Between Sandnessjøen and Brønnøysund lies the island of Vega. This wonderful cultural landscape was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004. The basis of the status is the islanders´ outstanding tradition for tending wild eider ducks. The trip from Sandnessjøen passes myriad offshore islands leading to the old fishing village Nes on Vega. Here we visit the E-House museum, devoted to eider ducks and providing insight into the history and tradition of processing down into eiderdown duvets.

We learn how the islanders and ducks work together to build nests and small houses, how the birds are protected during brooding, and the process of harvesting and purifying the precious eiderdown. If you want, you can try cleaning the down yourself and help make a real down duvet. You also hear the story of why Vega was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and how it has affected the local community. After an eventful day, we travel along the idyllic Helgeland coastline to Brønnøysund and re-board the ship.

Important information

Transportation: Boat

Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone

Meals on the excursion: Tea /coffee and “Vega Lefse”

Duration: 4 hours

Approx. arrival/departure times: 12:45 - 16:50

Dates available: 10 June to 9 September

Clothes/footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Note: Short, but steep stairs at the E-House museum. Local crafts for sale

10C Visit the salmon

Fascinated by fish? Join us on a visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre near Brønnøysund for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon.

Highlights of the excursion

• Enjoy a short bus tour around Brønnøysund
• Visit the nearby Norwegian Aquaculture Centre at Toft
• Learn more about modern aquaculture and feed the fish
• Try operating an underwater camera, and taste fresh salmon

Norway is one of the world’s major exporters of fish and seafood. Norwegian seafood is consumed daily by about 37 million people worldwide. The cool, clear waters along Norway´s northern coastline provide optimal conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. This excursion starts with a short bus tour around the coastal town of Brønnøysund before we cross the city´s magnificent bridge and continue to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Toft.

Here you learn about modern aquaculture and the natural environment around the aquaculture facility. Find out about fish development and the technologies necessary to raise fish from an egg to finished product and see how salmon and cod live at a demonstration fish farm at the centre. You can even take part in feeding the fish. You can also try using an underwater camera in an interactive exhibit at the fish farm, and taste freshly harvested salmon.

Important information

Transportation: Bus

Physical requirement: Level 2 – Suitable for most

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 15:45 - 17:00

Dates available: 1 April to 31 October

Clothes/footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing