The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 1,902 / 66.1 degrees north
Nesna, Norway
Nesna is a small village on the Helgeland coast that is surrounded by some spectacular scenery. If you are doing Norway’s Coastal Road you can visit this town, and Nesna is a port of call on the coastal ferry. It’s a nice place that’s well worth stopping in.
About Nesna
Latitude: 66.1 degrees north
Population: 1,902
South Sami name: Neasna
Nensa Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Nesna
Uniquely Nesna
Here are some things that you must do and try in Nesna
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Nesna
Museums
Helgeland Museum Nesna
The Helgeland Museum Nesna is in an old trade building and demonstrates what life was like here in the 19th century.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Hiking
Utsikten Hiking Trail
Kayak
Helgeland Kayak
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Nesna
Norway's Coastal Tourist Road (Fv17)
The Coastal Road is the longest of Norway’s 18 national tourist roads, and covers the length from Trondheim to Bodø.
Self-Guided Walks
Nesna on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Nesna
History of Nesna
The name Nesna comes from the farm Nesna, since that is where the first church was built. The current Nesna Church is from 1880. The area was primarily used for trade along the coast of Northern Norway.
The famous poet/priest Petter Dass lived most of his life at Nesna, and it is there that he wrote many of his greatest works.
Nesna has a long tradition with education as one of the first teacher’s colleges in the country was built there.
Nesna Today
Today Nesna has a department of Nord University as well as schooling for all ages.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: No airport access.
Drive: Nesna is on the Fv17, which is Norway’s coastal road.
Train: No train access
Ferry:The northbound coastal ferry stops here at 5:30am, while the southbound stops at around 11:15am.
Getting Around
The town itself is very walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
Camping
Topcamp Havblikk Helgeland
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties