Utforsk den vakre Vistenfjorden, opplev villmarksområdene i Lomsdal-Visten Nasjonalpark og gå gjennom kulturhistorie mellom helleristninger og runer, nordlandsbåter og bygdetun.
Vistenfjorden and Lomsdal-Visten
The heart of the area is undoubtedly Vistenfjorden and Lomsdal-Visten National Park.
Vistenfjorden is a beautiful and protected marine area that starts at its outlet, approximately near Forvik, and winds its way deep into Lomsdal-Visten National Park and Strauman Landscape Conservation Area. At its innermost part, you’ll find Lakselvvatnet, which is connected to the rest of the fjord by its unique tidal current.
The long, narrow fjord and the wilderness areas within are excellent for a diverse vacation close to nature. Here, you’ll find long valleys with rivers teeming with fish, easy access to open mountainous areas, and one of the country’s most exciting national parks.
Rock carvings
North of Forvik, in Vistnesdalen, you will find an intriguing rock carving site with images from the Stone Age and Bronze Age. These images, dating back approximately 4000 BCE, 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 such a way that they withstand the test of time for thousands of years is painstaking work. However, we may never know for certain why it was done. Was this a sacred place for rituals? Or were the drawings a useful marker for a meeting place for hunters and fishermen? If one takes the time, the rock carving site is a great place for reflection and wonder.
There are signs to the rock carving site from Forvik, and the parking area is marked with cultural heritage signs. You can also open driving directions to the parking area on Google Maps here. Please remember that these are vulnerable cultural heritage sites, and it is strictly prohibited to step on the markings or leave any 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 “more recent” cultural history of the area at Vevelstad Bygdetun, which is the Vevelstad branch of Helgeland Museum. Here, you can wander 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, overlooking Vega and Ylvingen, lies Esøya. This is a recommended destination for those traveling by (or renting) a boat or kayak. Esøya is nicknamed “The Coast’s Largest Guestbook” due to the numerous runic inscriptions and bow marks found on the rocky walls here. During the summer, a floating dock is placed for boaters who wish to visit the island.
Vevelstad is located along 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.
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.
