Live in Hamarøy

Hamarøy is a scenic municipality in Nordland with around 2,800 residents (2025)¹. Located between Ofoten and Salten, it consists of mainland areas and several small islands, with Oppeid as its administrative centre¹. Nestled between fjords, mountains, and sea, Hamarøy offers a distinctive landscape with breathtaking natural experiences, diverse outdoor activities, and strong cultural traditions².

Nature is a central part of everyday life in Hamarøy. The municipality is known for landmarks like the Hamarøyskaftet mountain and offers a wide variety of hiking trails, fishing lakes, and coastal areas that invite exploration all year round³. The region attracts visitors seeking natural experiences, tranquility, and cultural impressions rooted in local history and landscape.

The cultural life in Hamarøy is shaped by strong traditions and local engagement. The Hamsun Centre in Presteid is a national cultural institution dedicated to author Knut Hamsun, who grew up in the area⁴. The municipality also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year, and offers modern venues such as a library, cinema, and cultural school⁵.

For children and youth, Hamarøy offers a range of recreational activities, including sports facilities, a swimming pool, and a youth club, as well as cultural and sports events that bring the community together⁵. The municipality places great emphasis on inclusion and volunteerism, with local clubs and associations playing an important role in everyday life.

Hamarøy’s economy is rooted in traditional industries such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing, combined with growing sectors like tourism, crafts, and services¹. The municipality’s location along the E6 highway ensures good transport connections, and the summer ferry between Skutvik and Svolvær via Skrova links Hamarøy to Lofoten during the tourist season⁶.

With its rich cultural heritage, diverse nature, and vibrant local communities, Hamarøy is a place that offers both tranquility and opportunity. It’s a place where work, family, and leisure come together—where mountains, sea, and history meet in harmonious balance.