Gildeskål

Gildeskål has approximately 2.000 inhabitants and covers a area of 661,9 km2. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Inndyr. Other villages include Forstranda, Lekanger, Mevik, Mårnes, Nygårdsjøen, Saura, Storvika, Sørarnøya, Sørfinnset, and Våg. Gildeskål is a coastal municipality that encompasses part of the mainland as well as many islands. Major islands include Fleinvær, Fugløya, Nordarnøya, Sandhornøya, and Sørarnøya. Sandhornøy Bridge connects the island of Sandhornøya to the mainland. There are many lakes in the municipality among: Fellvatnet, Langvatnet, Litle Sokumvatnet, and Sokumvatnet.

The southern part of the municipality includes part of the Saltfjellet mountains and the northern part of the municipality borders the Saltfjorden and the Vestfjorden. Trade and industry in Gildeskål municipality are a mixture of tradition, represented by agriculture and fishing; and innovation, expertise and technology, represented by the resource centre, aquaculture and the production of electric power.

Abundant natural resources and considerable scope for development. Gildeskål´s natural surroundings provide excellent opportunities for outdoor life. From the magnificent coastline with its fjords and countless islands, to deep-sea fishing trips, to wild mountain areas (accessible from Sundsfjord but NB! no caravans). The Coastal Road runs through the municipality.

The poet and priest Elias Blix grew up here. He is particularly famous for his poem "Eg veit meg eit land". You can see the stone monument commemorating the poet on Sandhornøy Island. In Gildeskål there are also exciting and special caves. The flora here is particularly rich, including a large variety of species of orchid.

INNDYR

Inndyr, the township centre, has a population of about 900 and is the seat of the local council administration. There are also, amongst other things, a bank, post office, shops, petrol station, slipway, cafe and overnight accommodations there.

In Nygårdsjøen there is a bank, a service station and some shops. There are overnight accommodations in Kjelling and Kjøpstad. In Storvika there is a shop, a petrol station and lavatory drainage facilities for motor caravans. Camp site in Mevik. There are two overnight accommodation businesses in Sandhornøya, together with a cafe and grocer´s store. On the islands of Arnøyene, there are shops, petrol stations, fish landing stations and the Salmon Island resort. In Fleinvær there is an overnight accommodation business.

The parish of Gildeskål, with its two churches from the 1100´s and 1800´s, together with the village museum and gallery, provide us with such a platform. A visit there, under expert guidance, gives us perspective. A perspective that will be reinforced by a visit to "The Forgotten City", Gildeskål´s contribution to the Artscape Nordland project. A moment of contemplation there gives us spiritual comfort and an unbounded respect for the power and beauty of nature.

SØR-FUGLØY

The island of Sør-Fugløy is the haunt of a colony of puffins and the sea eagle is not an unusual sight. Seals can often be seen playing on the islets and in the sounds.

GILDESKÅL CHURCH

The old church in Gildeskål dates back to the first half of the 12th Century, and it lies approximately nine kilometres from the Coastal Road. Guided tours during the summer season.

SIGHTS

Old Gildeskål Church, built in 1130, "The Forgotten City" (Artscape Nordland), Storviksanden Beach, The Isle of Fugløya (Puffin colony, etc.), Rare orchids, Caves, Rødgården House (Listed building from the year 1630), Sundsfjordfjellet Mountains (Outdoor recreational area), Kjellingstraumen (Outdoor recreational area), Blix-gården House (The home of Elias Blix), The Storvikskaret Pass (Viewpoint).

MIDNIGHT SUN

The Midnight Sun stays above the horizon, and it is light 24 hours a day. The sky must be clear and there must be unobstructed visibility northwards in order to see the Midnight Sun. A summer night on the fjord or in the mountains is an experience not to be missed, you can go fishing in the fjord, which contains splendid variation of fish, or you can take a walk in the wilderness surrounding.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Aurora Borealis is the Latin name for the Northern Lights – solar winds that meet the atmosphere in a zone around the magnetic North Pole. The Northern Lights are only visible when the sky is dark and clear, from August to April, and they are most intense from 10 pm to midnight. The region on the 700 northern latitude is a fantastic place for experiencing the beautiful and intense play of colours given off by the Northern Lights.

POLAR NIGHT

The dark time, or the long, dark Polar Night, lasts from 30th November - 12th January - there is only a twilight-dusk type of light (the blue light) for a few hours during the middle of the day. This does not mean that it becomes totally dark, however. The aurora borealis trails its multicoloured banner across the sky and the moon lights the scene just like the nightlight of Our Lord. The experience of the winter with the uniqueness of the light, the northern lights and snow is fantastic. Especially beautiful is the blue light southwards, just before it becomes dark.

FISHING

A good fishing in rivers and lakes. From the magnificent coastline with its fjords and countless islands. Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean. You can fish for salmon, cod and halibut. Be aware that there are a number of special rules in regards to fishing. Remember to purchase a fishing licence.

GOLF

Golfclubs in Nordland County.