Experience a taste of Helgeland’s history at Handelsstedet Forvik, with traditional boknafisk, homemade rhubarb pie, and a relaxed atmosphere around the table in a living historic trading post along the Coastal Route.

Handelsstedet Forvik is one of the classic trading posts along the Helgeland coast, where people have gathered for generations to trade, work and share meals. Today, the area is preserved as a living cultural environment, where the wharves, historic buildings and views towards the sea set the scene for your visit.

Today, the site is run by Hanne, the hostess of the trading post, and the house speciality is boknafisk – a traditional type of dried fish from Nordland, lightly air-dried in fresh sea air. The dish is prepared in a classic way and served with creamed carrots, bacon and boiled potatoes. This is traditional home-style cooking, both flavourful and nourishing, based on ingredients from the sea and land in this region.

The meal is rounded off with homemade rhubarb pie made from locally sourced ingredients. Its fresh and slightly tart flavour provides a nice contrast to the main course, and is a dessert closely associated with summer along the coast.

If boknafisk is not to your taste, other dishes can be ordered on arrival. Larger groups are welcome to get in touch in advance for a more tailored menu.

Experience the trading post and coffee roastery

A visit to Handelsstedet Forvik is about more than the food. It offers a slower pace, historic surroundings and a close connection to the sea. The meal becomes part of the wider story of coastal life. Sitting by the wharf, it is easy to imagine how it once was when boats arrived and unloaded coffee and flour, nails and paint – everything needed for everyday life along the coast.

The Naustloftet at Handelsstedet Forvik is open daily during the summer season, and for groups at other times of the year.

Handelsstedet Forvik is located in Vevelstad, right by the Forvik ferry quay at the entrance to the Vistenfjord, between Sandnessjøen and Brønnøysund.

View Handelsstedet Forvik on Google Maps
Read more about Vevelstad 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.

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Welcome to Vevelstad and Vistenfjorden

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.

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