Meløy is a land of contrasts, situated at the northern edge of the Helgeland coast. Its beautiful and dramatic landscape spans from idyllic fishing villages in a tranquil archipelago to deep fjords framed by alpine mountains and Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen.
Meløy is located at the northern edge of the Helgeland coast, along the Coastal Route (Kystriksveien) and the express boat route Nordlandsekspressen. If you’re arriving from the south, you’ll need to take a ferry from Ågskardet to Forøy.
Ferries
If you’re driving the Coastal Route from the south, a ferry runs between Ågskardet and Forøy. There’s also a ferry connection between Ørnes, Vassdalsvik, Meløya, and Bolga. Click the names to view the ferry terminals on Google Maps.
View the ferry schedule from Ågskardet to Forøy
See the timetable for the ferry between Ørnes, Vassdalsvik, Meløysund, and Bolga (route 18-435)
Express boat
The Nordlandsekspressen express boat serves Støtt, Bolga, and Ørnes from places like Bodø in the north and Stokkvågen in the south. A local express boat also runs between Ørnes, Bolga, and Støtt. Click the names to view the express boat docks on Google Maps.
See the Nordlandsekspressen timetable (NEX1, route 23-731)
View departure times for Ørnes – Støtt
View departure times for Ørnes – Bolga
Meløy has long been nicknamed “the calm quarter” because of its mild winds. Back in the age of sailboats, this might have been a bit challenging, but for those who enjoy serene waters, it’s ideal. Meløy is a paradise for paddlers and boaters alike. Facing the sea, the fishing villages and archipelago stretch like pearls on a string, from Bolgværet and the picturesque island of Bolga in the south to Støttvær and Støtt Island in the north. Here, you can paddle or sail between villages and wharves along the waterways, arriving at sheltered harbors where a warm welcome and a good meal await.
Moving further inland, you’ll find larger islands like Åmøya and Meløya, with scenic mountains and peaks. Beyond these lie the fjords of Glomfjorden, Bjærangsfjorden, and Holandsfjorden, where sheer mountain walls rise from the water, crowned by snow-covered peaks and glaciers. The largest of these is Svartisen, the biggest glacier in Northern Norway. Engabreen, one of Svartisen’s glacier tongues, stretches down toward Holandsfjorden and is only a short boat ride and an easy hike away. You can even join a guided tour on the glacier itself—an unforgettable experience!
When winter arrives, Meløy is a dream for skiing enthusiasts. The Meløy Alps, the tall, majestic mountains around Glomfjord, accumulate deep snow as the mild coastal air meets the cooler winds from Svartisen and the mountains beyond the fjords. This area offers skiing for all tastes, from steep, adrenaline-filled descents off alpine peaks to gentle, secure slopes perfect for more relaxed ski touring. A local favorite is to take the chairlift up to the fine ski area in Glomfjord or drive up the mountain road toward Storglomvassdammen. In both cases, you get a head start with over 500 meters of elevation beneath you and some of the best slopes ahead.
Simon Fosseim / Visit HelgelandActivities and restaurants
Accommodation
Praktisk informasjon
Takk for at du hjelper oss med å ta vare på naturen og lokalsamfunnene på Helgeland.
Takk for at du:
- Praktiserer sporløs ferdsel, og tar med avfall og toalettpapir tilbake til nærmeste søppeldunk.
- Planlegger toalettbesøk, slik at du får gjort det du må der det ikke er til sjenanse for andre.
- Respekterer det lokale dyrelivet, holder hunden i bånd og holder god avstand til både ville og tamme dyr og fugler.
- Respekterer privat eiendom, og holder avstand til private hus og hytter.
- Viser godt båt-vett, holder god avstand til land, lav fart nært andre på vannet, inkludert dyr og fugler, og unngår unødig kjøring som skaper forstyrrende motorstøy.
- Respekterer ferdsels- og ilandstigningsforbudet i sjøfuglereservatene i hekketiden.
- Følger fjellvettreglene, og planlegger turer etter evne og erfaring.
- Leier en erfaren guide på turene der du selv ikke har kunnskapen eller erfaringen som trengs for en trygg tur.
Stia beach
A lovely sandy beach with a toilet, just 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes by bike north of Ørnes.
Bremnes
A nice beach on the north side of Meløya, with a toilet and benches. About 15 minutes by car or 35 minutes by bike from the island’s ferry terminal.
Hornneset
A pleasant south-facing beach west of Reipå, around 15 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bike from Ørnes. From the parking area, it’s about a 30-minute walk along gravel roads and smooth rocks.
See parking location on Google Maps
See the beach on Google Maps
With wide open coastline facing north and many high mountain peaks, Meløy offers great spots for experiencing both the midnight sun and the northern lights. Here are a few recommended places:
Ureddplassen
This rest area along the Norwegian Scenic Route lies on the border to Gildeskål, at the northern edge of Meløy. From here, you get an uninterrupted view of the horizon and Fugløya to the west and north.
