Explore the beautiful Vistenfjorden, experience the wilderness areas of Lomsdal-Visten National Park, and delve into cultural history among rock carvings and runes, Nordland boats, and rural museums.
Vevelstad is located along the Coastal Route (County Road 17) between the towns of Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen. From Brønnøysund, you need to take the ferry from Horn to Andalsvågen, and from Sandnessjøen, you need to take the ferry from Tjøtta to Forvik.
There are also express boats operating between Tjøtta, Forvik, and Vistenfjorden.
Ferry- and express boat time tables
See schedule for the ferry Tjøtta – Forvik
See schedule for the ferry Horn – Andalsvågen
See schedule for express boat Tjøtta – Forvik
Vistenfjorden and Lomsdal-Visten
The centerpiece of the area is undoubtedly the Vistenfjorden and Lomsdal-Visten National Park.
Vistenfjorden is a beautiful and protected maritime area. It starts at its outlet, roughly at Forvik, and winds its way deep into the Lomsdal-Visten National Park and Strauman Conservation Area. At its innermost end lies Lakselvvatnet, which is connected to the rest of the fjord by its unique tidal current.
The long, narrow fjord and the wilderness areas beyond are perfect for a diverse holiday close to nature. Here you’ll find long valleys with fishing rivers. As well as easy access to open high mountain areas, and one of the country’s most exciting national parks.
Rock carvings
North of Forvik, in Vistnesdalen, you’ll find an intriguing rock carving site. With images from the Stone Age and Bronze Age. These images, likely dating back to around 4000 BCE. The depict animals, tools, or situations that were important to hunters and fishermen: elk, reindeer, halibut, boats, and humans.
Carving or engraving images into stone in this manner, so they withstand the test of time for thousands of years, is painstaking work. But we may never know for sure why it was done. Was this a sacred site for rituals? Or were the drawings a useful marker for a meeting place for hunters and fishermen? If you take the time, the rock carving site is a wonderful place for reflection and contemplation.
There are signs to the Rock Carving Site from Forvik, and the parking lot is marked with cultural heritage signs. You can also open directions to the parking lot in Google Maps here. Remember that these are vulnerable cultural heritage sites. So it is strictly prohibited to walk on the markings or leave traces on or near them. Thank you for practicing leave-no-trace principles and keeping your dog on a leash.
Vevelstad Museum
You can learn more about the rock carvings and the area’s “newer” cultural history at Vevelstad Bygdetun, which is Helgeland Museum’s branch in Vevelstad. Here, you can stroll among old Nordland houses and Nordland boats. Visit the old carpentry workshop. Or simply relax with a cup of coffee in the tranquil surroundings.
Esøya
On the outer and southern side of Hamnøya, with a view directly towards Vega and Ylvingen, lies Esøya. This is a recommended destination for those traveling by (or renting) boat or kayak. Esøya is nicknamed “The Coast’s Largest Guestbook” because of the many runic inscriptions and bow marks in the rock walls here. In the summer, a floating dock is set up for boaters who want to visit the island.
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit HelgelandExperience Vevelstad
Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!
Please:
- Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
- Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
- Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
- Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
- Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
- Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
- Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.
