2-Day Boat Tour in Helgeland
Two Days of Nature, History, and Memorable Experiences
Join us for an enriching journey through the stunning archipelago of Helgeland! This 2-day boat tour, with one overnight stay, is packed with experiences that combine history, culture, and nature. You will hear fascinating stories and take guided tours of the once-thriving communities on the islands of Skogsholmen and Skålvær. The tour also offers insights into the aquaculture industry, breathtaking natural scenery, local culinary delights, and a visit to a unique flower and interior shop.
Thursday evening concludes at Havkanten Gjestehus with a delicious dinner, a relaxing hot tub soak, and lively dockside dancing in cozy surroundings. The boat tour departs from Sandnessjøen on Thursdays and returns to the same location on Fridays.
This trip can easily be combined with other excursions or further island hopping from Sandnessjøen. It’s also perfect for travelers driving the Kystriksveien coastal route who want an unforgettable experience along the way.
What is included:
- Boat transport on both days.
- Lunch, guided tour, and storytelling at the island Skogsholmen.
- Guided tour of an aquaculture facility.
- 2-course dinner, followed by a relaxing hot tub and dockside dancing at Havkanten Gjestehus.
- Accommodation in a double room at Havkanten Gjestehus on Husøy/Herøy (rooms do not have private bathrooms).
- Guided tour of the island Skålvær.
- Lunch at Augustbryggo on Herøy.
- Visit to the flower shop Etcetera – (Botanical extravagance) on Herøy.
When and where:
Thursday to Friday throughout the summer.
- Departure: Sandnessjøen
- Stops:
- Skogsholmen
- Havkanten Gjestehus (Brasøy/Herøy)
- Skålvær
- Etcetera and Augustbryggo on Herøy
- Journey ends: Back in Sandnessjøen
The map below shows the locations we will visit over the two days.
Prices:
NOK 5900 per person. We primarily sell double rooms for these trips. If you are traveling alone, you will be assigned a room with a fellow traveler of the same gender.
Day 1, Thursday
The trip starts from Sandnessjøen around 10 a.m. From here, we head towards Skogsholmen. The island is located in one of Norway's most beautiful archipelago areas and is part of an island group that includes Vega, known as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A Taste of History at Skogsholmen
We will have lunch and take a guided tour at Skogsholmen Gjestehus (guesthouse), a restored boarding school filled with history. The building, dating back to the 1940s, was once a school and dormitory for children from the surrounding islands.
At the guesthouse, you can stroll through a photo exhibition that takes you back to the time when life on the island flourished. Around 1920, Skogsholmen had nearly 100 permanent residents, with a steamship quay, post office, church, and shops that testified to the island's heyday. However, after the school closed in 1971 and the shops disappeared, Skogsholmen was gradually abandoned. Today, only one person lives permanently on the island.
During the tour, you will hear about life here when the island housed nearly 100 permanent residents, and the boarding school brought students from all over the island region.
Tour of a Fish Farming Facility
Fish farming is one of the key industries on Helgeland and a significant contributor to the local economy. Helgeland's coastline, with its clear, cold waters and protected fjords, offers optimal conditions for farming salmon and trout. Many large aquaculture companies, such as Nova Sea and Lovundlaks, are based here and export fish to markets worldwide. On the trip from Skogsholmen to Brasøy, we will visit a fish farming facility. After the visit, we will have a deeper understanding of this industry.
Celebration Evening at Havkanten: Dinner, Dancing, and Hot Tub
We will wrap up the day with a 2-course dinner and a "bryggedans" (dock dance) at Havkanten! You will also have the option to enjoy the hot tub during the evening. Everything is in place for a social and enjoyable end to the day!
Day 2, Friday
Historical Skålvær
The first stop on today’s boat trip is Skålvær, an island situated in the channel between Herøy and Vega. Skålvær has a rich history as a trading post on Helgeland. Although the island lost its significance as a trading hub in the 20th century and no longer has permanent residents, it remains alive through significant volunteer efforts.
We will have a guided tour of the island, including a visit to the historic church. Today, Skålvær is a government-protected outdoor area with 15 private houses and cabins, offering beautiful nature and an intriguing history that makes the visit a memorable experience.
Fish Soup and Archipelago Bliss for Lunch
Next, we continue to Augustbryggo on Seløy, where we will enjoy a delicious fish soup for lunch. The restaurant is located in a charming dock building from 1954, which once functioned as a fish reception station. Just a stone's throw away is the active fish reception station, ensuring access to fresh fish and high-quality ingredients. With panoramic views of both Dønnamannen and De Syv Søstre (iconic mountains), we can enjoy our lunch in a unique setting.
Botanical Escapade
A visit to the flower and interior shop Etcetera is a must when you are on Herøy! This spectacular place, created by former Norwegian champion in flower arrangements Tommy Eide, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Here, an explosion of impressions and inspiration awaits, sure to delight anyone.
Once we are finished at Etcetera, we set course for Sandnessjøen. The trip concludes here around 6 p.m.
