Rødøy: Rødøyløva, Coastal Culture and History

Rødøyløva is a clear focal point in Rødøy for travelers interested in a nature destination: it is designated as a National Tourist Route, the sixth such route and the first in Northern Norway. Coastal culture, historic buildings and collections offer additional themes for your stay. For your planning, it is worth deciding first whether outdoor destinations, cultural history or both should be the main focus.

Rødøyløva and Outdoor Destinations

There is a service building at Selvågen on the Rødøyløva route. You can refill water bottles there; there is also a shower, a toilet, lockers and facilities for charging a mobile phone. Gjerøyfjellet is one of Rødøy’s five attractive outdoor destinations in Salten. Check the information about this destination before your trip.

From Rødøy, typical access routes to Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park are either by boat into Nordfjord or via Melfjordbotn. Important for planning: one option goes by boat into Nordfjord, while the other goes via Melfjordbotn. Check available transport connections before your trip.

Coastal Culture and Architectural History

Falch Gamle Handelssted is operated by Helgeland Museum as its branch in Rødøy. Nordland boats and other boating equipment offer an insight into coastal culture and the history of fishing. During the summer season, Café Mathilde at Falch Gamle Handelssted serves coffee, ice cream and light snacks. Check the latest opening details before visiting.

On Rødøya, Bårstua was built in 1861; it is the oldest surviving building of the original vicarage. Today, it houses Bamsehuset, with its large teddy bear collection. This brings the history of the vicarage and a very different kind of collection together under one roof. Rødøy Church was consecrated on 31 May 1885. In Tjong, Gammelskolen is a well-preserved first-generation school with educational and visitor appeal.

Places in Gjerøyhamn

In Gjerøyhamn, the former sheriff’s office now houses a small local history museum with objects from Gjerøyhamn and Gjerøya. The old garden in Gjerøyhamn contains perennials and rose bushes that have been there for generations. While the museum collects objects from both places, the garden offers a different kind of continuity: plants that have thrived in this place for generations.

Getting There and Tours

The Nordland express boat travels to Rødøy from several places between Sandnessjøen and Bodø; the local express boat route also stops at Myken and Tonnes. As timetables may change, check the latest times before your trip. RIB tours are a separate option: Meløy Adventure offers tours to Rødøya and Rødøyløva. Check availability in advance. This lets you consider scheduled services and a tour as separate parts of your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Gjerøy, Vågaholmen, Rødøy, Nordnesøya, Oldervik, Jektvik, Øresvik, Nordvernes.

For the broader travel overview: Nordland.