Explore some of Norway’s most contrasting landscapes at your own pace – from historic trading posts and the world’s strongest tidal current to glaciers, island landscapes and the Arctic Circle. You drive yourself, with a set framework that makes it easy to get the most out of each day.

This 5-day self-drive package takes you through the northern part of the Kystriksveien and further into Helgeland, with carefully selected stops, experiences and accommodation along the way.

This is what you will experience

  • A guided visit to Kjerringøy trading post
  • Saltstraumen – the world’s strongest tidal current
  • A ferry crossing across the Arctic Circle
  • The island landscapes of Dønna and Herøy
  • Local food and a 5-course dinner by the sea
  • The scenic coastal landscape of Helgeland
  • Nordland National Park Centre and Sami culture

Travel itinerary

Day 1: Bodø – Kjerringøy – Saltstraumen
Meet coastal history and end the day by the world’s strongest tidal current.

The journey starts in Bodø with an excursion to beautiful Kjerringøy. Here, a guided tour of the well-preserved trading post offers insight into life along the coast.
The route then returns towards Bodø and continues south to Saltstraumen, where the stay is at modern fjord cabins at Saltstraumen Hotel. Before dinner, you can visit Saltbrygga and learn how salt is produced from the sea. The day ends with dinner overlooking the powerful current.

Included in the package:
– Dinner at Saltstraumen Hotel or Fiskebørsen
– Guided tour at Kjerringøy trading post
– Overnight stay with breakfast at Saltstraumen Hotel

Day 2: Saltstraumen – Svartisen – Nesna
Drive along the Coastal Route, stop at lesser-known highlights and experience a glacier up close.

This day follows the northern part of the Kystriksveien, with several recommended stops along the way – from the beaches of Sandhornøya to the viewpoint at Ureddplassen and the industrial history of Glomfjord.

From Holand at Svartisen, it is possible to take a boat to the glacier and experience the dramatic landscape up close. Later, the journey crosses the Arctic Circle by ferry before continuing to Nesna for an overnight stay at Hotel Sjyen.

Included in the package:

– Overnight stay with breakfast at Hotel Sjyen

Day 3: Nesna – Sandnessjøen – Dønna – Herøy
A day in the island landscape, with views, culture and a dinner by the sea.

From Nesna, the journey continues to Sandnessjøen and out towards the islands. On Dønna, you can experience history, nature and local food – from a medieval church to wide panoramic views. Visits to Dønnes Gård and Sjokoladebrygga are also recommended.

The day ends on Herøy, with an overnight stay in a rorbu cabin at Augustbryggo. A 5-course dinner based on local ingredients is served here. On Herøy, a visit to Etcetera – botaniske utskeielser is also recommended.

Included in the package:
– Overnight stay with breakfast at Augustbryggo
– 5-course dinner

Day 4: Herøy – Mosjøen – Mo i Rana
From island life to mountains and history, with options for both relaxation and activity.

Start the day at a relaxed pace on Herøy before returning to the mainland. Along the way, a visit to Alstahaug and the Petter Dass Museum is recommended.

In Mosjøen, you can explore the historic Sjøgata, or choose a more active experience such as the Helgeland Staircase, Via Ferrata or zipline. The journey then continues north to Mo i Rana, where you stay at Scandic Meyergården Hotel.

You may also want to take the scenic route over Korgfjellet. End the day with a walk along the waterfront promenade, where you can see Havmannen and the old district of Moholmen.

Included in the package:
– Overnight stay with breakfast at Scandic Meyergården Hotel

Day 5: Mo i Rana – Arctic Circle – Bodø
End the journey with striking contrasts: caves, mountain plateaus and Arctic landscapes.

On the final day, the route continues north towards Bodø, with several recommended stops along the way. You can visit the Grønli cave or Setergrotta, explore Sámi culture at Aernie, stop at the Arctic Circle, or visit the Nordland National Park Centre. From here, the journey continues back to Bodø.

Included in the package:
– Entrance ticket to the exhibition at Nordland National Park Centre

See the full itinerary on the Book North Travel website.

This trip requires access to a car, either your own or a rented car.

Contact

Phone: +47 754 07 000
post@booknorth.travel
Hjemmeside: booknorth.travel/
Facebook: booknorthtravel
Get directions: Open Google Maps

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.

The Helgeland coast

National Geographic Magazine declared the Coastal Highway Fv17 (Kystriksveien) to be one of the world’s most magnificent scenic drives. This road is an official Norwegian Scenic Route Helgeland. UNESCO has recognised the unique coastal culture and given it World Heritage status. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has named Helgeland as Norway’s most beautiful coastal gem.

Discover the Helgeland Coast

Explore the area