UNESCO Vega archipelago

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.

Practical information

• Disembarking port: Sandnessjøen
• Embarking port: Brønnøysund
• Southbound or Northbound: Southbound
• Approximate arrival/departure times: 12:45 - 16:50
• Available period: 10 June - 09 September
• Transportation: Boat
• Meals on the trip: Tea /coffee and “Vega Lefse”
• Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
• Note: Short, but steep stairs at the E-House museum. Local crafts for sale.