The Vega Islands

The treasured islands

The UNESCO-protected islands of Vega, just south of the Arctic Circle, is named one of the world’s top undiscovered island gems.

There are more than 6,500 reasons why you should visit the Vega archipelago in the county of Nordland. This is in fact the number of islands, islets and reefs waiting to be explored.

For the bird-watching enthusiasts the Vega archipelago is simply a true gem, as the area has more than 230 species of birds. Chief among the bird population are eider ducks, raised for their feathers. The houses built for them to nest in can still be seen, alongside lighthouses, fishing villages, and dramatic landscapes.

In 2004, the archipelago’s cultural landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Natural and Cultural Heritage as representative of “the way generations of fishermen and farmers have, over the past 1,500 years, maintained a sustainable living in an inhospitable seascape near the Arctic Circle, based on the now unique practice of eider down harvesting”.

The Vega Islands have also received the certification a certified Sustainable Destination, a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism.

Many locals would claim that spending time in Vega means to “live your life slowly”. This is the place to relax in beautiful surroundings. It doesn’t mean that nothing happens, but you control your own pace.

Enjoy everything from shallow beaches at Eidem in the south, to fishery harbours at Nes, Holand and Kirkøy in the north, rolling stones and panoramic views in the west and green deciduous forests, bays and coves in the east. You can travel to Vega by boat.

For foodies, Vega offers local food from the archipelago and the rest of Helgeland. Get a taste of freshly fried cod tongues and “Vegagomme” (curd from Vega), or enjoy a more traditional meal.

Go hiking or cycling and enjoy the islands’ special atmosphere, whether it be heavy storm clouds or bright, sunny summer evenings. Hire a boat and explore the coastline, maybe even cast a line – fishing is popular among locals. And what better way to end the day than spending the night in an old fisherman’s cabin?

At Nes The World Heritage Exhibition and The Lånan Exhibition give an insight into the UNESCO status and the unique industry with eggs and eider down production, in a true fisherman’s environment. Other attractions include Vega Church in Gladstad, a wooden church dating from 1864, and the war memorial at Ylvingen, where you can explore remains of bunkers and tunnels from World War II.

Get more inspiration at Helgeland’s official website.

Show More Show Less

visithelgeland.com

Nes at Vega.
Photo: Rita Johansen

View of Eidem, Vega.
Photo: Øyvind Flatmo / www.visithelgeland.com/Vega

Kayaking at Vega.
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life / www.visithelgeland.com

Eider at Vega.
Photo: Helgeland Reiseliv / www.visithelgeland.com/Vega

Vega Church in Gladstad.
Photo: Orsoyla Haarberg / www.visithelgeland.com/Vega

Towards sustainability

The certification Sustainable Destination is a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with enjoyable experiences, the destination must preserve the local nature, culture and environment, strengthen social values, and be economically viable. The municipality and the travel industry must cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place both to live in and to visit.

Find out more about sustainable destinations in Norway

Sustainable destination

Things to do in Vega

Where to stay in Vega

Get inspired

Getting here and around

Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

Dynamic Variation:

Search for travels with Entur and receive suggestions based on the entire Norwegian public transport service

Dynamic Variation:

The treasured islands

Towards sustainability

Things to do in Vega

Where to stay in Vega

Get inspired

Getting here and around

The Vega Islands also offers …

Categories

Sub-Categories

Regions

Details

General

Accessibility

Age limit

Discount

Effort level

Landscape

Price range

Season

Accommodation

Camping

Hotel facilities

In-room facilities

Ski resorts

Outdoor Activities

Activities

Alpine Skiing

Biking

Canoeing & kayaking

Cross-country skiing

Fishing

Hiking

Wildlife safaries

Winter activities

Plan Your Trip

Getting here

Services

Taste Norway

Norwegian cuisine

Pubs & Bars

Restaurant & café

Things To Do

Activities

Activities for kids

Beaches

Shopping