Brasøy: Bridges, Seaweed History and Coastal Paths

Brasøy can be explored through several specific themes: historic bridges, the history of seaweed processing, paths by the sea and activities on the water. Each place offers a different perspective: the bridges reflect building history and everyday use, while Tanghuset and the “Ting om Tang” exhibition explore the history of processing seaweed. For planning your trip, cultural history, a path with a named destination and water activities all offer different points of interest.

Bridges and Building History

The old stone bridge Sveøybrua lies between Sveøy and Prestøy on Brasøy. Local residents began building it sometime between about 1890 and 1900. A cultural heritage site, it is used daily by pedestrians and cyclists. Brasøybrua is a different bridge: opened in 1974, it created a road connection between Brasøy and Prestøy. The dates refer to different milestones: the approximate start of construction of Sveøybrua should not be confused with the opening year of Brasøybrua.

Seaweed History on Brasøy

The history of seaweed adds another dimension to this built heritage. From around 1940 to 1988, seaweed was harvested on the islands around Brasøy, from Dønna to Vega, and processed into seaweed meal at the “Tanghuset” seaweed factory. This history encompasses both harvesting on the islands and processing the seaweed into a specific product. The “Ting om Tang” exhibition presents the history of seaweed, seaweed harvesting and the seaweed industry on Brasøy. It was created jointly by the Helgeland Museum, Herøy branch, and Ungdomslaget Bølgen. This look at seaweed covers both the raw material and its processing into seaweed meal.

On Foot and by the Water

Distances on Brasøy are short, making it well suited to cycling or walking. The Tursti Austholmen hiking trail runs along the sea near the ferry terminal to a cairn on Austholmen. There is also a viewpoint there. When planning, it is useful to note the distinction: the short distances and suitability for cycling or walking apply to Brasøy in general, while Tursti Austholmen is a specific trail with a cairn as its destination.

At Sveøybrua, children can explore life in the intertidal zone and catch crabs using a line. Saravalen has a sheltered lagoon where small children can swim or play on the beach. By contrast, the shallow approaches in the Brasøy Brostier area are suitable for kayaking, but not for boats. These options vary by location and activity: the intertidal zone at the bridge, swimming or beach play at the lagoon, and kayaking in the shallow approaches.

Herøy as a Distinct Cultural Context

Herøy also offers a cultural and historical perspective: Herøy kirke is a soapstone church built in the 12th century and is known as “Helgelandskatedralen.” It is the only church north of Trondheim with an apse. The Herøy bygdesamling open-air museum presents 1,500 years of local cultural history and has an extensive collection of objects. It manages seven protected or historically significant buildings; the collection covers agriculture, fishing and trapping, everyday life, and festive culture on the Helgeland coast.

Getting There and Practical Information

Brasøy can be reached by ferry, express boat or private boat. Check current timetables and traffic updates before departure, especially if you need to travel on a specific day. Gjestebrygga is right by the store in Brasøysundet, north of the store, and offers an easy way to refuel.

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