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.
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!
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 courses, guided kayaking trips and kayak rentals in Mo i Rana
You can join a guided kayaking excursion on the beautiful lake of Langvatnet. Helgeland Kajakk also offers kayak rental and courses designed to help you master good techniques and enjoy safe kayaking adventures
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 whiskey distillery. These excursions start from Ørnes in Meløy municipality – but for your convenience you can request to be picked up elsewhere en route.
Guided RIB sea-rafting trips with Seløy Kystferie
You are invited to join a memorable RIB trip sea-rafting adventure amongst the islands and islets of Helgeland. Feel the powerful forces of the open sea, visit picturesque fishing villages, listen to stories about the tough life of the fisherman-farmer families, and gain fascinating insights into the colourful coastal culture and heritage.
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!
SUP – flow with the river, with RiverNorth
Join us, get on your Standup Paddleboard (SUP), and enjoy a fantastic trip on the gently flowing river. For most people, paddle-boarding is a completely new adventure, and a novel way to experience scenic surroundings.
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. The chieftain at Sandnes was a power to be reckoned with in northern Norway during the Viking era (approx. 793–1066). This chieftain’s seat is mentioned in the saga about Egil Skallagrímsson, which tells of politics and power struggles, of trade and daily life at Sandnes, and of the people who lived here.
