Here are some tips for you who want a taste of the life of a native Helgelander. That does, of course, mean getting close to the land and the sea, but it also means getting to know the people who have adapted to life here, their culture and their heritage.

Live amongst the Helgelanders

The best way to get a flavour of the life here is to find a place where you can actually live amongst the locals and see what their daily life is like. Here are some suggested accommodation options where you can do just that.

...
Forvik Old Trading Post
...
Hattfjelldal Hotell – GoExtreme
...
Gildevangen Konditori – Lunch, coffee, and cakes
...
Hildurs Urterarium – Culinary adventures
...
Hildurs Urterarium – Accommodation
...
Vevelstad Gjestegård and Rorbuer
...
Restauranthuset Tipperary
...
Dønna Rorbuer Bøteriet – A charming restaurant and accommodation
...
Eider ducks, luxurious down and the bird guardians of Lånan
...
Inderdalen Gård – Charming farm stay with rich history
...
Fiskebruket Restaurant – A dining adventure at Myken
...
Storli Camping and Aernie – Accommodation and a sámi experience
...
Augustbryggo – Restaurant with Local Food on Seløy
...
Gilles Cafe & Restaurant in Mosjøen
...
Norwegian Aquaculture Centre – A salmon success story
...
Guest Houses in the historic area in Mosjøen
...
Svang Restaurant & Wine Bar – In the heart of Brønnøysund
...
Sauna in Træna’s Old Boathouse
...
Skolo – an architectural gem in Herøy
...
Torghatten Strandrestaurant – A dining close to the ingredients
...
Restaurant Gammelbutikken – authentic local seafood
...
Galleri Stokland in Mosjøen
...
Lyngvågen Café on Gjerdøya in Rødøy
...
Ristning-Tjaalege, Vevelstad museum and bygdetun
...
Dønnes Gård – Accommodation in historical surroundings
...
Winter dream at Støtt
...
Cosy farmhouse stay at Stavseng Gård
...
Sijti Jarnge – Center for sami language and culture
...
The Petter Dass Museum
...
Sjokoladebrygga on Dønna
...
Korgen Camping – An idyll by the Røssåga River
...
Exhibition: The Life and Work of Ole Edvart Rølvaag
...
3 Kalver – Hearty dining at a farm restaurant
...
Bergh-brygga and Gammelskolen in Leirfjord
...
Sure Hotel by Best Western Ole Tobias
...
Bitteliten Gård – A peaceful island farm experience
...
Torghatten Camping – Fishing, dining and much more
...
Your own island adventure at Myken Lighthouse
...
Tjøtta Gjestegaard – Accommodation and café in historical surroundings
...
Træna Kaffekollektiv – Charming coffee bar in Træna
...
Rana Museum, Stenneset open-air Museum and Bredek Mountain Farm
...
Krambua Café in the coffee roastery at Forvik Old trading post
