Not far from the Forvik ferry terminal lies the new museum building Ristning–Tjaalege and the local heritage site, side by side with Vevelstad Church. Around the museum, you can find intriguing ancient monuments such as rock art (petroglyphs) and burial mounds from the Iron Age.

Vevelstad Museum Bjorg Helene Andersen Sollihøgda

The new museum in Vevelstad officially opened on April 14, 2024, and was designed by Atelier Oslo. The new building is located along the Coastal Highway, an important route for tourism in Helgeland.

The entire building comprises 90 m² of exhibition space and 25 m² of café area with facilities, and eventually, a museum shop. The building also allows for smaller events, such as lectures or concerts.

The museum features brand new exhibitions in collaboration with Expology experience group AS. Visitors will be able to learn a lot about the local natural and cultural history of Southern Helgeland.

Vevelstad Museum Vevelstad Museum

The museum’s themes focus on rock art such as petroglyphs, runes, and cave paintings. Visitors will be able to touch local stones and actively use them, for example, to create their own rock art. You can paint your own cave paintings and learn more about the authentic ones. The museum includes exhibitions on geology, archaeology, history, literature, and art.

In the fields of archaeology and history from this region, visitors can delve into the Norwegian Iron Age and discover new research on local topics. Older ritual sites, burial customs from the Iron Age, and reconstructions of ancient longhouses confirm that this has been an active region for over 1000 years.

Vevelstad Museum Vevelstad Museum

The museum also focuses on Norse poetry from Helgeland, with a particular emphasis on a well-known skald from Sandnessjøen, Øyvind Skaldespille. The poems have been dramatized by professional actor Sven Henriksen and can be heard in the exhibition. Visitors can also explore art inspired by Helgeland!

Vevelstad bygdetun

The heritage site has a museum garden with informational signs that tell about the plants and their history. In the children’s barn, the youngest visitors can take care of the animals, and even though the animals are made of wood, it is a popular experience for both children and adults. 

Contact

Phone: +47 47 83 86 69
sofus@helmus.no
Hjemmeside: helgelandmuseum.no/
Facebook: Vevelstad.Bygdetun
Get directions: Open Google Maps

Opening Hours for Ristning 2024:

April 14 – October 27
Saturdays and Sundays
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

June 20 – August 11
Tuesday to Sunday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Ticket Prices:
Adults: NOK 100
Seniors: NOK 80
Children/Youth up to 17 years and students: Free.

The buildings at the village museum are open during events, upon request, and throughout the summer season.

From the south: Take the ferry from Horn outside Brønnøysund to Anddalsvågen, approximately 20 minutes. Follow FV17 (the Coastal Highway) for about 16 km to the sign for Vevelstad Museum.

From the north: Take the ferry from Tjøtta in Alstahaug to Forvik in Vevelstad, approximately 1 hour. Follow FV17 for about 700 meters to the sign for Vevelstad Museum.

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 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.

Read more

Explore the area