The Old Esso Kiosk at Sørkil

The Instagram friendly Esso kiosk at Sørkil is a special place. It is not a working gas station, but a piece of preserved history. This landmark sits along E6 highway and is located in Sørkil in Hamarøy municipality. The kiosk tells a story of Norway’s past. It rests within a beautiful fjord landscape, and visiting feels like stepping back in time.

Fuel and newspapers

A man named Roald Bye originally built the station back in 1946 – just after the Second World War ended. For years, it served travelers on the E6, the main road through Northern Norway. The station was a very welcome sight for drivers, offering essential fuel for their long journeys.

The technology was very different back then. The fuel pump was fascinatingly operated by hand. An attendant had to use a large lever and manually pumpe gasoline into customer cars. This was a typical technology for that era, clearly showing how things have changed. The kiosk was more than just a place for fuel, though. Travelers could also buy newspapers and magazines. It even sold a selection of religious texts. This made it a unique and memorable stop on the road.

Preserved

The Sørkil gas station served people for many years before it eventually was closed in the 1960s. Motoring technology and roads were modernizing. But the story of the kiosk did not end there. Thankfully, the building was saved from being lost. Today, it stands carefully preserved for all to see. The local cultural association helps to maintain it. Owners of the nearby Sørkil Fjordcamping also help out. Their combined efforts keep this piece of history alive and ensures that future generations can enjoy it too.

The old station now has a wonderful new life. It has become a very popular photo opportunity. Tourists and locals love to stop their cars here and have photoshoots for Facebook or Instagram. They capture a nostalgic image of a bygone era. The bright red Esso sign is truly iconic and the building is a perfect roadside time capsule.

Check out the hike

It also has a new, practical purpose for visitors. The kiosk is a well-marked starting point. A trail begins here, leading to a viewpoint. The climb is steep but incredibly rewarding. It goes up about 400 meters in elevation where hikers can enjoy panoramic fjord views from the top. This adds another layer to the site’s unique charm. The Esso kiosk Sørkil reminds us of a simpler motoring time and it connects the past with the present. It offers both history and stunning natural beauty.