Nesna – a haven of white-sand beaches and island hopping
A peaceful port at the tip of a peninsula surrounded by fjords and known for university life, beautiful beaches and easy-to-reach islands.
Perched between two fjords and several islands just south of the Arctic Circle, Nesna feels both connected and remote. It’s a small town with strong roots in education and the sea – a ferry hub, a university outpost and a stepping stone to some breathtakingly beautiful beaches.
Nesna: ferry hub and academic outpost
Nesna has drawn people for centuries. Protected by fjords and framed by the islands of Hugla, Handnesøya and Tomma, it became a centre for fishing and trade along the Helgeland coast.
By the 19th century, Nesna had grown into a regional transport and education hub. It became known for its teacher training and, later, as a university town. That tradition continues. Nord University still has a campus here, with students giving the quiet town an undercurrent of energy.
Today, Nesna is a relaxed place to sail through – or stay a while. You can hop on a ferry to the beaches of Tomma, take a hike through the nearby hills or simply enjoy the clean light and stillness of the fjord.
Depending on the season, you might catch the almost-Midnight Sun glowing over the fjord, or the flickering Northern Lights. Nesna’s 17 May parade brings the whole community together in a burst of colour and music.
What is the weather like in Nesna?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max (°C) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
Min (°C) | -1 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 1 | -1 |
Visit Nesna with Hurtigruten
How long will I be in port?
Northbound
In port: 10 minutes
Southbound
In port: 10 minutes
As seen from the sea
As you sail into Nesna – our last port before we cross into the Arctic Circle and our first when we leave it – you’ll pass mountainous islands rising from the sea and see the tidy harbour tucked into a low green point ahead.
Ferries pass quietly in and out, connecting the islands of Hugla, Handnesøya and Tomma floating just offshore.
Neighbouring ports of call
Ørnes
Our first port north of the Arctic Circle and our last before leaving it southbound, pocket-sized Ørnes is perfect for glacier trips, fjord kayaking and coastal history.
Sandnessjøen
The gateway to the Helgeland Coast, Sandnessjøen is perfectly located between mountains and islands. The Seven Sisters mountain range might be Sandessjøen's primary claim to fame, but the UNESCO Vega Islands are also close at hand. are also close at hand.