...
Træna Arctic Fishing
...
The Sami Way
...
I Ro og Mak at Straumen Farm
...
Velfjord Museum
...
Tømmerstua – A year-round log house at Strandli Farm
...
Aloha Cafe on Træna
...
Kvarøy activity hall
...
Kråkeslottet – Unique woollen design at Hemnesberget
...
Laksforsen – Generations of tratidional food
...
Himmelblå Brygge: Dining and accommodation at Ylvingen
...
Bolga Brygge – Sleep to the soothing sound of waves
...
Seil Norge – Sailing adventures on the Helgeland coast
...
Jacobsenbrygga and the folk museum in Mosjøen
...
Træna museum
...
Kulturverkstedet Mosjøen – A cultural workshop
...
Hotel Scandic Seven Sisters – Accomodation Sandnessjøen
...
Augustbryggo – Accommodation on Seløy in Herøy
...
To Elise from Marius – From farm to table
...
Fru Haugans Hotel in Mosjøen
...
Falch Old Trading Post, Rødøy
...
Fertility Exhibition at Fallosen on Dønna
...
Offersøy Camping Helgeland – Camping, boat and bike rental
...
Træna overnatting (Accommodation)
...
The Romantic House on Herøy
...
Raus Brewery
...
Myken bed and soup
...
Tampen Café on Kvarøy
...
Idyllic farm retreat on Dønna
...
Blomsterbua Food & Wine in Mosjøen
...
Nordland Theatre – Magical Moments
...
Herøy Bygdesamling – A rural museum
...
Sømna Bygdetun – An open-air museum
...
Savory farm food from Vega
...
Løkta Museum
...
Etcetera – botaniske utskeielser
...
Sæterstad Gård
...
Halibudskole Vandve – A holiday home with boat rental and a nearby glasblowers workshop
...
Grane Museum
...
Vega World Heritage Center
...
The Coast Coffee
...
Oscarbrygga – Accommodation and dining
...
Grønsvik coastal fortress, Lurøy
...
Dønnes Skolestua – Accommodation and RV parking
...
Whisky Carthedral at Myken
...
Terråk Gjestegård – Comfortable Accommodation and Good Food in Bindal
...
Bakarstuo – Year-round guesthouse by Trofors
...
The Mountain Way
...
Hattfjelldal Museum
...
Kulturbadet in Sandnessjøen
...
Støtt in Meløy – Top of Helgeland
...
Hunting the Northern Lights at Støtt
...
An evening wilderness adventure with a taste of Sámi culture
...
Selsøyvik Trading Post in Rødøy
...
Festspillene Helgeland
...
Plahtes Eiendommer – Fishing, hunting and wilderness adventures
...
Skillevollen Sports Park
...
The Zahl building and the old sexton´s residence in Nesna
...
Hemnes open-air museum
...
Bindal Museum and the old croft at Vassås
...
Velfjordferie – A holiday stay for guests who love fishing!
...
Bysprinten ski festival
...
Local food in Sømna
...
Dønnesfjellstua – Dining on a mountain top overlooking the Helgeland coast!
...
KRED Pub & Café in Brønnøysund
...
Nordvika Old Trading Post, on Dønna

