Hemnes: Okstindan, culture and local traditions

Okstindan Nature and Culture Park covers the entire municipality of Hemnes, from Hemnesberget to Okstindan. Its landscape, culture and history can be experienced in different places. Hemnesberget lies on a peninsula surrounded by fjords and mountains; farther into the municipality, the Okstindan massif, rivers and distinctive rock formations shape the scenery.

Landscapes and trails in Hemnes

Among the area’s striking natural features are its giant potholes. There are more than 20 in the area. A hiking trail leads to one of them, which measures 10 metres in diameter and up to 12 metres deep. The area is about 12 kilometres south of Korgen on Fv 806, the Villmarksveien. Check road conditions before setting out.

The Røssåga River runs through large parts of the municipality and is a trout and salmon river. It is suitable for rod and fly fishing. Leirelva is also a trout and salmon river and is used for fishing. If fishing is part of your plans, check the season dates, licences and applicable rules in advance.

There are many kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails on Korgfjellet. Grooming is seasonal; check conditions before setting out. For hikes and walks in the Okstindan mountains and other places in the area, the Hemnes section of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) offers guided tours every year. Members and non-members can take part. Find the latest dates in the DNT programme.

Buildings, culture and history

Hemnes bygdetun in Bjerka showcases a typical farmstead from the region. The complex includes an Årestue dating from 1830 and a main house from 1750. In Korgen stands the protected Sjøforsbrua, an arched bridge built from hand-hewn stone in 1905. There is a picnic area by the bridge; it is one kilometre from the centre of Korgen.

Lapphella, a protected area in the marina with several small jetties and wooden houses, is located in Hemnesberget. It is also home to the two buildings of the Helgeland Museum’s Hemnes branch: Per-Smedstua and Kirkebua. Hemnesjazz adds to the cultural offerings with a three-day music festival held every year in early August in Hemnesberget. The festival features open-air concerts in Lapphella; the programme may vary.

The road over Korgfjellet is also historically significant: it is one of two sections in Nordland that together form the Blood Road. Hemnes thus offers different ways to explore history, from the farmstead and the houses in Lapphella to the historic road route.

Sámi culture and kamkaka

At the Ume Sámi Resource Centre, you can learn about Sámi culture, heritage, history, language and way of life by appointment. The visit includes stories told in a lavvu, an introduction to Sámi traces in the local landscape, and homemade local and Sámi specialities. Coffee prepared over an open fire is also served. Arrange your visit in advance.

Kamkaka is a local speciality baked mainly in Bleikvasslia and Korgen. At Gammelskola in Sørfjelltunet, you can watch it being baked in summer and enjoy fresh pastries; check the dates before travelling. Sørfjelltunet in Bleikvasslia also includes a Sámi butchery, a Sámi settlement and a bakery that makes kamkaka and is open year-round. Confirm the exact opening hours before visiting. Kamkaka is also available year-round at Coop Extra in Korgen, in several cafés and at many events in Okstindan Nature and Culture Park; local availability may change.

Practical travel information

Okstindan Nature and Culture Park is accessible by public transport and car. Bjerka has a railway station, and the E6 runs through large parts of the municipality. The road ends at Inderdalen Gård, where the DNT trail to Gråfjellhytta in Okstindan begins. A public service building has showers and toilets. Since trails and service facilities may vary by season, check conditions before setting out. On selected days of the year, Inderdalen Gård also has a café and farm shop; check the opening days before visiting.

You can rent canoes and kayaks, as well as a sauna, in Sørfjelltunet. Confirm availability and prices before travelling. If you are planning a hotel stay in Hemnes, it is best to choose your location based on the experiences that matter to you: Hemnesberget combines a peninsula setting, Lapphella and the festival; Korgen provides access to Sjøforsbrua and the potholes south of the town; Bleikvasslia is the gateway to Sørfjelltunet.

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