Tjeldsund: Nature, Cultural History and Archaeological Finds

Tjeldsund brings nature and cultural history into sharp contrast: the Tennvatn nature reserve has international Ramsar status; on Tjeldøya, an old school building and an island road reveal other sides of the destination. There is also a 19th-century farmhouse, a sword find from the early 9th century and the remains of a boathouse about 40 metres long.

Nature and protected area

Tennvatn’s international Ramsar status marks a clear connection to nature. As a nature reserve, it offers a different focus from the buildings, exhibitions and archaeological sites that convey Tjeldsund’s cultural history. When planning your visit, you can therefore decide whether to focus particularly on nature, cultural heritage sites or archaeological evidence.

Schoolhouse, farmhouse and collection

The Tjeldsund Museum in Stokke on Tjeldøya is housed in an old school building. The building includes a classroom as well as a teacher’s and sexton’s residence dating from 1869. This brings together the history of schooling and residential life in one building.

Steinsland Klyngetun offers a different focus: it comprises a farmhouse dating from 1840 and an exhibition about Regine Normann. There, 2,000 objects are displayed in an authentic atmosphere from around 1920. By comparison, the former school and residential uses define the building in Stokke, while the farmhouse, exhibition and collection come together at Steinsland.

Archaeological traces and activities

At Sand, the remains of a boathouse about 40 metres long are among the largest discovered in Northern Norway. The Steinsvik sword was discovered in a grave from the early 9th century and is considered unique in a Nordic context. The boathouse stands out for its length, while the sword is notable for its grave context and its place in Nordic comparisons.

The Vilgesvárre Markasamisk open-air museum offers lasso throwing, canoeing and trout fishing. This mix of throwing, water and fishing activities adds practical ways to get involved to the cultural-historical and archaeological themes.

Roads for orientation

County Road 7548 runs from Ramsundbrua to Tjeldøya and continues around the island, except for a section at its southern end. The E10 crosses Tjeldsundbrua towards Vesterålen and Lofoten. From Tjeldsund’s municipal centre, it runs south towards Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes, and onwards to Narvik. These roads offer different points of reference: Route 7548 describes the road around Tjeldøya, while the E10 points towards the destinations mentioned and southwards.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide on your priorities in advance: nature, farm and museum history, archaeological finds or the activities on offer may each lead you to different priorities. Compare the locations of specific properties with the places and routes you would like to include in your plans.

Discover more places

Other places in this destination include: Tjeldsund, Fjelldal, Myklebostad and Kjerstad.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rødøy, Herøy, Brønnøy, Røst.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Nordland.