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 eiderdown harvesting”. In the Vega world heritage centre on the Gardsøya island, you can learn about life on the islands and the world heritage status through exhibitions and activities.

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 eiderdown 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.

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Nes at Vega.
Photo: Rita Johansen

A person on a mountain top admiring the view of the UNESCO landscape of Vega in Helgeland, Northern Norway

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

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