Meløy: Island Archipelago, Glaciers and Culture

More than 755 large and small islands surround Meløy. Alongside the archipelago, Svartisen shapes the region’s landscape; trails, cultural sites and seasonal activities add further highlights. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these themes alongside the relevant connections and visiting conditions.

Svartisen and outdoor trails

Svartisen is Norway’s second-largest glacier and also the lowest-lying glacier on the European mainland. Engabreen, also called Engenbreen, is a glacier arm of Svartisen that extends towards the Holandsfjord in Meløy. The route to the ice of Svartisen takes about an hour through easy terrain and is also suitable for families with children.

Access to Engabreen begins differently: the route first crosses the Holandsfjord by boat to the landing point at Engen. Boat services are seasonal; check the current timetable before travelling. Guided glacier hikes offering views of the blue ice are also available at Engabreen. Meløy also provides good access to hikes in Láhko National Park.

Routes and seasonal activities

Støtt offers four routes of varying difficulty: Svenningen rundt, Helløya rundt, Helløya-Innerstøtt rundt and Støttværet rundt. The choice therefore extends beyond a single tour. A walk to the Svenningen plateau leads to gun emplacements and bunkers built during the German occupation.

Another seasonal activity is winter sports at Glomfjord Alpinsenter. It has a chairlift and varied ski runs with views of the fjord and glaciers. Operations and snow conditions depend on the season and should therefore be part of your plans for a winter stay. Activities vary by season and focus: Støtt offers named routes, while Glomfjord is associated with its ski lift and runs.

Rock art and history

The Fykan rock art site dates back to the early Stone Age and is 8,000 to 9,500 years old. At the Åmøy rock art site, the route is a practical point of reference: signs and arrows lead from the road, followed by an increasingly well-maintained path. Signage and trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.

Øysund also offers a glimpse into the area’s early history. In the Reipå–Kunna area, Øysund was a central place during the Iron Age and possibly a centre of power in Nord-Hålogaland. The history of Meløya spans more than 10,000 years and includes the Stone Age, Viking Age, Middle Ages and modern era. It is believed that the first church on Meløya was built as early as the 14th century.

Culture and regional cuisine

In Kilvika, the old barn at Myrvoll Kulturgård has been converted into a café, library and gallery. During the summer season, traditional dishes made with local ingredients are served there on selected opening days, including sour cream porridge, flatbread, dried meat and meat soup. As food is served only on selected days, check the current opening days in advance.

The combination of a cultural venue and cuisine makes Myrvoll a different kind of excursion from the rock art sites or trails on Støtt. Which stop suits your plans depends on whether you want to focus on early history, landscapes or regional dishes. The places and activities mentioned offer a range of specific options.

Connections and hotel planning

Ferries, express boats and buses form a network connecting Meløy’s island communities and settlements. Routes and timetables may change. Støtt is about 30 minutes by express boat from Ørnes; check current departure times before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, factor planned excursions and seasonal connections into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Halsa, Ørnes, Støtt, Åmnes, Glomfjord, Ågskardet, Reipå, Engavågen, Meløy.

To the main travel overview: Nordland.