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

The Vega archipelago was inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 2004. UNESCO’s justification states: “The Vega Archipelago reflects the way generations of fishermen-farmers have, over the past 1500 years, maintained a sustainable living in an inhospitable seascape near the Arctic Circle, based on the now-unique practice of harvesting eider down. This status is also a tribute to the contribution women make to the down-harvesting process.”

Natural and cultural values in the world heritage

Vega’s unique cultural landscape is the result of humankind’s interaction with nature over a great length of time. Particular emphasis is placed on the unique tradition of guarding the migrating eider ducks that nest here, and harvesting and processing their down.

The exhibitions

Utstilling på Vega Verdensarvsenter Guri Dahl

The visitor centre communicates the natural landscape and the cultural heritage of the Vega World Heritage Site. As a visitor, you can enjoy our permanent and guest exhibitions, as well as the audio guide with storytelling and songs.

The World Heritage Café

The World Heritage Café is beautifully situated in the middle of the visitors centre. Here you can enjoy coffee, cakes and sandwiches with world heritage literature, and the best view of the sea and the islands outside.

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.

The Helgeland coast

National Geographic Magazine declared the Coastal Highway Fv17 (Kystriksveien) to be one of the world’s most magnificent scenic drives. This road is an official Norwegian Scenic Route Helgeland. UNESCO has recognised the unique coastal culture and given it World Heritage status. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has named Helgeland as Norway’s most beautiful coastal gem.

Discover the Helgeland Coast

Explore the area