Discover Hamarøy

Hamarøy combines literary history and Lule Sámi culture with fjords, mountains and trails along the coast. When planning your trip, it is worth exploring the area’s different sides: the Hamsun Centre is dedicated to the life and work of Knut Hamsun, while hiking trails and viewpoints put the landscape centre stage. Access conditions also vary: you can explore the grounds of the old trading post at Breidablikk, but the buildings themselves are not open to the public.

Hamsun, Culture and History

The Hamsun Centre in Hamarøy is dedicated to the life and work of the writer Knut Hamsun. It is also the national centre for the writer and Nobel laureate Knut Hamsun (1859–1952). The exhibition features first editions of his books published between 1877 and 1949. The roof terrace offers views of the landscape. Here, literature, an exhibition and a scenic outlook come together in one place.

Café Sult is also located at the Hamsun Centre. It serves traditional dishes made with ingredients from Northern Norway; their names are inspired by Hamsun, while the dishes are modern interpretations. As details of the food and drink offering may change, check what is currently available before your visit.

Another cultural landmark is Árran julevsáme guovdásj, the Lule Sámi Centre. It is located in Drag in Tysfjord, Hamarøy municipality, and serves as a national institution for the Lule Sámi language, culture and community life. The Hamsun Days, meanwhile, is a literary and cultural festival on Hamarøy. It is held mainly every two years around 4 August; the exact festival dates may change. So check the dates if you want to plan your trip around the festival.

The old trading post at Breidablikk has been an important meeting place in the area since 1845 and became the Hamarøy village museum in 1980. The grounds are open to visitors, but the buildings are not open to the public. This distinction matters when planning your visit: you can experience the historic surroundings on site, but this does not include access to the buildings.

Fjord Landscapes and Outdoor Trails

Hamarøy’s landscapes range from dramatic fjords and high mountains around the inner Tysfjord and Hellmofjord to panoramic views of the Vestfjord and the Lofoten Wall in outer Hamarøy. These contrasting landscapes sit side by side: fjords and mountains define the inner area, while the outer area opens onto broad views across the water and towards the Lofoten Wall.

The marked trail to Skaftheia is rated easy for hiking. The circular route is 2.6 kilometres long and reaches an elevation of 400 metres above sea level. From Skaftheia, hikers can see the Lofoten Wall. At Tranøy Lighthouse, by contrast, the focus is on a walk along the shore; visitors can also see the Lofoten Wall from there. The two locations therefore offer views of the Lofoten Wall in different settings: a marked high-altitude circular trail and a route along the shore.

Hamarøyskaftet is a natural obelisk and has long been a landmark. Climbing it requires climbing experience or the support of a local climbing guide. This makes it very different from the Skaftheia loop, which is rated easy: take the stated difficulty levels and experience requirements into account when choosing your outing.

Getting There and Transport Connections

Hamarøy can be reached by car, boat or bus. Flights via Bodø, Evenes or Svolvær Airport provide onward connections to Hamarøy. From Lofoten and Vesterålen, Hamarøy can be reached by the summer ferry from Svolvær to Skutvik or by the ferry from Lødingen to Bognes. Ferry services, seasonal operations and schedules may change; check the connections operating on your travel dates before departure.

In summer, three express boat services per week run from Drag in Hamarøy to Hellmobotn. This service is also seasonal: the stated frequency applies to summer and may change. If you plan to use this connection, check the schedule for your travel day.

Discover more destinations: Skutvik, Presteid, Ulvsvåg, Innhavet, Tranøy.

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