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 an island and island municipality located on the northern part of the Helgeland coast. If you’re traveling by bike, you can leave your car on the mainland when the weather permits, as most of the islands here are quite small.
Ferry
Rødøy is an island and island municipality located on the northern part of the Helgeland coast. If you’re traveling by bike, you can leave your car on the mainland when the weather permits, as most of the islands here are quite small.
You can take a ferry from Jektvik to the main island of Rødøy and then continue to the other islands within the municipality, such as Selsøyvik and Rangsundøya, Hestmona, and Nordnesøy. You can also take a ferry from Tonnes. Click on the names above to view the ferry terminals on Google Maps.
Ferry schedules for ferry Jektvik – Rødøy
Ferry schedules for inter-island ferries in Rødøy
Ferry schedules for Kilboghamn – Jektvik
Ferry schedules for Forøy/Halsa – Ågskardet
Ferry schedules for Tonnes – Rødøy
Express Boat
You can take the Nordlandsekspressen express boat to Rødøy from several locations between Sandnessjøen and Bodø, and there is also a local express boat route that operates from places like Myken and Tonnes. Click on the names to view the express boat docks on Google Maps.
Schedules and stops for Nordlandsekspressen.
Schedules for the express boat Tonnes – Rødøy
Schedules for the express boat Myken – Rødøy
Hiking the Rødøyløva
Simon Fossheim/visithelgeland
Rødøyløva is one of the most magnificent mountain hikes in Helgeland, taking you up to 443 meters above sea level. The ascent is quite steep, but once you reach the top of Rødøyløva’s head, you’ll be rewarded with a phenomenal view stretching from the Lofoten Wall in the north to Vega in the south. The trail is clearly marked and equipped with stone steps all the way up. Rødøyløva is perhaps the most magical place to experience the midnight sun.
White beaches
Just below Rødøyløva, you’ll find a series of absolutely stunning chalk-white beaches. If you visit Rødøya on a summer day, it is highly recommended to make your way to Storsanden, which is a beautiful bathing spot right below the steep mountain. There is a 1.5-kilometer trail along the seashore on the west side of the island. The trail starts at the same place as the hike up to Rødøyløva.
Adventure forest and teddy bear museum
Simon Fossheim
When you disembark from the express boat in the early morning and take your first steps on Rødøya, you’re already just meters away from the first attraction. From the dock, you can easily spot the large troll footprints along the road, and if you follow the footprints, you’ll soon find yourself entering the Adventure Forest! The entire forest has marked trails and clear signage. Along the trail, you can read fairy tales on the signs, and occasionally, you’ll come across characters like the “little people,” Hansel and Gretel’s house, the forest gallery, and most importantly, the giant troll door on the mountainside.
On Rødøya, you’ll also find Norway’s largest (and only) teddy bear museum. 1500 teddy bears reside in this house, creating the coziest atmosphere you can imagine. It’s popular for both young and old. The ground floor houses a small café, while on the second floor, you can explore various themed rooms where the teddy bears live their own lives.
Rødøy Church
Despite having only 150 residents, Rødøy Church can accommodate up to 700 people. The octagonal church is one of the largest churches in Nordland, and it has a long and eventful history. During the summer, the church is open daily, and visitors can learn about how the local community saved the church from burning down in 2011. The exhibit also highlights the significance and centrality of Rødøya to the church community in Helgeland for several centuries.
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.
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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.
Klokkergården – Stay in nostalgic surroundings on the island of Rødøy
At the foot of the majestic mountain called Rødøyløva, is the stately Klokkergården, a sexton’s residence that dates back to 1904. Here you can enjoy warm hospitality in surroundings that recall a bygone era.
