Itinerary: Historical cycling holiday on the Helgeland coast
Floating over sunlit roads with summer scents brushing your face, hair flowing free and laughter all around — that is pure bliss. This is genuine summer cycling joy. And we don’t believe there’s a better place to indulge in it — whether with your partner or your closest friends — than the Helgeland coast.
CH / Visit HelgelandTo make things easier, we’ve created a ready-to-book package for those wanting to island-hop along this scenic coastline. On this journey you’ll experience the very best of Sandnessjøen, Dønna, Herøy, Vega, and Brønnøysund. You’ll delve into coastal culture, savour fantastic local food, and enjoy the region’s most breathtaking natural scenery. You’ll even get a taste of everyday life along the Helgeland coast — a genuine glimpse of Helgelending life as you pedal your way through.
Key info
Distance one way: 220 km
Duration one way: 7 days
Stops: The trip goes from Sandnessjøen to Dønna, then on to Herøy, continuing to Vega, before finishing on the mainland in Brønnøysund.
The package includes: 7 nights at 4 different locations, including breakfast, bike rental with panniers, helmet, repair kit, cycling map, route description, and timetables
Not included in the package: Ferry and express boat tickets, meals beyond breakfast and suggested activities.
Book bike and accommodation: You can rent a bike locally and plan your trip independently – or choose a package where you get a bike from us and we help you book accommodation and travel details.
From NOK 8000 per person in a double room.
Additional charge for single occupancy from NOK 3300.
The final price will vary depending on the type of bike and accommodation that suits your holiday experience.
Bike transport from Brønnøysund to Sandnessjøen: NOK 950 per bike.
Visit Helgeland
Tour Description
You’ll cycle 20–45 km per day on mostly easy terrain. Some days are lighter than others, and you can choose whether to take optional detours for a richer experience. Between the islands, you travel by express boat—which gives you intimate views of Helgeland’s archipelago, nature, and wildlife.
Day‑to‑Day Journey
Check out our itinerary, which will guide you through a healthy and delightful coastal adventure together!
Day 1: Sandnessjøen – a coastal town in the heart of Helgeland
The Nordland coastline is a journey of islands, beaches, and dramatic mountain peaks. One of the most striking peaks, The Seven Sisters, rises directly above Sandnessjøen—and it’s possible to hike one or more summits if you wish. Just one kilometre away you’ll find the Petter Dass Museum. Alternatively, you could enjoy a relaxing café stop in town or take a stroll to Høvdingsete at Sandnes.
Read more about experiences in Sandnessjøen »
Distance: 30-40 km. View route on Google Maps.
Cycling time: Approx. 2 hours
Breaks along the way: There are several bus stops along the road where you can pause to capture a photo of all seven peaks of The Seven Sisters.
Read more about the cycling adventure along The Seven Sisters »
Day 2 & 3: Rocky Dønna – Rich in History
Tore Scöhning Olsen
This day you start fresh again from Scandic in Sandnessjøen with the ferry over to Dønna. Here you get a nice combination of beautiful nature and exciting history. On this island, it’s recommended to have a bite at Dønnesfjellstua, a guided tour of the medieval church at Dønnes Gård, a visit to Utedassen Gårdsbutikk for products “Made in Dønna”, a stop at the chocolate pier Heidi’s Sjokoladedrøm, and a boat trip from Dønna Rorbuer Bøteriet. You can enjoy dinner at Dønna Rorbuer Bøteriet, 3 Kalver, Dønnesfjellstua, and Dønnes Gård. You have two days here, so you can easily split up which day you do what.
Lenght: 25-50 km. View route on Google Maps.
Cycling time: 2-3 hours
Breaks along the way: Toilet facilities at Bjørn ferry quay on Dønna, the grocery store in Solfjellsjøen, or at the suggested stops.
Express boat or ferry: From the ferry quay in Sandnessjøen center to the ferry quay at Bjørn on Dønna. See timetable at Reis Nordland (the ferries cannot be pre-booked).
