Discover Nordnesøya

Key features of Nordnesøya include archaeological sites, the view from Nordfjellet and Silsanden beach. The evidence ranges from a Stone Age settlement site to Iron Age graves and a walrus-bone plaque probably dating to the 9th century. The island brings together historical and scenic interests.

Archaeological Sites

A registered Stone Age settlement site is located in Sandvika on Nordnesøy. Another find is a walrus-bone plaque discovered on Nordnesøy, which probably dates from the 9th century. Walrus-bone plaques are associated with the elite of Hålogaland and bear witness to a period when chiefdom society had developed significantly. The plaque’s dating is probable; together with the settlement site in Sandvika, it points to a distinctly different period. The archaeological evidence therefore does not represent just one era.

The later sites also differ in form. Småbakken is home to a farm mound dating to the Middle Ages. Finds there include glass fragments, a carved bone object, a chalk pipe and boat nails. Fjøsbakken has three flat graves, probably dating to the Late Iron Age. Stangenest has an Iron Age grave with a possible stone slab from a burial cist. The differences between the settlement site, farm mound and graves give each archaeological site its own character.

Views and Coast

From the summit of Nordfjellet, you can see the Helgeland Mountains, Svartisen and Træna. Silsanden offers a different kind of scenery: the white sandy beach also has a view of Træna. Nordnesøya thus offers both a summit panorama across several named destinations and a view from a sandy beach, each with its own landscape appeal.

A 1.5 km path leads to Silsanden on the other side of Nordnesøya. If you plan to walk this route, check access and local conditions before setting out.

Local Life and Getting There

Local religious life includes a private chapel on Nordnesøya, used for services and church ceremonies. It adds another aspect of the place alongside its archaeological and scenic features. As the chapel is private, do not assume that it is generally open to visitors. At the wider destination of Rødøy, Falch Gamle Handelssted displays Nordland boats and other boat equipment; the exhibition presents coastal culture and fishing history.

Nordnesøya has a pier served by express boats on the Rødøy route. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can organise your journey to suit your planned stay.

Discover more destinations: Nordvernes, Oldervik, Rødøy, Vågaholmen, Gjerøy, Jektvik, Øresvik.

Back to the main travel overview: Rødøy.