The small village of Nesna is idyllically situated in the heart of the Helgeland coast. Located on a peninsula between two fjords, it’s where coast and islands meet fjords and mountains, giving you the best of both worlds.
Nesna is located in the middle of the Helgeland coast — about an hour’s drive north from Sandnessjøen, or an hour west from Mo i Rana.
Ferry
From Sandnessjøen, you’ll need to take the ferry from Levang to Nesna.
To reach the Nesna Islands — Tomma, Hugla (Vikholmen) or Handnesøya — you can take the ferry from Nesna.
Click the names above to view the ferry piers on Google Maps.
View ferry times for Levang – Nesna
Express Boat
You can travel to Nesna on the Helgelandspendelen or the Nordland Express.
Helgelandspendelen runs between Sandnessjøen in the south and Træna in the north, with many stops along the way.
The Nordland Express runs from Sandnessjøen in the south and Bodø in the north, with several stops en route.
View express boat schedules from Sandnessjøen to Nesna
View express boat schedules from Bodø to Nesna
View express boat schedules in Nordland
Nesna might be one of the best travel hubs along the Helgeland coast. Both the express boat routes — the Helgelandspendelen and the Nordland Express — stop here, making it easy to reach the islands off the coast. The local express boat also takes you to the beautiful Nesna Islands: Tomma, Hugla, and Handnesøya — all great starting points for kayaking trips. Nesna also has a well-equipped guest marina for those exploring the coast by boat.
There are also plenty of great hiking opportunities starting from Nesna — in the Hammarøyfjellet mountains on the mainland, and on the islands of Hugla, Handnesøya, and Tomma. Tomskjevelen, in particular, is a fantastic winter summit hike when conditions are right. In summer, cycling is a great way to get around the islands and enjoy the scenic cultural landscapes along the way.
Nesna has long served as a hub on this part of the Helgeland coast — as a trading post, church site, and educational centre. You can still see traces of this history today. For instance, it’s worth visiting the large wooden church from 1879. With around 800 seats, it’s one of the biggest in Helgeland. Also notable is the impressive teacher training college building from the 1920s. As you walk through the village, you’ll also see many beautiful Nordland-style houses and buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. You’ll find them listed in the Kulturpunkt app and on their website.
Highlights and adventures
Restaurants and dining
Accommodation
Great hikes in and around Nesna
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.
Topcamp Havblikk
Small but beautiful swimming spot on the northside of the campsite at Topcamp Havblikk.
With all the coastal mountains around Nesna, there are plenty of great spots to catch the midnight sun or the northern lights. Here are a few of them:
The Breakwater at the Small Boat Harbour
From the breakwater in Nesna’s marina, you have a great view of the fjord and the Nesna Islands. It’s a nice spot to watch the northern lights in autumn and winter, or enjoy the evening sun stretching into the summer night.
View directions on Google Maps
Rest Area and Viewpoint on Sjonfjellet
This lovely rest area sits partway up Sjonfjellet, about a 15-minute drive from Nesna. From here, you’ll have a beautiful view towards Lovund, Træna, and the open sea to the northwest.
View directions on Google Maps
Utsikten, Kjølen, and Hammarøyfjellet
Hammarøyfjellet rises directly behind Nesna and is a popular hiking area for both locals and visitors. You can stop at Utsikten (226 m), Kjølen (447 m), or continue all the way to the summit of Hammarøyfjellet.
Read more about the hike
Stokkatinden on Handnesøya
A scenic mountain hike on Handnesøya with great views of the Helgeland coast to the north and northwest. You’ll need your own boat or an overnight stay on the island to catch the midnight sun or early autumn northern lights. Remember to bring a headlamp for autumn hikes.
Read more about the hike on TellTur.no
The Right to Roam allows you to camp in the open countryside throughout Norway, as long as you keep at least 150 metres away from cabins and houses.
We recommend staying at a campsite, where you’ll have access to showers and toilets, waste disposal, parking, and activities.
If you still prefer wild camping or travelling with a motorhome, we suggest these spots:
The Youth House on Handnesøya
The local youth association on Handnesøya offers a simple motorhome stopover with access to toilets and a kitchen, available for a fee.
More information on UL Prøvens Facebook page
Rest Area on Sjonfjellet
The rest area on Sjonfjellet is a popular spot for motorhomes. Keep in mind that this is not a campsite — please park considerately and respect other visitors, so that there’s enough space for everyone to enjoy the area.
View directions on Google Maps
Nesna Small Boat Harbour
View on Google Maps
Read more at Vel I Havn (only in norwegian)
Saura Pier by the Shop on Handnesøya
For short stays
View on Google Maps
As of May 2025, there are no major charging stations in Nesna. The nearest fast-charging station to the north is in Utskarpen, about 30 kilometres away. To the south, the closest is in Leland, about 25 kilometres from Nesna.
Lad Opp at Spar in Utskarpen
Lad Opp charging station offering up to 180 kW ultra-fast charging, located by Joker in Utskarpen, around 30 kilometres from Nesna.
View directions on Goolge Maps
Lad Opp at Coop Prix and Bunnpris in Leland
Lad Opp charging station offering up to 160 kW ultra-fast charging in the centre of Leland — about 25 kilometres from Nesna and 18 kilometres from Sandnessjøen.
View directions on Google Maps
Waiting Room at Nesna Coastal Route Pier
View directions on Google Maps
Waiting Room at Tomma Ferry Pier
View directions on Google Maps
Waiting Room at Handnesøya Ferry Pier
View directions on Google Maps
Topcamp Havblikk
Campsite in Nesna.
Read more about Topcamp Havblikk
