In addition to white beaches, majestic mountains, and a spectacular archipelago, other attractions that may be worth a visit include renowned restaurants, one of Nordland’s largest churches, and Norway’s only teddy bear museum.
Rødøy is both an island and an island municipality located in the northern part of the Helgeland coast. If you’re travelling by bike, you can often leave your car on the mainland — especially when the weather is good — as most of the islands here are fairly small.
Ferry
You can take a ferry from Jektvik to Rødøy, and from there continue on to other islands in the municipality, such as Selsøyvik/Rangsundøya, Hestmona and Nordnesøy. Ferries also depart from Tonnes. Click the names above to view the ferry terminals in Google Maps.
View timetable for the ferry between Jektvik – Rødøy
View timetable for the ferry between the islands in Rødøy
View timetable for the ferry between Kilboghamn – Jektvik
View timetable for the ferry between Forøy – Ågskardet
View timetable for the ferry between Tonnes – Rødøy.
Express boat
You can take the Nordland Express Boat to Rødøy from several destinations between Sandnessjøen and Bodø, as well as the local express boat route, which includes stops at Myken and Tonnes. Click the names to view the express boat docks in Google Maps.
View the timetable and stops for Nordlandsekspressen.
View timetable for the express boat between Tonnes – Rødøy
View timetable for the express boat between Myken – Rødøy
The island of Rødøy is just a short ferry ride from the mainland and offers a variety of natural experiences. With sandy beaches, hiking trails, islets, bays, mountains, and forests, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy the view from the Sherpa steps leading up to Rødøyløva, explore the magical Eventyrskogen with the kids, or spend relaxing days on the water in a boat or kayak, Rødøy has it all.
Rødøy’s history dates back centuries. With its large, sheltered harbor located along the main sea route of the Helgeland coast, it’s no surprise the island has been a significant hub for trade and worship. Visit Rødøy Church, built in 1885, and the Falch Gamle Handelssted museum exhibit to dive deeper into this rich history.
Rødøy is part of a municipality that includes several other islands, such as Gjerøy, Rangsundøya, Selsøyvik, Hestmannøy, Nordnesøy, and Myken. These islands are connected by ferries and express boats, and each has guest harbors for visitors traveling by private boat. Every island offers its own unique dining options and opportunities for exploration, whether on land or sea.
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit HelgelandAccommodation and restaurants
Activities and Attractions – Things to do in Rødøy
The mountain “Rødøyløva”
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.
Book your experience
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.
Rødøy Coastal Shop- café and 24-hour grocery store
The Rødøy Coastal Shop (Rødøy Kysthandel) you’ll find both a cozy café and a 24-hour, self-service grocery store, so you can get what you need whenever you need it.
Myken Apartments
At Myken Apartments, you have several accommodation choices on this quaint island far out on the Helgeland Coast. In the apartments at Myken Brygge, you’ll stay right by the express boat quay, enjoying a splendid view of the strait and Myken’s entryway. Alternatively, you can choose one of the houses located a bit more secluded, further inland on the island.
Falch Old Trading Post, Rødøy
Falch Old Trading is beautifully situated on the Tjongsfjord, and it’s just a short detour from the Coastal Highway, Fv17. This trading post has provided many functions through the years: a fish plant, cod liver oil production, fishnet production, country store, doctor’s offices and pharmacy.
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.
An idyllic Helgeland holiday on Rangsundøya
Just north of the Arctic Circle, in Rødøy municipality, lies Rangsundøya. At Helgelandsidyll on Rangsundøya, you stay in a glamping tent, apartment, or the “Eagle Dome.” Rent a boat, kayak, or SUP and spend your days on the water or in the mountains of the island, and relax in the evenings in the sauna. Here, you can find peace and quiet, away from the crowds.
Selsøyvik Trading Post in Rødøy
Selsøyvik Trading Post is one of Helgeland’s oldest and most esteemed accommodation options. The island of Selsøyvik is beautifully situated along the shipping lane, surrounded by Rødøyløva, Hestmannen, and Svartisen. Here you will find accommodation, a large and beautiful guest harbor, a general store, and a café.
Lyngvågen Café on Gjerdøya in Rødøy
At Lyngvågen Café on the beautiful Gjerdøya in Rødøy, you can enjoy delicious, homemade seafood and opt for an overnight stay, making Lyngvågen an excellent base for exploring Gjerdøya and the other islands in Rødøy.
