10B: UNESCO Vega Islands

Between Sandnessjøen and Brønnøysund lies the island of Vega. This wonderful cultural landscape was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004. The basis of the status is the islanders´ outstanding tradition for tending wild eider ducks. The trip from Sandnessjøen passes myriad offshore islands leading to the old fishing village Gardsøy on Vega. Here you visit the Vega World Heritage Centre. You learn how the islanders and ducks work together to build nests and small houses, how the birds are protected during brooding, and the process of harvesting and purifying the precious eiderdown. If you want, you can try cleaning the down yourself and help make a real down duvet. You also hear the story of why Vega was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and how it has affected the local community. After an eventful day, you travel along the idyllic Helgeland coastline to Brønnøysund and re-board the ship.