Lapphella is a neighbourhood of old wharves and wooden buildings close to Hemnesberget harbour. Generations ago, these were sometimes used to house people from other villages when they came to attend church services in Hemnesberget. Thanks to the diligent work of the association Lapphellas Venner (Friends of Lapphella), Lapphella is an idyllic heritage treasure. Today the carefully preserved buildings are listed as a protected cultural monument.
Two of the houses here are now part of Helgeland Museum Hemnes: Per-Smedstua, where Per the Smith used to have his workshop but where there is an exhibition of old toys today, and Kirkebua, one of the houses used to shelter church-goers.
The name Lapphella probably dates back to a time when Sámi people (Lapps) lived here. The area was a nice level meadow that was perfect for pitching a camp. Archaeological finds give support to this idea.
It is well worth your while to take a stroll through Lapphella and along the harbour. From the jetty you have a fine view of the old wharf buildings, the fjord and the mountains that surround the village of Hemnesberget.
If you are visiting in the beginning of August, which is during the annual Hemnes Jazz Festival, we recommend catching one of the outdoor concerts at the Lapphella Cultural Arena. Designed by Tanken Architects, this outdoor stage opened in 2021 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Hemnes Jazz Festival, the result of hard work by the Friends of Lapphella.
