Hemnes: Okstindan, Sámi Culture and Regional Cuisine
Accommodation in Hemnes
Hemnesberget lies on a peninsula surrounded by fjords and mountains; the Røssåga runs through large parts of the municipality, and the Okstindan massif defines the area. The region is also shaped by Sámi culture, local baking traditions and places where history is tangible. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first considering which experiences you want to shape your trip: mountain scenery and hiking, insights into culture and history, or local specialities.
Mountains, river and trails in Okstindan
The Okstindan Nature and Culture Park covers the entire municipality of Hemnes – from Hemnesberget to Okstindan. Rabothytta, a DNT cabin at an altitude of 1,200 metres on the edge of the glacier in the Okstindan massif, offers views all the way to the Helgeland coast. It can be reached from several starting points around Okstindan; the quickest ascent takes one to two hours for hikers of average fitness. Every year, the Hemnes branch of the Norwegian Trekking Association offers guided hikes and walks in the Okstindan mountains and at other locations in the area. These activities are open to members and non-members alike.
Those interested in cross-country skiing will find many kilometres of groomed trails on Korgfjellet. Another way to explore the area is to visit the potholes: there are more than 20 in the region. A hiking trail leads to one of the larger examples, which measures 10 metres in diameter and is up to 12 metres deep. The potholes are about 12 kilometres south of Korgen, along Fv 806, the Villmarksveien. This offers a choice of different activities – a mountain hike, cross-country skiing on groomed trails, or a trip to see the geological formations.
The rivers are also part of the landscape: the Røssåga runs through large parts of the municipality and is a trout and salmon river suitable for rod and fly fishing. Leirelva is also a trout and salmon river suitable for fishing. If fishing is on your list of activities, you can take this into account when choosing an area in Hemnes.
Culture, history and Sámi traditions
At Hemnes bygdetun in Bjerka, a typical regional farm shows how buildings from different periods come together in one ensemble: Årestue dates from 1830, while the main house dates from 1750. In Hemnesberget, Lapphella is a protected area in the marina with several small jetties and wooden houses. It is also home to two buildings belonging to the Hemnes branch of the Helgeland Museum: Per-Smedstua and Kirkebua. During the three-day Hemnesjazz festival, held every year in early August in Hemnesberget, open-air concerts take place in Lapphella.
A personal introduction to Sámi culture, heritage, history, language and way of life is available at the Ume Sámi Resource Centre by prior appointment. The programme includes stories told in a lavvu and the opportunity to discover Sámi traces in the local landscape. Visitors can also sample homemade local and Sámi specialities and enjoy coffee prepared over an open fire. If you would like to include this visit, remember to make the required appointment when planning your trip.
Historical traces can also be found on Korgfjellet: the road over the mountain is one of two sections in Nordland that together form the Blood Road. Six information boards along the road explain its wartime history. At Sjøforsbrua, another historic structure is linked to a nearby landmark: the protected stone arch bridge, built from hand-hewn stone, dates from 1905 and is one kilometre from the centre of Korgen. There is a picnic area by the bridge.
Kamkaka and activities at Sørfjelltunet
Kamkaka is one of Hemnes’ local specialities. The pastry is baked mainly in Bleikvasslia and Korgen and is available year-round at Coop Extra in Korgen, at several cafés and at many events in the Okstindan Nature and Culture Park. At Sørfjelltunet in Bleikvasslia, the offerings include a Sámi butcher’s shop, a Sámi settlement and a bakery that makes kamkaka and is open year-round. In summer, visitors can watch the pastry being baked in Gammelskola and enjoy freshly baked pieces.
Sørfjelltunet also offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as a sauna. The activities here are therefore different from a trip to the potholes or a hike in Okstindan. Which of these experiences interests you most can help you narrow down your holiday apartment search in Hemnes.
Getting to Hemnes and finding your way around
The Okstindan Nature and Culture Park can be reached by public transport and by car. Bjerka has a railway station, and the E6 runs through large parts of the municipality. At Inderdalen Gård, the road ends and the DNT trail to Gråfjellhytta begins; there is also a public service building with a shower and toilet. A café and farm shop are open on selected days of the year. Check the dates for these services if they are important to your visit.
To explore more of Hemnes, you can also include Hemnesberget Hemnesberget, Korgen Korgen and Bleikvasslia Bleikvasslia in your search.
For the broader travel overview: Nordland.
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