Residents of Norway’s fishing village tire of drone filming around ‘world-famous’ football pitch

The football pitch in Henningsvær looks ordinary until visitors climb the nearby rocks. Then the setting comes into view: the artificial turf sits among rocky islands, with the Atlantic surrounding it and wooden racks for drying cod nearby.

The pitch became famous through drone images. A guide says Norway has other football grounds in similarly striking coastal locations, including one in the Lofoten village of Reine, but Henningsvær’s field became the social-media sensation.

No team currently plays league matches there, although local juniors train on the pitch. Henningsvær IL, the local club listed as the field’s main user, has reportedly declined and currently has no adult or junior team in Norway’s leagues. The venue still hosts football camps, and Norwegian player Ada Hegerberg has filmed videos there for UEFA and FIFA campaigns.

The field belongs to Vågan municipality. Henningsvær has about 500 residents, many of whom have grown increasingly unhappy with the constant drone activity above their homes. The pitch is also used as a helicopter landing site in emergencies, meaning drones could obstruct a landing. A noticeboard at the field includes drone guidance, while stickers show that visitors have come from many countries.

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The pitch became popular because of drone images. Norway has other similar pitches, but this one became a social-media hit.