Four peaceful winter getaways
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
When the days turn cold and clear, and nature slows down for a while, it’s the perfect time to take a relaxing break from everyday life. Here are four winter weekends for anyone looking to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
A taste tour in the world heritage
The coastal town of Brønnøysund, in the southern part of Helgeland, is the ideal getaway if you’re in need of a break. The crisp sea air and soft winter light beneath the wide-open sky create a true sense of space and calm. Take it slow — visit the legendary mountain Torghatten, stroll through town, or take a day trip to the island of Vega to explore the UNESCO-listed cultural heritage.
The winter light is especially beautiful along the coast. Here, we see the island of Søla just off Vega.
In the areas around Brønnøysund and Vega, both farmers and fishermen thrive. From fertile soil and rich seas come outstanding ingredients that local restaurants turn into memorable meals. Here, you can go from one culinary experience to the next — from the cosy Hildurs Urterarium and the urban Svang Restaurant & Wine Bar to the elegant Vega Havhotell, just to name a few.
Winter in Sjøgata
Where the great salmon river Vefsna flows into the fjord, a town once began to grow. From salmon fishing and timber trading, the small church settlement slowly blossomed — with hotels, trading posts, cafés and wharves. A hundred and fifty years ago, it had become a small town. Many of the old buildings and boathouses still stand along the historic street of Sjøgata, now home to cafés, shops and places to stay. Walk down the street, stop for a coffee, and watch the river flow by at its own gentle pace — it’s a place that reminds you life doesn’t always have to move so fast. Sometimes, you really do get to set your own tempo.
Sjøgata is especially cosy and charming in winter.
Mosjøen also has a vibrant cultural scene, with events big and small throughout the year. Highlights include the Christmas town in December and the Bysprinten ski festival in April, with concerts, theatre, comedy shows and much more in between. And after coffee and culture, it’s just a short step into your next winter adventure—whether it’s a quiet stroll along the river, skiing through the snow-covered forest, dog sledding in the mountains, or enjoying dinner on a guided snowshoe trip under the open sky.
Find your calm in Sandnessjøen, the coastal town beneath the Seven Sisters
With their seven peaks rising 1,000 metres above sea level, towering over the low-lying landscape below, the legendary mountains of the Seven Sisters are a striking sight. A popular attraction in summer, they may be at their most beautiful when dressed in snow. In the soft winter light, the peaks almost glow in pastel hues — and it’s hard to imagine a more majestic backdrop for a winter visit. This is a wonderful time to experience the Helgeland coast, from the coastal town of Sandnessjøen and the neighbouring islands of Dønna and Herøy.
The Seven Sisters are especially striking in winter white, glowing in soft seasonal light.
How about a relaxed café-to-café tour? Start with a good cup of coffee at the hotel, then visit the striking Petter Dass Museum before catching the ferry to the scenic Herøy islands and stopping by the incredibly charming Skolo café on Seløy. In Sandnessjøen, you’ll also find the Kulturbadet — a cultural hub with a water park, cinema, theatre stages and a library, located right next to the Scandic Syv Søstre hotel. In other words, a perfect setup for families with children: activities during the day and a good meal in the restaurant come evening.
Experience Mo i Rana — the little “big city” of Helgeland
Head a bit further north in Helgeland, all the way to the end of the Ranfjord, and you’ll arrive in Mo i Rana; Helgeland’s little big city. Here, you’ll find cosy cafés and great restaurants, wine bars and coffee bars, a cinema, theatre, climbing centre and science centre and more. Strolling through the town centre feels like a small-scale city break, while still being just 30 minutes away from stunning mountain hikes, Northern Lights outings, and beautiful winter adventures.
There’s something special about taking shelter from the winter weather and enjoying a good concert.
As the sun and daylight gradually return to this town just south of the Arctic Circle, it’s lit up even more by the Winter Light Festival each February. For seven days, the city comes alive with cultural events of all sizes, for audiences of all ages. Expect theatre and dance, films and shows, monologues and conversations — with moments of humour, reflection, and everything in between. In short, it’s the perfect time to experience winter life and winter light in the north.
Book your experience
Norwegian Aquaculture Centre – Northern Lights Safari on the Helgeland Coast
Join an unforgettable Northern Lights experience along the southern part of the Helgeland coast. Aboard a comfortable yacht, we set out in search of the magical Aurora Borealis in one of Norway’s most scenic coastal areas. With the sea beneath us and the sky above, we glide silently across calm waters, far from city lights and noise.
Kippermoen Pool and Sports Center
With a large exercise pool, hot therapy pool and paddling pool, diving board, and waterslide, the pool facility at Kippermoen Sports Center is excellent for your entire family. And at the rest of the sports center, you can find a squash court as well as a versatile outdoor sportspark.
Fru Haugans Hotel in Mosjøen
The venerable Fru Haugans Hotel, part of the “Heimr Collection” chain, is located at the end of Sjøgata, the historic and preserved district in the center of Mosjøen.
Guided Snowmobile Safari and Northern Lights Hunt
Hi North takes you into the wilderness just outside Mosjøen to the snowmobile trails and excellent lighting conditions. Skilled guides will train you and take you on a fun and thrilling snowmobile safari in spectacular surroundings.
Stupbratt Klatreklubb – Climbing hall in Brønnøysund
Test your climbing skills, challenge yourself and each other, and reach new heights at Stupbratt Klatreklubb’s climbing hall. With over 60 routes in all difficulty levels, auto belay, a bouldering wall, and a Kilter Board, there’s something for everyone—regardless of age or experience.
Torghatten Lodge
Torghatten Lodge is beautifully situated at the foot of Torghatten, the legendary mountain with a hole through it. It offers rooms that are comfortable, bright and cheerful, letting in sunlight from every directions. Here you can relax and just enjoy, taking time to enjoy the tranquillity, the sight and sounds of your natural surrounding, a good cup of coffee and home-baked cake.
Velfjord Museum
The Brønnøy and Velfjord districts share an ancient history of fishing and farming, as well as a proud indigenous Sámi culture. You can gain many cultural insights by visiting the exhibitions in the old supermarket at Minnetun, as well as in the goahti (reconstructed turf hut) near here.
Barthbryggo – Fine Dining in the Historic Sjøgata of Mosjøen
An Arctic dining experience shaped by flavours from the sea, the land and the surrounding landscape.
YogaBiret – yoga experiences immersed in Helgeland’s nature
Experience yoga surrounded by the landscapes of Helgeland through an outdoor session in nature. These offerings create a unique blend of movement, calm and the natural world, adding meaning and depth to your journey through Helgeland.
Toranes Overnatting
At Toranes Overnatting, you stay just outside Mo i Rana city center, with easy access to the city’s restaurants and cafés, parks and shops, science center, water park, cinema, and more.
