Experience summer in the coastal town of Sandnessjøen
In Sandnessjøen, you’ll find a vibrant coastal town with cosy restaurants, cafés, boating life, and a lively summer atmosphere full of events and people.
Festivals and summer buzz
During summer, the harbour promenade in Sandnessjøen transforms into an outdoor stage. Every Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy live concerts as part of the “Havna på kaia” series. With Dønnamannen mountain and the evening sun as a stunning backdrop, well-known artists help create that unmistakable festival feeling. Another highlight is the Petter Dass Days, a culture and literature festival held in beautiful Alstahaug, offering concerts, performances, and exhibitions in an idyllic setting.
On Saturdays in the summer, you can join a truly unique pub-to-pub trip—by boat. Hop aboard at the Sandnessjøen quay and and set off on a memorable evening at sea with live music, great food, and one-of-a-kind coastal pubs. It’s a perfect way to experience Helgeland’s summer nights. Prefer to sail under your own command? In July, the Træna Ocean Race departs from Sandnessjøen. This traditional midnight sun regatta takes you through what’s often called the world’s most beautiful archipelago, ending at the Træna Festival.
Art and sculpture walk
If you’re in the mood for city life, we recommend a short art walk through the town centre. In the park, renowned sculptor Skule Waksvik has created bronze statues of the historic figures Sigrid of Sandnes and Petter Dass. As you walk toward the quay, you’ll also find Waksvik’s sculpture of war hero Skule Storheill.
Maylinn Storjord / Visit Helgeland
For more colourful and modern art, continue down the quay, where international street artists have transformed several buildings with large-scale murals. The street art in the town centre and park near the pedestrian street are also popular photo spots. Heading towards the Helgeland Bridge, Waksvik’s full-size bronze moose stands watch over the landscape. While you’re in the area, don’t miss Alstahaug’s contribution to the Skulpturlandskap Nordland project—“House of Winds”—set against the backdrop of Norway’s most beautiful bridge.
Trails close to town
Åsen, just above the town centre and stretching southwest, offers great open spaces and easy hiking trails. It doesn’t take long to reach stunning views of the Seven Sisters and Dønnamannen. A short and rewarding walk. The Chieftain’s seat at Sandnes, where you can join a guided tour of the reconstructed longhouse, is also within walking distance from town. It’s a great starting point for several well-maintained trails with picnic spots and paths accessible for wheelchair users.
The town’s swimming spot
Maylinn Løfsnes Storjord
Botn Havsbad lies at the foot of the Seven Sisters and is Sandnessjøen’s most popular beach. If you love swimming, this is the place to go. The area is beautifully situated and well-equipped, with barbecue facilities, a volleyball court, fishing spots, and a soft sandy beach that’s perfect for all ages. The swimming area is partially sheltered, making the water noticeably warmer than the open sea.
If you still want to feel the fresh ocean water, there are also nice bathing spots among the smooth coastal rocks just outside the main beach area. From Botn Havsbad, you can follow scenic walking trails along the river to a few hidden gems along the riverbank. And if you’d prefer a warm shower and sauna after your swim, we recommend a visit to the town’s modern cultural centre, which includes a swimming hall, cinema, and performance venue.
