Brasøy – Bridges, Seaweed History and Coastal Trails

Brasøy brings together bridge and seaweed history with coastal trails and discoveries in the intertidal zone. The old stone bridge Sveøybrua between Sveøy and Prestøy was started by local residents sometime between 1890 and 1900. Today it is a cultural heritage site and is used daily by pedestrians and cyclists. Here, its historic origins and everyday use meet directly.

Bridges and Seaweed History

A later chapter in the history of local connections is Brasøybrua: it opened in 1974 and created a road link between Brasøy and Prestøy. The two bridges therefore represent different periods in the area’s building history.

From around 1940 to 1988, seaweed was harvested on the islands around Brasøy, from Dønna to Vega, and processed into seaweed meal at the “Tanghuset” seaweed factory. The “Ting om Tang” exhibition on Brasøy tells the story of seaweed, its harvesting and the seaweed industry. It was created jointly by Helgeland Museum, Herøy branch, and Ungdomslaget Bølgen. Bridge building and seaweed processing thus offer two different ways to explore Brasøy’s cultural history.

On Foot, by Bike and by the Water

Brasøy has short distances and is well suited to cycling or walking. The Tursti Austholmen hiking trail follows the coast near the ferry terminal to a cairn on Austholmen. There is also a viewpoint there. The walk therefore combines the coastline with a specific destination on Austholmen.

Sveøybrua is a popular spot where children can explore life in the intertidal zone and catch crabs with a line. At Saravalen, there is a sheltered lagoon where small children can swim or play on the beach. The two places offer different experiences: exploring the intertidal zone at the bridge, and swimming or playing on the beach at the lagoon.

In the Brasøy Brostier area, the shallow approaches are suitable for kayaking, but not for boats. The Gjestebrygga guest pier is in Brasøysundet, north of the shop and right next to it; it offers a simple way to refuel.

Getting There and Choosing a Holiday Rental

Brasøy can be reached by ferry, express boat or private boat. Check the latest timetables and service information before travelling. When looking for a holiday rental in Brasøy, you can start by deciding what you would like to focus on during your holiday: the short distances are ideal for walks and cycling, while the bridges and seaweed history offer a cultural theme, and the lagoon and kayaking turn your attention to the water. This makes it easier to match Brasøy to the kind of holiday you have planned before choosing accommodation.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Herøy

Those exploring the wider destination of Herøy will find other cultural attractions there. Herøy kirke, also known as “Helgelandskatedralen” (the Helgeland Cathedral), is a soapstone church built in the 12th century and the only church north of Trondheim with an apse. The Herøy bygdesamling open-air museum manages seven protected or heritage-worthy buildings. It presents 1,500 years of local cultural history and has an extensive collection relating to agriculture, fishing and trapping, everyday life, and festive traditions on the Helgeland coast.

Discover more destinations: Herøy.

Go to the main travel overview: Herøy.