Kjerringøy: Coastal Landscape and Cultural History

Kjerringøy combines an alpine coastal landscape with a historic trading post and a maritime collection. White beaches, turquoise sea, steep mountains, and green fields shape the scenery; its cultural history is reflected in protected buildings, historic furnishings, and collections. Depending on your interests, you can focus on nature or culture, or combine both.

Trading History and Collections

The Kjerringøy Old Trading Post is a heritage site dating from the 19th century, with 15 protected buildings and authentic interiors. The trading post’s maritime collection includes, among other things, a Nordland boat from 1820, considered one of the country’s oldest surviving boats. The historical focus thus ranges from the protected buildings to a single, dated boat.

Kjerringøy’s new church also adds to the historical picture: it was consecrated in 1883. Its furnishings combine old and new elements; the oldest pieces date from the 17th century.

The Karl-Erik-Harr Museum, which opened in spring 2019, displays paintings from Kjerringøy, Hamarøy, Lofoten, and Helgeland, as well as depictions of life on the northern Norwegian coast. Its scope therefore extends beyond Kjerringøy while also encompassing coastal life.

Another historic building is Zahlfjøsen. The merchant Zahl had it built in Kjerringøy between 1892 and 1894; it remained in regular use until the summer of 1995. The building has since been converted into a gallery housing the exhibition “Hamsun in Film and Pictures,” a boatbuilding area, and a library. Advance booking is required for visits outside the summer season; plan this part of your stay accordingly.

Coastal Landscape and Activities

The alpine coastal landscape combines chalk-white beaches and turquoise sea with steep mountains and green fields. Activities on offer include exploring steep mountain terrain, boat trips, and leisurely walks. Kvarven is considered Kjerringøy’s most visited peak. This gives you a choice of different ways to spend your stay: in the mountains, on the water, or out walking.

Local Cuisine

Fjøsen Café at the Kjerringøy trading post serves coffee and local dishes made with regionally sourced ingredients; opening hours and operations may change. Brygga Restaurant at Kjerringøy Rorbusenter offers a seasonal menu. The fish served there is caught by the restaurant itself from its own pier; operations and menu details may change.

Getting There and Planning Your Time

Two travel times covering different parts of the journey are useful for planning: the car ferry from Festvåg to Misten, or Kjerringøy, takes about ten minutes. Bus route 400 connects Bodø city center with Kjerringøy several times a day; including the ferry crossing, the journey takes about one hour and 15 minutes. The first figure covers the crossing, while the second covers the entire bus journey from Bodø. Check schedules before travelling, as ferry times, routes, frequency, and journey times may change.

Discover more destinations: Skivika, Løding, Bodø, Tverlandet, Skjerstad, Ljønes, Breivik i Salten, Saltstraumen

Go to the main travel overview: Bodø.