Støtt – Coastal Culture and Island Experiences

Støtt brings together the history of an old trading post with an island realm of islets, skerries and open sea. Highlights include the old trading post, traces of the Second World War and experiences on the water. Beaches, birdlife and tours around the islands also shape the character of the place.

Trading History and Traces of the Past

Støtt gamle handelssted is one of the best-preserved cultural heritage sites associated with coastal culture in Nordland. A prominent part of the historic site is Rødbrygga: the quay and warehouse building of Støtt Old Trading Post dates from the 1820s or 1830s. The history of the telegraph is also tangible here: the first telegraph station between Sandnessjøen and Bodø was established in Støtt in 1858.

A guided walk through the historic fishing village offers a way to learn about its history. Guided tours are also available at the Støtt Fisheries Museum. On Svenningsheia, several bunkers and remnants of gun emplacements recall the Second World War. The trail begins at Støtt harbour. After about two kilometres along paved and gravel paths, a signposted cart track climbs uphill. Take the approximate distance and ascent into account when planning your day.

Island Nature and Experiences on the Water

Several of Støtt’s islands are part of a nature reserve. The routes offer abundant birdlife, white beaches and large expanses of shallow water with pale sand; on the open-sea side, waves break against the shore. A guided circular tour around Innerstøtt combines exploring the island with its abundant bird and animal life. On the archipelago sightseeing trip, the boat travels between islets and skerries around Støtt, revealing the island realm from the sea. You may spot white-tailed eagles, as well as otters, seals and porpoises.

You can also kayak between islets and skerries at Støtt. Guided kayak tours take you to suitable paddling areas and along suitable routes. Kayak courses are offered for families, children and adults, as well as groups of friends. You can choose between a course and a guided tour. RIB tours also travel between islets and skerries, bringing visitors close to the abundant wildlife and birdlife of the open sea.

Four routes of varying difficulty are also listed for Støtt: Svenningen rundt, Helløya rundt, Helløya-Innerstøtt rundt and Støttværet rundt. If you want to consider different routes when planning, you can use these names as a guide, without confusing them with the guided circular tour around Innerstøtt.

Getting Around Støtt and Local Cuisine

Støtt has 4 to 5 kilometres of road without significant inclines; the islands are easy to explore by bicycle. For a different perspective on the coast, take a guided experience in Tjuvdalen: seafood and side dishes are prepared in a lavvu, and a hot drink is served by the fire. At the Gammelbutikken restaurant, local specialities from Støtt and the surrounding sea are served. The restaurant also produces its own tørrfisk (dried fish).

The regional express catamaran Nordlandsekspressen NEX1 and the local express catamaran call at Støtt several times a day. Services run to Bodø, Ørnes and the rest of the Helgeland coast. If you are considering a holiday apartment in Støtt for your trip, you can factor these connections into your choice of location alongside your preferred focus on culture, island nature or experiences on the water.

More destinations: Meløy, Engavågen, Reipå, Ørnes, Glomfjord, Åmnes, Halsa, Ågskardet.

Go to the main travel overview: Meløy.