During a car holiday in Helgeland you can experience spectacular landscapes of great variety even as you drive short distances. Here is something for every taste – a family holiday, a road trip with friends, or a romantic exploration with your beloved partner. Travel at your own chosen pace along the magnificent Helgeland coast, through the mountainous interior, or through pristine wilderness areas. Stop as you please to enjoy hearty food and to meet the friendly locals.
The Coastal Route, the E6 and the Wilderness Road
When travelling to or around Helgeland by car or bicycle, there are three main routes to choose from: the Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route, the E6 through central Helgeland, and the Wilderness Road through the mountains.
The Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route runs along the entire Helgeland coastline, from Bindal in the south to Meløy in the north. Along the way it passes the coastal towns of Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen, as well as natural attractions such as Torghatten, the Seven Sisters mountain range and the western part of the Svartisen glacier.
The E6 runs from Majavatn in Grane in the south to the Saltfjellet mountain plateau in Rana in the north. This route takes you through the towns of Mosjøen and Mo i Rana, and past attractions such as the Helgeland Steps, the Okstindan mountains with Rabothytta cabin, and the eastern part of the Svartisen glacier.
The Wilderness Road is a shorter, but beautiful drive from Majavatn in the south to Korgen in the north. It takes you through the wild landscapes along Børgefjell National Park, the lake Røssvatnet and the Okstindan mountains.
Itineraries
Places to visit
By ferry or express boat
On some of the larger islands, such as Vega and Dønna, it can be an advantage to have a car for getting around. However, many other islands, such as Rødøya and Lovund, have very few roads, and they don’t necessarily have sensible places to park your car. For these and similar destinations, you should leave your car behind on the mainland and instead explore these islands on foot or by bicycle. Before deciding, please seek advice from the Tourist Information Office or people who live and work in the area, such as your hosts where you’ve booked your overnight stay.
Think of the ferry or express boat ride as a mini-cruise on the fjord or across open seas. It’s a great opportunity to relax and really savour the magnificent coastal and island scenery from a seaborne perspective. However, please note that some ferries and express boats are rather infrequent. Plan your trip based on departure times, and to ensure your spot, show up at the ferry quay well in advance. Have some extra beverages and snacks or food at hand, and perhaps a book or something to entertain yourself with in case you have to wait a while.
A good rule of thumb during the peak holiday season is to arrive at the ferry quay at least half an hour before departure for the shorter ferry routes, and a full hour in advance for the longer and popular ferries such as Kilboghamn–Jektvik and Tjøtta–Forvik.
Winter driving in Helgeland
From about October to April, winter conditions are common on many roads. Driving during this period requires appropriate winter tyres, a properly equipped vehicle, and experience with winter driving. You can read more about winter driving by following the link below.
