Kjerringøy, a half-hour drive north of Bodø, is a gem on the Nordland coast. It has an idyllic, coastal-alpine landscape famous around the world from films based on Knut Hamsun’s novels.
Here you will encounter a compact, varied landscape with a host of attractions in a surprisingly small area. It is a unique coastal landscape with wave-smoothed rocks and gleaming white sandy beaches, thriving rural villages and the historical Kjerringøy Handelssted. Most people still associate the peninsula with Kjerringøy Handelssted, which enjoyed its golden age in the 1800s. Today, the intact trading post is one of the most important buildings from this period in the whole of Norway. In fact, the unique building has been presented with the Olavsrosa quality label. The area presents insight into the lives of the powerful Nordland merchants, an environment masterfully depicted by Knut Hamsun. The trading post has thus been used in the film adaptations of a number of his novels. Occasionally, the Kjerringøy Theatre Company presents small tableaus at the old trading post Kjerringøy Handelssted as part of the organised tours. Read more at www.kjerringoy.info.
The arts are heavily present here
Zahlfjøsen, the old works building at the trading post, is home to the exhibition entitled “Hamsun in film and images”, which provides insight into films based on Hamsun’s novels – many of which were shot on Kjerringøy. The large, new gallery for the works of the artist Karl Erik Harr opened in summer 2007 in Zahlfjøsen, which also comprises studios and an art shop. Ulf Mikalsen, “The Boatbuilder of Kjerringøy” builds Nordland boats and other traditional clinker-built vessels in Zahlfjøsen.
You can Sample and Buy Locally produced and organic produce
Right nearby Kjerringøy Handelssted and Zahlfjøsen, you will find Markens Grøde (Kjerringøy Farm). Here you can see how cheese is made, watch how bread is baked in a wood-fired stone oven, and how meat is cured from the farm’s own organic production. You can also sample delicious treats in the charming café (indoors and out), and buy locally produced food to take home with you.
Kjerringøy’s Natural beauty speaks for itself
Nature reserves, protected areas of landscape, national parks and other nature areas of special interest provide the setting for unique experiences, irrespective of whether you are looking for hair-raising challenges on steep mountain climbs, leisurely boat trips or gentle walks. The magnificent natural surroundings are an experience in themselves.
Take a trip to Kjerringøy and surrender to the soft, white sandy beaches, the sharp peaks that run right down to the water, the harmonious cultural landscape and the incredibly varied countryside that are all to be found on this little peninsula.
Stay in a fairy-tale setting on Kjerringøy Harbour
Kjerringøy Brygge opened on 1 June 2007. The hotel is located in a delightful setting by Kjerringøy Harbour, just a stone’s throw from Kjerringøy Handelssted, the old trading post. The hotel comprises nine apartments on the second floor, each with two double bedrooms. In addition, it features nine cabins with three double bedrooms in each. Altogether, the hotel can thus provide 90 beds.
Both the cabins and the apartments are ultra-modern and fully appointed for self-catering holidays. They are available for rent per day, weekend or week. Kjerringøy Brygge is a full-service hotel with a comprehensive range of facilities, including a restaurant, café and fully licensed pub. Meetings and conferences in modern rooms with a magnificent view out over the harbour and Vestfjord. Motorboats and fishing equipment for hire. Spacious marina for guests who arrive by sea. A large part of the quay area is used for outdoor service.
Kjerringøy is a great place for kids to visit
Kjerringøy is a delight for children, as there is so much to explore and discover. Stroll along the beach looking for shells, crabs and little creatures, or treat yourself to a walk across the fields among grazing cattle and sheep. When you have had your fill of countryside delights, drop in and visit Jentine at the trading post, who will be happy to tell stories of life on the farm in years gone by. If the weather is a little grey, there are plenty of exciting books for children to read, and they can also find out more about the island at the library in Zahlfjøsen.
Travelling to Kjerringøy via one of Norway’s best cycle routes
One of the most cyclist-friendly attractions is the Bodø–Kjerringøy–Steigen–Hamarøy route. Here you can experience the landscape made famous by Knut Hamsun’s novels.
This cycle-route between Bodø and Kjerringøy is actually rated at Norway`s 3rd finest cycleroute! Coastal culture, sandy beaches and rocky coastline along idyllic country roads.
Kjerringøy is accessed by air, train then ferry
Kjerringøy is just 40 km north of Bodø, which is served by an airport, railway station and Express Route quay. On your way here, you will also have the chance to enjoy a ten-minute break on the ferry – the perfect intermezzo to switch from “City mode” to “Inner peace mode”.
Land on Kjerringøy, take a trip along the white sandy beaches and immerse yourself in the breath-taking experience.