Would you like to gain some fascinating insights about Helgeland? One of the best ways to do so is to visit Helgeland Museum. Actually it’s not just one museum – there are 18 museum facilities spread throughout the region. Each highlights some aspects of Helgeland’s history, cultural heritage or natural history.
These 18 museums, as well as various other worthwhile exhibitions, will give you a deeper understanding of the people who live here, their livelihoods and traditions, and the landscape that surrounds them.
See the museums
Jacobsenbrygga and the folk museum in Mosjøen
The Vefsn Museum has numerous exhibitions focusing on rural life and urban history at several locations in the town of Mosjøen. You can also join a guided tour of the historical street Sjøgata, which is lined with 19th-century houses.
Falch Old Trading Post, Rødøy
Falch Old Trading is beautifully situated on the Tjongsfjord, and it’s just a short detour from the Coastal Highway, Fv17. This trading post has provided many functions through the years: a fish plant, cod liver oil production, fishnet production, country store, doctor’s offices and pharmacy.
Sømna Bygdetun – An open-air museum
Step into coastal history at Sømna Bygdetun. This local heritage museum brings you close to everyday life on the Helgeland coast in the 1800s, and tells the story of how grain was grown in the north, against the odds.
Bergh-brygga and Gammelskolen in Leirfjord
Leirfjord Museum is located in the old Bergh-brygga at Leland. Also, make sure to visit the beautiful Gammelskolen, which was in operation until the mid-1950s. Welcome to a journey through time!
Bindal Museum and the old croft at Vassås
Bindal Museum at Terråk documents local forestry, boatbuilding and other wood-working traditions. It contrasts past and present practices. The museum also includes Bindal Bygdetun, an open-air museum at an authentic old croft at Vassås, 2.5 km north of Terråk.
The Zahl building and the old sexton´s residence in Nesna
The main facility of the Nesna Museum is the building that once housed the business of the local Zahl family. This large and stately commercial building, which dates from 1907 and has Swiss-style decorations, has been expanded both in width and towards the rear. Nesna is amongst other things known for “Nesnalobben”, and an exhibition in the museum is dedicated to this footwear.
Grane Museum
Laksforsen nature and cultural gallery tells the history of the Salmon River Vefsna, specifically its use and recreation close to one of Norway’s most fantastic waterfalls. You’ll find the gallery in the lower floor of Laksforsen café, approximately 30 km south of Mosjøen and approximately 8 km north of Trofors in Grane.
Arctic Circle Classic Motorcycle museum
Visit a one-of-a-kind museum where vintage motorcycles meet a dramatic northern Norwegian setting. This unique museum combines a passion for two-wheelers with local World War II history, and is located in Storforshei, just north of Mo i Rana.
Ristning-Tjaalege, Vevelstad museum and bygdetun
Not far from the Forvik ferry terminal, the Ristning/Tjaalege museum building stands next to the open‑air museum, alongside Vevelstad Church. At the open‑air museum, visitors can explore everyday life in the 19th century through guided tours and hands‑on activities, while the museum building takes you further back in time.
Norwegian Aquaculture Centre – A salmon success story
The Norwegian Aquaculture Centre is beautifully situated by Toftsundet. The actual fish farm is reached by a gangway from the shore. This is the place to learn more about the fascinating life cycle of salmon, and the pioneering work that made Norwegian aquaculture such an international success.
