Sandnessjøen: Culture, coast and active discoveries

Sandnessjøen offers different ways to experience a stay: in the centre, an audio guide and street art tell the story of the town’s past and present, while trails above the centre lead to viewpoints. There is also an annual music festival, activities for children and young people, and destinations such as Botn Havsbad nearby. So when looking for a holiday apartment in Sandnessjøen, it is helpful to first consider whether you would like to focus mainly on culture, outdoor activities or things to do together in your free time.

Stories and art in the centre

A cultural and historical audio guide takes you through the centre and shares stories ranging from the Viking Age to the present day. The walk begins at the Sigrid statue in the park and ends at the quay further to the northeast. The park is home to bronze statues of the historical figures Sigrid of Sandnes and Petter Dass, created by sculptor Skule Waksvik. At the quay, several buildings also feature large-scale murals by international street artists. During a visit to the town, you can discover different forms of commemoration and art, from the audio guide and sculptures to images on the buildings.

Visible traces of the war are also part of the town’s history: above the Åsen bunker complex, a cannon can be visited as one of the traces along the Åsen hiking trail. If you are particularly interested in history, you can include this site in your travel plans. The audio guide and the cannon offer different ways to explore the past: stories throughout the centre, and a tangible part of the war’s legacy along the hiking trail.

Music and activities for families

Havnafestivalen, also known locally as “Havna”, takes place every year on the second weekend in August. Held in Karivika in Sandnessjøen, it offers a varied music programme and views of the coastal landscape. Before the festival, Havna Ung also takes place, with music and entertainment for children and young people. For families looking to combine their trip with a festival visit, both the annual date and the dedicated programme for younger visitors are worth considering.

The Kulturbadet offers another range of activities to enjoy together: a swimming pool, cinema, library and theatre are all under one roof, with activities for the whole family. If you enjoy playing outdoors, the Breimo Disc Golf Park has an 18-hole disc golf course. It features a variety of challenging throws for players of all skill levels. Sandnessjøen offers a range of leisure activities, from cultural facilities under one roof to a round of disc golf.

Viewpoints and a bathing spot

The route to the cairn follows the ridge above Sandnessjøen towards the south and passes several viewpoints. It is classified as a year-round hiking route; in winter, microspikes or snowshoes may be necessary. This is especially worth considering when planning a visit during the colder months. The bathing spot Botn Havsbad is nearby, about 5 kilometres from the town centre. It is often used for swimming, barbecues, sunbathing and volleyball. When choosing what to do, you can weigh up whether you would prefer a hike with scenic views or some leisure time at the bathing spot.

Getting here and local experiences

Sandnessjøen is located on the Fv17 coastal road, designated the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgeland. The town is also a port of call for Hurtigruten’s coastal ships. In the centre, a summer café serving local cuisine and all types of alcoholic beverages is located aboard the heritage-listed coastal ship Gamle Helgeland. If you are looking for a holiday apartment and want to focus on the town and its surroundings, you can consider these different highlights: the designated coastal road, the coastal ships’ port calls and local cuisine aboard the historic vessel.

From June through August, the seasonal tourist information office is located in the Kulturbadet in the centre, near the express boat and ferry terminal. For more travel ideas, you can also discover Tjøtta.

For the wider travel overview: Alstahaug.