Vandve – Island Nature and Coastal Waters

Vandve: Island Nature and Coastal Waters

Vandve is a flat island in the municipality of Dønna in Nordland County, west of the island of Dønna. It covers 5.8 square kilometres, and its highest point is just 27 metres above sea level. The waters around Vandve are known for particularly good catches of halibut, turbot, plaice, and other fish species. The island also has rich birdlife. Visitors may spot deer, moose, and otters, though sightings are not guaranteed. Vandve thus combines a flat island landscape with opportunities to take in the surrounding waters and wildlife.

Getting There by Ferry

The official ferry connection between Solfjellsjøen and Vandve is designated Route 18-188. Vandve is also served by a car ferry from Solfjellsjøen. Check the current timetable for your travel date before planning the crossing.

Hiking and Kayaking

Vandve is a good starting point for kayaking in the surrounding waters. There are also opportunities for easy hikes. The Strandstien trail on Vandve is partly marked and well used; the municipal overview refers to the 2014–2017 plan for physical activity. As the trail is only partly marked, check the route locally before planning to walk the Strandstien. This lets you choose between an activity on the water and exploring the island on foot.

Church and Glassblowing Studio

Vandve kirke is a wooden long church, inaugurated in 1956, with 50 seats. Its altar comes from the now-closed Nydalen Chapel in Oslo. Near Vandve, glassblower Olaf Hoena welcomes visitors to his workshop. You can watch him at work and buy figurines or glass objects.

Holiday Accommodation with Boat Rental

The Halibudskole Vandve holiday accommodation offers boat rental, with two 17-foot boats powered by 50 hp engines. The rental includes fish finders, chart plotters, digital nautical charts, and safety equipment. The property also has a fish-cleaning hut, freezers, and a drying room. If you are considering this specific holiday accommodation, confirm its availability and the current boat-rental equipment before booking.

Cultural History on Dønna

On the island of Dønna lies Nordvika gamle handelssted, one of Northern Norway’s oldest and best-preserved historic trading centres. During the summer season, you can visit exhibitions, shop at the general store, or enjoy coffee in the historic parlour, whose wallpaper is decorated with real gold. In Glein on Dønna, you can see Northern Europe’s largest marble phallus and the Fruktbarhetsutstillingen, an exhibition of fertility symbols from around the world dating back 25,000 to 30,000 years. From the Migration Period to the 20th century, Dønna was an important centre of power and culture; numerous cultural monuments still bear witness to this.

Discover more destinations: Dønna, Kopardal.

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