Terje Rakke, NordicLife / Visit Helgeland Go on a nice stroll along the Vefsna river, with views over the wharves along the historic street, Sjøgata. Key info Degree of difficulty: EasySeason: Year-round, but during the winter the road may get closed if there’s a risk for avalanches. Read More
In 1922, the old schoolhouse was built to provide a safe and warm shelter for children who had a long way home. Now, a hundred years later, it welcomes those who wish to experience the tranquility and beautiful nature in the northern part of Dønna, right on the Helgeland coast.
Once upon a time, this was one of the many small district schools in Helgeland, from an era before students had school bus transportation. Back then, they arrived on foot, by boat, and in winter, on skis. The journey to school could be long and perilous, especially in autumn and winter when the days were short and the weather unpredictable. In some places, like the Nord-Dønna school, students sometimes had to stay overnight until it was safe to head home again.
Although the schoolhouse is no longer used as a school, it still carries the legacy of those days. You can see it in the former gymnasium, complete with showers and changing rooms, in the old teachers' lounge, and in the art and decorations made from old schoolbooks. The furnishings are simple, but today you are greeted with modern and comfortable standards. In this way, the school building provides you with a pleasant place to stay, whether you're seeking shelter from the weather or just need a break.
The rooms at Skolestua Read More
Be sure to visit Løkta Museum, beautifully located on the west side of the island. Here, you can experience what life was like on a small farm in the old days. The area is open to all and features a picnic area, a fire pit, and a small outhouse.
Løkta Museum hosts exhibitions that reflect the life of fishermen and smallholders. You can also learn about the industrial history from a century ago. Norway's first watercolor painter came from Løkta, and there is a monument dedicated to a woman who was highly influential in the advancement of gender equality in Norway.
The barn building as a whole showcases the scope of a smallholder’s activities, where a cow and a few sheep provided income for a large family. The development of farmers' associations was an important evolution in the farming profession. In the barn, you can explore exhibits about another key income source: fishing. Fishing boats, whaling boats, tools, pictures, and texts provide valuable information. The outbuilding houses a variety of tools and implements that were crucial for the two primary industries. Read More
Kristoffer Møllevik Skarsåsen Fortress with lean-to-shelter and fire pit Key info Difficulty: Easy, family-friendlyDistance: Approx. 1 kmElevation gain: About 20 metresTime to reach the site: 5–10 minutesSeason: Year-roundSpecial note: Be aware of potential rockfall in the tunnelsView starting point on Google Maps Download trail… Read More