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Welcome to Vega World Heritage Center
Vega World Heritage Centre is the gateway to Vegaøyan – a living World Heritage site on the far coast of Helgeland. Here you will learn why the unique interaction between people and nature earned the islands a place on the UNESCO list, with a focus on eider farming and the life of the fisherfolk.
The center opened in 2019 and was designed by architects Ekberg Lous. It is located on Gardsøya, north of Vega, just a few steps from the express boat pier and the marina. From the center, you have views of famous landmarks such as The Seven Sisters, Dønnamannen and Lovund.
The center is designed to convey the story behind the world heritage status – and why this particular archipelago has been given a place on UNESCO's list.
Why World Heritage?
Vegaøyan was inscribed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 2004 – as one of the first coastal areas in Norway. Not because of monuments, but because people here have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
At the Vega World Heritage Centre you will gain insight into how the islanders lived from the sea and took care of nature – with eider farming and fishing as central elements. The history is conveyed through exhibitions, films, objects and architecture.
Read more about the World Heritage status here or dive deeper into the island's history .
What can you experience at Vega World Heritage Center?
Vega World Heritage Centre is not just made to be seen, it is made to be experienced. It combines modern architecture with magnificent views and real stories from life in the archipelago.
Explore the main exhibition and gain insight into eider farming, fisher-farmer culture and everyday life in the open sea – a living tradition that still characterizes the islands.
Let your curiosity run wild in the creative workshop, where both children and adults can try their hand at simple crafts and creative activities.
Or sit down in the café and enjoy a quiet break with a view of the World Heritage Site.
More information about the different experiences can be found below.
Our exhibitions
Our main exhibition, "Ville vakre Vega", tells the story of Vegaøyan, from the Stone Age to the present day. You'll learn about the life of the islanders and the eider tradition.
Café and shop
Whether the north wind is whipping up the sea with white horses or the sunset is turning the summer sea pink, the view from our World Heritage Café is magical.
The creation workshop
A creative workshop is a place to inspire creativity, whether it's creating something new, learning a new technique or repairing something old.
Practical information
Plan your visit well in advance. Here you will get a full overview of season opening, ticket prices, group discounts and practical information for both individual visits and family outings.
How to find out
The center is located on Gardsøya, in the far north of Vega. You can easily get here by bike, car or on foot. Many people choose to combine their visit with a boat trip or island hopping.
Are you coming by speedboat?
Please note that there are several express boat stops at Vega. The nearest pier is on Gardsøya, just a few minutes walk from the center. Check timetables and port of call before you travel.
Ready for the experience?
Whether you are coming here for the first time or know Vega already, the Vega World Heritage Center gives you a new entrance to the history, culture and landscape.
Our experiences can be found on this page, and during your visit you can explore more of the island or plan your next stop.
🔗 See Visit Vega for tour suggestions, accommodation and activities in the area.
🔗 Read articles about Vega at Visit Helgeland for tips on mountain hikes, island hopping and more.
🔗 Interested in architecture? Read the report about the center at Ekberg Lous.
