“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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Topcamp Havblikk – Good food and lodging at Nesna
When you stay at Topcamp Havblikk at Nesna, you have access to varied activities that you can enjoy with family or friends. This campsite is well-suited to people travelling with caravans, campers or tents. If you prefer, you can choose a cabin or room.
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.
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.
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.
Støtt in Meløy – Top of Helgeland
The picturesque old trading post of Støtt offers some of Helgeland’s most beautiful and unique holiday experiences. Many adventures await you here, and you can enjoy charming quarters and great dining in historic buildings steeped in the island’s ancient coastal heritage.
Christmas in the countryside
Christmas Market in Sandnessjøen
December 6th 2025
Join us in the countryside for a day filled with Christmas spirit. Christmas in the Countryside just outside of the cozy coastal town of Sandnessjøen is free for everyone, with activities like a hobby horse course, face painting, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and much more. Maybe Santa will drop by too?
Aloha Cafe on Træna
Aloha Cafe, nestled in the heart of Høusøy in Træna, offers a delightful cafe experience with a touch of island charm. With it’s central location it’s just a short walk from the express boat and ferry terminals, the church, tourist information center, grocery store, Træna Accommodation, and House by the Sea.
Falch Old Trading Post, Rødøy
Falch Old Trading is beautifully situated on the Tjongsfjord, and it’s just a short detour from the Coastal Highway, Fv17. This trading post has provided many functions through the years: a fish plant, cod liver oil production, fishnet production, country store, doctor’s offices and pharmacy.
A weekend of high adventure on the lofty peaks!
The picturesque Meløy Alps offers some of the wildest off-piste skiing in Northern Norway!
Træna Arctic Fishing
Selvær, the second-biggest island of the Træna archipelago, is a quiet and cosy fishing community. Like the rest of Træna, it faces the open sea and lies far from the mainland. Here, you can stay in a modern quayside holiday apartment, and experience scenic Helgeland at its best. You will find excellent fishing, literally thousands of islets and skerries, amazing birdlife, and skies that glow late into the summer nights.
