Itinerary: Three Days of Island-Hopping by Bike

Brønnøysund is a charming coastal town at the southern end of the Helgeland coast, known for its vibrant cultural scene. It’s an ideal starting point for unforgettable cycling adventures you definitely won’t regret.

We recommend cycling to Torghatten and hiking up to the famous hole, taking a day trip to the UNESCO island of Vega, or simply exploring the small coastal town of Brønnøysund. All of this can easily be combined into a long weekend along the world’s most beautiful coastline.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Brønnøysund and the Helgeland coast offer generally flat terrain, making the area easy to explore by bike. You don’t need high elevations to enjoy incredible views of mountains rising straight from the sea and a landscape dotted with 10,045 islands, islets and skerries. Find a beach, savour the freedom, and enjoy the nature around you.

Day 1: The Coastal Town of Brønnøysund – 30 km round trip

Get to know the surroundings of Brønnøysund. Your route takes you to Svarthopen and Klubben, a popular recreational area offering one of the best views of the mythical mountain Torghatten with its distinctive hole. Continue to Laukholmen, home to local artist Inger Hilde Nyrud’s gallery, Hildurlåven.

Afterwards, cycle through the oldest part of town, where many of the historic buildings are marked with blue plaques explaining their history. Stop by one of the cosy cafés or restaurants in the town centre. A perfect end to the day is cycling to Skarsåsen Fortress, a few kilometres north of the centre. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the entire area – and if you’re lucky, you may meet the happy goats that graze there.

Distance: 20 km, view route on Google Maps
Cycling time: 1–2 hours
Ferry/express boat: No
Breaks: Take your time to explore each stop along the way

Day 2: Wild and Beautiful Vega

Spend a full day on the remarkable World Heritage island of Vega, known for its unique natural and cultural landscape. Reach Vega by express boat from the pier in Brønnøysund, or cycle 15 km to Horn and take the ferry across. If you choose the car ferry to Vega, we recommend a stop at Hildurs Urterarium in Tilrem.

Vega offers 100 km of roads through flat, scenic terrain. The Vega Archipelago is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural landscape and traditional eiderdown harvesting. The new World Heritage Centre at Gardsøy features exhibitions, films and optional guided tours. At the old fishing harbour on Nes, the world’s only eiderdown museum is open in July. Vega also has 16 marked hiking trails, including the famous Vegatrappa at Sundsvoll. For the adventurous, the Vega Via Ferrata at Ravnfloget offers a thrilling climb with stunning views toward the island of Søla.

Return to Brønnøysund in the afternoon or evening by ferry or express boat.

Distance: 40 km, view route on Google Maps
Cycling time: 2–3 hours
Ferry/express boat: Express boat Brønnøysund–Rørøy (Vega)–Brønnøysund, or ferry Horn–Igerøy round-trip
Breaks: As desired

Day 3: Brønnøysund and the Iconic Torghatten

After a good breakfast, cycle the 15 km from Brønnøysund to Torghatten, one of Norway’s most iconic mountains. Cross the Brønnøysund Bridge, where you’ll enjoy great views of the town and the island-studded coast. Once at Torghatten, you should take the hike up and through the famous hole – the views are well worth the climb.

If you prefer flatter terrain, you can walk or bike around Torghatten (7 km), or tackle the mountain summit for an even bigger challenge.

On your return, take a detour to Toft and visit the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre. This beautiful coastal location offers guided tours of the salmon farm, a self-guided historical exhibition, and delicious meals or refreshments at the centre’s restaurant, SMAK.

Distance: 35 km, view route on Google Maps
Cycling time: 1–2 hours
Ferry/express boat: No
Breaks: As desired

Read more about restaurants and cafés in Brønnøysund

Read more about Accommodation, hotels and camping in Brønnøysund

Places to dine and stay in the area

Other adventures in the area