Learn our heritage

The natives of Helgeland and the lives they lead are shaped by nature. We come from a long line of fishermen-farmers, who tilled patches of fertile land, kept hardy livestock, rowed out onto the sea to catch fish, and were caretakers of the eider ducks that come to nest each year. Their heritage includes the Sámi reindeer herders who followed their migrating flocks as they roamed the mountains. Our ancestors were boat-builders and iron-workers, sailors and merchants – and some of us still are.

We have seen many summer nights lit by the midnight sun, but also cold dark winter days when the sun scarcely rose up to the horizon. Use your imagination; how do you think this has shaped life in Helgeland? How did we live in centuries past? And how are our lives and identities formed today?

Dine with the Helgelanders

One of the best ways to know the locals is to eat with them and take part in the conversation that flows naturally over a hearty meal. Listen to the music of our dialects, and how they might be subtly different from those of the neighbouring table, people who might be from another village, the next valley over, or perhaps a different island. In Helgeland there are many vibrant local communities, each of them distinct. To share a meal with us is to taste the local culture!

...
Dønna Rorbuer Bøteriet – A charming restaurant and accommodation
...
Nordvika Old Trading Post, on Dønna
...
Restauranthuset Tipperary
...
Fiskebruket Restaurant – A dining adventure at Myken
...
Tjøtta Gjestegaard – Accommodation and café in historical surroundings
...
Sjokoladebrygga on Dønna
...
Restaurant Gammelbutikken – authentic local seafood
...
Gilles Cafe & Restaurant in Mosjøen
...
Savory farm food from Vega
...
Fru Haugans Hotel in Mosjøen
...
To Elise from Marius – From farm to table
...
Aloha Cafe on Træna
...
Selsøyvik Trading Post in Rødøy
...
Dønnes Gård – Accommodation in historical surroundings
...
Vega World Heritage Center
...
Skolo – an architectural gem in Herøy
...
Whisky Carthedral at Myken
...
Storli Camping and Aernie – Accommodation and a sámi experience
...
Torghatten Strandrestaurant – A dining close to the ingredients
...
Krambua Café in the coffee roastery at Forvik Old trading post
...
Forvik Old Trading Post
...
Torghatten Camping – Fishing, dining and much more
...
KRED Pub & Café in Brønnøysund
...
Kulturverkstedet Mosjøen – A cultural workshop
...
Hotel Scandic Seven Sisters – Accomodation Sandnessjøen
...
Gildevangen Konditori – Lunch, coffee, and cakes
...
Himmelblå Brygge: Dining and accommodation at Ylvingen
...
Svang Restaurant & Wine Bar – In the heart of Brønnøysund
...
Terråk Gjestegård – Comfortable Accommodation and Good Food in Bindal
...
3 Kalver – Hearty dining at a farm restaurant
...
Tampen Café on Kvarøy
...
The Coast Coffee
...
Augustbryggo – Restaurant with Local Food on Seløy
...
Støtt in Meløy – Top of Helgeland
...
Træna Kaffekollektiv – Charming coffee bar in Træna
...
Dønnesfjellstua – Dining on a mountain top overlooking the Helgeland coast!
...
Hildurs Urterarium – Culinary adventures
...
Lyngvågen Café on Gjerdøya in Rødøy
...
Oscarbrygga – Accommodation and dining
...
Laksforsen – Generations of tratidional food
...
Blomsterbua Food & Wine in Mosjøen

Join the locals on an excursion

You are, of course, free to explore Helgeland on your own. But a knowledgeable local guide can greatly enrich the voyage. They can teach you about the history and heritage of the places you visit, give you good advice and, if you are lucky, show you some hidden gems.

Kayaking Around Sandnessjøen and Herøy – Courses and Guided Tours

Explore stunning nature and vibrant coastal culture with Tømmervika Opplevelsessenter around Sandnessjøen, Tjøtta, and Offersøya. Join family-friendly day trips or exciting multi-day tours in Herøy and the Vega islands—and wrap it up with a fun game of football golf.

A weekend of high adventure on the lofty peaks!

The picturesque Meløy Alps offers some of the wildest off-piste skiing in Northern Norway!

A glacier trek on Svartisen

Join us for an exotic adventure: a guided glacier trek on Engabreen. The experienced guides from Meløy Adventure will ensure that this is a safe and unforgettable adventure.

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.

Kayaking the waters around Ylvingen

Based on the island of Ylvingen, Himmelblå Brygge offers introductory and more advanced kayaking courses, kayak rentals, and guided kayaking trips on the nearby waters. Their beautiful island is situated just south of Vega.

Sailing trips to Vega, Lånan and Torghatten

You are invited on an unforgettable sailing trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Area of the islands of Vega and the eider duck nesting site, Lånan, that for many generations has been protected by the islanders. Or choose a voyage to the legendary mountain with a hole through it, Torghatten.

Tailored boat trips with Sea Adventure Helgeland

How would you like a cruise along the Helgeland coast, designed to show you and your friends the very best the scenic region has to offer? Or how about a shuttle boat that quickly takes you where you want, exactly when you want? Sea Adventure Helgeland offers you boat trips tailored to your needs and wishes.

An exciting half-day rafting adventure at Trofors with RiverNorth

RiverNorth’s most popular excursion is the Half-Day Rafting Adventure. You get to challenge big waves – and see if you’re brave enough to dive from a cliff!

Visit the recreated Viking chiefdom seat in Sandnessjøen

You are invited to an authentic Viking experience! Bring your family or friends and see the clothes and customs, partake in activities, and enjoy a Viking banquet.

Winter dream at Støtt

Do you dream of going from the hustle of the big city to “winter world” where the polar lights and the northern lights create magic? Visit the island Støtt and be close to nature, culture and history.

Explore more