Dønna is the largest island in Helgeland. Here you will find lofty peaks, fjords teeming with fish, food straight from the cultural landscape, and a rich cultural history.
Dønna is located off the coast of Sandnessjøen, approximately in the middle of Helgeland. There is a bridge connection between Dønna and the neighboring islands in Herøy.
Ferry You can take a ferry to Bjørn on Dønna from Sandnessjøen city center or to Herøy from Søvik, which is about 15 km south of Sandnessjøen. Click on the names above to see them on Google Maps.
See ferry schedules for Sandnessjøen – Dønna
See ferry schedules for Søvik – Herøy
Express Boat You can take an express boat from Sandnessjøen to Flostad on Herøy. Click on the names above to see them on Google Maps.
See the schedule for the express boat from Sandnessjøen to Herøy.
Click on the map to open it in full size
Dønna is located just outside Sandnessjøen, and north of Herøy. When looking at the island from there, it’s Dønnamannen that dominates the landscape on the large island. The airy mountain with its high, sharp peaks from that side is a magnificent sight even from a distance. But behind the mountain, the island opens up into a beautiful cultural landscape, divided by long, gentle country roads, fjords and bays, and lovely hiking mountains and outdoor areas.
The varied landscape and long country roads make Dønna one of the best destinations on the Helgeland coast for those who have brought their bikes along on the trip. And with bridge connections to many of the major neighboring islands in Herøy, you have a wide range of possible bike tours to choose from.
Whether you cycle, paddle, or drive around Dønna and Herøy, we recommend taking the time to listen to the whispers of the past. You’ll find two of Helgeland’s three medieval churches here, Dønnes Church and Herøy Church. These two stone churches trace their origins back to the 11th and 12th centuries, and Dønnes Church houses one of Norway’s largest and best-preserved mausoleums.
Several of the eateries and accommodations also carry the cultural heritage with them, and those with open eyes and ears can learn a lot about the life of a fisherman and island dweller, past and present.
Jonas Berglund / Visit HelgelandActivities and attractions – things to do on Dønna
Restaurants and dining establishments
Combined with the neighboring islands in Herøy, you have a good selection of restaurants offering traditional farm food and seafood, as well as a pizzeria with a local twist.
Accommodation
Great hikes and trips on and around Dønna
Practical information
Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!
Please:
- Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
- Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
- Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
- Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
- Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
- Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
- Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.
Breivika Beach
A large and beautifully scenic beach, located right beneath the Dønnamannen mountain. Well-equipped with parking, restrooms, and designated areas for free camping. However, please note that camping, campfires, and grilling are only allowed in designated areas.
Dønnesfjellet
This small mountain in the north of Dønna has a road that goes all the way to the top. With its modest elevation of 125 meters above sea level, it makes for a nice biking destination on a sunny day. In the open landscape on the north side of the island, you’ll have a great view of the coastline.
See directions in Google Maps.
Åkvikfjellet
Located in the southwest of Dønna, near the border with the neighboring islands of Herøy, Åkvikfjellet offers a short hike to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Trænfjellene mountains to the north, Dønnamannen to the east, and the Seven Sisters and the Herøy archipelago to the south.
The Right of Public Access allows you to camp in all uncultivated land in Norway, as long as you maintain a distance of 150 meters from cabins and houses.
We recommend using a designated campground where you’ll have access to showers, toilets, waste management, parking facilities, and activities.
If you still wish to tent or engage in free camping, we recommend these locations:
Breivika Beach
This beautiful and popular beach provides parking, toilets, and designated areas for tenting and camping. Please be considerate of the vulnerable fauna near the beach and do not pitch tents or park RVs or caravans outside the designated areas.
Solfjellsjøen Båtforening
View in Google Maps
Learn more at Vel I Havn
Stavseng Båtforening
View in Google Maps
Learn more at Sjøliv
Toilets at Breivika beach
View in Google Maps
Åkerøya camping
Campsite north on Dønna.
View in Google Maps
