The Vega Islands

World Heritage in dramatic nature

Vega has been named one of the world’s top 'undiscovered' island gems.

Vegaøyene, Nordland .
Photo: Anton Ligaarden / Visitnorway.com

Fascinating exhibitions and activities at the Vega World Heritage Center show how eider farming led to World Heritage status.

Vega World Heritage Center .
Photo: Torleif Hansen

For hundreds of years, farmers on the islands have created cosy 'houses' for eider ducks.

Vegaøyene, Nordland .
Photo: Anton Ligaarden / Visitnorway.com

In return, the ducks provide delightfully warm and soft down, which is used in the world's best duvets!

In the summer, you can join a guided tour of the eider farms.

Vegaøyene, Nordland .
Photo: Anton Ligaarden / Visitnorway.com

Explore the Vega Archipelago's unique atmosphere on two wheels and enjoy stunning panoramic views.

Cycling in the Vega Islands .
Photo: Terje Rakke - Nordic Life / Visit Helgeland

The Vegatrappa path leads from the beach to the top of Mount Ravnfloget, providing breathtaking views of the sea and the islands along the Helgeland coast (and a good workout with its almost 2,000 stairs).

Vega stairs .
Photo: Katrine Sørgård / Nordnorge.com

If you are up for a challenge, you can strap into a harness and join a guided climb up the via ferrata instead.

Climbing via ferrata Ravnfloget .
Photo: Gunnar Almlid

Spend the night at Vega Havhotell, and relax with fine dining while savouring the tranquil surroundings.

Vega Havhotell .
Photo: Vega Havhotell

Want to explore beautiful surroundings at your own pace?

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Vega on the Helgeland coast .
Photo: Hanne Pernille Andersen

The treasured islands

The Vega Archipelago, consists of dozens of islands in Nordland county, just south of the Arctic Circle. Hire a kayak and discover beaches, bays and shallow coves. There are more than 6,500 islands, islets and reefs waiting to be explored.

In 2004, the Vega Archipelago (including the Lånan islands) was inscribed in UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage list. This was a tribute to how generations of islanders have maintained a sustainable way of life, centred on their unique eider down harvesting.

Don't miss the Vega Church in Gladstone, a wooden church dating from 1864, and the war memorial at Ylvingen, where you can explore the ruins of bunkers and tunnels from World War II.

For foodies, Vega offers locally-sourced food from the archipelago and other parts of Helgeland. Sample local delicacies like freshly fried cod tongue and Vegagomme (a local porridge dessert mace from boiled milk), or enjoy a more conventional (but still delicious) meal.

Get more inspiration at Helgeland’s official website.

Visithelgeland.com/en/Vega-World-Heritage-Area

Top things to do

Food and lodging

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Helgeland’s official website.

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Hotel facilities

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Activities

Alpine Skiing

Biking

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