“Island hopping” on the Helgeland coast is an adventure that we think all travellers should treat themselves to at least once in their life. And you can do this by kayak, local express boats, or on two wheels. You’re able to bring your bicycle on the express boat, and there are many places where you can rent a kayak.
You can fly to Bodø, Mo i Rana, Sandnessjøen or Brønnøysund, and from there start your “island hopping” adventure by boarding the express boat. If you have a bike or kayak, you can bring it with you – and either is a great and more flexible alternative to driving a car, especially during the summer. With the Travel Pass Nordland, you can travel as much as you like for a whole week at no extra cost. Think of it as “Interrail by sea”, and take full advantage of the special Summer Route.
Choose “your” island
Next, all you have to do is choose one of the many beautiful islands along the Helgeland coast. Maybe one of the larger islands such as Vega or Dønna, where you can cycle for many hours, hike the mountains and go kayaking amongst the islets and skerries? Perhaps you would prefer a smaller, weather-beaten island such as the fascinating Myken and Træna? Or choose tranquil days and great dining on Lovund or Støtt, Rødøya or Bolga?
Itineraries
Book your experience
Brønnøysund Kajakk- courses and rental of kayaks, SUPs, and boats
Brønnøysund Kajakk has everything you need to explore the beautiful sea areas and islands around Brønnøysund, whether you want to do it with a kayak, SUP, or boat.
The Havna festival
Music festival in Sandnessjøen
August 8th and 9th 2025
Locally known simply as “Havna” (the Harbour), this festival takes place in Sandnessjøen during the second weekend of August each year.
Restaurant Soprano – Wining and dining in Sandnessjøen
Restaurant Soprano offers a taste of Italy in rustic surroundings. During the summer, you can dine at an outdoor table, surrounded by trees, cobblestones and people strolling along the pleasant pedestrian street on which the cosy restaurant is situated.
Bergh-brygga and Gammelskolen in Leirfjord
Leirfjord Museum is located in the old Bergh-brygga at Leland. Also, make sure to visit the beautiful Gammelskolen, which was in operation until the mid-1950s. Welcome to a journey through time!
Oscarbrygga – Accommodation and dining
OscarBrygga at Tonnes offers accommodation in rorbu cabins or wharf rooms, right on the shore. From your balcony, you can enjoy the sunset or the glow of the midnight sun, to the soothing sound of the surf. Dining is offered in a refurbished old wharf building rich in ambience.
Løkta Museum
Be sure to visit Løkta Museum, beautifully located on the west side of the island. Here, you can experience what life was like on a small farm in the old days. The area is open to all and features a picnic area, a fire pit, and a small outhouse.
Kayaking trips in the Meløy and Rødøy area
Meløy Adventure offers guided kayaking trips on the Glomfjord, to the Svartisen glacier, and on the waters near Rødøyløva (443 m), as well as longer excursions around the island of Mesøy. The company also rents out kayaks, and its experienced instructors offer a variety of kayaking courses.
Sailing with the Nordland boat Faragut
Join the sailing trip on the beautiful Nordland boat Faragut and experience Helgeland from the sea just as people here have done since the Viking Age. The Nordland boat is an open, low, and sturdy wooden boat that has its roots all the way back to the Viking ships, and it’s an experience to stand at the helm when the wind fills the sail.
Træna museum
Træna Museum documents the this archipelago’s history going back to the Stone Age. Some of the archaeological discoveries displayed date back at least 9000 years. For this reason, Træna can rightfully call itself “the oldest fishing community in Norway”.
Norwegian Aquaculture Centre – Rorbu cabins by the sea
If you’re heading to the beautiful Helgeland coast, you’ll find yourself in the heart of one of Norway’s most important industries. Along the shoreline of Toftsundet, you’ll find the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre — right in the middle of salmon country. Here, you can experience the life of the salmon up close. The demonstration facility is easily accessible from land, located right next to the seaside cabins, an indoor historical exhibition, and the on-site restaurant. It’s a great place to stay by the sea, create lasting holiday memories, and enjoy the fresh sea air.
