“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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Myken Handel – local shop and gathering spot
On the island of Myken, far out at sea, you’ll find a small shop with big importance. Myken Handel is more than a grocery store – it’s a natural meeting place for locals and visitors alike, located just a stone’s throw from the express boat dock.
Krambua Café in the coffee roastery at Forvik Old trading post
Nestled between the sea and history, along the Coastal Route in Vevelstad, you’ll find Forvik old trading post — a living tribute to Northern Norwegian coastal culture and one of Helgeland’s most charming roadside stops. Here, you can visit the cosy café, shop, and coffee roastery in the old general store, and enjoy a moment of rich aromas and flavours in a truly historic setting.
Padleheimen – Courses and guided tours in the beautiful Støttvær archipelago
Join a guided tour or kayak course in the stunning Støttvær islands. Enjoy birdwatching and the peaceful waters and striking landscapes, or challenge yourself in rougher seas along the outer edge of the islands.
The Romantic House on Herøy
Det Romantiske Huset (“the Romantic House”) offers charming accommodation in tranquil surroundings by the sea, on Herøy on the Helgeland coast. The panorama is magnificent, spanning from the Seven Sisters mountains in the south to the peak called Dønnamannen in the north. Holiday adventures available here include kayaking, RIB sea rafting excursions, fishing, hiking, cycling and island hopping.
Sømna Bygdetun – An open-air museum
Sømna Bygdetun highlights how the lives of fishermen-farmers and their families changed in the course of the years 1800–1950.
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.
Rootsfestivalen
Music festival in Brønnøysund
July 16th to 19th 2025
In the height of summer, you can enjoy four days of a vibrant mix of local musicians, emerging talents, and well-known national and international artists.
Plahtes Eiendommer – Fishing, hunting and wilderness adventures
Welcome to fishing, hunting and wilderness adventures on one of the largest private estates in Norway. Plahtes Eiendommer covers 650 km2 of magnificent wilderness in southern Helgeland. Plahtes takes great pride in its environmentally conscious management of its wilderness, as well as the cabins, boats and other facilities that ensure our guests a truly memorable wilderness adventure.
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.
Lovund Hotel
Lovund Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the enchanting island of Lovund. With comfortable accommodation, delicious cuisine, and stunning views of the sea and mountains, you can relax and unwind after a day of hiking or bird-watching. Enjoy the urban island life and breathtaking views from the comfort of your room or the hotel’s terrace.
