Mid-Norway » Leka
Leka is an island municipality in upper Nord-Trøndelag county at the border with Nordland. The municipality comprises the main island and administrative centre Leka, together with the mainland township of Gutvik and numerous small islands. Nature here is wild and strange. The municipality offers many cultural attractions including Norway's second largest burial mound and the Local Museum of rural life.
Leka is also the site of "Ørnerovet", a famous incident in 1932 when a three-year old girl named Svanhild was snatched by an eagle and flown up Hagafjell mountain.
Solsemhula, with its rare Stone Age rock paintings, stretches 40 metres into the mountains and is visited by guided tours.
Leka church with its famous 16th century altarpiece.
Skeisnesset culture trail (ski trail network of 3-4 km), where signs have been erected with information on natural attractions and cultural history from ancient to modern times. Over 40 burial mounds in this area.
Leka's geology is very special. The red serpentine mountains on the outer side of the island make a journey through the landscape a singular experience. A geology trail has been created which runs across the entire island to include the various rock types. Leka steinsenter (Leka stone centre) has an exhibition of rocks and minerals from all over the world, but with the main emphasis in Leka and Norway. Maps and excursion guides to the geology trail can be bought here.
At Steinstind and Mannatind you will find the remains of village fortifications which may have served as a lookout point, refuge or defensive works in olden times. This is an exciting walk through a most untypical Norwegian landscape.
Lekamøya ("The Leka Maiden") is a famous landmark for shipping to the north. According to legend the maiden had to flee from the unwanted attentions of Hestmannen (the Horseman) when she was up north visiting the Seven Sisters. As she passed Leka the sun scorched her and she turned to stone.
Leka is also an Eldorado for fishing enthusiasts with the sea on all sides and many fine freshwater lakes up in the mountains.
The municipality has prepared a good hiking map with all the sights marked for those who want to explore the landscape on their own. Otherwise guided tours are available to various tourist attractions through the firm Leka Opplevelser BA, tel. +47 91 77 51 04. To reach Leka, it is about 20 minutes' drive from highway 17 to the ferry at Gutvik, or you can take the fast boat from Namsos. Leka also has an attractive guest harbour if you arrive on your own boat. There are plenty of good options for overnight accommodation.