See directions on Google Maps
Støtt Coastal Battery
On the island of Svenningen in the Støttvær archipelago, you can hike up to the old coastal battery to see the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter. Støtt also offers guided northern lights tours.
See directions on Google Maps
Read more about Northern Lights tours in Støtt
Stia badeplass
Nydelig sandstrand med toalett omtrent 5 minutter med bil eller 15 minutter med sykkel nord for Ørnes.
Se veibeskrivelse i Google Maps
Bremnes
Fin badestrand på nordsiden av Meløya med toalett og benker, omtrent 15 minutter med bil eller 35 minutter med sykkel fra fergekaia på øya.
Se veibeskrivelse i Google Maps
Hornneset
Fin, sørvendt badeplass vest for Reipå, omtrent 15 minutter med bil eller 40 minutter med sykkel fra Ørnes. Det tar omtrent 30 minutter å gå fra parkeringsplassen til stranda, og turen går på grusveier og svaberg.
Stia badeplass
Nydelig sandstrand med toalett omtrent 5 minutter med bil eller 15 minutter med sykkel nord for Ørnes.
Se veibeskrivelse i Google Maps
Bremnes
Fin badestrand på nordsiden av Meløya med toalett og benker, omtrent 15 minutter med bil eller 35 minutter med sykkel fra fergekaia på øya.
Se veibeskrivelse i Google Maps
Hornneset
Fin, sørvendt badeplass vest for Reipå, omtrent 15 minutter med bil eller 40 minutter med sykkel fra Ørnes. Det tar omtrent 30 minutter å gå fra parkeringsplassen til stranda, og turen går på grusveier og svaberg.
Støtt guest harbour
See it in Google Maps
Read more on Støtt.no
Bolga Brygge
See it in Google Maps
Read more on Vel i Havn
Svartisen guest pier
See it in Google Maps
Lad Opp at Halsa, near Forøy Ferry Terminal
A Lad Opp station offering up to 180 kW fast charging, located next to the grocery store in Halsa, just a short distance from the Forøy ferry terminal.
Get directions with Goolge Maps
Lad Opp at Ørnes
A Lad Opp station with up to 180 kW fast charging, right next to Coop Extra in Ørnes and just a short distance from the Ørnes ferry terminal.
Get directions with Goolge Maps
Toilet at Ureddplassen Rest Area
A architecturally striking toilet building at the Ureddplassen rest area, part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgeland Coast (Kystriksveien), located in the northern part of the Helgeland coast.
Book your experience
Hunting the Northern Lights at Støtt
Do you yearn for a truly magical winter adventure, and a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Between September and May, Støtt invites you to see the amazing celestial display of the Northern Lights! In addition, you will surely appreciate the subtle winter colours of our beautiful island realm.
A weekend of high adventure on the lofty peaks!
The picturesque Meløy Alps offers some of the wildest off-piste skiing in Northern Norway!
A glacier trek on Svartisen
Join us for an exotic adventure: a guided glacier trek on Engabreen. The experienced guides from Meløy Adventure will ensure that this is a safe and unforgettable adventure.
RIB sea rafting trips with Meløy Adventure
You are invited to join Meløy Adventure on a RIB sea-rafting adventure to the island of Rødøya and Rødøyløva (443 m). Other great options include a sea-rafting safari to explore the scenic Nordfjord, the spectacular island of Træna, or a visit to the remote island of Myken with a tour of its whisky distillery. These excursions start from Ørnes in Meløy municipality – but for your convenience you can request to be picked up elsewhere en route.
Winter dream at Støtt
Do you dream of going from the hustle of the big city to “winter world” where the polar lights and the northern lights create magic? Visit the island Støtt and be close to nature, culture and history.
Accommodation at Glomfjord Overnatting
Meløy is a beautiful area for a wide range of holiday activities, year round. With a comfortable base at Glomfjord Overnatting, you have easy access to adventures on the sea and in the mountains.
Bolga Brygge – Sleep to the soothing sound of waves
Bolga Brygge offers comfortable accommodation and good dining. Guest can enjoy fishing, kayaking the sheltered waters nearby, and hiking up a mountain that offers an amazing panorama of a large section of Helgeland.
Støtt in Meløy – Top of Helgeland
The picturesque old trading post of Støtt offers some of Helgeland’s most beautiful and unique holiday experiences. Many adventures await you here, and you can enjoy charming quarters and great dining in historic buildings steeped in the island’s ancient coastal heritage.
Kayaking trips in the Meløy and Rødøy area
Meløy Adventure offers guided kayaking trips on the Glomfjord, to the Svartisen glacier, and on the waters near Rødøyløva (443 m), as well as longer excursions around the island of Mesøy. The company also rents out kayaks, and its experienced instructors offer a variety of kayaking courses.
Padleheimen – Courses and guided tours in the beautiful Støttvær archipelago
Join a guided tour or kayak course in the stunning Støttvær islands. Enjoy birdwatching and the peaceful waters and striking landscapes, or challenge yourself in rougher seas along the outer edge of the islands.
