The Vega Archipelago is a group 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.
The Vega Islands
World Heritage in dramatic nature
Vega has been named one of the world’s top 'undiscovered' island gems.
Fascinating exhibitions and activities at the Vega World Heritage Center show how eider farming led to World Heritage status.
For hundreds of years, farmers on the islands have created cosy 'houses' for eider ducks.
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.
Explore the Vega Archipelago's unique atmosphere on two wheels and enjoy stunning panoramic views.
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).
If you are up for a challenge, you can strap into a harness and join a guided climb up the via ferrata instead.
Spend the night at Vega Havhotell, and relax with fine dining while savouring the tranquil surroundings.
Want to explore beautiful surroundings at your own pace?
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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 Gladstad, 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 made from boiled milk), or enjoy a more conventional (but still delicious) meal.
Get more inspiration at Helgeland’s official website.
Top things to do
VegaVega World Heritage Centre
The Vega World Heritage Centre, which is beautifully located at Gardsøy, documents the history and culture of the Vega islanders. Here you can gain fascinating insights into the lives of these fishermen-farmers, and about their centuries-old local tradition of protecting the eider ducks who come to nest here – a tradition that led to Vega being granted UNESCO’s World Heritage status.
Book nowYlvingenHimmelblå Brygge at Ylvingen
Himmelblå, with its guest harbour, wharf and café, is becoming a preferred destination for holiday travellers and boaters exploring the scenic coast of Nordland county. Overnight guests can rent a room, pitch a tent on the island, or stay in their own boat in the guest harbour. Whatever accommodation you choose, you can enjoy island life to the fullest! That, of course, includes very satisfying dining.
YlvingenSeilNorge – Sailing adventure on the Helgeland coast
SeilNorge is the country's leading organizer of sailing tours, expeditions, and sailing courses. Join them for an active holiday week up and down along Norway's most beautiful coastline; the Helgeland coast. Set against a backdrop of thousands of islands, islets, and skerries, you will learn the art of sailing, whether you are a beginner or experienced sailor.
The Ravnfloget Vega Via Ferrata and the Vega Stairs
“Climbing Ravnfloget has been a dream for many people. This rugged mountain was once a lofty playground accessible only to sea eagles and ravens, hence the name.” Today, the Ravnfloget Via Ferrata, a spectacular climbing trail, will take you to the summit of Ravnfloget. The mountain is situated on the western side of the island of Vega.
Where to stay
Vega
Base Camp Vega
Vega
Vega havhotell
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Helgeland’s official website.
By boat
You can get to Vega by express boat from Brønnøysund or car ferry from Horn, which is a 15-minute drive outside Brønnøysund.
The famous Hurtigruten Coastal Express calls at Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, and Nesna twice a day.
By plane
There are direct flights from Oslo to Brønnøysund, which is the closest airport. From there, you can take a taxi (6–7 minutes) to the express boat pier, and then an express boat to Vega.
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By car
The Vega Islands are located off the coast of Helgeland. You can reach the islands by the Coastal Route (the Rv17), which runs from Steinkjer to Bodø. There is a car ferry service from Horn, 15 minutes outside Brønnøysund.
If you are taking the E6 motorway, follow the signs to Brønnøysund.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.
Seasons and climate
Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Vega has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude.
The coastal climate in Vega makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool.
January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of -1 °C. July and August are warmest, with an average temperature of 13 °C.
May and June are the driest months, with an average 57 mm of rainfall. October is the wettest month.
You can experience the midnight sun and northern lights in Vega, even though the islands lie south of the Arctic Circle.
Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.
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