A different world

Along the waterside you can jump into a rowboat and gently toss the fishing line into the deep, dark sea.

The only things reminiscent of modern life are the refrigerators humming inside cabins named after the places where the fishermen originally came from.

It was a dangerous place, too. In 1906 the islands were hit by a major disaster. The fish was far out at sea that year, and 1,500 fishermen found themselves in a fatal storm. More than 30 fishermen lost their lives outside the village that was called “Little Lofoten” that day.

“Today, the abandoned and mysterious fishing village’s history can be experienced up close at the well preserved site. If you wish, these islands can be your home for a few days this summer,” says Walaunet. “With the waves and the wind hitting hard from the west, it is possible to stay over night in a 100 year old fishermans cabin, and take part in cod fishing in a distinctive and historical coastal landscape.”

“But don´t be afraid,” she adds, laughing: “It´s safe now.”

The famous Norwegian author Olav Duun described this island far out at sea as a “fairy tale land”. Today you can sense the history in the walls, and a visit to Sør-Gjæslingan is surely a memory for life.

Most of the people moved from the islands in the 1970s, and the last fisherman left his cabin sometime in the following decade.

Now the weathered islands facing the ocean have become an attractive meeting place again.

Using Namdalen as a place for rest and recreation is nothing new. Back in the day, English lords would come here to find peace – and fresh salmon.

The salmon itself is known to travel, of course. You can follow it inland through rivers and lakes, swimming alongside delicious freshwater trout.