Herøy: Islands, Kayaking and Coastal Culture
Accommodation in Herøy
Herøy is an island area where paddling, island-hopping and cultural history offer very different ways to explore. The islands are low-lying and mostly sit on the well-developed strandflat. Several islands are connected by bridges, so you can explore Herøy by car or bicycle while island-hopping. If you prefer to get around on foot, the Tenna turløype offers an opportunity for a walk. When choosing Herøy as a holiday destination, you can therefore consider whether you are mainly looking for time on the water, activities between the islands or insights into local history.
Kayaking between islands and waterways
Herøy Kajakk & Sykkel rents single and tandem sea kayaks for day trips and longer periods. Kayak rental includes a map with recommended paddling routes for trips lasting three to five hours. This gives you a practical framework when planning a day of paddling and choosing a route from the suggested options. SUP boards, as well as regular bicycles and electric bikes, are also available to rent.
For a guided introduction, there is a beginner kayak tour through the Herøysundet. It passes close to Silvalen through especially calm, sheltered waters. Another guided kayak tour goes around Øksningan and Hjelmsøya in western Herøy. This tour includes wildlife watching, coffee and a simple lunch; a short hike up a hill is also optional. The tours differ not only in their routes, but also in whether you paddle independently using a recommended route map or join a guided trip.
At Husvær, sheltered waters allow you to paddle between the islands, with views of the birdlife and the sea. Herøy is also the starting point for a five-day guided paddling tour to the Vega World Heritage Islands. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a shorter paddling excursion and a multi-day tour that begins in Herøy. A guided cycling tour, by contrast, starts in Sandnessjøen, goes via Dønna and continues through the Herøy archipelago. Several islands are also connected by bridges, making them possible to explore by bicycle or car.
Coastal culture and special places
Herøy kirke, also known as the “Cathedral of Helgeland,” is a soapstone church built in the 12th century. It is the only church north of Trondheim with an apse. Its construction and this distinctive architectural feature make it a cultural attraction in its own right, alongside outdoor activities. The open-air museum Herøy bygdesamling presents 1,500 years of local cultural history and has an extensive collection of objects. The collection covers agriculture, fishing and trapping, everyday life, and festive traditions on the Helgeland coast. The museum includes seven protected or heritage-worthy buildings.
Another striking sight is “Petter på skjæret”: the ten-metre-high statue depicts the poet and priest Petter Dass and stands on the skerry Raudholmgalten in Herøy. The site is accessible only by boat or kayak. This is an important distinction when planning your day: the statue is not a destination for a walk on land, but part of an excursion on the water.
Island nature and birdlife
Protected areas also shape the natural landscape around Herøy. The Indreholmen/Lyngværet Nature Reserve was established to protect seabird nesting areas. Salvatnet Nature Reserve contains a large wetland used by wetland birds for nesting and during migration. Vardøya protects a traditional coastal landscape and its associated plant and animal life. These places represent different aspects of nature: seabird nesting areas, a wetland used by birds and a protected coastal landscape.
For further orientation, you can also visit the pages on Herøy and Brasøy.
For the wider travel overview: Nordland.
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