Lovund: Puffins, Coastal Culture and Island Experiences

Lovund combines impressive nature with a distinctive maritime history. The island is home to Helgeland’s largest puffin colony, estimated at around 200,000 to 300,000 birds. On Heirsan, you can watch puffins, enjoy the sunset and take in the view of Træna. If you are interested in the coastal landscape, the hike to Lovundfjellet also offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a superb view over the Helgeland coast.

Island nature and trails

If you are planning a hike around Lovund, it is recommended that you go at low tide. If you would rather combine a beach visit with a hike, you could consider Nøvvika: the sheltered beach lies on Lovund’s southern side, along the route to Lovundfjellet. The final descent is uneven and can be challenging. There are no toilets or other facilities at the beach—a key difference from the village beach at Valplassen.

Valplassen is situated in a small, sheltered bay. The bathing water there is a little warmer than in the sea elsewhere around the island. Toilets are nearby, and there is also a kiosk in summer. If you enjoy spending time by the water, you can choose between the village beach with these amenities and Nøvvika, which has no facilities. The two beaches each have their own character, and the information about the descent to Nøvvika is worth taking into account when planning your day.

Coastal culture at the museum

Kystkultursenteret is a place where you can learn more about Lovund, past and present. Together with the Lovundbåten Museum, it presents exhibitions on Heimhusan, the life of fishermen, useful birds, the Lovund fishing boat Neptun, Storbåtnaustet, paintings and the Lovund boat. The Lovundbåten Museum displays parts of an archaeological boat dating from around 1460, discovered on Hamnholmen. It is considered the only medieval boat on display in a Norwegian museum. The exhibition is designed as a place of learning and places the find in the maritime culture of the late Middle Ages. A visit to the museum therefore offers a tangible insight into Lovund’s coastal history, alongside the island’s natural experiences.

Coffee roastery, views and more experiences

At The Coast Coffee, visitors can watch the coffee roasting up close in the open roastery, learn more about the process and try the speciality coffee produced there. The same building also houses a motor museum. This makes it possible to explore coffee roasting and another collection in a single visit.

At Lovund’s southern end, there is a small driving range at an elevation of about 60 metres. From there, the view extends south to Dønnamannen, the Seven Sisters and Vega. In Vassvika, there is a shelter with facilities for barbecuing and swimming. These options offer different experiences: a view and a little golf, a sheltered place to swim, or the chance to explore island history and coffee. You can tailor your holiday rental search to the experiences that matter most to you, without assuming any particular accommodation or location.

Getting to Lovund and finding accommodation

Lovund can be reached by ferry from Stokkvågen on the mainland or from the island of Onøy. The Helgelandspendelen express boat operates year-round to Lovund from Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Stokkvågen or Onøy. When planning a holiday rental on the island, you can take these travel options into account. For a trip with varied interests, Lovund offers nature watching, hiking, beaches, coastal culture and coffee roasting as different highlights.

More places at a glance: Bratland, North Solvær, Tonnes and Lurøy.

Return to the main travel overview: Lurøy.