Discover Straumsjøen

Straumsjøen combines a coastal landscape with traces of its fishing history and routes to a range of nature and cultural experiences. The Vesterålen Rorbuer consist of original fishermen’s cabins built in the 18th and 19th centuries. They stand by the water, with views across Straumsjøen towards the mountains in the background. Together, the historic buildings and coastal setting shape the character of the place.

Fishermen’s Cabins, Coastal Views and Eagles

Next to the cabins, Damperiet Bryggekafé is housed in a former fish-oil rendering building. Two distinct chapters of fishing history thus come together here: the fishermen’s homes and workplaces, and a building once used for rendering fish oil. There are also two eagle nests in Straumsjøen. Eagles can often be seen gliding in the wind in front of the Vesterålen Rorbuer, although a sighting cannot be guaranteed.

Kyststien, Summit Hikes and Kayaking

Kyststien, also called Dronningstien, runs from the rorbuer to Spjelkvågen and is just under 10 kilometres long. Along the way are abandoned traditional farms, glacial potholes, white beaches and a lighthouse. The route brings together coastal scenery and traces of culture along a single trail. When planning your hike, bear in mind that trail conditions can change.

Summit hikes to Vikantinden, Burnestinden and Nattmålstinden can also start directly from the Vesterålen Rorbuer. Another hike starts outside Straumsjøen at Handkleppan: the route passes through the valley around Vikanfjellet, with a detour to Åsanden. On the return, it follows the sea to Vikan. The two options differ in their starting points: Kyststien begins at the fishermen’s cabins, while the trail at Handkleppan starts outside the village.

You can kayak directly from the coast in Straumsjøen. The sea can be rough outside the bay, so this activity is recommended for experienced paddlers. Depending on the season, SUP boards and kayaks can be rented at Damperiet. If you prefer fishing, the managed fishing area of the Straume watercourse also includes its western branch between Straumsjøen and Høgmyra, north of Straume. Season, day and youth permits allow fishing throughout the Straume watercourse; Varpa is a separate zone where only day permits are valid. Check the regulations that apply during your trip before fishing.

Local Cuisine in Straumsjøen

Damperiet Bryggekafé serves baked goods, lunch dishes, cured meats and bacalao, among other things. In July, the summer menu features fish and meat dishes, light meals and baked goods. Ingredients come from Norwegian farms and local producers, including fish from Bø, cheese made in Bø, and bacon or cured meats from local farmers in Bø. The cuisine at Ringstad Resort is also based on local ingredients and inspired by local food traditions as well as international influences.

In the Wider Destination of Bø

For regional context, it is worth taking a closer look at Bø: the municipality has a 294-kilometre coastline deeply indented by fjords. Steep, rugged mountains define the landscape, particularly in the northwest and east. The Nyke/Tussen Nature Reserve protects one of Nordland’s largest and most geomorphologically well-developed cobble beaches; it includes a continuous 3.5-kilometre stretch of cobble beach. In Vinjesjøen, the Friluftsgalleri displays all 36 sculptures in the Skulpturlandskap Nordland project. These regional features belong to Bø and should be distinguished from the experiences in Straumsjøen described above.

Discover more destinations: Hovden, Guvåg, Bø, Bø i Vesterålen, Steine

Go to the main travel overview: Bø.