Exploring Jøa Island
Sunset paddle along the Jøa Island coastline
What was becoming a favourite part of our daily routine was to gather at Bodil & Asle’s home for a catch up, coffee and inevitably some tasty treats. The plans for Day 6 sounded both simple and fun – grab a short ferry ride to Jøa Island; head for a short hike; grab a bit to eat; and have an evening paddle – simples!
While it was deceptively simple, what lay along the journey were incredible experiences that built one on top of the other to make a truly memorable day.
Plan was to catch the 1pm ferry from Ølhammeren to Seierstad on Jøa Island. A short ferry ride across, we were let loose on the island and headed for Jøatrappa, a wooden staircase on Ramnfjellet mountain on Jøa Island, consisting of approximately 932 steps that lead to a viewpoint with panoramic coastal views.
Jøatrappa & Out Along Ramnfjellet Mountain
We drove across the island and parked up. Striking out, we had over 900 steps to climb! Even after some modest height gain we were treated with views of the Norwegian Sea and out along where we had paddled to Sør Gjæslingan Islands.
The stepped walk up the mountain was great – very sturdy – helping to make the mountain more accessible to families.
DTP! Once we got to the top, there was a suggestion to head out for a hike along the top and head back down on the other side.
A great decision, as we were treated to a beautiful hike, giving us fantastic views down into the island’s valleys. The island is truly magical and evocative of Viking kings and warriors holding fort.
Halfway along we were joined by Vibeke
With only one small shower at the end, we had a great 2.5 hour hike. With everyone down off the mountain, it was time to get that promised bite to eat.
Lunch at Matgarasjen
It sounds simple – lunch at Matgarasjen.
Nestled in a lush valley, protected by mountains all around, Matgarasjen is a seemingly world-class restaurant, serving the best of food direct from their farm – Dun gård. And it was absolutely fabulous. Most of the Irish & Norwegian crew opted for the 3-meat grilled feast. And we were not disappointed – the food was just stunning.
By late afternoon, as we relaxed over deserts and coffee, we were joined by some more of our Norwegian friends, for the next adventure.
Sunset Paddle from Brakstad Hamn
Tearing ourselves away from the wonderful Matgarasjen restaurant, we covered the short distance to our put-in at Brakstad Hamn in no time at all.
Brakstad Hamn is the home port for the Jøa Coastal Team listed vessel – the 60-foot cruiser, M/K Straumingen. Built in 1955 at Vik boat builders L/L Høydal. The first owner was Leif Longva Gjerdsvik from Ålesund. Named M/K Arne Longva after the owner's son. Built for drift net fishing for herring, it was also used as an auxiliary vessel and guide boat during herring fishing off Iceland. Early rigged for purse seine fishing.
The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage has given M/K Straumingen the status of a protected ship.
– http://www.joakystlag.no
M/K Straumingen docked at Brakstad Hamn
Sixteen paddlers (10 Irish and 6 Norwegian) being so well fed & watered, we were all keen to promptly get on the water. While a bit overcast initially, the evening was calm with a light wind. As we rounded the corner of Brakstad Hamn, we were in the shadow of the Jøatrappa that we had climbed earlier.
The evening just got better & better. The clouds started to lift and separate, allowing the crew to bath in some late evening sunshine. As we wove our way around the outer sheltering islands: Nordøya, Kjerstiholmen and Bøle, we enjoyed the craic on the leisurely paddle.
As the sun sank lower, we were treated to an absolutely stunning sunset to the west, with still some clouds in the sky for added drama. It was just a beautiful evening to be out on the water with friends.
This would be the last group paddle for this expedition, so nice to capture the crew once more, at the close of that was an action packed & thrilling day on Jøa Island. We only got to scratch the surface of this mystical island, so full of history.
(Yet) another group photograph
With dwindling ferry departures left, it was full steam to head back to Brakstad Hamn and get the gear sorted and loaded. Driving back to Seierstad, all eyes out to spot moose wandering the open fields. What an end to a perfect day!
The island community have a great website that is a fantastic resource to plan your visit to Jøa, but also to learn more about its rich history.
- https://opplevjoa.no/en/