Discover Sømna: Coast, Culture and Active Days

Coastal landscapes, cultural history and outdoor activities add different dimensions to a stay in Sømna. Nearby, you’ll find historic sites in Vik; in Sømna itself, there are beaches, viewpoints and hiking destinations, among other things. When choosing a holiday apartment, consider which of these themes you’d like to shape your days away.

Cultural History near Sømna

Sømna bygdetun in Gamle Vik comprises twelve buildings. The cultural history presented there focuses on the everyday lives of farming and fishing-farming families between 1800 and 1950. A kitchen garden with old grain varieties, cultivated plants, herbs and vegetables adds to the experience. You can also follow the journey of grain from the field to finished flour. A traditional haymaking event in mid-July includes scything and making hay, and everyone is welcome to take part.

The museum has set opening hours in summer and before Christmas. Visits are possible year-round by arrangement. Check the opening hours before your trip. The GeoBike circular route has several detours, including one to Sømna bygdetun.

Vik is also home to Sømna kirke. Its site dates back to the Middle Ages, and the church was completed in 1876. The church has a cruciform floor plan and seats 600. The church and its walled churchyard are right next to the open-air museum at Gamle Vik. The church is 100 metres off the main road, Kystriksveien (RV17).

Coastal Destinations and Scenery in Sømna

Kvennvika is a south-facing beach in southern Sømna, on the island of Kvaløya, which is connected to the mainland. There are toilets, showers and rubbish bins. Kvennvika is also the starting point for the hike to Sørfjellet. This gives you the option of choosing a beach day or a hike.

Another hike leads to the summit of Sømnesfjellet, which can be reached via a 1.3-kilometre hike. From the top, the view extends across Sømna’s agricultural landscape and the archipelago with its many islands. Two kayaking routes are recommended: one starting in Berg and one around Sømnesøya.

Kvervet has a floodlit ski trail with shelters along the route; there is a heated ski hut at the trailhead. If you’re planning an easy loop near Vik, there’s also a fine gravel path that is well suited to pushchairs and similar. The summit trail on Sømnesfjellet, the kayaking routes and the ski trail offer very different experiences—choose according to the activities that suit your plans.

Sundshopen is a rest area and viewpoint on the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten in Sømna. Its place within the wider landscape is also noteworthy: together with Brønnøy, Vega, Vevelstad, Bindal and Leka, Sømna is part of the Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark. Its status is based on a unique geological natural heritage of international significance.

Places, Traditions and Regional Products

North of Vik lies Rødbergan, a soapstone quarry from the Iron Age and Middle Ages that is automatically protected. Near Viksjøen is a historic group of buildings with several old boathouses and quay facilities. These places add evidence from different periods to the region’s cultural history.

Humlehagen Kulturgård offers farm experiences with horses, llamas, alpacas, ducks and pigs. Regional products are also part of the area’s appeal: Nordgården Pub og Spiseri serves beer brewed with its own malt from Sømna. The shop at Sømna Kro og Gjestegård stocks cheese, honey, spices, sauces and other products from local food producers.

Getting Here and Choosing a Holiday Base

Sømna is on Kystriksveien, the coastal road along County Road 17. The ferry from Holm to Vennesund provides access to Sømna from Bindal; check the timetable when planning your journey. When choosing a holiday apartment, first decide what you want to focus on: nearby cultural sites, hikes, coastal destinations or regional experiences. Compare accommodation locations against these plans.

Discover more destinations: Vik.

Go to the main travel overview: Sømna.