Lurøy: Skerries, Puffins and Culture
Accommodation in Lurøy
Onøy and Lurøy, together with the smaller island of Røssøya, form a sheltered skerry landscape. Numerous islets, sounds, sheltered coves and beautiful swimming beaches characterise this part of the municipality. Explore the island world by boat or kayak—a different focus from a trip centred mainly on hiking, birdlife or culture.
Islands and Connections
Ferries and express boats run from Stokkvågen and Tonnes on the mainland to the islands of Lurøy. There are also daily express boat connections to and from Sandnessjøen and Bodø. Onøy and Lurøy are connected by a bridge and are a short ferry ride from Stokkvågen. These different connections can help you plan your journey between the islands.
Birdlife and Mountains
Lovund is home to Helgeland’s largest puffin colony, estimated at around 200,000 to 300,000 birds. Puffins usually arrive around 14 April, Lundkommardagen, and leave the island after the breeding season at the end of August. If you’re interested in birdlife, this seasonal rhythm is a helpful guide when planning your trip.
The 685-metre-high Lurøyfjellet on the island of Lurøy offers a very different landscape experience. The mountain is a popular hiking destination and affords views of many mountains in Helgeland. Sila is home to one of Norway’s best bouldering areas. Near Tonnes is Tonnesgrotta, also called “Hellarhølet”: a large cave entrance reached by a short but somewhat steep footpath, extending almost 200 metres deep. These places offer different experiences—mountain views, bouldering, or a short, steep approach to a striking cave entrance.
History and Local Collections
Grønsvik Coastal Fort presents the municipality’s local history of occupation. The fort and surrounding grounds are open year-round for visitors to enjoy and explore freely. Seasonal guided tours, talks and concerts add to the programme. A visit can therefore be combined with an interest in history, while the seasonal events offer a focus of their own.
On Lovund, the Lovundbåten Museum displays parts of an archaeological boat found on Hamnholmen and dating from around 1460. It is considered the only medieval boat in Norway to be displayed in a museum. The Coastal Museum displays old boat engines, fishing equipment and the skeleton of a saithe whale. Its exhibits also include an old Lovund cutter: a distinctive wooden motor vessel once commonly used in the region. At Lurøygården, meanwhile, there is a Renaissance garden more than 200 years old, featuring a variety of flowers and plants as well as a large copper beech. The collections and garden offer different ways to explore the municipality’s history and nature.
More Activities and Getting Around
If you enjoy playing disc golf, Sleneset has a course with several layouts: a full 18-hole course and two shorter 9-hole courses. It is normally available during the snow-free season, from spring to late autumn. The disc golf course in Aldersundet is about 2 kilometres long, with an estimated playing time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
For more information about places within the municipality: Lurøy, Lovund, Nord-Solvær, Tonnes and Bratland.
For the broader travel overview: Nordland.
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