Rørvik, surrounded by thousands of islands

Rørvik is a port town in the Vikna archipelago consisting of approximately 6,000 islands, islets, and reef. The climate is maritime, with plum and apple trees adorning many private gardens—even here at 65°N. Most of the buildings are made of wood, giving Rørvik a typical small-town feeling. The Vikna archipelago is an attraction in itself, and Hurtigruten offers a prime view. This is a paradise for small boat cruising, kayaking, canoeing, and diving. Winter fishing for cod has always been an important industry, and every year there is a Cod Festival in March. Enjoy this vibrant fishing village, a good meal made of cod, liver, and roe, or engage in many other maritime activities.

The coastal museum in Norveg is an architectural landmark. Enjoy a visit and learn about the region's culture and history over the last 10,000 years, from its first people to current challenges as one of the world's leading fishing nations.

Berggården is a historic trading place that played a central role in Rørvik's development, starting in 1878. Experience the atmosphere in a shop from 1910 and discover artifacts that tell stories about how people lived and worked in this lively area 150 years ago.

The last recorded sighting of a sea serpent in Norway was made in 1926 by two boys fishing for mackerel on the northern side of Vikna, by Lysøya Island to the west of our route. The serpent was reported to be 650 ft long and had 60 humps. Unfortunately, the boys did not bring a camera.

History

The first people came here about 10,000 years ago. The area is home to several cave paintings, artifacts from the Viking era, and other cultural findings. With its favorable location, close to the resources in the ocean and a natural hub for shipping between northern and southern Norway, Rørvik grew to be the charming coastal town it is today.