Tips for the family holiday in Helgeland

A family holiday shouldn’t be too relaxing or cosy. It also needs a bit of excitement and fun for the kids! All across Helgeland, you’ll find experiences and activities where both young and old can challenge themselves, learn something new, or just have a great time.

High-flying fun

Tired of restless kids climbing on everything in sight? Or maybe they need a break from the Nintendo and a real adventure outdoors? Then check out Høyt og Lavt Climbing Park, Mosjøen Zipline, or the two Via Ferratas in Mosjøen and Vega!

At the climbing park, there are six different courses in various heights and difficulty levels. The easiest ones are suitable for kids from around 4 years old (height requirement is 80 cm). The two Via Ferratas are better suited for older kids, as this involves climbing steep rock faces along a secured “iron path.” And at Mosjøen Zipline, you can challenge your fear of heights and feel the adrenaline rush as you soar over the Vefsna River from a starting point about 70 metres above ground!

Jump in the sea!

It’s not really summer until you’ve taken a plunge into the sea! And you won’t have to look far for a place to do it — Helgeland has plenty of great beaches and swimming spots. If you’re looking for two particularly family-friendly ones, we recommend Botn Havsbad near Sandnessjøen, and Breivika Beach on Dønna.

Botn Havsbad is a bay just outside Sandnessjøen where the seawater is partly enclosed, making it warmer than the open sea. There’s a lovely sandy beach, a volleyball court, a shelter, and several walking trails if you feel like stretching your legs between beach games.

Breivika Beach is a large, beautiful beach on Dønna, with a camping area for tents and campervans. It’s ideal for families wanting a night outdoors, maybe with a kayak or paddleboard trip in the midnight sun.

Exciting Sea Fishing

Rent a boat and head out for a fishing trip. Feeling the tug on the line, watching the fish jump and splash before reeling it in — it’s a real sense of achievement and creates memories to last. And if you cook your catch for dinner, well, that’s the perfect ending to the day.

Go river rafting

Feel the rush as the raft hits the rapids! Family rafting with RiverNorth in Trofors, just south of Mosjøen, is perfect for families with kids aged 6 and up. Just remember, what seems like a small rapid to the adults might become a giant waterfall in the kids’ stories after the holiday! With experienced guides in the boat, you’re always in safe hands. And yes — you will get wet!

Child-Friendly Mountain Hikes

With thousands of mountains to choose from in Helgeland, chances are you’ll find one that suits your family. How about tackling the stone staircases Helgelandstrappa and Vegatrappa, to see who really needs stairs up a mountain? Or exploring the mysterious hole that runs through the legendary mountain Torghatten? Maybe even a trip to Norway’s most spectacular DNT cabin, near Northern Norway’s highest mountain and a vast glacier? Or a gentle hike to an old mountain farm, with fewer climbs but more exciting suspension bridges? With a bit of imagination and play, these can all turn into adventures worthy of Indiana Jones!

Explore the underground

Grønligrotta, about half an hour’s drive from Mo i Rana, is the only cave in the Nordic countries with electric lighting. During summer, guided tours are held daily through the first 400 metres of the cave. The tour takes around 50 minutes and is fitted with stairs and walkways, making it manageable for kids aged 3–4 and up.

If you’re up for something more challenging, try Øyfjellgrotta or Setergrotta. Here, you’ll go exploring like real adventurers — in overalls, helmets, and headlamps — discovering rock halls, marble passages, underground “rivers,” and “secret” tunnels. These tours are best for kids who are used to hiking, from age 6 and up.

Remember, it’s cool underground, so bring warm clothes and good footwear.

Glacier Hike on Svartisen

Dette kan bli årets høydepunkt for de litt større barna! Svartisen er Norges nest største isbre, og den strekker seg fra Rana og Saltfjellet i øst, til Meløy og Helgelandskysten i vest. Den dekker et område større enn Oslo og Bergen til sammen! Breen er to-delt, og kan nås fra Rana i øst og Meløy i vest.

Stretch bedtime and enjoy the midnight Sun

The long, light summer nights in Helgeland mean you can do almost anything, anytime. And kids love it! Playing frisbee, fishing from the dock, or going for a bike ride a few hours past their usual bedtime — all while it’s still bright outside — might seem like a small thing to adults, but for kids, it could become one of the best memories of the whole holiday!

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