Ørnes

Ørnes lies at the northern coast of Helgeland and is the largest settlement and transport hub in Meløy municipality, with its 1,700 inhabitants. It is surrounded by a wonderful archipelago with 700 islands and more than 30 mountain peaks as a backdrop. It is a place that has been part of Norway's recorded history since 1610, and has been a trading post since 1794. Some buildings from around 1800s are still here despite several fires and other disasters, and these include homes, boathouses and barns. History buffs should keep an eye out. Though there is not too much time at Ornes, there are a few facts you should know about it. The first is that it is a travel hub for buses, ferries and boats, and that it hosts notable festivals. The first is "Summer Days," a week of cultural activities, and the second is "Revue Festival," which takes place every other year and showcases local theater and actors.

Ørnes offers has a wide range of shops, medical center, pharmacy, liquor store, several eateries, and hotels. The Merchant's Center from 1794 makes the perfect stop. Sit down and sense the historic atmosphere with the help of several exhibitions.

In Ørnes you can also visit the Love Bench. It stands at the tip of the pier, right next to the Hurtigruten docks. Bring your sweetheart and a padlock. Attach the lock behind the bench and throw the keys into the sea to make sure your love will last forever. From the bench you will also be able to enjoy views of the beautiful archipelago. You're also close to the second largest glacier in Norway, Svartisen and the Arctic Circle.

History

Ørnes can be traced back several hundred years. 1794 saw the beginning of Ørnes as we know it, when a man named Elling Pedersen was allowed to set up an inn here. Since then, Ørnes has been a prosperous place of trade. In spite of several fires that ravaged the town, houses dating back to the 1800s can still be seen here.