Villa Polarlys - Holiday home by the sea on the geological island of Leka

The surrounding area

Our holiday home "Villa Polarlys" (House Northern Lights) is located on the west side of the island of Leka, just 100 metres from the sea with spectacular views over small offshore islands and the island's characteristic yellow-red rocky landscape. The island of Leka has been designated a Norwegian National Geological Monument due to its special geology, but fortunately it is still a real insider tip that is not overrun by tourists. With its 56 square kilometres, the island is just small enough that all the excursion destinations can be reached quickly and you can easily cycle around it. At the same time, the island is so big that even after several years we still haven't explored all of the more than 50 signposted hiking trails.

We are always amazed at how varied the island is. On warm summer days, the sheltered sandy beach Årdalssanden in the south of the island is perfect for a swim. The west side of the island, where the holiday home is located, is famous for its yellow-red rocky landscape, which is more reminiscent of the USA than Norway. In fact, it represents a piece of the North American continental plate that got stuck in Europe 60 million years ago. A popular excursion destination in this impressive landscape and within walking distance of the holiday home is Ørnerovet, a viewpoint that commemorates the "eagle raid" of three-year-old Svanhild almost a hundred years ago. Our personal favourite spot on the island is not far from here. This is Støypet, a rolling stone beach where the waves crashed in the Stone Age, but which is now 80 metres above sea level due to the land uplift after the Ice Age. Traces of the last ice age are visible in many places on the island, and if you like, you can go on a hunt for glacial pots on Leka!

For demanding hikers, the ascent to Herlaugsløypa is just the thing, a circular route of at least 6 hours on the mountain massif in the interior of the island with detours to several peaks and fantastic views across the sea to Helgeland, the neighbouring island of Vega and the mountain peak Heilhornet. You can hike directly from the holiday home to one of the five signposted ascents.

For leisurely walks, we recommend Skeisnesset in the north of the island, a heathland on the coast with wild sheep and numerous archaeological monuments. Nearby is also Herlaugshaugen, one of Norway's largest burial mounds with a ship burial from around 700 A.D. In summer, there are regular guided tours to the Solsemhula cave with Stone Age cave paintings in the south of the island.

Kayak paddlers of all levels can also get their money's worth on Leka, and one of the marked paddling routes leads right past the holiday home.

In other words, Leka is an Eldorado for all those who enjoy hiking in spectacular scenery, want to combine a Norwegian holiday by the sea and in the mountains in a small space, are interested in photography, geology or cultural history, enjoy birdwatching (sea eagles and European curlews regularly fly over the holiday home), kayaking, or are simply looking for peace and relaxation.

On the island of Leka there are two supermarkets, several restaurants and cafés, and a local museum. Since 1 July 2022, the ferry crossing to the island has been free of charge (as of July 2024).

The holiday home

The bright and friendly holiday home is located on the outside of a small field of just four holiday homes. It consists of a living area with an open-plan kitchen, two bedrooms and a full bathroom, all on the ground floor. We have lovingly renovated the holiday home in recent years. The colours in the interior reflect the colours of the surroundings, the sea, the clouds and the yellow-red rocks of the island. The large windows in the living area offer a wonderful view of the sea and the rocky and coastal landscape in two directions. From the double bed in the bedroom, you have a direct view of the iconic Steinstinden mountain formation. Waking up to the sound of the sea and seabirds and the morning view of the Steinstinden have become the epitome of holiday and relaxation for us. The newly renovated bathroom is equipped with a shower cubicle and a washing machine. There is plenty of wardrobe space in the hallway for outerwear and shoes. The holiday home has underfloor heating in the living area and bathroom. The large terrace extends around the holiday home on three sides. From there you can enjoy the view of the sea, watch the birds and experience beautiful sunsets.