s always time for a chat at Bakkavegur 20; sightseeing advice can be given, while coffee and ice cream bowls are getting served; maybe vanilla, mint and chocolate; at NoðaStova. For seaman’s yarn, get into a conversation with one of the sea dogs or dock workers in Fuglafjørður harbor. There’s always something to explore.
In case you are having trouble finding NoðaStova: Drive down to the harbor, park your car and ask around. Locate locals. Be on the look-out for short-sleeved- and T-shirts on sunny days in late fall or during winter. Apart from that, you are looking for the flat building behind the blue container, according to this direction of view and link: Google Street View.
Katrin’s shop is on Facebook: NoðaStova. In search of sailor’s knots and captain’s chairs? Port of Fuglafjørður