“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
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The Petter Dass Museum
At Alstahaug you will find a museum and a church that highlight centuries of the cultural and architectural history of Northern Norway. Moreover, the area is rich in cultural monuments and is a popular hiking area for both locals and tourists. The Petter Dass Museum and Alstahaug were chosen as Nordland County’s venues to celebrate the dawning of a new millennium.
Kvitneset Camping – Rorbu cabins and boat rentals in scenic surroundings
Kvitneset Camping in Leirfjord municipality offers accommodation in scenic surroundings by a secluded fjord. Guests enjoy a beautiful view of the fjord and the Seven Sisters mountains.
Base Camp Vega – kayaking, climbing and accommodation
At Base Camp Vega you can stay in mini-cabins whose unique design is inspired by the little huts the islanders build for the thousands of eider ducks that nest in the Vega archipelago every year. We also offer good spots where you can pitch your tent. Base Camp Vega is situated right by the Vega Stairs and the Ravnfloget Via Ferrata, and the sheltered waters nearby are perfect for kayaking.
Vega World Heritage Center
The Vega World Heritage Centre, which is beautifully located at Gardsøy, documents the history and culture of the Vega islanders. Here you can gain fascinating insights into the lives of these fishermen-farmers, and about their centuries-old local tradition of protecting the eider ducks who come to nest here – a tradition that led to Vega being granted UNESCO’s World Heritage status.
Lurøy Rorbuer
Enjoy long, bright summer days or a beautiful winter visit to Onøy and Lurøy. Experience island life, coastal culture, and scenic hiking areas. Go kayaking in the sheltered archipelago, visit neighbouring islands like Lovund, Træna, and Hestmannøy — and end the day with the evening sun by the pier or a quiet moment in the sauna.
Exhibition: The Life and Work of Ole Edvart Rølvaag
Ole Edvart Rølvaag emigrated from Dønna to the USA in the late 1800s. There, he wrote several novels about emigrating from Norway and being an immigrant in the USA during that time. At the Dønna exhibition, you can learn more about the author’s life and work and see the complete collection of Ole Edvart Rølvaag’s first editions.
Sauna in Træna’s Old Boathouse
Get warm in the wood-fired sauna inside Træna’s oldest boathouse, then cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear sea just outside.
A RIB sea-rafting trip around Torghatten
Sea Adventure Helgeland offers to take you on an unforgettable RIB voyage around Torghatten, the legendary mountain with a hole through it. We will explore part of Helgeland’s magnificent coastal archipelago. The voyage is also an opportunity to see the birdlife and the coastal culture of Brønnøy up close.
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.
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.
