Vevelstad: Rock Art, Coastal Route and Hiking Trails

Vevelstad is located on the Kystriksveien (County Road 17) between Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen. The Helgeland Coastal Route passes through Vevelstad and by the old trading post at Forvik. In the municipality of Vevelstad, rock art, museum history and hiking trails add to the picture of this destination.

Getting to Vevelstad

When travelling from the direction of Brønnøysund, take the ferry from Horn to Andalsvågen; from the direction of Sandnessjøen, take the ferry from Tjøtta to Forvik. Check the current timetable for the relevant ferry route before setting off. Its location on the Kystriksveien gives you a point of reference between the two cities mentioned, but does not provide a basis for estimating a specific travel time.

Rock Art and Cultural History

The Vevelstad Museum Ristning/Tjaalege opened in the municipality of Vevelstad in spring 2024. The museum and its associated bygdetun are just south of the Forvik ferry terminal. The “Spor” exhibition presents the natural and cultural history of southern Helgeland, spanning the Stone Age, Iron Age and Viking Age. The bygdetun comprises eleven buildings of cultural-historical significance and a museum garden. The Vevelstad Church, dating from 1796, is located near the museum.

The rock carvings in Vistnesdalen date from the Stone Age and were created around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. At the museum, visitors can touch local stone, make impressions of reproductions of rock carvings and digitally create their own rock carving. Check whether these activities are currently available before your visit. Other sites in the municipality offer different points of interest: there are Stone Age rock carvings near Forvik, Viking Age burial mounds at Slottvik and medieval rock inscriptions on Esøya.

The sculpture “Opus for himmel og jord” by Oddvar I.N. is also in the municipality of Vevelstad: it is located on the mountainside above Høyholm along the Kystriksveien.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

The nature and cultural trail from the Vevelstad bygdetun leads to the Vistnesdalen rock carving site. The approximately three-kilometre Vistnesstien offers several viewpoints, including one at the panorama sign. This makes it possible to experience the hike and the rock art as two distinct parts of a visit: the trail connects the bygdetun with the site, while the viewpoints offer separate stopping points along the route.

Høyholmstindan consists of two peaks at 1,015 and 1,000 metres, which can be climbed on the same hike. Red markings and cairns show the way along the route. The final section to the summit is steep and requires some easy scrambling; take care in exposed places. There may still be snow higher up in early summer, so a hike in late summer is recommended.

The Trollpikken trail starts at the Brødløs car park and has stone and wooden steps and benches along the way. As the facilities may change due to maintenance, check their condition before your visit. The information about Høyholmstindan and Trollpikken describes different trail features: for Høyholmstindan, the focus is on the steep summit section and seasonal conditions; for the Trollpikken trail, it is on the steps and benches.

Forvik and Local Offerings

The old trading post at Forvik is right by the sea on County Road 17. It has been a meeting place for more than 200 years. Traditional boknafisk and homemade rhubarb cake are served there; the food menu may vary by season. The old general store houses a café, a shop and a coffee roastery. The café and shop offerings may also vary by season. Hanne roasts the coffee by hand.

Discover more destinations: Visthus

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