About Jøa - The Land in the fairy tale
Jøa is a charming island in the Namsos municipality in Trøndelag, known for its rich natural environment and cultural history. The island spans an area of 55.13 km², with its highest point at Moldvikfjellet, soaring 297 meters above sea level. Geographically, Jøa is bordered by the Foldafjord to the north, Gyltefjord and Seierstadfjord to the east, and Raudsunda strait to the south, separating it from Otterøya.
At the heart of the island lies Dun, a central village where you can find the community house and Øver-Dun, the childhood home of the author Olav Duun. Duun, one of the most renowned neo-realist writers, drew inspiration from life on Jøa and the Namdal coast. Every other year, the Duun Festival is held here to honor his work and preserve his literary legacy.
Jøa is also rich in local history and culture, featuring attractions such as the Peat Museum and Fosnes community museum, as well as the historic Hov farm by Hovsjøen, known for its large burial site and legends of ancient royal farms.
The island is accessible via the Seierstad–Ølhammeren ferry connection and boasts well-developed roads like Fv482 and Fv481, which connect different parts of the island. Jøa is also an ideal place for cycling enthusiasts, with several marked bicycle routes offering beautiful views of the agricultural landscape and coastline.
With its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance, Jøa represents a unique part of Norway that is both worth preserving and exploring.