In 1922, the old schoolhouse was built to provide a safe and warm shelter for children who had a long way home. Now, a hundred years later, it welcomes those who wish to experience the tranquility and beautiful nature in the northern part of Dønna, right on the Helgeland coast.
Once upon a time, this was one of the many small district schools in Helgeland, from an era before students had school bus transportation. Back then, they arrived on foot, by boat, and in winter, on skis. The journey to school could be long and perilous, especially in autumn and winter when the days were short and the weather unpredictable. In some places, like the Nord-Dønna school, students sometimes had to stay overnight until it was safe to head home again.
Although the schoolhouse is no longer used as a school, it still carries the legacy of those days. You can see it in the former gymnasium, complete with showers and changing rooms, in the old teachers' lounge, and in the art and decorations made from old schoolbooks. The furnishings are simple, but today you are greeted with modern and comfortable standards. In this way, the school building provides you with a pleasant place to stay, whether you're seeking shelter from the weather or just need a break.
The rooms at Skolestua Read More
Be sure to visit Løkta Museum, beautifully located on the west side of the island. Here, you can experience what life was like on a small farm in the old days. The area is open to all and features a picnic area, a fire pit, and a small outhouse.
Løkta Museum hosts exhibitions that reflect the life of fishermen and smallholders. You can also learn about the industrial history from a century ago. Norway's first watercolor painter came from Løkta, and there is a monument dedicated to a woman who was highly influential in the advancement of gender equality in Norway.
The barn building as a whole showcases the scope of a smallholder’s activities, where a cow and a few sheep provided income for a large family. The development of farmers' associations was an important evolution in the farming profession. In the barn, you can explore exhibits about another key income source: fishing. Fishing boats, whaling boats, tools, pictures, and texts provide valuable information. The outbuilding houses a variety of tools and implements that were crucial for the two primary industries. Read More
Trym Kristiansen Engabreen (also known as Engenbreen) is a glacier arm of the Svartisen glacier in Meløy. The hike from the fjord up to the glacier front is beautiful, following the blue-green Engabrevatnet and climbing over the smooth rock that’s been polished by the ice over thousands… Read More
Kristoffer Møllevik Skarsåsen Fortress with lean-to-shelter and fire pit Key info Difficulty: Easy, family-friendlyDistance: Approx. 1 kmElevation gain: About 20 metresTime to reach the site: 5–10 minutesSeason: Year-roundSpecial note: Be aware of potential rockfall in the tunnelsView starting point on Google Maps Download trail… Read More
Taking on all seven peaks of the Seven Sisters in a single hike is one of the toughest and most demanding mountain adventures in Helgeland. It’s a hike that requires good preparation and fitness — and it promises a nature experience you won’t forget.
Key info
Difficulty: Very demandingDistance: 24–27 kmElevation gain: 2,500–3,000 metresDuration: 12–20 hoursSeason: June – OctoberStarting point: Southernmost parking area for the Seven SistersView starting point on Google Maps
Download trail mapDownload GPX
The Seven Sisters mountain range consists of seven peaks on the island of Alsta, near Sandnessjøen. Each peak stands around 1,000 metres and is demanding even on its own. To hike all seven in one day is a serious endurance challenge for experienced and fit hikers. The terrain is steep and rugged — your legs, knees, and ankles will be tested. Many people choose to end the hike partway and descend via the trails between the peaks.
This description follows the south-to-north route, which is recommended. The two southernmost peaks are the most demanding, so it’s best to tackle them while you’re still fresh. You’ll also have the sun at your back for most of the hike.
It is, of course, also possible to hike north to south, but be aware that this means saving the hardest peaks for last. Read More
