Lurøy: Discover coastal culture and island nature

Lurøy combines island nature with a rich coastal history. From Grønsvik Coastal Fort and an archaeological boat find to sheltered coves and a range of activities, you can discover different sides of the municipality. When planning your trip, it is worth considering boat connections and seasonal offerings, as well as which experiences you want to shape your stay.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Ferries and express boats run from Stokkvågen and Tonnes on the mainland to the islands of Lurøy. There are also daily express boat connections to and from Sandnessjøen and Bodø. Since timetables are important for planning your specific trip, check the latest times before you travel.

Onøy and Lurøy are connected by a bridge and are a short ferry ride from Stokkvågen. This information offers practical guidance for getting there; the connection that suits you depends on which islands and activities you want to include in your trip.

Coastal Culture and History

Grønsvik Coastal Fort presents the local history of the occupation in Lurøy municipality. The fort and surrounding grounds are open year-round for free access and movement. Seasonal guided tours, talks and concerts, as well as the museum’s seasonal opening hours, are separate. If you plan to attend one of these events, check the dates before your visit.

The Lovundbåten museum displays parts of an archaeological boat found on Hamnholmen, dating from around 1460. It is described as the only medieval boat on display in a museum in Norway. This gives a visit to the museum a distinctive focus alongside the history of the coastal fort.

The Kystmuseet displays old boat engines and fishing equipment, as well as the skeleton of a sei whale. Its exhibits also include an old Lovund cutter: a distinctive wooden motor cutter that was once commonly used in the region. The boat engines, fishing equipment and Lovund cutter represent maritime working history, while the sei whale skeleton adds a natural history perspective.

You can encounter a different kind of history in the Renaissance garden at Lurøygården, which is more than 200 years old. Its diverse collection of flowers and botanical species includes a large copper beech. Those interested in historic gardens and plants will find a contrast here to the boats and coastal themes of the museums.

Archipelago and Nature

Onøy and Lurøy, together with the smaller island of Røssøya, form a protected archipelago. It includes numerous skerries, sounds, sheltered coves and beautiful swimming beaches. You can explore it by boat or kayak. Traveling along the coast by water and taking in views of the islands offer a distinct perspective alongside the historical exhibitions.

Lovund is home to Helgeland’s largest puffin colony, with around 200,000 to 300,000 birds. Puffins usually arrive around 14 April, Lundkommardagen, and leave the island after the breeding season at the end of August.

Activities and Planning Your Time

Lurøyfjellet on the island of Lurøy is a popular hiking destination. It is 685 metres high and offers views of many mountains in Helgeland. Sila is considered one of Norway’s best bouldering areas. Lurøyfjellet is for hiking and Sila for bouldering—two different activity options in Lurøy.

Tonnesgrotta, also known as “Hellarhølet,” is a large cave opening that is almost 200 metres deep. From Tonnes, it can be reached via a short but somewhat steep footpath.

The island of Sleneset in Lurøy municipality has a disc golf course with several course layouts: a full 18-hole course and two shorter 9-hole courses. It is normally available during the snow-free season, from spring to late autumn. The disc golf course in Aldersundet is about 2 kilometres long, and the estimated playing time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes. This information provides different points of reference for planning your time: in Sleneset, you can choose between the available course layouts; in Aldersundet, you can use the estimated playing time.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tonnes, Bratland, Lurøy, Lovund, Nord-Solvær, Meløy, Sømna, Røst.

Return to the main travel overview: Nordland.