Itinerary: Island hopping on the summer route
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
The itinerary for this seven-day island-hopping adventure highlights some of the finest holiday experiences Helgeland has to offer. You travel by express boat from island to scenic island along the magnificent Helgeland coast.
Recomended duration: 7 days
Stops:
Rødøy
Træna
Nesna
Kvarøy
Visit Helgeland
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.
Day 1: From Bodø to Rødøy island
Boat ride: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Departure and arrival: Early morning departure from Bodø, late morning arraival at Rødøy.
See the timetable
At the foot of the majestic mountain called Rødøyløva is the stately Klokkergården, a sexton’s residence built in 1904. Here you can enjoy warm hospitality in charming surroundings that recall a bygone era.
Here are just a few of the rewarding activities that Rødøy offers:
Rødøyløva (443 m) is one of the most magnificent hikes in Helgeland. On the steepest portion, you climb a thousand steps on Sherpa-built stone stairs that make your ascent easier and more convenient.
At the foot of the mountain are several stunning chalk-white beaches, just 2 km from Klokkergården. If you want to go for a swim on a warm summer day, you might head to Storsanden, the largest of these beaches.
The sheltered waters near the beaches are also perfect for kayaking.
If you are on a family holiday, your kids will be delighted to visit Norway’s only teddy bear museum (Bamsehuset), where 1500 teddy bears reside! Or take a take a walk into the magical fairytale forest.
For a more exotic adventure, consider a RIB sea-rafting trip to the beautiful Nordfjord or to the dazzling Svartisen glacier. These excursions are offered by Meløy Adventure.
At day’s end, dine in beautiful surroundings at Klokkergården.
Day 2: From Rødøy to the islands of Træna
Boat ride: About 2 hours
Departure and arrival: Late morning departure from Rødøy, early afternoon arravial at Træna.
See the timetable
On Træna, you can choose from three very different accommodation options:
House by the Sea is a truly unique place to stay, thanks to the rugged scenery and innovative architecture. Each of the elegant cabins has a stunning view of the towering peak of Trænstaven (338 m). Depending on the season, you can experience a view of the midnight sun, an autumn storm, or the Northern Lights.
Træna Rorbuferie: Idyllically situated right at the water’s edge are numerous rorbu, the traditional Norwegian fishermen’s cabins. These are extra spacious, each with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchenette, and bathroom.
Træna Overnatting: This cosy little hotel, situated a short walk from Træna’s ferry and express boat quay, offers single and double rooms, with or without private bathrooms, and a large family room. With your family or friends, you also have the option of renting a holiday apartment, complete with a kitchen.
Day 3: Explore Træna
On this second day, explore Træna at your own chosen pace – on foot or by kayak. Træna is the oldest fishing village in all of Norway.
There are several beautiful hiking trails. The island of Sanna boasts high peaks that offer magnificent views. The island also offers white beaches and dark caves.
Other pastimes for visitors and locals alike are bird watching and fishing. At the time of your choosing, you can let your muscles relax in the hot sauna! Lunch and dinner is offered at the Aloha Café and Havfolkets Hus.
Day 4: From Træna to the village of Nesna
Boat ride: About 2 hours
Departure and arrival: Early afternoon departure from Træna, afternoon arravial at Nesna.
See the timetable
If you eat an early breakfast, you will have extra time for the morning activities and explorations of your choice. Or just find a good spot to relax and savour the view. You can have lunch at Træna or eat on the express boat to the village of Nesna, on the mainland.
Accommodation is offered at Topcamp Havblikk, a year-round, family-friendly campsite in idyllic surroundings. Here are great views of the sea and mountains. The campsite has several options for your stay: rooms of various sizes, cabins, and holiday apartments.
Activity suggestion for your first day in Nesna:
A guided tour of RAUS Brewery – with beer tasting, of course.
Dinner at the Aurora restaurant on Topcamp Havblikk. At Aurora, you can enjoy appetizers, main courses, pizza, a children’s menu, and desserts, as well as hot and cold drinks. You can also take your food to your room if you wish.
Day 5: Explore Nesna and the surrounding area
The village of Nesna offers many activities and adventures. Here are some options for your second day here:
- Rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), a boat or a bicycle – and explore Nesna and its surroundings.
- Hop on the ferry and take a day trip to the island of Tomma. Hike to the top of Tomskjevelen (922 m).
- Enjoy a day trip to Mo i Rana for a glacier walk or cave exploration!
- Visit the town of Mosjøen. Climb the Via Ferrata on Øyfjellet, the mountain that overlooks the town. Then soar like a bird down the 700-metre Zip-line!
- Take a day trip to Sandnessjøen, and see how many peaks you can hike in the Seven Sisters mountain range.
Day 6: From Nesna to Indre Kvarøy
Boat ride: About 45 minutes
Departure and arrival: Early morning departure from Træna, early morning arravial at Indre Kvarøy.
See the timetable
Check-in at Kvarøy Sjøhus, where you will be staying in a comfortable, modern rorbu cabin. The island of Indre Kvarøy, situated near the Arctic Circle, is one of the gems of the Helgeland coast. Here you can enjoy the fresh sea air and an almost magical tranquillity – and the sea and adventures await right outside your door. Each rorbu cabin has everything you need for a self-catered stay, including a well-equipped kitchen, bedding and towels. The cabins have the bedrooms and six beds. You can purchase all the groceries you need for breakfast and lunch at the nearby Kvarøy Handel.
Activity suggestions:
- Rent a boat and go fishing. (The staff can give you good tips as to where to drop your line.)
- Put on a mask and snorkel and go free-diving.
- Pull out your camera and binoculars and go bird-watching.
- Rent a bicycle and make a full circuit of the island.
- Go swimming at one of Indre Kvarøy’s beautiful beaches.
- Set crab traps in the harbour – and then have a feast!
Enjoy dinner at Olea’s Kjøkken, which serves a three to six course menu.
Day 7: From Indre Kvarøy to Bodø
Boat ride: About 3 hours and 45 minutes
Departure and arrival: Early morning or afternoon departure and early or late afternoon arrival, depending on the timetable.
See the timetable
If your boat leaves early, you can make breakfast and or lunch at your rorbu, before you walk to the boat and enjoy the boat ride back to Bodø. If your boat leaves later in the day, you’ll have time to stroll around the island for a bit, maybe enjoy a good breakfast at the dock or the beach.
Whatever you chose to do with this last day, we hope you’ve enjoyed exploring scenic Helgeland, and wish you a safe journey home!
For the next part of your journey
Here’s some tips to activities and attractions in Bodø, from our friends at Visit Bodø.
