Nice beaches and bathing spots in Helgeland
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
A trip to the beach is delightful, whether for a refreshing dip after a long day of cycling or just to let the kids get some fresh air in the morning. Here are some nice beaches and bathing spots you can visit.
The beaches and bathing spots we showcase here are some of the finest and most popular in Helgeland. To ensure they are pleasant for everyone to visit, tourists and locals alike, we kindly ask that you:
- Practice leave-no-trace principles and take your waste back to the nearest trash bin.
- Plan restroom visits before heading to the beach if there are no facilities available. This ensures you can take care of your needs without inconveniencing others.
- Avoid making fires and fire pits. Instead, bring a portable and reusable grill or use the communal grills available at many of the bathing spots.
- Do not camp on or right next to the beach – the beach should be for everyone, and tents take up a lot of space.
- Exercise good boating etiquette. Maintain a safe distance from the shore, operate at a slow speed near others on the water, including animals and birds, and avoid unnecessary maneuvers that create disruptive motor noise.
On our various destination pages, you can discover even more beaches and bathing spots in the specific area you’re visiting.
View all travel destinations.
Storsanden in Rødøy
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
Right below the impressive Rødøyløva, several chalk-white sandy beaches lie, with the largest being Storsanden. The beach is a 20-30 minute walk from Klokkergården, mostly along a partially paved forest path. If you’re walking from the ferry pier, you should allow for a good hour.
At the beach, you’ll find sun loungers, an outdoor shower, and a reconstructed Stone Age settlement, which is a fun spot for lunch.
Find your way: The trail starts from the same parking lot that serves as the starting point for the hike to Rødøyløva, near Klokkergården. The parking lot is about a 5-minute drive or 10-minute bike ride from the ferry pier on Rødøy.
View directions on Google Maps.
Eidemstranda in Vega
Eidemstranda is a popular excursion spot on Vega. Here you’ll find beautiful bathing areas, child-friendly shallow sandy beaches, and football and volleyball courts. The area has two shelters, campfire sites, outdoor toilets, a “changing house” where you can change into swimwear or wetsuits, and a snorkeling trail. The area is the starting point for the trail to Vefsn-Anna stua, Ervika, and the trail further along the outer coast that takes you to Sundsvoll. The area also borders the Eidemsliene Nature Reserve.
Find your way: You can bike to or park at the end of the road at the southern tip of Vega. It’s about a 40-minute bike ride or 10-minute drive from the village of Gladstad. From there, you can reach Levika, near the parking lots, or take a short walk through the forest further west to Eidemstranda in Juvika.
View directions on Google Maps
Breivika in Dønna
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
This is a large and beautiful beach right below the mountain Dønnamannen, equipped with parking, toilets, and designated areas for camping and tenting. This is also one of two starting points for the hike up to Dønnamannen, and is perfect for those who want to take a swim after the mountain hike. Please be considerate of the vulnerable fauna near the beach and do not camp or park your camper or caravan outside the designated areas.
Find your way: The beach is located on the west side of Dønna and is easily accessible by car or bike. It takes about 30 minutes by bike or 15 minutes by car from the village of Solfjellsjøen. The road is narrow, so drive slowly and show consideration.
View directions on Google Maps
Mosjøen City Beach
Just outside the center of Mosjøen, you’ll find a nice, sheltered city beach with fine sand, playground equipment, and benches. The beach is great for families on a sunny day and can easily be combined with a trip up to Tårnet in Mosjøen.
Find your way: Bystranda is located approximately 10 minutes by bike or 5 minutes by car from the center of Mosjøen. There is a parking lot just north of Bystranda.
View directions on Google Maps
Read hiking description for Tårnet (The Tower)
Rakelfjæro in Herøy
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
This beach was voted the best bathing spot in Nordland by NRK Nordland in 2022. It’s a large beach with a bathing pier. Since it’s shallow, it’s perfect for families who want to wade and play in the water. You’ll find parking, toilets, and showers at Herøy Caravan. Toilets and showers can be used for a fee for guests who are not staying at the campground.
Finn veien: View directions on Google Maps
Botn Havsbad
Botn Havsbad is a bathing spot located about 5 kilometers from the center of Sandnessjøen. Here, you’ll find a bay that is partially separated from the sea, which helps the water retain its temperature. A 200-meter-long causeway crosses the lagoon, ensuring plenty of water to enjoy right at the foot of the Seven Sisters mountain range. It’s definitely the place to go if you love swimming but hate cold water! Perfect for families with small children, as the deepest part of the bathing area is only one meter deep. Locals often use Botn Havsbad for swimming, grilling, sunbathing, or volleyball. From Botn Havsbad, there are several great hiking trails that can lead you, for example, along the river to some beautiful hidden spots along its course.
Find your way: Botn Havsbad is about a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute bike ride from the center of Sandnessjøen.
Se veibeskrivelse i Google Maps
Markvollkulpen by The Seven Sisters
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
On the way up between Skjæringan and Tvillingan, there is a beautiful little bathing pool, about a half-hour walk from the parking lot. The bathing pool is a nice hiking destination in itself and is great to combine with a hike to one or more of the mountain peaks. The water for the pool runs down the bare mountainside, warming up as it travels down to the pool. In late July and August, when the snow has melted in the mountains, the water temperatures here can be quite pleasant in the afternoon once the sun has warmed up the rocks a bit.
Find your way: The hike starts from the parking lot for the hike to the peaks Skjæringen and Tvillingan, and takes about half an hour. The parking lot is about a 15-minute drive or a 40-minute bike ride from the center of Sandnessjøen.
View directions on Google Maps
Read more about the hike to Skjæringen and Tvillingan
Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!
Please:
- Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
- Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
- Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
- Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
- Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
- Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
- Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.