Read more about experiences on Dønna »
Day 4: Idyllic Herøy – with white sandy beaches among islets and skerries
In the morning, you begin the bike ride from Dønna southward along the road until you cycle across the Åkviksund Bridge.
Kathrine Sørgård / NordNorge.com
Herøy’s beautiful landscape of white beaches and bridges contrasts with Dønna’s rocky terrain. You don’t need to climb high above to enjoy views of this island realm when you’re in idyllic Herøy. Even on the bridges that connect the islands of Herøy, the scenery is charming in every direction. Many exciting experiences await: you can visit some of the cozy shops and eateries, or perhaps explore the archipelago by boat or kayak. A short hike up one of the five small peaks on Øksningan (90 m a.s.l.) is recommended—it offers a stunning view without major difficulty.
Lenght: 40-60 km. View route on Google Maps.
Cycling time: 3-5 hours
Breaks along the way: Grocery store in the centre of Herøy and Solfjellsjøen; restroom facilities at Bjørn ferry quay on Dønna before arriving in Herøy, with Seløy as your first stop. Grocery store in Herøy centre just a few kilometres from the Flostad express boat quay.
Express boat or ferry: From the Flostad express boat quay in Herøy to the Gardsøya express boat quay on Vega. Check schedules and buy tickets via Reis Nordland.
Read more about experiences on Herøy »
Day 5 & 6: “Heavenly Blue Island” and the Vega World Heritage – explore the heritage
Terje Rakke / Visithelgeland
You start the day with an express boat ride out into the archipelago from Herøy to Vega. Visit the wild, beautiful island of Vega and learn why it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. Visit the World Heritage Centre, walk the impressive Vegatrappa at Sundsvoll, and choose whether you want an extra adrenaline boost with the Via Ferrata, where the view stretches as far west as the eye can see.
Today, you’ll travel like a local. The express boat to Brønnøysund from Rørøy on Vega stops at Ylvingen (also known as “Heavenly Blue Island”), where you disembark and take a boat later in the day to Brønnøysund town centre. Upon arrival on Ylvingen, it’s lovely to cycle a bit around the island and soak in the Himmelblå atmosphere, and to visit Vega Coastal Fort located mid-island. Lunch can be enjoyed at Himmelblå Brygge café by the express boat quay. The main road FV93 runs the length of the island — a total of around 9 km.
Lenght: 30-50 km. View route on Google Maps.
Cycling time: 1-3 hours
Breaks along the way: Sparbua convenience store in Gladstad on the way to the Rørøy express boat quay. If you want to stay in the saddle a little longer, consider visiting Guristraumen, Nes with its historic fishing community, and — if you’re on Vega during summer — the E-Huset, the world’s only Eider Duck Museum.
Express boat or ferry: From Rørøy express boat quay on Vega, via Ylvingen, to the express boat quay in Brønnøysund centre. Check schedules and buy tickets via Reis Nordland
Day 7: The coastal town of Brønnøysund and Mount Torghatten
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
Experience this charming coastal town with its lovely water-side setting. Cycle out to the iconic Torghatten mountain, enjoy a hearty dinner at Hildurs Urterarium, play in the Folkeparken, and treat yourself to coffee or fresh shrimp in the harbour.
Read more about Brønnøysund – The coastal town in the middle of Norway
Lenght: 10-60 km. View route on Google Maps.
Cycling time: 1-4 timer
Breaks along the way: Sparbua (convenience store) at Gladstad on the way from Vega, and the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre at Toft is about halfway on the route to Torghatten.
Express boat or ferry: Remember to call ahead for optional stops on the leg from Ylvingen to Brønnøysund. Route: from Rørøy express boat quay on Vega, via Ylvingen, to the express boat quay in Brønnøysund centre.
Check schedules and buy tickets via Reis Nordland.
Click here for another biking adventure to Torghatten »
Return
When you arrive in Brønnøysund, you can drop off your bike at the tourist information centre, the airport, or another agreed location. If you want to quickly return to Sandnessjøen, you can take the express boat or opt for the bus.
Dining and accommodation along the route
More active adventures on your cycling trip
