Things to do
HISTORY
Herdla carries the weight of history in its windswept landscapes. Once a World War II airbase, the island still bears traces of its military past, with remnants of bunkers and fortifications scattered across the headland. The Herdla Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this era, housing a restored German fighter plane and telling the story of the island’s pivotal role in the conflict. Beyond history, nature takes centre stage. Herdla Nature Reserve is a haven for birdlife, with over 220 recorded species, and its wide, flat shoreline provides a rare contrast to Norway’s typically rugged coast.
SPORTS
The island’s sports bring its landscapes to life. Herdla Golf Course stretches across open coastal terrain, offering wide fairways, sea views and a challenge for players of every level. For those who crave a chilly thrill, wild swimming is an invigorating rite of passage. And when the winds whip up, the horizon fills with colour as windsurfers carve across the waves, leaning into the island’s untamed elements. Together, these pursuits turn Herdla into a playground where sport meets scenery in spectacular style.
CULTURE
Herdla’s culture quietly weaves itself into every corner of the island. The heritage of fishing and seafaring still echoes in local stories, crafts and the modest wooden buildings that dot the coastline. Step inside the small museums or join a guided walk, and you’ll uncover tales of wartime resilience and generations of island life, recounted with a warmth that belies the bracing Atlantic winds. Herdla’s enduring connection to sea and sky offers a glimpse into a community that thrives quietly, yet proudly, in Norway’s northern embrace.
