Deep sea fishing is, and has always been, the bedrock of settlement and business development on the Namdalen coast. The Skrei (migrating Atlantic cod) spawns on the coastline every winter, and the rest of the year there is active fishing of both cod, pollock and halibut. Every year in March the Skrei Festival celebrates Skrei fishing. The coast of Namdalen stretches from Flatanger in the south, via Namsos and Rørvik, to Leka in the north.
Explore the archipelago
There are close to 6000 islands and islets in Vikna municipality alone. The archipelago is home to powerful nature experiences with white-sand beaches, narrow sounds and open ocean. Among the many islands you can you can hike, walk along cultural paths, along cultural paths, kayak, dive, island jump with bicycle and much more. The coast is an Eldorado for bird-watchers and has many amazing fishing opportunities. Every year recreational fishermen from near and far visit Namdalen to try their luck while fishing. The protected fishing village Sør-Gjæslingan, which in its heyda was the largest fishing village south of Lofoten, is on the Namdalen coast. Here you can stay overnight in authentic Rorbu i.e. fishermen’s cottages. The Namdalen coast is a favourite stretch to travel along among the boating enthusiasts.
Fishing on the coast
Coastline adventures are plentiful, all year around. Go on a guided deep-sea fishing trip, rent a boat for the day, or try fishing from a rowboat or a kayak. There are many businesses with boats for rent (with or without outboard motor), fishing equipment and knowledgeable guides in the municipalities of Namsos, Flatanger, Fosen, Nærøy, Vikna and Leka. There is a lot of fish, and large fish, outside the Namdalen coast. Maybe going fishing with a local fisherman sounds tempting? Nothing beats spending the day fishing, then ending the day with dinner made from the catch of the day. The locals always know where the big fish bite. Set sail! Read more about fishing here.
Aquaculture
The aquaculture industry is also a large part of coastal culture in Namdalen. You can learn about aquaculture, one of Norway’s largest industries, with SalmoNor in Rørvik or with Bjørøya in Flatanger. SalmoNor collaborates with Kystmuseet Rørvik, the coastal museum, to tell the story of Norwegian aquaculture and the modern aquaculture industry. They give tours of the museum and boat trips out to a fish farm facility. Bjørøya takes you on a journey into the aquaculture industry through movies in the visitor centre and RIB-tours out to a salmon farm facility.
