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.
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Torghatten Strandrestaurant – A dining close to the ingredients
Torghatten Strandrestaurant is magnificently situated at the foot of the legendary mountain Torghatten, 15 km from the Brønnøysund town centre. Time and again travellers are delighted to discover this beautiful seaside restaurant and its terrific fjord view.
Vitensenter Nordland – A science center for the whole family
At Mo i Rana’s science centre, Vitensenter Nordland, you can experiment, explore, and learn about the natural world, technology and mathematics. The interactive exhibition encourages you to touch and be active, not just to see. And the centre offers activities for the whole family.
Galleri Stokland in Mosjøen
In a charming wooden house from 1852, on Sjøgata street in the historic heart of Mosjøen, you will find Galleri Stokland. On display are colourful artworks, knitwear, glass and ceramics by creative local craftsmen and artists.
Restaurant Soprano – Wining and dining in Sandnessjøen
Restaurant Soprano offers a taste of Italy in rustic surroundings. During the summer, you can dine at an outdoor table, surrounded by trees, cobblestones and people strolling along the pleasant pedestrian street on which the cosy restaurant is situated.
Onkel Oskar – Pub, Food, and Beer Tasting
Step inside Onkel Oskar, where new faces are met with the same warm hospitality as the regulars. Here you can enjoy hot meals and cold drinks, live sports on the big screen, and a relaxed, friendly vibe. Or join in on the monthly beer tasting, where you can explore new flavours from a well-stocked and varied selection.
Visit the recreated Viking chiefdom seat in Sandnessjøen
You are invited to an authentic Viking experience! Bring your family or friends and see the clothes and customs, partake in activities, and enjoy a Viking banquet.
Velfjordferie – A holiday stay for guests who love fishing!
Velfjordferie is beautifully situated by the fjord, with great fishing spots and hiking trails nearby! The area lies just south of the Arctic Circle, which means you have daylight virtually round-the-clock, from mid-May to the end of July. Fishing is especially popular at “night”, when the wind dies down and the sea often is calm as a mirror.
Kulturbadet in Sandnessjøen
With a swimming pool, cinema, library, and theater all under one roof, Kulturbadet in Sandnessjøen offers activities for the whole family and then some!
Bimbo Veikro – Food and accommodation
Bimbo Veikro offers hearty homemade fare and reasonable accommodation near the town of Mo i Rana.
Jacobsenbrygga and the folk museum in Mosjøen
The Vefsn Museum has numerous exhibitions focusing on rural life and urban history at several locations in the town of Mosjøen. You can also join a guided tour of the historical street Sjøgata, which is lined with 19th-century houses.
