Tjøtta Gjestegaard - Accommodation and café in historical surroundings

Tjøtta Guesthouse was once the largest farm in Northern Norway and a significant center in Helgeland.

The first known owner of the farm on Tjøtta was the skald Øyvind Finnson Skaldespiller in the 900s. Øyvind’s son, Hårek, took over the farm upon his father’s death and eventually became the most powerful man in Hålogaland. Hårek from Tjøtta is frequently mentioned in the Viking sagas, with ancestors who resided at the formidable Chieftain’s Seat at Sandnes, a bit further north. He owned large parts of Vega, where the inhabitants were required to send eggs, fish, eiderdown, and other goods as payment for living on the island. He participated in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 and was killed six years later.

The current guesthouse was built in 1850 and was purchased by the state in 1930. The farm was then converted into a sheep breeding farm for Northern Norway. Today, it serves as a specialist center for Nibio Nord Tjøtta, which undertakes tasks in community and economic development, research, and advisory services within agriculture and environmental issues.

Tjøtta Guesthouse is located along the National Tourist Route Helgeland Coast, approximately 30 minutes by car from Sandnessjøen.

Find Tjøtta Gjestegård with Google Maps
Read more about Sandnessjøen and how to get there

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.