Støtt: Coastal Culture and Island Experiences

Støtt brings together coastal history, trails, and experiences on the water. To help you choose your destination, you’ll find historic sites, routes of varying difficulty, and guided activities here—from a walk through the fishing village to a trip between islets and skerries.

Coastal history and historic sites

Støtt gamle handelssted is one of the best-preserved cultural heritage sites representing coastal culture in Nordland. The historic site includes the quay and warehouse building Rødbrygga, which dates from the 1820s or 1830s. The history of coastal communications is also rooted here: in 1858, the first telegraph station between Sandnessjøen and Bodø was established in Støtt.

Svenningsheia is home to several bunkers and remains of gun emplacements from the Second World War. The trail starts at Støtt harbor and runs for about two kilometers along paved and gravel paths to a signposted cart track that climbs uphill. Signposting and trail surfaces may change; check your route before setting out.

Routes and landscape

Four routes of varying difficulty are listed for Støtt: Svenningen rundt, Helløya rundt, Helløya-Innerstøtt rundt, and Støttværet rundt. The names and stated difficulty levels offer an initial basis for comparing routes, without implying any additional characteristics for each individual route.

Støtt has four to five kilometers of road without significant inclines, making the islands well suited to exploring by bicycle. Along the routes, the landscape is shaped by abundant birdlife, many white beaches, large flat areas with pale sand, and surf facing the open sea. Several of Støtt’s islands are part of a nature reserve.

The trail to the bunkers and the routes through the coastal landscape offer different perspectives on Støtt: one leads to visible traces of wartime, while the others pass through the island landscape. A guided circular tour goes around Innerstøtt and combines the route with the island’s rich bird and animal life.

Getting here and experiences on the water

The regional express catamaran Nordlandsekspressen NEX1 and a local express catamaran call at Støtt several times a day. Connections run to Bodø, Ørnes, and the rest of the Helgeland coast. As schedules may change, check the information from Reis Nordland before your trip.

The Skjærgård sightseeing trip travels among the islets and skerries around Støtt, showcasing the archipelago from the sea. The trip is weather-dependent. Visitors may spot white-tailed eagles, otters, seals, and harbor porpoises; sightings depend on the season and are not guaranteed. RIB tours among the islets and skerries are also offered, bringing visitors close to the abundant wildlife and birdlife of the open sea. Tour availability depends on the operator.

Kayaking courses are offered on Støtt for families, children and adults, and groups of friends. Confirm availability before booking. On guided kayaking tours, the guide selects suitable paddling areas and routes. The activities therefore differ in format: sightseeing showcases the archipelago from the sea, while kayaking tours focus on guided paddling.

Guided visits and local cuisine

A guided walk through the historic fishing village offers another way to explore the history of the coast. Guided tours are also offered at the Støtt Fisheries Museum. For an experience on the coast of Tjuvdalen, seafood and accompaniments are prepared over a fire in a lavvu, and a hot drink is included. Check the seasonal availability of this guided activity in advance.

The Gammelbutikken restaurant serves local specialties from Støtt and the surrounding sea, and produces its own tørrfisk (dried fish). The business operates seasonally; check opening hours and make a reservation before visiting.

Støtt within the wider destination of Meløy

The wider destination of Meløy is characterized by an archipelago of more than 755 large and small islands. Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier and the lowest-lying glacier on mainland Europe, is also in Meløy. These regional features complement local information about Støtt with a view of the wider destination.

More destinations

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

Back to the main travel overview: Meløy.