Sømna between the Coastal Route and Cultural Heritage

Sundshopen is a rest stop and viewpoint on the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten, and is located in Sømna. This makes the coastal road a starting point for exploring the area, while also leading to hiking trails, historic sites and local food. Along with Brønnøy, Vega, Vevelstad, Bindal and Leka, Sømna is part of the Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark. Its status is based on a distinctive geological natural heritage of international significance.

Coast and hiking trails

In the south of Sømna lies Kvennvika, a south-facing beach on Kvaløya, the island connected to the mainland. The beach has toilets, showers and rubbish bins. Kvennvika is also the starting point for the hike to Sørfjellet.

Another hike leads to the summit of Sømnesfjellet, which can be reached via a 1.3-kilometre trail. From there, the view stretches across Sømna’s agricultural landscape and the archipelago, with its many islands. The hike to Ryptind, by contrast, starts in Rørmarka in Dalbotn. Two kayaking routes are recommended, starting in Berg and around Sømnesøya. These places and routes offer different options when choosing whether to shape your stay around the coast, summit views or paddling.

Cross-country skiing is another activity with specific details: the trail at Kvervet is lit. There are shelters along the route and a heated ski hut at the starting area. This offers a different kind of day out from a hike or kayak tour; here, the trail and its facilities are the key features of the area.

Cultural traces around Vik

Rødbergan, north of Vik, is an automatically protected soapstone quarry dating from the Iron Age and the Middle Ages. In Vik, Sømna kirke dates from 1876 and is listed by Riksantikvaren, the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. Sømna bygdetun in Gamle Vik comprises twelve buildings. Near Viksjøen, there is also a historic group of buildings with several older boathouses and quays. The historical connections therefore range from the soapstone quarry to a 19th-century church and older buildings by the water.

Humlehagen Kulturgård is also located in Sømna, near Vik. It offers farm experiences with horses, llamas, alpacas, ducks and pigs. This provides a different way to engage with local themes than the archaeological and architectural heritage: the focus here is on farm animals and experiences around the farm.

Local products and getting there

Nordgården Pub og Spiseri serves beer brewed with its own malt from Sømna. The shop at Sømna Kro og Gjestegård stocks cheese, honey, spices, sauces and other products from local food producers. Together, these two places offer a specific insight into regional food: one through beer made with Sømna malt, the other through a range of products from local producers.

Sømna is on the Kystriksveien, the coastal road along County Road 17. The ferry from Holm to Vennesund provides access to Sømna from Bindal. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable before setting off. This helps you factor the journey into your travel plans alongside the hikes, coastal places and cultural heritage that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Sømna, Vik, Værøy, Andøy, Dønna, Evenes, Gildeskål, Lødingen.

For the overview of the wider region: Nordland.