The Vega World Heritage Centre, which is beautifully located at Gardsøy, documents the history and culture of the Vega islanders. Here you can gain fascinating insights into the lives of these fishermen-farmers, and about their centuries-old local tradition of protecting the eider ducks who come to nest here – a tradition that led to Vega being granted UNESCO’s World Heritage status.

A tribute to a unique cultural landscape and to the contribution of women

Vega Archipelago was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of world natural and cultural heritage sites in 2004. The rationale states: “Vega Archipelago demonstrates how generations of fishermen and farmers over the past 1,500 years have maintained a sustainable way of life in a harsh environment near the Arctic Circle, based on the now unique tradition of eider farming. The status is also a tribute to women’s contributions to the eiderdown process.”

Natural and cultural values in the world heritage

The rationale for Vega Archipelago’s place on the prestigious list is the unique cultural landscape in the area, which is a result of the interaction between humans and nature over a long period. Particularly emphasized is the unique tradition of eider farming and eiderdown processing.

The exhibitions

Utstilling på Vega Verdensarvsenter Guri Dahl

The center is a visitor center for the natural and cultural values of the Vega Archipelago World Heritage Site. Here, you can experience the permanent exhibitions “Wild Beautiful Vega” and “Our World Heritage,” as well as 3 guest exhibitions for 2024, including “Vega Archipelago then and now” by Oscar Puschmann.

The center offers a wide range of activities. Children and young people can participate in activities in the creative workshop or go on a sensory hunt in the Children’s World Heritage Center. Perhaps you’ll get to help build eiderdown houses? Keep an eye on the center’s activities on Facebook.

The World Heritage Café

The World Heritage Café is beautifully located in the center. Here, you can enjoy local food and drinks with the best view of the sea and the islands lying to the northwest. For questions and booking, please contact Vega World Heritage Center at the telephone number below.

Contact

Phone: +47 45872872
senter@verdensarvvega.no
Hjemmeside: www.verdensarvvega.no
Facebook: vegaverdensarvsenter
Instagram: @vegaverdensarvsenter
Get directions: Open Google Maps

Address

Ærfuglveien 1, 8984 Vega, Norge

Check route with Entur

The World Heritage Café will open on June 12th, but also has event evenings outside of opening hours that will be announced. Check the World Heritage Center’s Facebook page for updated information.

 

EXHIBITION & SHOP:
27.04.-06.06: THUR-SUN   11:00-17:00
05.06.-23.08: EVERY DAY   11:00-17:00
24.08.-08.10: THUR-SUN   11:00-17:00

CAFÉ:
12.06.-20.08: EVERY DAY    11:00-16:00

Vega World Heritage Center is located on Gardsøy, about 9 km from the speedboat quay on Rørøy and about 16 km from the ferry berth on Igerøy.

Find it with Google Maps

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.

Welcome to Vega

Across the more than 6,500 large and small islands in the Vega archipelago, you will find a diverse nature with high mountains, fishing lakes, abundant wildlife, and a wonderful agricultural landscape. And thanks to its unique coastal culture, the Vega Islands are one of only eight areas in Norway listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Read more

Explore the area