After a short walk from the ship, we’ll be warmly welcomed to one of Lødingen’s oldest wharf warehouses. The windows, doors, and wall panels are all from the beginning of the 20th century. They have been painted with linseed oil paint and painstakingly renovated. The venue was built as a combined apartment and location for pop-up events.

We begin our visit in the wharf’s old boathouse. Admire historical photos of Hurtigruten’s grand, old steamships and local fishing boats with captions in several languages. In the room sits an old Nordland boat, which was inspired by the iconic Viking ships of old. Then we’ll move to the warm café to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and some cinnamon rolls while we hear more about the fascinating history of Lødingen and the Steamship Wharf.

The Norwegian Cultural Heritage Fund has supported the restoration of the building, which is considered a cultural monument, largely because of the history linked to the site. Lødignen has always been a maritime traffic hub and vessels sailed from this very building.

Before we return to the ship, you’ll have a chance to buy locally made souvenirs and food products, including goat cheese from The Black Pot, reindeer meat from Maret Buljo, and some smoked fish.