Rokland: Farm History and Routes

Rokland combines a long-established cultural landscape with stories that can be read in its farms, historic buildings and railway. If you like to take a holiday destination’s history and local routes into account when choosing where to stay, you’ll find plenty here to explore: from the traditional layout of the farms to a riverside route or a cycling trip through Saltdal.

Farm History and Historic Buildings

The cluster farmstead at Røkland was reorganised in 1885. Some of its buildings date from before this reorganisation. Most of the historic farm roads have been preserved and are an important feature of the farmstead. The roads and buildings each tell their own part of the farm’s history: the reorganisation provides a chronological reference point, while the older buildings point to an earlier period. To understand the cultural landscape, it is worth keeping these different layers of history in mind rather than viewing Rokland through a single historical date.

The cultural landscape also includes two traditional boathouses, as well as grey barns, older storehouses and stable buildings. These structures give it historical depth. The different building types make it clear that the farm landscape consists of more than just homes: boathouses, barns, storehouses and stable buildings are also part of its traditional character. If you are especially interested in rural architectural history, Rokland offers a specific focus for your stay.

Near Rokland, in Storalmenningen just south of the village, stands the Øvre Saltdal Church. Built in 1938, this long church was designed by architect Andreas W. Nygård. It has listed heritage protection status for buildings dating from after 1850. Its location south of Rokland and its architectural form add another perspective to local history, distinct from the history of the cluster farmstead.

The history of the school is also part of Rokland’s architectural history. It is housed in a wooden building dating from 1913–1916, which was called Vensmoen Sanatorium until 1966. The former name and its later use as a school mark different periods in the history of this building. In Rokland, the history of the farms, the church in the nearby area and a building with a changing name thus complement one another.

Routes, Railway and Exploring Saltdal

Another way to experience Rokland is to follow the route to the Lillealmenningen shelter. It runs along the river and leads 2 km south from Røklandssenteret towards Tømmerdal. The route gives your day a clear geographical focus: you can follow the riverside path in a southerly direction. If you are more interested in rural history, you can instead focus on the farm roads and historic buildings.

The cycle route in Saltdal also leads to Røkland and continues from there via Vensmoen along the old E6. Food can be bought in Røkland along this cycle route. The section through the village thus offers an opportunity to shop before continuing via Vensmoen; the historic route along the old E6 is a distinct part of the route described. If you would like to travel by bicycle, this connection is a concrete point to consider when choosing your destination.

The railway has also shaped the history of the place. Røkland / Rævkka station opened in 1955, when the Nordlandsbanen railway began operating as far as Saltdal. In its early years, the station was called Saltdal. Its changing name and its opening in connection with the launch of the railway line at the time add a chapter about transport to the older traces of the cultural landscape.

When deciding whether Rokland is right for your holiday, you can use two different interests as a guide: the historic cultural landscape with its farm roads and buildings, or the walking and cycling experiences in Saltdal. Find more local pages for Storjord and Rognan.

For the main travel overview: Saltdal.