Herøy: Island Municipality with Coastal Culture

Herøy is an island municipality off Sandnessjøen. Several larger inhabited islands, as well as thousands of smaller islands and skerries, make up the archipelago. Bridges connect most of Herøy’s larger islands with the neighboring island of Dønna, making cycling trips over short and long distances possible. This gives you several options when planning your trip: cultural sites, cycling routes and activities on the water.

Coastal Culture and History

The Herøy bygdesamling showcases the coastal culture rooted in Herøy. It is a complete farmstead with seven buildings dating from 1745 to 1890; all are protected or designated as worthy of preservation. Traces of settlement on Herøy date back 1,500 years. The farmstead and the much older traces reflect different time scales of settlement.

Herøy kirke is also a notable historic site: it dates from the 12th century and is the only medieval church in Northern Norway with a semicircular apse. Herøy thus brings together a historic farmstead and an exceptional example of medieval church architecture.

On Seløy, Skolo serves as a cultural center and gallery for local artists; travelers can also have pizza there. Etcetera combines an art exhibition with a shop whose selection includes flowers, pots, home furnishings, decorations, plants, jewelry, chocolate and licorice. Herøydagan, meanwhile, takes place every year on the last weekend of June. The program includes concerts, cultural events, family activities, a market and social gatherings. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates before booking your hotel.

Islands, Beaches and Outdoor Activities

The bridges between the larger islands and Dønna provide opportunities for shorter and longer cycling routes. A guided bike tour runs from Sandnessjøen via Dønna and through the Herøy archipelago, with stops at cafés and shops. You can choose between cycling on your own and a guided trip with set stops.

By the water, Rakelfjæro, also known as Innerfjæro, is a large, shallow beach. It has a bathing pier, parking, toilets and showers. If you want to include a beach visit in your trip plans, you’ll find several practical facilities right on the beach.

Herøy Kajakk & Sykkel rents out kayaks, e-bikes and SUP boards, and offers guided paddling trips. A map shows recommended paddling routes for trips lasting three to five hours; there is also a prepared kayak launch site. One guided tour goes to the islands around Øksningan and Hjelmsøya in western Herøy. Coffee and a simple lunch are included; the tour is offered from June to September.

Another guided kayak tour goes through Herøysundet near Silvalen. The short, easy trip passes through particularly calm and sheltered waters and is also suitable for beginners without a Våttkort. This guided tour is also offered from June to September. If you’re more interested in sailing, Nordvær offers sailing charters from Seløy along the Helgeland coast. Nordvær operates year-round; tailor-made sailing experiences can include kayaking, ski touring and freediving.

Getting There and Planning Your Accommodation

Express boats connect Sandnessjøen with Flostad on Herøy. The tourist information office is next to the Flostad ferry terminal. A ferry also connects Søvik with Herøy. Check the timetables before traveling if you plan to use these connections to get there or for excursions.

Discover more destinations: Brasøy.

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