Hemnesberget: Fjords, Boatbuilding and Maritime History

Hemnesberget is located where the Ranfjord meets the Sørfjord. Its harbour, old wooden buildings and traces of its boatbuilding tradition give the town a distinctly maritime character. There is also a permanent exhibition of boat engines and trade items, the history of the newspaper Nordlands Avis, and an annual music festival. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Hemnesberget, these different aspects of the town can help you plan your trip around the experiences that interest you most.

Fjord Location and Getting Around

The meeting of the two fjords is a prominent geographical landmark in Hemnesberget. The distance to the E6 is also easy to gauge when travelling by car: the town is a 15-minute drive from the European route. You can take this into account if you would like to combine your stay with a drive along the E6. The town also has a guest harbour and good facilities for travellers with a motorhome or caravan. Hemnesberget appeals to different types of travellers; your search for a holiday apartment can be guided above all by the cultural and maritime interests you want to pursue during your stay.

Wooden Buildings, Museum and Newspaper History

Lapphella is a protected area in Hemnesberget’s marina. It includes the town’s oldest buildings, among them several restored wharf buildings and boathouses. These are now used as homes by local residents. Lapphella also includes several small wharves and wooden houses. Historic architectural styles and present-day use sit side by side here, so the old buildings do not feel like relics of the past alone.

Ranheimbrygga is located near the ferry terminal. The building belongs to the Hemnes branch of the Helgeland Museum and houses a permanent exhibition of maritime objects. On display are boat engines and other items from seaborne trade, among other things. The exhibition offers a distinct focus alongside the historic houses: it centres on objects connected with life and work at sea.

Another thread in the town’s history leads to the former premises of Nordlands Avis. They have been preserved as they were when the newspaper ceased publication. Nordlands Avis was published from 1893 to 1978. Among the objects on display is a printing press from 1888, probably one of the oldest in Nordland. Travellers interested in local history can therefore explore maritime collection items and the story of a regional newspaper as two distinct topics.

Music, Boats and Activities by the Water

Hemnesjazz takes place in Hemnesberget every year in early August as a three-day music festival. During the festival, open-air concerts are held in Lapphella, at Hundneset and in Bakken. If live music is an important part of your trip, this period is particularly relevant when choosing when to travel.

Boats are also part of the town’s character: several traditional boats built in the surrounding area are moored in the marina below Lapphella. Hemnesberget and the surrounding farm areas have a long and important boatbuilding tradition. In Hemnesberget, Kråkeslottet also offers local design. For those interested in these subjects, this provides further points of interest related to maritime history and regional design, alongside the museum exhibition.

You can fish from the breakwater or quays in Hemnesberget. This activity by the water is different from visiting cultural sites and can be included in your trip plans as a separate interest. Whether you choose your accommodation with music, history or harbour activities in mind, Hemnesberget brings these attractions together in its location where the Ranfjord and Sørfjord meet.

If you would like to discover more destinations, you can also find Korgen and Bleikvasslia here.

For the main travel overview: Hemnes.