Best attractions and places to see around Meløy include a diverse range of natural wonders and cultural sites. This region on Norway's Helgeland coast is characterized by dramatic landscapes, featuring majestic glaciers, an extensive archipelago with over 700 islands, and deep fjords. Visitors can explore prominent natural features like Svartisen Glacier and unique cultural installations. Meløy offers a blend of outdoor experiences and historical insights, making it a varied destination.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Popular around Meløy
HISTORY: The area around Meløy has been completely or partially covered by glaciers several times. Around 20,000 years ago, the inland ice was at its greatest extent during the last ice age. In contrast, the glacier was completely ice-free 8,000 and 6,000 years ago. It was only as a result of large amounts of precipitation and a colder climate that the glacier began to grow again 2,500 years ago. In 1750, the glacier tongue was around two kilometers closer to the fjord than it is today. This can be attributed to the visible moraine ridge left by the glacier north and west of Engenbrevatn. The Østertal ice split into two glacier arms around 100 years ago. The eastern one reached as far as the Svartisen glacier lake. Over the next 50 years, the glacier retreated considerably and no longer reached the lake. In 1910 the glacier front was only 50 metres from the glacier lake, but by 1945 it was already 1000 metres away. As the glacier retreated, another glacier lake was formed on the western edge of the glacier arm. As the ice continued to retreat, the lake grew larger from year to year.
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The DAGMAR AAEN was built in 1931 in Esbjerg, Denmark, at the N. P. Jensen shipyard as a fishing vessel and was given the registration number E510. The ship was named Dagmar Aaen after the wife of the first owner, Mouritz Aaen, an entrepreneur from Esbjerg. The hull was built from six-centimeter oak planks on oak frames. The distance between the individual frames is so small that a fist can hardly fit between them. The hull was given an exceptional and remarkable strength by additional internal planking and watertight bulkheads. This type of ship was often used in Greenland due to its solid construction.
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The Svartisen ("black ice") is the second largest glacier in Norway at 370 square kilometers and is located in Nordland Fylke, just below the Arctic Circle, in the impressive Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park northwest of the town of Mo i Rana. It has a total of 60 glacier arms. The Glomtal lies between the two main glaciers, the East (Østertaleis) and the West Ice. The Svartisen extends almost all the way down into the Holandsfjord, making it the glacier closest to sea level in Europe.
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Three people can easily sleep in the hut. And the best thing is that there is a stove :)
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two artists built the Thai House and then donated it to the community. During the ceremonial handover, the key was demonstratively sunk in the lake. A sign that the cottage is always and everyone available and remains open. I am happy that the house is still in good condition and I admire the Norwegians. The cottage is cozy and invites you to contemplate or even spend the night. I understand such art!
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Good shoes, sure-footed (sometimes very slippery)
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If you are on the coastal path, you should definitely make a detour here. First we took the Isprins ferry across the Hollandsfjord. From the pier to the “Engabreen” tongue of the second largest Norwegian glacier, Svartisen, it's a relaxed 90 minutes. The panorama is breathtaking throughout. There are a few insurance policies on the mountain itself. Surefootedness and good footwear are essential.
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Crystal clear lake that is fed by the meltwater of the Svartisen glacier.
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Meløy is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the impressive Svartisen Glacier, Norway's second-largest and lowest-lying glacier on the European mainland, with its accessible Engabreen tongue. Nearby, the Svartisvatnet Glacial Lake offers crystal-clear waters fed by the glacier. The region also boasts the extensive Meløy Archipelago with over 700 islands, deep fjords like Glomfjorden, and the immense Storglomvassdammen, recognized as the world's largest stone fill dam.
Yes, Meløy offers several insights into its past. You can explore the Thai House and Sami Hut, unique artistic installations donated to the community. Other notable sites include the Ørnes Trade Post, established in 1794 and now a museum, the Myrvoll Cultural Farm showcasing traditional life, and the Meløy Village Museum at Reipå, which focuses on local history, schooling, and the fishing industry. Ancient rock art sites at Fykanvatn and Klubba also offer a glimpse into Stone Age heritage.
Meløy is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, especially around Svartisen and in the nearby national parks. The serene waters are perfect for kayaking and RIB sea rafting, with guided tours available on Glomfjord and around the islands. In winter, the Glomfjord Alpine Centre offers skiing and freeride opportunities in the Meløy Alps.
Absolutely! Meløy offers extensive hiking opportunities. You can find routes ranging from easy to difficult, such as the 'Svartisen Glacier Tongue – View of the Svartisen Glacier loop' or the 'Svartisvatnet Glacial Lake – Svartisen Glacier loop'. For more options and detailed routes, you can explore the Hiking around Meløy guide.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities. Exploring the accessible Engabreen tongue of the Svartisen Glacier after a boat ride is a memorable experience. The Meløy Archipelago offers opportunities for island hopping and exploring sandy beaches. The Meløy Village Museum provides an educational look into local history, and the unique Thai House and Sami Hut can spark imagination.
To get up close to the Svartisen Glacier, specifically its Engabreen tongue, you can take a short boat ride across Holandsfjord on the MS Isprins. From the pier, a relaxed hike leads you to the glacier's front. Guided glacier walks are also available for an even closer experience, offering breathtaking panoramas throughout the journey.
The Meløy Archipelago is known for its stunning collection of over 700 islands, stretching from Bolgværet to Støtt Island. It's a haven for paddlers and boaters, offering sheltered harbors, opportunities for island hopping, hiking, and exploring white sandy beaches. The diverse landscape makes it ideal for exploring by kayak or RIB sea rafting.
Yes, Meløy is located in a region where you can experience the Midnight Sun during the summer months. Grensen, situated on the border between Reipå and Gildeskål, is a particularly popular spot for observing this natural phenomenon, where the sun remains visible above the horizon throughout the night.
Yes, Meløy offers several cycling routes for various skill levels. You can find easy to moderate routes like the 'Helvedesflogan – Svartgjota loop' or the 'Engavågen – Busundet loop'. For a comprehensive list of cycling tours and routes, refer to the Cycling around Meløy guide.
Visitors to Meløy particularly enjoy the dramatic and beautiful landscapes, especially the unique experience of hiking to the Svartisen Glacier and witnessing the crystal-clear waters of Svartisvatnet Glacial Lake. The region's blend of natural wonders and cultural sites, along with the extensive outdoor activity options, makes it a diverse and appealing destination. The community has shared 43 photos and given 140 upvotes to the highlights, indicating a high level of appreciation.
Meløy is home to the unique Thai House and Sami Hut. These artistic installations were built by two artists and donated to the community, symbolizing open access for all. Visitors appreciate their cozy atmosphere, which invites contemplation or even an overnight stay, and their representation of art that is freely available to everyone.


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